London, Paris, Munich, Oh My - Day 4

*Side Note: My laptop has died, so I'm using my iPhone to do this post. As amazing as my iPhone is, I don't have access to all the photos this way, and it's a bit harder to get the right layout. However, I wanted to blog before I forget details!

On Monday, February 18th, Denise and I had 2 activities planned.

Activity #1 - Harry Potter Studio Tour!

I had been waiting for this for months as it had been something I wanted to do since before coming to London. The tickets were booked back in December as soon as I knew Denise was coming!

The Warner Brother studio for Harry Potter is located in Leavesdon, in the Northwest of London about 20 miles out. We took the Tube as far north as we could to Watford Junction were a shuttle bus met us to take us to the studio itself!

I was beyond excited! I couldn't wait to just take in the whole experience.

Our tour time was for 10:30 so we got in line around 10:20, after enjoying a Starbucks coffee on our arrival.

I don't want to ruin the magic and excitement of the entrance for anyone who may visit the Harry Potter studios in the future, but it was unreal. I still find it hard to believe that I saw the real doors of the entrance to the Dining Hall, as well as other sets and costumes.

We even got to go in to a green screen room and ride a broomstick, as well as drive the flying car from The Chamber of Secrets book. That was so cool! Mind you it's tricky to follow a green screen. That's what I learned. I don't know how those weather people do it!

The Weasley's Kitchen

I knocked on the door of the Dursleys house where Harry grew up too! No one was home though...

I also got to try Butter Beer, yum! It tasted like root beer and creme eggs. :) I wish I could buy it at Sainsburys or Waitrose! Haha.

Infront of the Knight Bus!

The model they use to shoot scenes of the outside of Hogwarts

It was also Wand Week at the studio, so I learned some defensive wand moves. I could now attempt to fight a Dementor...but it's a good thing they aren't real because I don't think I'd stand a chance!
But, I could practice because I now own my very own wand! I bought a replica of Hermione's at the gift shop (because she's my favourite - she has brains and beauty). It's a pretty cool souvenir.

So, watch out Finchley! I'm armed now...haha.

We spent about 4 hours or so at the studios, then headed back to Finchley Road for quiet time and a quick dinner before our night at the theatre!

Viva Forever!

A story about a young girl named Viva who is propelled into the world of a reality tv singing competition. However, she learns that life in the spotlight isn't what it seems and her relationships are put to the test...all while singing Spice Girls songs!

It was a well done show, and Denise and I enjoyed being in the front row! Right behind the keyboardist. I liked peeking at his sheet music to see what the title of the next musical piece was.

I do recommend the show for anyone in London who likes the Spice Girls or just likes music. The characters are comedic as well, and it's a very British production!

I definitely came out singing and dancing!

London, Paris, Munich Oh My! - Day 1 - 3

Day 1 - Friday, February 15th.

Let the adventure begin!

I began by taking the train out to Gatwick Airport to give Denise a proper welcome! It's a good thing I wasn't waiting at the airport tooooo long, because even as people were arriving and loved ones were greeting in the time before Denise came out of arrivals I was already getting emotional. So, when Denise arrived it was like a release of emotion as she came out of the doors! Yay my best friend had arrived!

We made our way to 106 Finchley and Denise dropped her bags off and freshened up, after lugging her 50 lb suitcase up and down stairs to the tube stations that weren't step-free, and then finally up to the flat above the bank that I call home.

Then we headed out, our first destination you ask? My favourite spot in London. The place that makes me actually feel like I am in London, England.

The London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminister Bridge. There was a man playing the bagpipes there (my 3rd favourite instrument of all-time). So, I got a picture with him, obviously.

After that, we got our tickets for our ride on the London Eye!

On the London Eye, and there's Big Ben - my favourite building in London!

Enjoying our ride!

Following our ride on the London Eye, we decided to visit the Aquarium (Denise is a big fan of underwater creatures). While at first I was kind of mellow about the idea, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a really neat experience. Here are some of the best photos!

Starfish!

It's Dori! It's Dori!

Check out that sea turtle! Sad fact of the day: Sea turtles mistake plastic grocery bags for jelly fish (one of their main sources of food) and this can kill them. :(

NEMO!!

And the BEST part? PENGUINS! Penguins. In. London. AMAZING!

After spending a good hour (or more!) in the Aquarium, we were about ready to start heading home to Finchley Road. But before we did, we walked past Westminister Abbey and took some more pictures with my beautiful clock tower, Big Ben. 

We followed Bridge Road and walked through the Queen's Jubilee Gardens as we made our way to Buckingham Palace. It still amazes me how London has so many green parks in their city. I feel like London appreciates it's green space a lot more than cities in North America do. It's amazing how you can be in a park and immediately escape the hustle and bustle of the city street within minutes.

That evening Denise enjoyed bonding with my roommates as we played cards and enjoyed some alcoholic drinks! 

Day 2 - Saturday, February 16th

It's shopping day!

Portobello Road Market is the market I chose for Denise to experience for 2 reasons. Reason #1 - I hadn't been to this market yet, or the Notting Hill area so it would be something new for me too. Reason #2 - This market is Taylor Swift's favourite place in London. 

Portobello Road Market is a market that mostly features stalls of antiques, jewellary, and other knick knacks. I would describe the overall vibe in one word as quaint. 

And did you know that George Orwell, famous author of 1984 and Animal Farm lived on Portobello Road at one time?

Also on Portobello Road? A Hummingbird Cafe. :) So, I purchased a Chocolate Malt cupcake to enjoy with my lunch.

After our walk here, I took Denise for more shopping at Westfield's Shepherds Bush. My second favourite place in London.

On Saturday night, Denise enjoyed her first authentic London pub experience at The Washington on nearby Primrose Hill Road. I actually had myself Bangers and Mash for the first time! Pretty decent I must say. lol. Thank you Mark, Marzena, and Amir for joining in on this experience too! 

Day 3 - Sunday, February 17th

I thought I would show Denise some of the local sites, so Abbey Road here we come! This is in the St. John's Wood area which is NW8 postcode area of London. I live in NW3, so in London speak that is in the relative neighbourhood!

We continued on to my 3rd favourite place in London - Primrose Hill. I can't wait until spring and summer time when I can take a book to Primrose Hill and read, while taking in the atmosphere of the park and the city skyline of London.

For our fine dining experience of London, we chose Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen. This restaurant actually 

is "a restaurant that uses the magic of food to give unemployed young people a chance to have a better future."

The food was pretty fantastic. For antipasti we had assorted breads and prosciutto meats, mozzerella cheese, mushrooms, and then also glazed carrots, beets, and olives (which I let Denise enjoy on her own). For a main course, I had some tasty potato gnocchi with goat cheese. But of course, the best part was dessert. A yummy dark chocolate brownie with double whipped cream. Simply amazing.

Our next stop was a surprise for Denise. We headed to King's Cross station to find Platform 9 3/4, the famous platform that Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, and the rest of the wizards take to get to the train to take them to their magical famous school that is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The last adventure of the day? Taking the tube to Piccadilly circus and enjoying a double decker bus ride from Piccadilly Circus home to Finchley Road via the famous Regent Street and Oxford Street. I figured this was the best way for Denise to see this area without actually having to be in the crowd on the sidewalks. She enjoyed it, so yay me! Smart idea. I do have them once in a while. :)

Together by the fountain in the middle of Piccadilly Circus.

For dinner, Denise was going to experience cooking in 106 Finchley's tiny kitchen but I kind of forgot that it was Sunday and so we didn't make it to the grocery store before it closed at 5 pm. Oops! So, Denise experienced British McDonald's instead. :P

And right now, I'm pretty certain I live with the best group of 20 somethings currently in London. Honourable mention goes to Matthew Porter, who is the craziest Aussie I know. On Saturday he finally got his compound bow, and now I believe that at any moment an arrow could be shot at something in my vicinity. Here he is in all his glory! (I actually think his outfit now makes him look a bit Canadian, what do you think?)

Then there is Kelly, who is a sweet and caring person that I enjoy hallway meetings with (haha!). I'm so glad that our bedroom doors are right next to each other, because she has to pass by and say 'hey girl', and this is one of my favourite times of the day.

Jennifer and Jason, are one of the cutest couples I know. Plain and simple. I love you guys.

Marzena, well she is just awesome. 

Mark, the newest addition to the Finchley Road family, well I'm just glad he is here. I'm enjoying getting to know him, and even though I fell asleep for a good part of the movie Flight that we saw together last weekend, I still enjoyed myself! haha. 

And Denise, well you know I just love you. Best friends forever. 

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's the year of the Snake! And guess what...that's my year!!

So, this weekend I joined in London's celebrations of the Chinese New Year. On Saturday I visited China Town with Jennifer and Jason, where we were entertained by a dragon doing a dance with drums on the street. We also enjoyed a buffet lunch. We figured we couldn't leave without at least having a spring roll! And since we couldn't find anywhere to just have a spring roll, we said 'Hey! Let's just eat the buffet!'.



On Sunday, Kelly, Matt, and I went to Leicester Square for the Chinese New Year parade. My first parade in London! While it was drizzling rain and cold, it was still cool to watch.

The best part, the dragon at the beginning of the parade! 

This seems straight out of Oliver Twist or Les Mis or something. Not really sure what they are doing in a Chinese New Year parade...

Happy Chinese New Year! 

This Is The New Year

This Is The New Year - Originally by Ian Axel but covered by the Cast of Glee on January 31st's episode. - Youtube it if you like at This Is The New Year - Glee Cast

Another year you made a promise,Another chance to turn it all around.And do not save this for tomorrow,Embrace the past and you can live for now.
And I, will give the world to you.
Speak louder than the words before you,And give them meaning no one else has found.The role we play is so important,We are the voices of the underground.
And I, will give the world to you.
Say everything you've always wanted,Be not afraid of who you really are.Cause in the end we have each other,And that's at least one thing worth living for.
And I, will give the world to you.
A million suns that shine upon me,A million eyes, you are the brightest blue.Let's tear the walls down that divide us,And build a statue strong enough for two.
But let's, get back, to you,And I, will wait, for you.Cause I, would give the world,And I, would give the world,And I, would give the world to you.
This is the new year!This is the new year, a new beginning.You made a promise, you are the brightest.We are the voices, this is the new year.We are the voices, this is the new year.A new beginning, you made a promise.We are the voices, this is the new year!
As I lay in bed this Sunday morning watching episodes of Private Practice (my latest television addiction) with a bit of a cold I can't help but actually feel comfortable. Not just comfortable in my bed under the covers, but just comfortable in London. While stressful and emotional events are still happening (like my iPhone "disappearing" 9 days ago and learning that perhaps I trust people too easily because even as a nice person I still get burned) I don't feel like flying home to Canada every minute. I like London, it's just taken me almost 5 months to adjust. I'm hopeful for my future. Supply work is hard and it's a big adjustment for a new teacher, but I can see in myself how far I've come in terms of comfort in a classroom and handling children and situations at schools. I don't dread waking up in the morning and not knowing where I will be working that day. Obviously, it's still nice to have days booked in advance, any person who likes to be prepared and plan ahead would appreciate those, but I am learning to embrace my "surprise" call days, whether it be just for a new journey to a different part of a city or perhaps a new kind of school, like the all-girls school I visited last week. 
I also have awesome trips to look forward to in the next few months. My London, Munich, and Paris adventure with my best friend Denise will commence in 12 days! I have an exciting train excursion trip to the South of France with my Mom at the beginning of April. 
So maybe I don't have as many touristy adventures to write about now and perhaps I don't explore as much as I did at the beginning, but I'm enjoying my time here. If that means watching Private Practice episodes and other tv shows or movies on Netflix, or listening to music, or reading, or just playing cards and having good laughs with my roommates, does it matter? In a way I feel settled. And excited, especially about something that may just be too premature to share right yet. But I have hope, I have hope for love and friendships and a great 2013. 
"Embrace the past and you can live for now". Everything we go through impacts our present self. If I hadn't of had all of the experiences and ups and downs, heart breaks and happy moments I have had, I wouldn't be exactly who I am today. "Be not afraid of who you really are" I like me. Even when I have had my doubts I still deep down believe things happen for a reason and what is meant to be will be. I feel there is a deeper meaning behind everything and even though that meaning may never be exactly clear to us I will always try to figure it out. Never stop thinking, never stop feeling, and never stop hoping for tomorrow.
And perhaps a blessing and meant to be moment in disguise, but I now have a white iPhone 5! I'm just waiting for service from my provider, because a replacement SIM card can take 24 hours to activate, or longer with a weekend, but very soon I will be back and fully functioning in the iPhone world. To all you doubters out there of my need for an iPhone, if I hadn't of gotten it yesterday at the place that I got it from than something perhaps meant to be or serendipitous wouldn't have happened. I'll keep you posted <3. For now, I'll just believe and hope and wish. 

Blackheath High Junior School...

For Girls!

Today, I got a call for supply work at an all-girls prep school. The school and experience reminded me of Anne of Green Gables when Anne becomes a teacher at the private girls boarding school. The atmosphere at Blackheath High was very similar. The girls seemed very bright and hardworking, as well as helpful and friendly towards their teachers and their peers. The class sizes were smaller, a max of 22 girls in each class, with 2 or 3 classes for each year group.

It's different teaching to just girls. You realize the differences to how girls and boys learn. The majority of the work I gave the students today was work-sheet based and independent or partner based. The girls made sure their notebooks were neat and tidy, used their best handwriting all the times, and kept their books organized (using rulers at all times to underline!). Most boys just don't have these same tendencies, especially at Year 5, which is the age I was in most of the day.

I did get to do Art with a Year 3 class, where they were tracing Egyptian patterns that could be used to decorate pots and artefacts in their sketch books and then just colouring them with coloured pencils. It was so fun, I even joined in because the girls were working so quietly!

While I'm sure the girls have their share of drama between each other, it just seemed like a nice change to be in a classroom without any boys about to hit puberty or acting silly or having too much energy for their own good.

Sometimes I appreciate on-call supply days because you just don't know where you will end up. It could be a school in Tottenham (the lower-class, more urban area of the city) or it could be a lovely all-girls school! Just another opportunity that I wouldn't get supply teaching in Canada!

Shrek The Musical

On Wednesday, January 16th, I saw Shrek the Musical!

It was very well done. It told the story from the first movie, about Shrek's quest to save his swamp, that involved rescuing Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad, but in the end resulted in true love for Princess Fiona and Shrek. I enjoyed how they incorporated songs to express the feelings of the characters, in a way that wasn't done in the movie. The set was very colourful, and all of the fairy tale creatures were present. Even some of the jokes were the same from the movie.

I definitely recommend the musical for any fans of the Shrek movies!

Snow, Snow, Go Away, Come Again NEVER!

Seriously, I thought I left snow behind in Canada. I was so excited to come back to a great land of around 0 degrees temperatures, rain, and somewhat mild winters. That was the case for the first few days back, but now, this past week it's become a bit of a winter wonderland.

Mind you, there hasn't been a large amount of accumulation of snow. It comes, and then it melts and turns into slush, and then it comes again. But slush is the worst! It's about as awful as mud in my opinion. It splashes, it leaves marks on your boots, and it's just plain wet.

A lot of Britains just aren't prepared for snow either. Their reaction to an inch of snow is like Canada's reaction to a foot of snow. Should we close school early? Should we have school at all? There's panic all over the city. Trains are delayed, cars drive extremely carefully (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and people don't go outside. I mean, I guess their reactions make sense and personally I don't want to be out in the weather either. I guess when you are used to the snow it just all seems a bit silly for the actual amount of snow they get.

Anyways, I hope it leaves soon. When I complain about not liking snow, people are shocked because I'm Canadian. Then, the look on their faces when they learn I don't like hockey either!

Well, here's a couple pictures from the snowy week here across the pond!

I'm glad at least one person in our flat is excited about snow. Matt didn't even bother to put shoes or socks on!

3 Conversations in Year 3

I must say, Year 3's really do say the most interesting things! Here are 3 conversations I had today in my Year 3 class.

Conversation #1: During literacy, we were looking at headlines and article introductions and one article was about conkers. I know what you are wondering...the same thing as me. What is a conker? Well, does this look familiar...



Apparently a conker is another name for a chestnut seed AND even for the tree itself! WHO KNEW! The fact that I had these trees on my front yard growing up and I never knew that word!

Conversation #2: So, as I was walking around the classroom helping students with independent work, I noticed a girl had a One Direction water bottle. So, of course I said "I like your water bottle". She said thanks, then she asked who my favourite member was. I said Harry. "Why?" she asked. "Because he's cute and has nice hair." I said. The girls snickered. Then, she asked "Have you seen the music video for..and at this point she whispers K-I-S-S me?" I was like "You mean Kiss me, yes I have". And more snickers ensued. She then went on to imitate the way Harry dances in the video. Too cute! I'm a teacher who likes One Direction and I am proud!

Conversation #3: In Science, they are starting a unit on Teeth & Eating. So, we were talking about healthy eating, and just brainstorming foods we know that are good for us. The typical answers followed (broccoli, carrots, milk, bananas etc) and then one little girl puts up her hand. "Red wine" she says. Haha what? How old are you? I say. "Oh, do your parents drink that?". She answers "Yes, they say it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure." Oh bless you child. I then went on to admit that I drink red wine sometimes myself!

My Christmas Vacation (Pretty Much As Amazing As National Lampoon's)

Hey all!

So, after my overnight flight back across the pond, I am in London town now. Thank you to the supply pilot who covered for the original flight pilot who fell ill on route to Toronto and wasn't able to drive the plane back! It just shows that whether it be supply pilots or supply teachers, we are both equally important.

I must say that my Christmas vacation was exactly what I hoped for and more! Thank you to my adorable Mom who did not fail on the quality time front for the family. I saw 2 musical productions: Annie (which is one of my favourites!) and Top of the Pops: A British Invasion which allowed me to enjoy a slice of Britain while I was in Canada. I was taken on a secret adventure to Anna Mae's bakery in Millbank, ON for a traditional breakfast and a Mennonite homemade sugar-free (for my Diabetic Dad) cherry pie, and then visited St. Jacob's Farmers Market. I was surprised by two of my best friends at two different times. One surprise even brought me to tears it was that shocking! (You got me good Mama Jane & Chandra!). Then there was family night at Woodbine Raceway where I enjoyed the delicious buffet and cheering on the horses, and my brother and parents enjoyed placing small bets. I spent 48 hours in St. Catharines, including New Year's Eve and got to see my two favourite people who have names starting with D. And yes, I spent my New Year's Eve enjoying a great Milestones dinner and watching Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast. To all you doubters of this plan out there, YES WE HAD FUN! Plus, I got to see Taylor Swift perform at Times Square on television while curled up with my new Taylor Swift blanket. So, what could possibly top that?! Oh ya, and don't forget there was Christmas in there too! The highlight of the Christmas family time? Doing numerous trivia quizzes on Sporcle.com and playing lots of card games! I've never been so into a game as I was during that roaring match of 31! Oh ya, and I can't forget I was able to relive my glory days as a Page at Ingersoll Public Library by helping out the ladies on Wednesday night. Then, the fate which led Gail and I to Boston Pizza for dinner where we find out appetizers are half price after nine and we had the nicest waiter I've had in a long long time!

So, those are the artificial highlights of my Christmas vacation. However, there are also emotional realizations that I came to over the 16 days as well. Realization #1: I'm not ready for small-town life. That one came to me on the drive home from the airport on my very first day. Seeing country roads and cornfields and farm animals, ya not really in my near future of everyday life. Realization #2: You just can't beat quality time with people you love. There is absolutely 100% nothing better. Realization #3: Sometimes it just takes a bit of research and self-reflection to figure out what you truly want in life and what makes you happy. Once you figure that out, go and get it. Be determined, and never give up. Realization #4: Let people know how you feel, especially about them. If you love someone, tell them. If you're upset with someone, tell them. Speak up. Realization #5: I miss St. Catharines and I miss Niagara. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be doing my best to get myself back in that area when I come home in August. Oh ya, and Realization #6: I'm going to enjoy these next 7 months and be glad for the opportunities and experiences that I am able to have, but I'm moving home in August to be closer to the people who I love. Because Realization #7 (although I already knew this): People matter. Love matters. And good people and good friends are rare in this world, so when you find people that you really get along with, people who are honest and loyal, hold on to them and keep them close. Never let them go!

With all this said, I am ready to see what 2013 brings me! Taylor Swift says it's going to be a good year (13 is her number for all of you who don't know that) and I can't help but be optimistic and positive as well. :)

Here's to 2013 and the continuation of my adventure abroad!

3 More Sleeps!

I'm so excited to go home for the holidays that I am having trouble focusing on anything for a long period of time, I am listening to Christmas music ALL THE TIME, I was awake at 6 am on a Saturday, and it's hard to stay still.

Now if only my bags would pack themselves.

See you at 1:55 pm Eastern Time Canada on Wednesday the 19th! (That's at Pearson Airport in Toronto in case anyone has nothing to do and would be interested in greeting me upon arrival). I love a good reunion at an airport! :)