I'M HERE!!!!

I was really lucky on Friday. My flight went smoothly and I made it back in Brantford on time if not ahead of schedule. Travelling is mainly about 1 thing and 1 thing only.. waiting.... To leave Ealing, to get on at the right underground train, to get to Hatton Cross, to get a bus to Heathrow Airport, to find out where to check in, to check in, to get through the metal detectors, to get on the plane, for the plane to take off, for the plane to land, for the plane to empty, to get through customs, to get my luggage, to get my ground transportation and to get back to Brantford.
But I made it here and it was all worth it. I hadn't seen my parents house but unlike the taxi driver I knew exactly where it was.

All going well this will be a fantastic Christmas.

(Victoria Monument outside Buckingham Palace)LONDON IN DECEMBER

Despite plans to be more organised and get some work done I decided to go and explore London solo yesterday. It was nice to go and explore by myself... could go wherever I wanted!! So where did I go?(Buckingham Palace from St. James Park)
Where I always go actually but it was good fun to do it myself. Well actually I lie. I went into Harrods to see how the other half lives as they say. Then I went to where I normally go. From Knightsbridge I took the tube to Green Park, where I walked through the park to Buckingham Palace, but not before seeing the Christmas lights at the Ritz. I took a few pictures of Canadian contributions running between Green Park and Buckingham Palace... it appeared the Queen was in. Then I saw the perfect stereotype. Small groups of well dressed and very posh people making their way through the park and not heading for the same place or at the same time. I think the top hats sum it up!!Then I walked down the Mall to Westminster via St. James Park, where I got this rather different view of Buckingham Palace. Looks as though it's central to a swamp! From Westminster I took this photograph of the pathetic Christmas tree outside the parliament buildings and got the Jubilee line back to Piccadilly line back to South Ealing.

So tomorrow I'm off . With luck the blizzards won't stop me from making my destination. Next stop....

OXFORD STREET, LONDON
(TRULY THE MOST HORRENDOUS XMAS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE)

Oxford Street is always hell on Earth but combine the country's most well known high street with the second to last Saturday before Christmas and you have a new definition of hell that far exceeds the last. At one point we decided the fastest route down the street was to walk into and then out of a shop in order to get past it. It was total grid lock! Fortunately we got this photo which makes it look all so much more peaceful.

SKANDAL IN LONDON'S BRENTFORD FC

It's too bad Spinal Tap is already taken because these guys are absolutely tapped! Put Motley Crue, Gun's and Rose's and a little a dash of AC DC in a blender and you have Skandal 20 years late for the scene and complete with the fashion of the decade it forgot.

Jay Cooper (lead vocals), Danii Vandal (guitar and vocals), Olly Wood (bass and vocals) and Dek Childs (drums and vocals) put on a really amazing show. Definitely worth seeing. Visit www.skandalous.co.uk

YORK MINSTER LIGHTS

This is York's latest tourist ploy. Over a million pounds (and I dont want to know who's paying for that - but I can guess!) has been dedicated to lighting up some of York's most famous and ancient monuments between now and Christmas.
Some French artist has been handsomely paid to create the arts of work that are projected on to the buildings in an attempt to highlight their magnificent detail and more importantly to attract tourists. Starting with the Minster, an ancient York property will be lit up weekly in the run up to Christmas.
I have to say I was pretty impressed... and glad my camera decided to work! I love seeing the Minster anyway. It's absolutely beautiful. As you might have seen on my blog it has been the focal point of a few entries.The spotlights lighting up the two towers gradually changed colour while the main projection appeared to remain static. The projection highlighted details in the gargoils and the gothic arches.

It's mighty impressive spectacle and I reckon I will go and see the others too.

KINVER EDGE

I have it on good authority that this is one of the few pleasant places left in Britain. I think the other two are Oundle and York to be honest. Kinver edge is about a 2 minute walk from the street where Pete grew up. The local butchers, bakers and fruit and veg outlet come highly recommended. The free range eggs heighten the already superb taste of the sandwich that is the fried egg.

Attempts are always being made to get me up the hill. Most the time they fail. This time I didnt want to leave.

SACHA's 21st BIRTHDAY PARTY

(Katie, Bob, Matt, Sacha, Angela, Richard, Stephie, Rich and Laurence at the Artful Dodger for Sacha's Caribbean birthday party)

Its offical we're all getting old. But that of course doesn't mean we can't dress up like fools or get ID for attempting to go into one of the most appalling venues in the North of England.

The theme was Caribbean and I would just like to applaud Laurence for the effort he gave his costume. Much though went into that.

Sacha... sorry about texting you about a book on Sunday instead of wishing you a happy birthday!

HALF WAY THERE

This summer has been an absolute nightmare! But for my parents here is proof that I actually do work. This is 40% of my degree and I've just handed it in this morning (all 20,000 words). Only 25,000 more words of my degree left.

In light of recent events I intend to have a good night out tonight... student style (starting at 2pm!).

THANKSGIVING 2005

The first year I have made pumpkin pies. But what will the English think?

REFLECTIONS OF THE OUSE

I'm lucky to live in a city that sleeps, even if it is only between the hours of 2 and 6 am.

(the Thames)

LONDON TOWN

I have decided my relationship with London is that of a love hate relationship. An exchange student who I study sociology with couldn't figure out, in our Cities and Social Theory seminar, why the British were not too keen on their nation's capital. I put it too her like this. London is great if you have money and lots of it. Otherwise it expensive, crowded and stressful.

If the population of 7 million was cut in half along with the cost of living then it would be much more desirable.

(Waterloo Station)

Regardless, I'm attracted to the prospect of living at least near to one of the world's infamous cities. The plan of this visit was to investigate my post degree plan to do a PGCE at Kingston University London. The prospect of teacher training scares more people than the thought of living in London! The university was in a very nice location, half an hour from Waterloo station.

(Trafalgar Square, after Ashes victory parade)

For those of you who talk about “London’s Spirit” after the attacks in July, could you please point out what exactly you’re on about? People need to use the Underground. It’s a matter of necessity not some moral protest on behalf on Londoner’s to all the terrorists out there. Believe me, if they had an alternative, Londoner’s would undoubtedly leap at the opportunity to say goodbye to the crowded carriages of the underworld, but the fact of that matter is they don’t. It’s either use the Underground or get out of London.(Lambeth North, Underground Station)

While in London, one of the people I stayed with told me about her friend who recently passed out on a train in London. She was properly unconscious, her lips turned blue. She came to, to the nightmare of Londoner’s trampling her as they tried to get on and off the train. Eventually someone did stop… an American tourist!

Indeed the only smile I saw on the underground was that of a 4 year old girl with her parents.

(Berlin Wall, Imperial War Museum)

The train home stopped at Peterborough (where I used to stop before my family left the area). A crazy old man got on the train and started attempts at a conversation with the man in front of us. Although he wasn’t interested, the passenger humoured him, much more convincingly than I could have.

The old guy starting going on about his day in Oundle – “The nicest town between York and London” - apparently. I’ve done Oundle, done York, I want to do London now.

YORK CITY CENTRE

It has to be said - York has been a pretty awesome place to go to university. And I'm not just saying this because my northern friends, not to mention any names (Laurence and Rich), would probably stop talking to me if I didn't. York is one of the few nicer places left in Britain. Unfortunately for England there are a lot of nasty, ugly dangerous places to be. Of course politicians in London dont see this. If it works there it must work everywhere else? Those fortunate enough to live in England's affluent areas fail to recognise the problems being faced outside their affluent communities. As I appreciate that I can walk down the street by myself anytime of day or night and not feel threatened by what's out there, a luxury all too many students live without. Some places in this country going out in broad daylight is not a good idea. Though having said that some people I know got beaten up in the daytime by strangers. While her friend was being attacked, the girl ran to get some help from people on a main road. No one stopped to help. It took the police hours before they could record it.

"DONKEY R*PING S**T EATER"

Seven months ago, beyond our better judgment we ended up in the Lowther, the last stop for those desperately clinging to the evening.













A man (clearly in need of the money) approached us to sell some pastel drawings he'd made for £5. Pete got him down to £3(!), naturally choosing the least attactive piece of art he could.

Upon learning I too was from abroad the man extended his hand for a shake. His hand was black... and I'm not referring to his skin colour!! I have never washed my hands so well.

The title refers to the art not the artist.

WALMGATE BAR

York's city centre is surrounded in a wall built by the Romans, with main routes of access being through several gates. For example Micklegate Bar leads to all the bars and clubs, and Bootham Bar to all the old men's pubs and the Minster.















Walmgate Bar is surrounded by cat and pigeon selling take-away outlets. Afterall dog is a bit sophisticated for those who eat at these fine venues. Donner meat is likely the most disturbing thing on the menu. Think of a three foot tall, half a foot wide sphere of compressed mince rotating on a vertical spit fire, for goodness knows how many days. Thats donner meat! They shave is off and put it on chips!















We think someone lives above the gate? Or maybe it's just another over-priced cafe (as if York didn't have enough!).

GOOD-BYE TO SUMMER SWIMS


Spencer and Blayne enjoying their final moments of swimming pool bliss before school starts on Tuesday. I'm jealous!

PIRATES ON THE RIVER OUSE - Pete and Lee play pirates (who attempt to lasso ducks like cowboys) in our 1970s red boat.














RED BOAT

£25 per hour
£20 deposit
NO all male groups

This adventure started with a row over our position in the queue to get a boat. A grandmother and her grandchildren literally pushed in front of us. I decided to say something before Pete did, for their sakes. "Excuse me, I dont mean to be rude but weren't we here first?" to which she replied "No!" Naturally Pete spoke up and she swifty stepped aside.

To make a not too long story shorter, the boat motor broke down as we approached the dock so our 1970s gem was replaced with a boat that must have been at least 5 years younger!

OUT OF SCHOOL CLUB

This job was perhaps the best job I have ever had. For a worthwhile pay increase (and much less effort than previous occupational endeavors of mine) this job required me to essentially babysit children aged 4-14 years of age on site and during club trips.

I have never had a job that paid me to indulge at all you can eat buffets and on free party food.















The Out of School Club is like a North American day camp without the sleepovers and camp fires. I have newfound respect for secondary school teachers as I learnt how difficult teenagers can be.

SCARBOROUGH

Yet again another perfect photo opportunity spoiled but this time in Scarborough. At least we're consistent. Scarborough is a beautiful seaside location (for Britain!). If you think the subjects of this photograph are a sight... you should see the other people this place attracts!

BRIMHAM ROCKS

This is an amazing place. It’s like Mother Nature's playground. It’s basically just tons of rocks you can climb. But given that I couldn't get off the top of a bunk bed at the age of 10, I thought I’d make it a spectator's sport!

WOODSTOCK 2005: Pete and Ran blessed our ears with the nostalgic theme from the Mario Brothers Nintendo game.

WOODSTOCK

York used to be a live and kicking place. The university has seen the legendary likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Bob Geldof's Boomtown Rats was the end of all that. Their performance caused a riot on campus damaging the orchestra pit cover. The Students' Union took Geldof to court and since then University of York students entertainment consists of Club D's DJing disasters.

The best entertainment we've had since 1985 happens once a year. Woodstock is the university's unprivileged bands opportunity to piss off the locals while giving students a taste of what university life should sound like.

The Boomtown Rats never giveth anything worth listening to... but they sure did taketh away.

Pete and Ran blessed our ears with the nostalgic theme from the Mario Brothers Nintendo game.

LEVISHAM TRAIN STATION

Levisham Station is in the beautiful Newton Dale Valley. I enjoyed my visit, which concerns me. I must be getting old if I think walking in big open bare spaces is fun! You definitely feel in the middle of nowhere here. The adventurous car journey definitely lends itself to this feeling. Roads like that aren’t legal where I come from.

FULFORD PLACE FIRE

Your flat sets on fire. Do you A) Ring the Fire Department OR B) The Housing Association? Any guesses as to what the chav responsible for this fire did?

Starting around 5 p.m. on Friday the 13th of May 2005 this fire persisted all night requiring over 50 firemen with somewhere in the region of 20 firetrucks on location.

This photo was taken from my bedroom window where we watched the scene unfold.

After the fire, spectators and home owners complained about a half hour period where firemen did little more than watch the fire spread. Naturally this was denied. Having watched the fire from the first sight of smoke (view from my desk overlooking the apartments) I can comfirm the allegations are true. Despite their presence there was a signifigant period of time when the firemen did nothing.

UP AND COMING CANADIAN

Watch out for this girl! With talents like vibrating her eyes and picking her nose with her tongue you can be sure we'll be seeing lots more of Miss Hanley in the future.

HOMEWARD BOUND

You never know what weather the Canadian spring has in store. On April 2nd Brantford along with much of Southern Ontario was dumped on.

On the way back to the airport we saw lots of cars in ditches. SUVs only handle better than cars because there are few things bigger than you, should you get hit. But these Chelsea tractors roll at the sight of ice with their top heavy builds.

To make matters worse most snow ploughing contracts ceased two days earlier, the end of March.

On the other end of the spectrum I have spent my birthday (March 31^st) sweating away in shorts and a t-shirt.

PENNY LANE

After my visit to Liverpool’s infamous street I felt the need to re-write the lyrics. The sad truth is Penny Lane is the home of litter, vandalism and no end of dog excrement, although the street signs are always new and shiny (because they are stolen by retarded tourists).

Regardless, we did the stereotypical tourist thing, leaving Liverpool with a final drive down Penny Lane to the Beatles melody of yesteryear.

Liverpool won’t let you forget the Beatles were born there. Every pub, club and bar to this day claims they were the first place the Beatles played.

YORK MINSTER

Yet again our beloved council is coming up with new and exciting ways to punish its local citizens for living in a tourist destination. Perhaps not the responsibility of the council, one is now charged horrific sums of money to enter that Minster. My advice is to get in for free during Christmas carol concerts. Cheat the system.

I always find it amusing to be asked by American visitors, where and perhaps more importantly, what the Minster is. My answer is look up and walk towards the highest object you can see.

SECOND HOUSE PARTY

If there's one truly great thing about the second year compared to the first, it's the house parties. There's nothing like going to a great house party and meeting people (and pinching some free drink!).















This houseparty marked the end of a fabulous week. I met Pete, saw Green Day in Newcastle and had my sister, Mark and Tom up to visit.

The party lasted until 3am! I managed to attract a gang of 30 to enjoy each other's company, Budweiser and some great tunes.

It's said that you can connect and 2 people in the world through 8 people. At university this can be done through no more than 3.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS SEMI-FINAL

Like other disc jockey operated campus affairs Battle of the Bands is shit. But unlike other campus affairs it's a great excuse to wear a t-shirt with your boyfriend's or flatmate's name on it. Fortunately you'll be too drunk to notice you're a bigger embarrassment than the band you're supporting , as only you are dramatically applauding their efforts.

This is also the night, despite 2 prior opportunities that I got Pete's number!! Poor bugger.