Part of me wants to keep my blog upbeat and happy, to reflect and record all of the great adventures and fun times I have, and those only. But if I really want to have a blog that is honest and encompasses completely my adventures abroad, then I need to include the adventure that I'm dealing with every day since I got here.
I'm homesick. Homesick like I never thought I would be. Some days I get through it better then others, but I can only ignore it or push the feelings aside for so long before it hits me again. I miss my parents. I miss my friends. I miss how much I could get accomplished in one day because I knew where to go to do this or find that. I miss driving my car BLEE. I miss Dairy Queen ice cream and Fuzzy Peaches.
It hasn't been easy to get settled here. While I know I'm lucky because I didn't have to worry about finding a place to live when I got here, and I arrived with a good career job, I still have had my own challenges. Getting a debit visa card from HSBC bank here has been a nightmare. Tomorrow will be day 21 and I may finally have it in my hand. Internet access is manageable, as you can buy dongles (mobile sticks) with limited data which is good for daily use. But I miss downloading music and watching my North American tv shows online. I miss being connected constantly on an iPhone to Facebook and Twitter, not only to keep up with my friends, but also things in the world of Hollywood and local news. I was counting on Skype to keep me in touch, but with limited internet I haven't been able to do that.
Don't get me wrong, I am enjoyed seeing the sights of London. I'm also enjoying living at 106 Finchley Road. I think the greatest group of young individuals lives here. Every one is super nice and friendly and I've never felt so comfortable in a house I've shared. Teaching is fun too, and I have one week of experience under my belt so far.
But, those great things don't take away from being vulnerable and easily brought to tears from an email from my mom or friends.
I know that this adventure is a great lifetime experience, and hopefully I'll start to feel settled in time. Plus Christmas isn't too far away and I'll be home for a visit then. I just never thought I was going to feel homesick like I do. It's yet another thing about living in London that I wasn't prepared for I guess.
Sunday 30 September 2012
M&M World!
On Saturday, September 29th, I visited M&M World in Leicester Square. It was just what it sounds like, a world (or store I guess if you want to be completely correct) of M&M chocolates! Thank you Jenn & Jason for taking me on this adventure! :) Of course, I didn't leave empty handed. My bag of M&M's featured purple coloured peanut ones, as well as the UK mix peanut ones. Then I tried dark pink regular milk chocolate, and topped it off with some M&M's with crispy centres. Jenn swears they have these back home, but I don't remember them in Canada at all.
Jenn (one of my lovely roommates) and I
Choosing my M&M's. So many to choose from!
I made my selections!
The required picture with the M&M palace guard.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Today In Year 4 I Learned...
1. That in Britain, the 2D shape that in Canada we called a trapezoid is called a trapezium.
2. The word literacy, which I pronounce as li-ter-a-cy is pronounced in Britain as li-tra-cy.
3. That boys in British classrooms like to use rulers as baseball bats and hit erasers like baseballs, just like in Canada!
What a successful learning day for Miss Hill in Year 4. :)
2. The word literacy, which I pronounce as li-ter-a-cy is pronounced in Britain as li-tra-cy.
3. That boys in British classrooms like to use rulers as baseball bats and hit erasers like baseballs, just like in Canada!
What a successful learning day for Miss Hill in Year 4. :)
Monday 24 September 2012
You Only Have One First Day...
And today was that day! And hip hip hooray I survived! My role today was a coverage teacher at Mulberry Primary School in the Tottenham area of London. Basically, I shuffled from class to class through Reception (Kindergarten) - Year 2 for 30-60 minute periods so that the classroom teacher could have a meeting with the Head Teacher (principal). I didn't know this was going to by my role, but as my fellow teachers you must be prepared for the unexpected!
There were a few pros to this role on my first day though.
1. It gave me another chance to see different classrooms to get a sense of the structure, organization, and curriculum at different Year levels.
2. If my management of a Year class was going horribly, or the time was unproductive, it was a short period of time lost in the child's day of education.
3. I was able to interact with a lot of children, and although I don't remember many names, I do remember a few! So, if I go back to that school and just have one class all day I might be somewhat familiar with them.
There were also a few cons.
1. I never really felt settled all day, as I was just in and out of classrooms. I wasn't there long enough to really try to learn children's names or set my own behaviour management techniques.
2. I had to run in and out of buildings, as the school has 3 different buildings, and it was pouring rain. I had no time to grab my coat or anything, which definitely didn't help the cold that I am trying to get over!
All in all, I enjoyed myself but I am glad for the few hours of rest I can have tonight!
As far as funny things that happened....one girl in Reception told me she didn't like my voice. A girl in Year 2 told me I sounded like a voice cartoon character on a cartoon she watches (I forget the name of it). Students burst into a fit of giggles in a Year 1 class when we were talking about the 5 Senses and things we hear, and I said "I know something I shouldn't hear that I do...children talking". For some reason, that was hilarious! (They still continued to talk however).
When I get a camera, I will post a picture of my crazy schedule of the day just for everyone to see.
All in all, first day as a teacher completed? Check!
There were a few pros to this role on my first day though.
1. It gave me another chance to see different classrooms to get a sense of the structure, organization, and curriculum at different Year levels.
2. If my management of a Year class was going horribly, or the time was unproductive, it was a short period of time lost in the child's day of education.
3. I was able to interact with a lot of children, and although I don't remember many names, I do remember a few! So, if I go back to that school and just have one class all day I might be somewhat familiar with them.
There were also a few cons.
1. I never really felt settled all day, as I was just in and out of classrooms. I wasn't there long enough to really try to learn children's names or set my own behaviour management techniques.
2. I had to run in and out of buildings, as the school has 3 different buildings, and it was pouring rain. I had no time to grab my coat or anything, which definitely didn't help the cold that I am trying to get over!
All in all, I enjoyed myself but I am glad for the few hours of rest I can have tonight!
As far as funny things that happened....one girl in Reception told me she didn't like my voice. A girl in Year 2 told me I sounded like a voice cartoon character on a cartoon she watches (I forget the name of it). Students burst into a fit of giggles in a Year 1 class when we were talking about the 5 Senses and things we hear, and I said "I know something I shouldn't hear that I do...children talking". For some reason, that was hilarious! (They still continued to talk however).
When I get a camera, I will post a picture of my crazy schedule of the day just for everyone to see.
All in all, first day as a teacher completed? Check!
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Singing Assembly
Today I spent my first day in a British school! Not teaching, just observing but it was a good day. It gave me a feel for how things go in a typical school day. I was in a Year 5 classroom (which is the age of Canada's Grade 4's) in a Junior School (Year 3-6) and the class was pretty well behaved...chatty...but well behaved.
Something different that they do in schools here is have an assembly everyday. It's a short assembly, the one I observed today was about 15 minutes long, but it's a way to get the school together and unite staff and students of all grades and ages. The awesome thing about today's assembly?...It was a singing assembly! The classes gathered together to sing a traditional song and a modern pop song. This week's pop song? Firework by Katy Perry! One of my favourites! It was awesome, and you could tell all the students enjoyed singing along too. The music was played karaoke-style, with the words going across the screen using a karaoke Youtube video. I was impressed!
The students in the class spent the afternoon learning about Ancient Greece, which is a topic student's learn about in Canada at the same age.
Today I feel more ready to begin teaching next week. Hopefully this feeling of confidence and readiness continues for 5 days!
Something different that they do in schools here is have an assembly everyday. It's a short assembly, the one I observed today was about 15 minutes long, but it's a way to get the school together and unite staff and students of all grades and ages. The awesome thing about today's assembly?...It was a singing assembly! The classes gathered together to sing a traditional song and a modern pop song. This week's pop song? Firework by Katy Perry! One of my favourites! It was awesome, and you could tell all the students enjoyed singing along too. The music was played karaoke-style, with the words going across the screen using a karaoke Youtube video. I was impressed!
The students in the class spent the afternoon learning about Ancient Greece, which is a topic student's learn about in Canada at the same age.
Today I feel more ready to begin teaching next week. Hopefully this feeling of confidence and readiness continues for 5 days!
Monday 17 September 2012
Buckingham Palace
Yesterday, I went and visited the Queen. She was a very pleasent lady. She even let me try on her some of her diamond jewels....I wish.
I didn't get to meet the Queen, but I did go on a tour of Buckingham Palace with Christine & Brian (I've known Christine since Kindergarten and I am so happy that she and her fiance Brian are here in London now as well!). You can only go on a tour of the palace for short periods of the summer and fall, so I am glad that the timing worked out for me! We walked through the many state rooms of the palace, as well as the Great Hall where they hold banquets. The entire place was very fancy, with tons of artwork hanging on the walls. Each year they have a special exhibition, so this year tourists are able to see many of the diamonds of the Royal Family in honour of the Queen's Jubilee. Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed inside the palace, but I got a few outside both of the front of Buckingham Palace and on the grounds.
In the gift shop, I found a great picture book called Katie In London by James Mayhew. Thank you Christine for spotting it! A great time was had at the Queen's place of work.
I didn't get to meet the Queen, but I did go on a tour of Buckingham Palace with Christine & Brian (I've known Christine since Kindergarten and I am so happy that she and her fiance Brian are here in London now as well!). You can only go on a tour of the palace for short periods of the summer and fall, so I am glad that the timing worked out for me! We walked through the many state rooms of the palace, as well as the Great Hall where they hold banquets. The entire place was very fancy, with tons of artwork hanging on the walls. Each year they have a special exhibition, so this year tourists are able to see many of the diamonds of the Royal Family in honour of the Queen's Jubilee. Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed inside the palace, but I got a few outside both of the front of Buckingham Palace and on the grounds.
The front of Buckingham Palace from the front gates.
Buckingham Palace from the Gardens behind the palace. What an incredibly large backyard the Palace has!
Just to prove I was there!
In the gift shop, I found a great picture book called Katie In London by James Mayhew. Thank you Christine for spotting it! A great time was had at the Queen's place of work.
Saturday 15 September 2012
Giraffe Sighting!
Yesterday, on the advice of my roommate Jenn I went adventuring to Regent's Park, which is about a 20-25 min walk from my flat on Finchley Road. The walk down Avenue Road was beautiful, lots of fancy houses. I even saw a security guard standing outside the gate of one property! When I got to Regent's Park, it was beautiful. I didn't realize the amount of green space London actually does have.
I also didn't know that Regent's Park was the home of the London Zoo. So, as I was walking along the outer circle of the path, this is what I saw...
I also didn't know that Regent's Park was the home of the London Zoo. So, as I was walking along the outer circle of the path, this is what I saw...
Woah giraffes! Right in the middle of the city of London! Crazy! I continued my walk, heading back towards my neighbourhood via Primrose Hill and Belsize Road, which is another beautiful area.
A beautiful view of the city from Primrose Hill.
When I was almost back to my flat, travelling along the street behind, I also came across this statue and monument....
So far, it seems as though there is always something to see in London. No matter where you plan your adventure to, the journey there and back will be enjoyable as well!
Friday 14 September 2012
London Discovery #2
In Canada, small children (ages 3-6 roughly) are seen often holding their parent's hand, riding along in a stroller, or often attached to a leash when walking down a city street. Here's something that I think is fabulous that small children do in London. They ride along on scooters! Not the electronic kind of course, but that kind that came out when I was a kid that are made of metal, that the child pushes along with one foot while balancing on the scooter board with the other. Of course the child is also hanging on to the handle bars as well. In Canada, the scooter is merely a toy that a child rides around in the driveway or maybe to the end of the street and back. In London, it is a method of transport and way for the child to be independent while still riding close by to their parent. Some kids are even a few feet ahead of their parent walking behind. I would encourage Canadian parents to consider this idea. Considering how busy the streets of London are at all times, I think Canadian parents are way too protective of their children on city streets than necessary. Think about it, I have been in this city for 5 days now and I haven't seen one child on a leash. If I was in Toronto, I probably would have seen atleast a handful. Right?
Now, this may be borderline stalkerish but I had to include a photo to provide you all a visual with what I mean. Luckily it came out a bit blurry anyways!
Now, this may be borderline stalkerish but I had to include a photo to provide you all a visual with what I mean. Luckily it came out a bit blurry anyways!
Thursday 13 September 2012
A Day In Dover
Dover, England that is, not Port Dover, Ontario. On Tuesday, September 11th my parents and I ventured on a day trip to this small town about 1 hour outside of London to see the famous White Cliffs of Dover. And we sure did see them! We had a personal tour guide named Mark meet us at the train station and with him we walked through the town. It was a beautiful clear day so from the shoreline we could see over to France! There is a lot of trucks (aka lorries in British speak) that drive and port here to send freights of cargo over to France for export. We hiked up to the top of the cliff and walked all along the edge. Don't worry, I didn't get to close! We visited an old lighthouse where Mark gave us a private tour! Then we headed back to the main town. In total that was about a 7 mile walk! The most I've walked in one day in a long time. We had a wonderful Indian dinner at a local restaurant there. I had fabulous Chicken Kurma. :) yummy! Before it got too late we caught a train back to London.
If you look closely you can see a path that follows close to the edge of the cliff. That is what we walked along!
London Discovery #1
Note: In these posts, I am going to either rant or rave about things that I discovery about all things London and UK.
So, let's talk about toilets. First off, I am not sure if I will be able to say "Where is the toilet?" because it sounds so personal. I think bathroom just sounds nicer. But, I might not have to worry about asking that question because I am not sure people in London really ever need a 'toilet' (or WC aka water closet. First off, you often have to pay to use them when you do find them, basically requiring you to have change (50 pence per use) on you at all times. Secondly, these toilets are so hard to find! Lots of places just don't have them, it's as simple as that. I needed one today and we came across Shoe Lane public library in our travels. I thought, I bet they have a bathroom! Guess what? NO BATHROOM! I mean what happens if you are reading, studying, playing computer poker etc. and you have to go? Our you have a young child who needs to pee all of a sudden and you don't want an accident? I guess that never happens to Londoners. Seriously. Note to self and fellow travelers to London. If you see a toilet, especially a free toilet, you better take advantage whether you really need to go or not. The other option is make sure you have a strong bladder and avoid excessive hydration.
So, let's talk about toilets. First off, I am not sure if I will be able to say "Where is the toilet?" because it sounds so personal. I think bathroom just sounds nicer. But, I might not have to worry about asking that question because I am not sure people in London really ever need a 'toilet' (or WC aka water closet. First off, you often have to pay to use them when you do find them, basically requiring you to have change (50 pence per use) on you at all times. Secondly, these toilets are so hard to find! Lots of places just don't have them, it's as simple as that. I needed one today and we came across Shoe Lane public library in our travels. I thought, I bet they have a bathroom! Guess what? NO BATHROOM! I mean what happens if you are reading, studying, playing computer poker etc. and you have to go? Our you have a young child who needs to pee all of a sudden and you don't want an accident? I guess that never happens to Londoners. Seriously. Note to self and fellow travelers to London. If you see a toilet, especially a free toilet, you better take advantage whether you really need to go or not. The other option is make sure you have a strong bladder and avoid excessive hydration.
Roughly 60 Hours In
I made it! I'm alive! My parents and I landed at Heathrow at 10 am London Time on Sunday, September 9th. From that point, it was a whirlwind trek through customs, immigration, and baggage claim. Once we had all of our luggage (4 large suitcases [3 of which were mine], 1 small carry on suitcase, and 2 other bags) we made our way to the Tube and loaded up our Oyster transit cards (not sure why they are called that, my mom said maybe because they knew nothing else would ever be called such a thing). We headed to West Hampstead to check in at Charlotte Guest House, our bed & breakfast home until Thursday. After successfully completing that with all of our luggage, we set off exploring! We ventured to look at the London Eye and Big Ben. I needed to see those to really believe I had arrived! I even saw something else I had been wanting to see, a red telephone booth!
We called it an early night because of jet lag and exhaustion (seriously, I was so exhausted that any sort of stress, decision, or change in plan brought me to tears) and I was asleep by 8 pm.
Monday morning arrives and I feel pretty rested. We ventured to breakfast (at our hotel but a few minute walk to the main reception building.) It was like eating at the United Nations. So many different nationalities all in one place, even the girls working there!
By 9:45 am we were on our way to Holborn area to meet my recruiter Sarah at Vision Teaching to do paperwork and visit HSBC bank to set up an account. We spent the afternoon in the Covent Garden area touring and exploring.
The happiest part so far happened this evening when I went to meet two of my flat mates Kelly & Jenn and found out, my room is available!!!! I can move in and get settled before the 21st!! Hallelujah!!
We called it an early night because of jet lag and exhaustion (seriously, I was so exhausted that any sort of stress, decision, or change in plan brought me to tears) and I was asleep by 8 pm.
Monday morning arrives and I feel pretty rested. We ventured to breakfast (at our hotel but a few minute walk to the main reception building.) It was like eating at the United Nations. So many different nationalities all in one place, even the girls working there!
By 9:45 am we were on our way to Holborn area to meet my recruiter Sarah at Vision Teaching to do paperwork and visit HSBC bank to set up an account. We spent the afternoon in the Covent Garden area touring and exploring.
The happiest part so far happened this evening when I went to meet two of my flat mates Kelly & Jenn and found out, my room is available!!!! I can move in and get settled before the 21st!! Hallelujah!!
The amazing London Eye, and a bright clear sky! Fact: It isn't always raining in England.
Big Ben, now known as The Elizabeth Tower after the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June, and the Thames River.
Red telephone booth!
I am already starting to adjust to city lifestyle even though it hasn't been that long.
Welcome!
Hey there, if you were lucky enough to read my first introductory post, then woo! Remember what it said. If not, no shame because I accidentally erased it in my attempt to use the Blogger iPhone app. While it caused me great grief at the time, there really isn't much I can do.
So, welcome to my blog! This is where I will detail my London adventures, including both inside and outside of the classroom. I hope you enjoy reading it and I will do my best to keep it entertaining. Bear with me as I figure out the ins and outs blogging as well. Someone once told me ''mistakes are beautiful'', so keep that in mind. Enjoy!
So, welcome to my blog! This is where I will detail my London adventures, including both inside and outside of the classroom. I hope you enjoy reading it and I will do my best to keep it entertaining. Bear with me as I figure out the ins and outs blogging as well. Someone once told me ''mistakes are beautiful'', so keep that in mind. Enjoy!
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