Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ultimate Frisbee in the UK
As you may know, I have joined a Girls Ulimate team! The season is different here as the season consists of 4 weekend tournaments that occur during the University school year (Almost 100% of the players are students from 18 to 24 yrs of age) They don't play any mid week games as a city will have only one mens team and one womens team, and there is no one else to play against.
This means that weekend tournaments are taken seriously as they determine your standings in the league. (No beer coolers on the side line, just water and gatorade)
My first tournament was in Cardiff (Wales) where I elected to stay in a hotel in stead of camping with a bunch of 19 yr olds. This was a good decision as trying to keep up with them the first day (3 games of 90 minutes) almost killed me. Thank goodness for soaker tubs, hot showers and a good mattress. Without these things I don't think I could have moved let alone played on the Sunday. I had a lot to learn this weekend as playing on an all girls team changes the game (I have only played mixed before)...they don't sprint as fast as the guys can to catch long discs for example. Our captains, Kate and Tamzin had lots of patience with this team of misfits (I was on the 2nd ladies team...comprised of beginners and others who haven't played in the UK before)
Despite playing our hearts out in each game we lost all 6 games. And only managed to score 1 point. (Although we forced each team to the time limit in reaching the final score of 15) It was amazing how much the other womens team from Sheffield and the mens teams supported us at each game and how much I learnt from the tips they gave on the side line. This was tougher ulitmate than I have ever played before. The women's teams her in Enlgand are amazing.....
I was a walking ghost at school on the Monday, as I had lost my voice and could hardly move from the beating my body had taken.....I am to old to play with 19 yr olds!!!!
The next tournament was two weeks later in Mansfield (closer to home so I could sleep in my own bed). The weather was amazing at 26 degrees each day, but oppressive with the humidity, as players were dropping from heat exhaustion all over the place. We still didn't win any games this time, but at least we came close. We played some of the same teams from the last tournament and gave them a better game this time.....we had definitely improved. We managed to score almost 25 points in 5 games. Again the atmosphere on the team was uplifting despite our continued losses and we did win the "nicest" team award.....usually given out to a bottom team as a kind of pat on the head for trying.
This was the last womens/mens tournament as Universities are finished untill September. To fill the summer months they run a mixed Ultimate tour (4 weekends), I have signed up and I am excited to see who will be on the team.
This means that weekend tournaments are taken seriously as they determine your standings in the league. (No beer coolers on the side line, just water and gatorade)
My first tournament was in Cardiff (Wales) where I elected to stay in a hotel in stead of camping with a bunch of 19 yr olds. This was a good decision as trying to keep up with them the first day (3 games of 90 minutes) almost killed me. Thank goodness for soaker tubs, hot showers and a good mattress. Without these things I don't think I could have moved let alone played on the Sunday. I had a lot to learn this weekend as playing on an all girls team changes the game (I have only played mixed before)...they don't sprint as fast as the guys can to catch long discs for example. Our captains, Kate and Tamzin had lots of patience with this team of misfits (I was on the 2nd ladies team...comprised of beginners and others who haven't played in the UK before)
Despite playing our hearts out in each game we lost all 6 games. And only managed to score 1 point. (Although we forced each team to the time limit in reaching the final score of 15) It was amazing how much the other womens team from Sheffield and the mens teams supported us at each game and how much I learnt from the tips they gave on the side line. This was tougher ulitmate than I have ever played before. The women's teams her in Enlgand are amazing.....
I was a walking ghost at school on the Monday, as I had lost my voice and could hardly move from the beating my body had taken.....I am to old to play with 19 yr olds!!!!
The next tournament was two weeks later in Mansfield (closer to home so I could sleep in my own bed). The weather was amazing at 26 degrees each day, but oppressive with the humidity, as players were dropping from heat exhaustion all over the place. We still didn't win any games this time, but at least we came close. We played some of the same teams from the last tournament and gave them a better game this time.....we had definitely improved. We managed to score almost 25 points in 5 games. Again the atmosphere on the team was uplifting despite our continued losses and we did win the "nicest" team award.....usually given out to a bottom team as a kind of pat on the head for trying.
This was the last womens/mens tournament as Universities are finished untill September. To fill the summer months they run a mixed Ultimate tour (4 weekends), I have signed up and I am excited to see who will be on the team.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Premier League Sports
Well it is a cold, wet weekend and I spent much of my time outdoors at sporting events. On Friday I went out to support the Leeds Rhinos (the local rugby league team) Hot tea in one hand meant I couldn't clap with the other fans around me, but I made up for it with my pathetic attempt at singing. (Mostly I hum along to the familiar tunes.....for example "Oh when the saints go marching in.....") If I could only understand what the chants and songs were saying..... I still struggle to hear past the Yorkshire drawl.
While the Rugby on Friday was fun, my main activity this weekend was the Football game on Saturday. I have been told on several occasions that England has some of the worlds best football teams, and Deborah (my Principal at school) her husband Alistair and their Daughter Eleanor deemed to take me to see my first "Premier" league football match. The premier league being the highest league in the UK, including teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. Unfortunately getting tickets to see any of the top 6 teams would be like winning the lottery....highly unlikely. Well, Alistair mangaged to get tickets to see Wigan (15th) and Tottenham(11th) Loaded with a map, treats and winter wear (it was really cold and windy) we set out to Wigan (west of Manchester) The map wasn't all that great, but it didn't matter as all we had to do was follow the reams of traffic heading into the city center....where else would people be going on a cold Saturday afternoon, if not to the football game!!!
The game started quickly with both teams scoring a goal within the first 10 minutes. Wigan played an amazing 2nd half and deserved to win, but they manged to hit the crossbar on an open net that cost them the win and gave them the tie. Maybe next time....
Every game I've been to, wether it was rugby or football, has one end of the stands designated as the oppostions seats. The opposition fills one congregated section so that they can raise their voices with power against the cheering of the home town fans. (also to protect them from being hurt if they were mixed in with the hometown fans) It is wild!!! Normally the opposition section jeers back and forth with the section of local fans that sits closest to them. (with a horde of police and security officers between them) It seems as if they aren't even watching the game, they are so busy singing and chanting back and forth at each other.
Thank you Deborah, Alistair and Eleanor for taking me with you. I had a great time!!
While the Rugby on Friday was fun, my main activity this weekend was the Football game on Saturday. I have been told on several occasions that England has some of the worlds best football teams, and Deborah (my Principal at school) her husband Alistair and their Daughter Eleanor deemed to take me to see my first "Premier" league football match. The premier league being the highest league in the UK, including teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. Unfortunately getting tickets to see any of the top 6 teams would be like winning the lottery....highly unlikely. Well, Alistair mangaged to get tickets to see Wigan (15th) and Tottenham(11th) Loaded with a map, treats and winter wear (it was really cold and windy) we set out to Wigan (west of Manchester) The map wasn't all that great, but it didn't matter as all we had to do was follow the reams of traffic heading into the city center....where else would people be going on a cold Saturday afternoon, if not to the football game!!!
The game started quickly with both teams scoring a goal within the first 10 minutes. Wigan played an amazing 2nd half and deserved to win, but they manged to hit the crossbar on an open net that cost them the win and gave them the tie. Maybe next time....
Every game I've been to, wether it was rugby or football, has one end of the stands designated as the oppostions seats. The opposition fills one congregated section so that they can raise their voices with power against the cheering of the home town fans. (also to protect them from being hurt if they were mixed in with the hometown fans) It is wild!!! Normally the opposition section jeers back and forth with the section of local fans that sits closest to them. (with a horde of police and security officers between them) It seems as if they aren't even watching the game, they are so busy singing and chanting back and forth at each other.
Thank you Deborah, Alistair and Eleanor for taking me with you. I had a great time!!
Slip n' Slide Ultimate
Well I have joined a local Ultimate team....local being two cites away in Sheffield. (30 miles from Leeds) I met them for my first 3 hour practice on Saturday April 12th. If you have ever played an outdoor sport in Calgary you would know that it doesn't take much for them to close the fields due to rain....not so in England. It had been raining since Thursday and was still raining as I arrived in Sheffield....but practice did not get canceled. I laced up my "cleats" and walked out to meet my new teammates, surprised to find that my feet were sinking into the grassy field up to my ankles. Surely we wouldn't play!!!! About 30 minutes into practice it was impossible to see who was on which team as every one was covered in mud from diving for the disc or just slipping in the wet grass. I have never had so much fun! The rain wasn't cold as long as you were running, and the mud added a new aspect to the game.....nobody could run far or fast! I can't wait to go to our tournment in Cardiff this weekend...I am sure the weather will be much better....but I am bringing several changes of clothing just in case!!
I spend Sunday in Haworth, the village where the Bronte Sisters grew up and lived. All three sisters were published authors but you may remember that Emily Bronte wrote "Wuthering Heights" while Charlotte Bronte wrote "Jane Eyre". The small town and museum were cute and worth the visit. I have purchased a copy of "Wuthering Heights" from the house (which is now the museum) where Emily wrote it. Never having read it before, I will let you know my thoughts when I am finished.
I spend Sunday in Haworth, the village where the Bronte Sisters grew up and lived. All three sisters were published authors but you may remember that Emily Bronte wrote "Wuthering Heights" while Charlotte Bronte wrote "Jane Eyre". The small town and museum were cute and worth the visit. I have purchased a copy of "Wuthering Heights" from the house (which is now the museum) where Emily wrote it. Never having read it before, I will let you know my thoughts when I am finished.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Spending Easter in SPAIN
Dave ( a friend from Calgary) and I went to Spain for my Easter break!!
And any time you travel with someone new there is a period of "Learning". ....... Learning how the other prefers to travel, tour and relax.
Anyone who has traveled with me learns quickly that I like to walk everywhere. There is only one reason that I insist on doing so much walking....to burn off the calories of the LAST meal so that I feel less guilty about the NEXT meal. In fact the only reason I excercise at all is so that I can eat freely. My one rule in traveling has always been to avoid eating at an establishment I could find in CANADA (Subway...McDonald's...etc) I assume ALL others feel the same way as me (I can be very small minded about somethings) Dave, on the other hand doesn't travel to eat, he travels to see the sites. So he prefers to eat at McDonalds, knowing that he can fill a void in his stomach as quickly as possible leaving him more time to see the next tourist attraction. All I have to say is that we had to learn to compromise over the food issue, I would drag him into some Spanish restaurant where the staff didn't speak any English and then the next meal we would go to McDonalds (or something similar) where we didn't need our Spanish phrase book to figure out the menu.
Writing about food has reminded me of two times where my LACK of Spanish, left me with something I didn't mean to order. In Taragona I ordered a "glass" of wine and got the whole bottle! Dave doesn't drink and this meant that I had to finish the whole bottle myself......I do love a challenge. Dave didn't think I could do it, but I showed him!!
The other time was in Sevilla, where after our meal the waiter came to our table and rattled of something in Spanish. I assumed he was offering a choice of after dinner drinks...tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Well I recognized the word for chocolate and thought "hey why not have a hot chocolate". Well the drink never came, but I wasn't disappointed as the waiter brought out the hugest piece of chocolate cake, drenched in a warm chocolate sauce....hmmmm.
My lack of Spanish also caused a problem on the train to Sevilla. The toilet had a funny button on the outside, which I pressed and it let me into the facilities. Once inside I was faced with 4 funny buttons, all of which had instructions written in Spanish....I couldn't tell which one was "lock" or "Close" or "help I am Stuck". I had to call Dave over to stand by the door so that nobody got in from the outside....who knew I would need the Spanish phrase book just to pee!!
Our travels took us from Barcelona to Madrid, then on to Valencia and ending in Sevilla. My favorite parts of Barcelona involved the art work by Gaudi. The Guadi park and the Casa Batillo had amazing examples of his sculptures and decoration. Well worth the cost of admission. (The Sangrada Famila was a beautiful church right outside our hotel that is a must see!!) We also did a day trip from Barcelona to Taragona. A small town south of the city which was founded by the Romans. You can still see the original ampitheatre and walled town built by the Romans hundreds of years ago. Well worth it!!
Madrid was great because we were there over the Easter weekend, and Dave and I (being practicing Catholics) were blown away by the reverence given to this weekend. From the packed churches to the crowds watching the multiple street processions, the city was alive with a Christian spirit. The museums were also very good. I especially enjoyed the Thyssen Museum, although the Prado Museum is the one everyone talks about. Don't forget to tour the Football stadium, it has a very good museum as well.
Valencia was all about slowing down. Dave and I rented bikes and cycled down the main park to the beaches on the Mediterranean. We putzed around enjoying the change of pace from Madrid and Barcelona. We didn't realize it until we were actually there, but the Cathedral in Valencia holds the Chalice from Christ's "Last Supper" WOW!!
I convinced Dave to take a tourist boat that went around the "Port of America" I didn't tell Dave that the small cruise included all the wine and mussells you could eat for 13€.....Dave doesn't eat seafood or drink.....all the more for ME!!
After a long train ride, we arrived in Sevilla. All of the cities had many beautiful churches, my favorites being in Sevilla. The Cathedral Y Giralda housed the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Basilica Macerena was just peaceful and all encompassing (I could have spent hours there in quiet reflection). Sevilla is famous for is muslim/moorish influences, which can best be seen in the palace Real Alcazar....a definite must see (Take a picnic lunch with you to enjoy in the extensive park behind the palace). We took the time to see a show with Flemenco dancing and Spanish guitar which was beautiful We also went to a bullfight.....which was barbaric...I have never seen something so cruel.
Each city we went to was very different. I couldn't tell you which was my favorite....they were all beautiful and fun and interesting. All of them very Spanish, but none of them the same. I am convinced that I need to learn to speak Spanish so that I can come back to Spain and experience it less from the touristy side. Carmen, sign us up for Spanish lessons in the Fall!!
Anyone who has traveled with me learns quickly that I like to walk everywhere. There is only one reason that I insist on doing so much walking....to burn off the calories of the LAST meal so that I feel less guilty about the NEXT meal. In fact the only reason I excercise at all is so that I can eat freely. My one rule in traveling has always been to avoid eating at an establishment I could find in CANADA (Subway...McDonald's...etc) I assume ALL others feel the same way as me (I can be very small minded about somethings) Dave, on the other hand doesn't travel to eat, he travels to see the sites. So he prefers to eat at McDonalds, knowing that he can fill a void in his stomach as quickly as possible leaving him more time to see the next tourist attraction. All I have to say is that we had to learn to compromise over the food issue, I would drag him into some Spanish restaurant where the staff didn't speak any English and then the next meal we would go to McDonalds (or something similar) where we didn't need our Spanish phrase book to figure out the menu.
Writing about food has reminded me of two times where my LACK of Spanish, left me with something I didn't mean to order. In Taragona I ordered a "glass" of wine and got the whole bottle! Dave doesn't drink and this meant that I had to finish the whole bottle myself......I do love a challenge. Dave didn't think I could do it, but I showed him!!
The other time was in Sevilla, where after our meal the waiter came to our table and rattled of something in Spanish. I assumed he was offering a choice of after dinner drinks...tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Well I recognized the word for chocolate and thought "hey why not have a hot chocolate". Well the drink never came, but I wasn't disappointed as the waiter brought out the hugest piece of chocolate cake, drenched in a warm chocolate sauce....hmmmm.
My lack of Spanish also caused a problem on the train to Sevilla. The toilet had a funny button on the outside, which I pressed and it let me into the facilities. Once inside I was faced with 4 funny buttons, all of which had instructions written in Spanish....I couldn't tell which one was "lock" or "Close" or "help I am Stuck". I had to call Dave over to stand by the door so that nobody got in from the outside....who knew I would need the Spanish phrase book just to pee!!
Our travels took us from Barcelona to Madrid, then on to Valencia and ending in Sevilla. My favorite parts of Barcelona involved the art work by Gaudi. The Guadi park and the Casa Batillo had amazing examples of his sculptures and decoration. Well worth the cost of admission. (The Sangrada Famila was a beautiful church right outside our hotel that is a must see!!) We also did a day trip from Barcelona to Taragona. A small town south of the city which was founded by the Romans. You can still see the original ampitheatre and walled town built by the Romans hundreds of years ago. Well worth it!!
Madrid was great because we were there over the Easter weekend, and Dave and I (being practicing Catholics) were blown away by the reverence given to this weekend. From the packed churches to the crowds watching the multiple street processions, the city was alive with a Christian spirit. The museums were also very good. I especially enjoyed the Thyssen Museum, although the Prado Museum is the one everyone talks about. Don't forget to tour the Football stadium, it has a very good museum as well.
Valencia was all about slowing down. Dave and I rented bikes and cycled down the main park to the beaches on the Mediterranean. We putzed around enjoying the change of pace from Madrid and Barcelona. We didn't realize it until we were actually there, but the Cathedral in Valencia holds the Chalice from Christ's "Last Supper" WOW!!
I convinced Dave to take a tourist boat that went around the "Port of America" I didn't tell Dave that the small cruise included all the wine and mussells you could eat for 13€.....Dave doesn't eat seafood or drink.....all the more for ME!!
After a long train ride, we arrived in Sevilla. All of the cities had many beautiful churches, my favorites being in Sevilla. The Cathedral Y Giralda housed the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and the Basilica Macerena was just peaceful and all encompassing (I could have spent hours there in quiet reflection). Sevilla is famous for is muslim/moorish influences, which can best be seen in the palace Real Alcazar....a definite must see (Take a picnic lunch with you to enjoy in the extensive park behind the palace).
Each city we went to was very different. I couldn't tell you which was my favorite....they were all beautiful and fun and interesting. All of them very Spanish, but none of them the same. I am convinced that I need to learn to speak Spanish so that I can come back to Spain and experience it less from the touristy side. Carmen, sign us up for Spanish lessons in the Fall!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Ireland with Carmen
Despite Carmen being hung over from the night before, we got safely on the plane and landed in Cork, in the south east side of Ireland and our first destination was the "Blarney Stone" in Blarney Castle. The Castle grounds and ruins were extensive and it was too bad we did not have more time there. But we did kiss the Blarney stone, at great personal risk, not only were we going against the rumour that you could get Herpes, but the actual act is also very dangerous. To reach the stone, a man (Who knows who he is.....but his accent was really neat) has you lay on your back and grasp two handle bars while he basically lifts you backwards over a 100 foot drop so that your lips can reach the stone!!! (Your hips are over the drop, if the strange but funny man didn't have a good grip on you, you would fall.)
Carmen and I were estatic at how awesome our trip was and we were only 3 hours into our 8 days in Ireland...... This feeling didn't last long as we headed out on the roads in a rental car at night to find our way to Killarney. We knew were we were going, Carmen had figured it all out.....but the road signs are really small and were not reflective in the dark. In short, we got LOST, not once, not twice, not even three times.....but 4. (Blame the country not the drivers!!) I didn't think I would ever see a place with worse road signs than England (especially in the cities) but Ireland takes the top prize. (This is the only negative we could find from our whole trip....not bad)
The country is beautiful and I would recommend that anyone who goes to Ireland should rent a car and drive around. The things Carmen and I saw are well represented on my Facebook pictures and you should go take a look. There are many things we didn't get to do....hiking in Conamarra Mountains or Visiting the Arran Islands for example. But the people were very friendly and laid back, and the food was good if you like potato based dishes. (Carmen's dream come true.....the girl likes her potato's)
Make sure you take the time to see the north and the south and all the parts in between. Plan on at least 1 Irish breakfast (starve yourself the day before) and trying Irish whiskey, Irish Coffee, Irish Cider, Irish Moonshine, and Irish Stew. Don't forget to have your Baileys Irish Cream in your morning coffee to kick start your day. Skip the black and white Pudding....this is not a desert......nasty stuff that is made up of the leftovers on the butchers floor. (Much like the beloved hotdog in content without the good taste...ICK!!) If you get a chance to give advice on the "Horses"....Do so...but be gone before the race is over. (We were asked more than once which horse we would bet on. WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HORSE RACING!!) Bring your walking shoes, a raincoat and a hat that won't fly away in the wind and you are set to experience all the country has to offer.
Loved Ireland , and I hope to go back in the spring/summer to do some of the hikes and walks better left to more time and better weather.
Cheers
Carmen and I were estatic at how awesome our trip was and we were only 3 hours into our 8 days in Ireland...... This feeling didn't last long as we headed out on the roads in a rental car at night to find our way to Killarney. We knew were we were going, Carmen had figured it all out.....but the road signs are really small and were not reflective in the dark. In short, we got LOST, not once, not twice, not even three times.....but 4. (Blame the country not the drivers!!) I didn't think I would ever see a place with worse road signs than England (especially in the cities) but Ireland takes the top prize. (This is the only negative we could find from our whole trip....not bad)
The country is beautiful and I would recommend that anyone who goes to Ireland should rent a car and drive around. The things Carmen and I saw are well represented on my Facebook pictures and you should go take a look. There are many things we didn't get to do....hiking in Conamarra Mountains or Visiting the Arran Islands for example. But the people were very friendly and laid back, and the food was good if you like potato based dishes. (Carmen's dream come true.....the girl likes her potato's)
Make sure you take the time to see the north and the south and all the parts in between. Plan on at least 1 Irish breakfast (starve yourself the day before) and trying Irish whiskey, Irish Coffee, Irish Cider, Irish Moonshine, and Irish Stew. Don't forget to have your Baileys Irish Cream in your morning coffee to kick start your day. Skip the black and white Pudding....this is not a desert......nasty stuff that is made up of the leftovers on the butchers floor. (Much like the beloved hotdog in content without the good taste...ICK!!) If you get a chance to give advice on the "Horses"....Do so...but be gone before the race is over. (We were asked more than once which horse we would bet on. WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HORSE RACING!!) Bring your walking shoes, a raincoat and a hat that won't fly away in the wind and you are set to experience all the country has to offer.
Loved Ireland , and I hope to go back in the spring/summer to do some of the hikes and walks better left to more time and better weather.
Cheers
Friday, February 29, 2008
Carmen arriving in England
Carmen (My sister) came to visit on Feb 8th. She arrived in the middle of the day on Friday (11:30 am) while I was still at work. She flew into Manchester, then had to take the train to Leeds, then a bus to the house and finally find the key I had hidden in the backyard and let herself in. Knowing all this, I started calling the house around noon in an effort to see if she had made it inside. When I received no answer, then or any of the other times I called (every 30 minutes untill 3pm) I grew quite concerned.
Did she arrive ok?
Did she get on the right train?
Maybe she missed the bus stop and was riding around Leeds lost.
She could have been stuck in the backyard in the rain, unable to find the key I had left for her!
I was starting to panic......
Well I rushed home from work convinced that Carmen would be tired and angry for not being able to get into the house, only to find that she had just gotten in and was quite tipsy!! (DRUNK!!)
Not only did she get into the house okay at 11:30 Am, she also navigated her way to the local pub where she met Martin (the bar keep) who kept her entertained tasting the local beers for 3 hours.......She wasn't in the country over 2 hours before she had a beer in her hand. (This reminds me of my first day in England.....do you remember Rob? I also had a beer in my hand from Martin the barkeep within 2 hours of being in the country)
Carmen had a good intro to the English lifestyle that day as we met John and Amy for curry at Abids and then headed over to Simon and Cathy's place to watch the Rugby game on TV. (BEER....CURRY...RUGBY....3 English staples)
Saturday had us heading out to YORK, where we had our first "CREAM tea" (another english tradition) at Betty's. Hmmmmm good stuff. We met up with the Leeds crew (Cathy/Simon, Amy/John, Gill/David, and Jenny/John) for a quiet evening of drinks at the pub. This quiet evening had us being kicked out of the pub at closing time (11pm) after Carmen and Cathy demonstrated their aerobic abilities for climbing under tables in crowded places. Gill and David so kindly offered to have people over to their place for more refreshments and the evening continued....all I have to say is that the next day, while in the airport waiting to go to Ireland, Carmen made several trips to the washroom.....DID YOU HAVE THE FLU Carmen???? OR where you HUNG OVER!!!
A taste of Carmens first 2 days in England, More to come!
Did she arrive ok?
Did she get on the right train?
Maybe she missed the bus stop and was riding around Leeds lost.
She could have been stuck in the backyard in the rain, unable to find the key I had left for her!
I was starting to panic......
Well I rushed home from work convinced that Carmen would be tired and angry for not being able to get into the house, only to find that she had just gotten in and was quite tipsy!! (DRUNK!!)
Not only did she get into the house okay at 11:30 Am, she also navigated her way to the local pub where she met Martin (the bar keep) who kept her entertained tasting the local beers for 3 hours.......She wasn't in the country over 2 hours before she had a beer in her hand. (This reminds me of my first day in England.....do you remember Rob? I also had a beer in my hand from Martin the barkeep within 2 hours of being in the country)
Carmen had a good intro to the English lifestyle that day as we met John and Amy for curry at Abids and then headed over to Simon and Cathy's place to watch the Rugby game on TV. (BEER....CURRY...RUGBY....3 English staples)
Saturday had us heading out to YORK, where we had our first "CREAM tea" (another english tradition) at Betty's. Hmmmmm good stuff. We met up with the Leeds crew (Cathy/Simon, Amy/John, Gill/David, and Jenny/John) for a quiet evening of drinks at the pub. This quiet evening had us being kicked out of the pub at closing time (11pm) after Carmen and Cathy demonstrated their aerobic abilities for climbing under tables in crowded places. Gill and David so kindly offered to have people over to their place for more refreshments and the evening continued....all I have to say is that the next day, while in the airport waiting to go to Ireland, Carmen made several trips to the washroom.....DID YOU HAVE THE FLU Carmen???? OR where you HUNG OVER!!!
A taste of Carmens first 2 days in England, More to come!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
EARTHQUAKE!!
WOW! I woke this morning to the excited voices of radio hosts discussing last nights earthquake......What!!!
Yep, England suffered a 5.3 earthquake around 1 am on Wednesday Feb. 27th and I slept through it all.
Its a bit disappointing to think that this will probably be my only earthquake (Hopefully) and I can't even remember it happening. Oh well.
Yep, England suffered a 5.3 earthquake around 1 am on Wednesday Feb. 27th and I slept through it all.
Its a bit disappointing to think that this will probably be my only earthquake (Hopefully) and I can't even remember it happening. Oh well.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Time Marches On
Time is flying by, as I am now 2 days from another week long holiday. It feels like I just got back from my Christmas break when it is time to go on another.
Things have been busy at work and in Leeds. I have joined a Monday night Kickboxing class that is kind of scary. These people are intense! (Lots of yelling...) They have assured me that I can participate in a non contact fashion. I hope this is true, I bruise easily.... After a sixty minute class my shoulders were screaming in pain for 3 days. A few bruises for this kind of cross training could be worth it.
NFL has come to its seasons end and I have watched every game in the finals, thanks to Simon who has faithfully taped each one so I could watch them at home a day or two later. (If only I could get my year 11 students to stop telling me the results before I watched the games.) I was cheering on the Greenbay Packers to take on Patriots, but alas, this was not to be. Simon and I watched the superbowl here in England. The game started at 11:30pm and went untill 3:30 am on Monday. Work was not pretty that day! BUT what a game.....I didn't think the Giants had a chance ....
Just in time for the end of NFL is Rugby season. The games have started and the fans are getting excited about the new season! I can't wait to see how the Leeds Rhinos will fair?
We had actual snow on the ground last Saturday. I took a picture, as I was feeling sentimental about how it reminded me of home. But it melted within 1 hour and the temperature that day got up to 11 degrees. In fact every day this week has been really warm.
Yesterday was "Pancake" tuesday, or what can be referred to as "Shrove" tuesday. This is a big deal through out England. It was on the radio and on the TV. Everyone I talked to, young and old, had plans for eating crepes or pancakes that day. (Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, sometimes all three)
Well, Carmen (my sister) comes for a visit on Friday (Feb 8th) two days from now and I need to go home and clean the house so that it is ready for company. Rob and Vicky, please know that it is always clean, just not neccessarily company clean.
CHEERS
Alison
Things have been busy at work and in Leeds. I have joined a Monday night Kickboxing class that is kind of scary. These people are intense! (Lots of yelling...) They have assured me that I can participate in a non contact fashion. I hope this is true, I bruise easily.... After a sixty minute class my shoulders were screaming in pain for 3 days. A few bruises for this kind of cross training could be worth it.
NFL has come to its seasons end and I have watched every game in the finals, thanks to Simon who has faithfully taped each one so I could watch them at home a day or two later. (If only I could get my year 11 students to stop telling me the results before I watched the games.) I was cheering on the Greenbay Packers to take on Patriots, but alas, this was not to be. Simon and I watched the superbowl here in England. The game started at 11:30pm and went untill 3:30 am on Monday. Work was not pretty that day! BUT what a game.....I didn't think the Giants had a chance ....
Just in time for the end of NFL is Rugby season. The games have started and the fans are getting excited about the new season! I can't wait to see how the Leeds Rhinos will fair?
We had actual snow on the ground last Saturday. I took a picture, as I was feeling sentimental about how it reminded me of home. But it melted within 1 hour and the temperature that day got up to 11 degrees. In fact every day this week has been really warm.
Yesterday was "Pancake" tuesday, or what can be referred to as "Shrove" tuesday. This is a big deal through out England. It was on the radio and on the TV. Everyone I talked to, young and old, had plans for eating crepes or pancakes that day. (Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, sometimes all three)
Well, Carmen (my sister) comes for a visit on Friday (Feb 8th) two days from now and I need to go home and clean the house so that it is ready for company. Rob and Vicky, please know that it is always clean, just not neccessarily company clean.
CHEERS
Alison
Monday, January 21, 2008
School Cancelled!!
I woke up this morning to a downpour!
It is Monday January 21st, and school has been cancelled for the yr7, 8, and 9 classes. (The grade 10's and 11's have to come in) The reason for this is that the school is undergoing a new building project. 1/3 of the new school is complete and therefore these classrooms are not flooding or leaking. All other classrooms, in the old build or in the mobile village, seem to be suffering different types of water damage with the downpour outside. All classes in the mobile village have been moved into the main build and this is keeping the students and teachers dry.
I've been told that cancelling school due to flooding on the school campus is not infrequent. This has been a really nice day for catching up on an the little details that slip to the side.
It is Monday January 21st, and school has been cancelled for the yr7, 8, and 9 classes. (The grade 10's and 11's have to come in) The reason for this is that the school is undergoing a new building project. 1/3 of the new school is complete and therefore these classrooms are not flooding or leaking. All other classrooms, in the old build or in the mobile village, seem to be suffering different types of water damage with the downpour outside. All classes in the mobile village have been moved into the main build and this is keeping the students and teachers dry.
I've been told that cancelling school due to flooding on the school campus is not infrequent. This has been a really nice day for catching up on an the little details that slip to the side.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
My Christmas Vacation
Well, Christmas is over and I want to take the time to share Sherrie and my amazing adventures in Europe. As you allready know, we spent a lot of time eating and drinking. We did do other things.
Just in case Sherrie takes the time to read this, I would like to remind her that "I" am the Crazy Eights Champion!!!!
BERLIN
We flew into Berlin bright and early on Sunday Dec 23rd, and we immediatley put our friendship to the test.....How do we get to our Hotel??? These little travel details are the things that can break up a friendship, especially when you have two single, independant women who are used to getting their own way and are confident when travelling alone. (Added to that I am a bit of a know it all, and somewhat competitive!!) Can they learn to compromise and work together????
Strategy wise, I am always looking at maps,with a map I can figure out where to go and how to get there.(This method can be time consuming and often involves going the wrong direction on the subway at least once.) Sherrie, on the other hand, is all about asking for help. (This explains all the tourist Information places in airports and train stations) Between the two of us we managed to get to our 4 Star Hotel with very little effort. (And our friendship intact) Our hotel was great, right along the canal, and it had a mini-bar, what more does a person need. Berlin was great, in a modern style. The architechture in this city is some of the best and most modern that I've ever seen.
Our plan for Berlin was to go from Christmas market to Christmas market sampling the local delicacies. Some markets had skating rinks, others sledding and others Ferris wheels (The grass is still green as it is only around 0 degrees). More importantly they all had a great selection of food and drink. My best purchase will be the red toque you see in all of my pictures. Of course you can't be in Berlin and not check out the Berlin Wall and other WW2/WW1 memorabilia. The Museum for the Berlin wall "Checkpoint Charlie" was one of my favorites from the whole trip.
PRAGUE
Arriving in Prague late at night, Sherrie and I found our "Botel" which to our surprise is not how the Czech spell "Hotel", instead it was a boat moored on the side of the river. We were sleeping on a boat!!! We were excited (and it was cheap) and it had all we could want (bar and restaurant) Everyone should travel to Prague, it is cheap to stay, eat and tour there. At least it will be untill they change to the Euro in 2010. At the bank machine the smallest amount you could take out was 1000 Krowns = $50 Cdn. It was neat to have a pocket full of $1000 and $2000 bills. Prague was a true historical town (Unlike Berlin which had been rebuilt post war with a modern flavour). There were narrow pedestrian streets and beautiful churches and castle. One of our favorite activities of the trip was the "Pub Tour" we took. A guide took a group of 12 people to three pubs and introduced you to the local beers and food. The company was great, and we even tried a Beer Float (just like a rootbeer float, but with BEER) it was allright.
We made a day trip out to TEREZIN, a local concentration camp. It was a very dark day as we took in the sights and information set up out in Terezin. I could only imagine how horrific it would be to visit Auschwitz, which wasn't a work camp, but a death camp.
MUNICH
We stayed at a really fun Hostel in Munich called the WOMBAT. The staff were friendly and the bar was hopping. I believe that Sherrie and I tasted every girly drink on the menu (Only blended drinks because we were starting to get tired of BEER). We didn't have much time to spend in Munich but we did take time to go to the Art Museum (focused on 18 and 19th century) and I was great. I booked the head phones so that I could get a talking guide, and was really impressed. Usually the voice on the headsets has "Attidtude", if you know what I mean. Its as if they are looking down their noses at you (If only they had noses). Anyways this particular voice talked as if I were its equal. I quite enjoyed the whole museum experience.
VIENNA
We had about 2/3 of a day in Vienna, after counting in traveling time. We really should have stayed in Munich one more day and flown home from there. But you live and learn! We did get to see Tina Turners House as well as a few other scenic locations. Our Hostel wasn't all thaty clean, but the boys in the pub were friendly!
Just in case Sherrie takes the time to read this, I would like to remind her that "I" am the Crazy Eights Champion!!!!
BERLIN
We flew into Berlin bright and early on Sunday Dec 23rd, and we immediatley put our friendship to the test.....How do we get to our Hotel??? These little travel details are the things that can break up a friendship, especially when you have two single, independant women who are used to getting their own way and are confident when travelling alone. (Added to that I am a bit of a know it all, and somewhat competitive!!) Can they learn to compromise and work together????
Strategy wise, I am always looking at maps,with a map I can figure out where to go and how to get there.(This method can be time consuming and often involves going the wrong direction on the subway at least once.) Sherrie, on the other hand, is all about asking for help. (This explains all the tourist Information places in airports and train stations) Between the two of us we managed to get to our 4 Star Hotel with very little effort. (And our friendship intact) Our hotel was great, right along the canal, and it had a mini-bar, what more does a person need. Berlin was great, in a modern style. The architechture in this city is some of the best and most modern that I've ever seen.
Our plan for Berlin was to go from Christmas market to Christmas market sampling the local delicacies. Some markets had skating rinks, others sledding and others Ferris wheels (The grass is still green as it is only around 0 degrees). More importantly they all had a great selection of food and drink. My best purchase will be the red toque you see in all of my pictures. Of course you can't be in Berlin and not check out the Berlin Wall and other WW2/WW1 memorabilia. The Museum for the Berlin wall "Checkpoint Charlie" was one of my favorites from the whole trip.
PRAGUE
Arriving in Prague late at night, Sherrie and I found our "Botel" which to our surprise is not how the Czech spell "Hotel", instead it was a boat moored on the side of the river. We were sleeping on a boat!!! We were excited (and it was cheap) and it had all we could want (bar and restaurant) Everyone should travel to Prague, it is cheap to stay, eat and tour there. At least it will be untill they change to the Euro in 2010. At the bank machine the smallest amount you could take out was 1000 Krowns = $50 Cdn. It was neat to have a pocket full of $1000 and $2000 bills. Prague was a true historical town (Unlike Berlin which had been rebuilt post war with a modern flavour). There were narrow pedestrian streets and beautiful churches and castle. One of our favorite activities of the trip was the "Pub Tour" we took. A guide took a group of 12 people to three pubs and introduced you to the local beers and food. The company was great, and we even tried a Beer Float (just like a rootbeer float, but with BEER) it was allright.
We made a day trip out to TEREZIN, a local concentration camp. It was a very dark day as we took in the sights and information set up out in Terezin. I could only imagine how horrific it would be to visit Auschwitz, which wasn't a work camp, but a death camp.
VIENNA
Vienna was windy and cold, and I have to admit I would have enjoyed myself a bit more had I not been cold. (Sherrie was never cold!!!!, but my blood must be thin.) Its a pretty city, made to be seen while walking/cycling in the sunshine, I imagine it is beautiful in the summer. Despite the cold Sherrie and I rented bikes at one of the many kiosks. (At almost every subway stop you can rent a bike, the first hour is free and then it is 1 Euro per hour after)
The highlights here were eating the famous "Sacher Torte" direct from the Sacher Hotel, and our experience with the grumpiest tour guide EVER!!! We signed up to tour vienna by bus (cause it was cold out) and our tour guide had insulted and yelled at a senior citizen passenger within 30 seconds of getting on the bus, she then proceeded to text on her mobile whilel mumbling into the microphone. She was impossible to understand, and if you asked her for clarification she yelled back at you to pay attention. She kept reminding us, every 5 min, that if we got seperated from her that she would not stop and would leave us lost in Vienna. The one thing she did that I thought was funny, at the end of the tour she reminded us about tipping her. AS IF!!! She was worth a laugh! We also managed to attend a concert with examples of classical music (Mozart, Strauss, etc), the Viennese Waltz and Opera.
SALZBURG
This was my favorite stop on the trip. Its a pretty town set with the alps in the background. Like many of the older towns in Europe its character is derived from the buildings and narrow walking streets. We were in Salzburg in time for New Years Eve, the streets were full of vendors selling food and mulled wines. Kids and Adults were setting off fireworks everywhere you turned and there were all these parties going on in the streets. Some with DJ's, others with live bands. It was my best New Years EVER!! We had a blast sampling everything the local culture had to offer. To top off the experience, Sherrie and I skiied in the Alps during the day on January 1st 2008, and spent January 2nd on the "Sound of Music" tour, which was fabulous.
While we were touring the local castle, Sherrie and I stood back to let an older man take a photo of his wife. He was so happy with our politeness that he dragged us over to meet his wife. The problem with this was that he didn't speak any English, only German. His wife spoke about 30 words of English. When he realized that we had a communication problem he took off running, leaving us standing with his wife???? 2 minutes later he comes back with his nephew (who is gorgeous and 30 years old) in tow, to translate for us. We talked for 30 minutes through the cute nephew from Norway and even took time for pictures. Check him out on Facebook. Unfortunately I couldn't find a smooth way to exchange phone numbers or other details......
MUNICH
We stayed at a really fun Hostel in Munich called the WOMBAT. The staff were friendly and the bar was hopping. I believe that Sherrie and I tasted every girly drink on the menu (Only blended drinks because we were starting to get tired of BEER). We didn't have much time to spend in Munich but we did take time to go to the Art Museum (focused on 18 and 19th century) and I was great. I booked the head phones so that I could get a talking guide, and was really impressed. Usually the voice on the headsets has "Attidtude", if you know what I mean. Its as if they are looking down their noses at you (If only they had noses). Anyways this particular voice talked as if I were its equal. I quite enjoyed the whole museum experience.
VIENNA
We had about 2/3 of a day in Vienna, after counting in traveling time. We really should have stayed in Munich one more day and flown home from there. But you live and learn! We did get to see Tina Turners House as well as a few other scenic locations. Our Hostel wasn't all thaty clean, but the boys in the pub were friendly!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
EATING my way across Europe!!!
Hello All!!! Happy New Year
If you have just tuned in the "Alison's Taste Test of Europe and the UK" you will need to be reminded that my goal over the course of this year is to gain 15 to 30 pounds (maybe more if I can manage it) Its time to put the jeans away and to take out the track pants (Remember: elastic waist bands are your friend!!)
*** Note: 15 to 3o pounds would be equivalent to 1 to 3 STONEs. Stones are a UK measurement where 1 stone = 14 pounds****
***Note: For the English who read this, when I say "track pants" I mean "track troussers" ****
The christmas holidays have taken my "Taste Test" across the ocean, where I have been enthusiastically sampling the holiday treats and cultural staples in Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich and Zurich. (I am currently in Salzburg, looking forward to Munich and Zurich)
Does it ever occur to me to taste the local salads or vegtable dishes?? NOOOOOOOO!!!
It is all about the deep fried goodness of Schnitzel and how many different kinds of Bratwurst (sausage) I can try in a 2 week period. And when a person has had enough of these treats there are all the local desserts to try. Hhhmmmmmm.... STRUDEL....
(there were other desserts but I can't spell them)
It hasn't all been about the food, there is of course BEER!!! Not only beer, but local liquers (Mom, Dad I am sending some home to you), wines, and punches.
For those of you on my facebook, look forward to lots of new and exciting additions to the "FOODS I HAVE EATEN" picture album. As for the rest of you, I'll put together a slide show for when I return.
CHEERS
***Actual details of the trip will be coming in a soon to follow post***
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
My new car
Hopefully it wil last the year!!
