My time in Germany has been just lovely! I arrived on a frosty morning in Leipzig and took a bus and a train to Dresden where I was met by Kristin. It was a lovely trip (that of it which I can remember, as I fell asleep so many times on the journey!) The trees were all a lovely frosty white, and after four London winters and one trip to Canada that failed to produce typical Canadian winter weather I was well ready for cold, ice and snow!
After adventures with bratworst and mustard we took a train to some little place near her village, where her brother picked us up and took us further still to her little village of Weifa. It is one of those sleepy little villages that one dreams of...it has little winding roads and her parents live at the top of a hill (I think...we always seem to be going up when we drive there!). There are lots of typical German houses (according to the Pantkes...I cannot speak well enough of German architecture to comment on what a typical or atypical German house may be) here and the Pantke's home was warm and cozy when I arrived. Soon after I arrived I was seated at a table lit with candles for coffee and stollen. One can't complain!
On the 23rd we went to church. I am afraid I was still a bit tired from the excitement and fell asleep (I think I wouldn't have if the sermon was in a language I could understand!). I woke up just in time to hear the pastor make reference to Canada. Apparently the comment he made was something to the effect of "the Holy Spirit fills even people in Canada". I can't help but to think that he noticed my little snooze!! After church we got bundled up (it was stupidly cold, but good for me to be reminded of what winter is really like!) and I was treated to a trip to a Christmasmarkt in Dresden where I bought a pyramide - a wooden rotating Christmas scene that is powered by candles. It is pretty neat. We went to a cathedral that has only recently been reopened after the bombing of Dresden during WWII. Its name is "The Womans Cathedral" (in German of course). I don't know why it is called that. It just is!
On Christmas Eve day we went to church in 16:30. It was very cold, but lovely to have an authentic "Stille Nacht" singing experience. Afterwards Kristin and I went out to walk the dog. We were walking along a ridge between two villages that were in the valley below. The bells from the little churches from both villages were echoing though the valleys on either side of this, and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. My soul wanted to cry with the beauty and wonder of it, but it was far too cold out and my body wouldn't let me! We then came home and we "kids" sat upstairs while the parents got the living room ready. We came down to a room lit with candles, the Christmas tree (with real candles!!) and lovely Christmas music playing. There were piles of presents under the tree (and a little pile for Rachel, another guest, and I). We opened presents, took pictures and then ate dinner. I wondered what "Christmas Day" would bring after such excitement!
This morning we got up, had breakfast and then went on a little drive to the Czech Republic! It is about 20 mins from Weifa, but it is amazing what differences 100 metres and a border can make in people's lives. The Czech side of the border seemed quite sad, really. There were run down houses and towns that looked as though they had seemed happier days. As soon as we crossed the border back into Germany, the differences were remarkable. It made me realise that there are many bits of European history we were never taught in school (or maybe taught but I forgot? Sorry Mr Talbot!!) I have yet to have my Christmas pudding, but hopefully will soon. I am afraid though, that since there are 8 of us I brought one to feed 12. I have since learned that I may be the only one who likes Christmas Pudding. Silly me! Doesn't one know not to bring Christmas Pudding as a gift? Ha ha! Never mind. I shall eat it and be merry!
I will post some pictures and videos soon. They are mainly for the benefit of my family, but all are welcomed to see them (obviously...or I wouldn't blog them!!!)
I think tomorrow will be made up of another trip to Dresden to see family and friends and then on Thursday (I think) it is off to Berlin!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Still here!
I know! Back with a vengeance and then a fizzle...
I have recently become addicted to John Lewis. I get that "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feeling when I get there. I don't buy much. I just walk around looking at and touching things. I realised I may have to stop when I was approached by a salesperson in the area rugs section of the store. It wasn't until he burst me from my reverie that I realised I was absentmindedly happily caressing a lovely textured (and very expensive) rug and singing to myself. When he said "Can I help you?" I wish I had thought of something witty to say, but instead I embarrassingly mumbled "No thanks...just looking" and shuffled off. Oh dear.
I had a concert last night. I think we did rather well. There was an absolutely dreamy violinist in the front row of the orchestra. The way his elbow jutted in and out and his head bobbed around when he played was just do die for, Oh! The passion of a musician! But at the end of the concert, instead of turning around and declaring "whose lovely alto voice is that among a choir of 80? We must run away into the sunset together" he packed his violin and his suitcase (he didn't wear his dinner suit home) and fiddled himself out of my life forever. *sigh* He was sitting in the front and centre of the front row, but my friends in the audience insist they didn't see him. Was I dreaming it? Oh well...maybe next concert I'll find a cellist to pounce on.
My friend Laura and her husband have just moved here from Toronto I am meeting up with them this morning and have just realised I have 20 minutes to have a shower, breakfast, wrap a present for them and go....
I have recently become addicted to John Lewis. I get that "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feeling when I get there. I don't buy much. I just walk around looking at and touching things. I realised I may have to stop when I was approached by a salesperson in the area rugs section of the store. It wasn't until he burst me from my reverie that I realised I was absentmindedly happily caressing a lovely textured (and very expensive) rug and singing to myself. When he said "Can I help you?" I wish I had thought of something witty to say, but instead I embarrassingly mumbled "No thanks...just looking" and shuffled off. Oh dear.
I had a concert last night. I think we did rather well. There was an absolutely dreamy violinist in the front row of the orchestra. The way his elbow jutted in and out and his head bobbed around when he played was just do die for, Oh! The passion of a musician! But at the end of the concert, instead of turning around and declaring "whose lovely alto voice is that among a choir of 80? We must run away into the sunset together" he packed his violin and his suitcase (he didn't wear his dinner suit home) and fiddled himself out of my life forever. *sigh* He was sitting in the front and centre of the front row, but my friends in the audience insist they didn't see him. Was I dreaming it? Oh well...maybe next concert I'll find a cellist to pounce on.
My friend Laura and her husband have just moved here from Toronto I am meeting up with them this morning and have just realised I have 20 minutes to have a shower, breakfast, wrap a present for them and go....
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Creaking Door
Crreeeeaaaaak!
Well, the door to the blog has been reopened, and although slightly rusty it appears to be in good enough working order (it let me in at any rate!)
After a 6 month hiatus, I finally have a computer, internet connection and some inspiration...
I imagine I will have to email my regular circle of readers to let you know I'm back in action but that's the least I can do after abandoning you all for so long!
More later...and regularly!
Well, the door to the blog has been reopened, and although slightly rusty it appears to be in good enough working order (it let me in at any rate!)
After a 6 month hiatus, I finally have a computer, internet connection and some inspiration...
I imagine I will have to email my regular circle of readers to let you know I'm back in action but that's the least I can do after abandoning you all for so long!
More later...and regularly!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Order of the Brown Nose
In addition to being in the Guardian, it would seem that the Flatmate and I have now been spotted and featured* in the Private Eye too!
http://www.private-eye.co.uk
This is quite an honour because as my friend Matt says "You cannot get yourself into the Private Eye...you have to be chosen"It was all exciting as we thought of responses to the man who nominated us. At first I thought we were being mocked but then I realised that in order to put us into the Private Eye, this guy would have to read the Guardian too (dork!) and even read the "Nice to Meet You" column (dorkier!) and then I felt better. We think we might invite him around for coffee and croissants some morning (or, as the Flatmate said, only 1/2 a croissant, because after all, we only have £1.40 to spend).
*mentioned
My sister is in London for a few days. The visit got off on a bit of a rough start as a stream of tube cancellations, runnings late and late/absent busses left us wandering London in the pouring rain until 1:00, but today was grand. There's an amazing photography exhibit at the Tate. I am now a member and can go to all of these things for FREE and I can even have a coffee in the members lounge after now! Am I poshing it up or WHAT?
My other highlights of this weekend have included garden centres, drinks with friends and watching the toddler of a friend of a friend produce mammoth poos in her bathroom, but the joyous stories of potty training will have to wait.
The sister and I are off to make a mom-classic recipe for dinner tonight. Gosh, I wish I hadn't blogged those two bits in succession!
http://www.private-eye.co.uk
This is quite an honour because as my friend Matt says "You cannot get yourself into the Private Eye...you have to be chosen"It was all exciting as we thought of responses to the man who nominated us. At first I thought we were being mocked but then I realised that in order to put us into the Private Eye, this guy would have to read the Guardian too (dork!) and even read the "Nice to Meet You" column (dorkier!) and then I felt better. We think we might invite him around for coffee and croissants some morning (or, as the Flatmate said, only 1/2 a croissant, because after all, we only have £1.40 to spend).
*mentioned
My sister is in London for a few days. The visit got off on a bit of a rough start as a stream of tube cancellations, runnings late and late/absent busses left us wandering London in the pouring rain until 1:00, but today was grand. There's an amazing photography exhibit at the Tate. I am now a member and can go to all of these things for FREE and I can even have a coffee in the members lounge after now! Am I poshing it up or WHAT?
My other highlights of this weekend have included garden centres, drinks with friends and watching the toddler of a friend of a friend produce mammoth poos in her bathroom, but the joyous stories of potty training will have to wait.
The sister and I are off to make a mom-classic recipe for dinner tonight. Gosh, I wish I hadn't blogged those two bits in succession!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tony and Me
I think most of my readers (whoever is still around) will know that as soon as my work permits, leave to remain, etc come back I will be giving my notice at my current job.
I thought it might be great if Tony and me had the same last days. Maybe he'd join me for a pint after work...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6639945.stm
I thought it might be great if Tony and me had the same last days. Maybe he'd join me for a pint after work...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6639945.stm
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Is it an automatic two-for-one deal?
Maybe someone can offer some insight...
Here's the situation... I wanted to have a chilled afternoon at a pub to commemorate my third anniversay of being in the UK. I sent an evite to the relevent parties...some have partners, some don't. The thing is, I invited the people I did because they're people who have made my time here lovely and significant. One responded saying that he could come, but his partner probably couldn't. To which I thought "well, she wasn't invited!" I've only met her once, and while she seemed nice enough, and is someone I'd maybe like to get to know better, I was not sure if it was snobby of me to be a bit taken aback at his automatic assumption that she could come along too, or if that's a normal part of this "two becoming one" funny marriage business.
What are the boundaries here? Am I a jerk? Is it a wrong assumption to make that people can maintain a bit of their individual identities after they get hitched? I think it's the automatic presumption of "we" that gets to me. If he had called and said "can she come along?" I probably would have happily said yes. But what if I was planning on revealing to them all some horrible disease or condition I had been diagnosed with and having strangers there would make it difficult to do so. You never know in these situations. That's why I will never presume if I ever have any sort of a relationship. But the likelihood of that seems a long way off, so for now I will remain a grumpy and exclusive singleton.
OK. Maybe I am a big jerk.
Here's the situation... I wanted to have a chilled afternoon at a pub to commemorate my third anniversay of being in the UK. I sent an evite to the relevent parties...some have partners, some don't. The thing is, I invited the people I did because they're people who have made my time here lovely and significant. One responded saying that he could come, but his partner probably couldn't. To which I thought "well, she wasn't invited!" I've only met her once, and while she seemed nice enough, and is someone I'd maybe like to get to know better, I was not sure if it was snobby of me to be a bit taken aback at his automatic assumption that she could come along too, or if that's a normal part of this "two becoming one" funny marriage business.
What are the boundaries here? Am I a jerk? Is it a wrong assumption to make that people can maintain a bit of their individual identities after they get hitched? I think it's the automatic presumption of "we" that gets to me. If he had called and said "can she come along?" I probably would have happily said yes. But what if I was planning on revealing to them all some horrible disease or condition I had been diagnosed with and having strangers there would make it difficult to do so. You never know in these situations. That's why I will never presume if I ever have any sort of a relationship. But the likelihood of that seems a long way off, so for now I will remain a grumpy and exclusive singleton.
OK. Maybe I am a big jerk.
Famous as famous can be!
Katrin and I appeared in the Guardian on Saturday...
I tried to find the link to it, but since I couldn't, you'll just have to look at the picture we put in instead!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Swimming...swimming...
Yesterday Danni, her friend Siobhain and I signed up to do a Swim Trek holiday in the Lake District...
http://www.swimtrek.com/lakes_weekender.htm
I was sitting in the hot tub (although for some reason it was more luke warm than hot this morning) at the gym (I was starting my training in the pool) watching the snow falling into the little wooded area beyond thinking that I felt more like I was in the Rockies than in London preparing for a swimming holiday!
It seems like it will be fantastic - we will be swimming across:
Buttermere, Wast Water and Crummock Water. I realised this morning though, that if I am to enjoy the scenery I may have to side-stroke or back stroke the whole time!
I found some amazing photos of them online (from Creative Common, even) but this stupid internet connection at work (tsk tsk) won't let me post them. I know I say this all the time, but I may have to break down and buy a computer at get internet at home. I hate the idea of falling into debt just so I can update my blog and tootle around on photoshop, etc, but it may be necessary!
http://www.swimtrek.com/lakes_weekender.htm
I was sitting in the hot tub (although for some reason it was more luke warm than hot this morning) at the gym (I was starting my training in the pool) watching the snow falling into the little wooded area beyond thinking that I felt more like I was in the Rockies than in London preparing for a swimming holiday!
It seems like it will be fantastic - we will be swimming across:
Buttermere, Wast Water and Crummock Water. I realised this morning though, that if I am to enjoy the scenery I may have to side-stroke or back stroke the whole time!
I found some amazing photos of them online (from Creative Common, even) but this stupid internet connection at work (tsk tsk) won't let me post them. I know I say this all the time, but I may have to break down and buy a computer at get internet at home. I hate the idea of falling into debt just so I can update my blog and tootle around on photoshop, etc, but it may be necessary!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I might get some wellies!!!
I have put in an application to work at a horse stable with people with special needs. It would involve things like helping people ride as well as doing chores, mucking out stables, etc. It occured to me that if I am to do this, I might need a pair of my very own wellies! I want to get cute ones with little ducks or flowers on them...
Monday, March 12, 2007
Straight at the Roundabout
I saw my dream boy in Wales on the weekend... He was rugged and walking along the coast in outdoorsy clothes with a fishing pole in one hand and a tesco bag with fish in the other. It was all going so well...the vibes as he marched 20 feet ahead of me along the path were so strong...then we drove away from the parking lot barely two minutes apart...but then it all went wrong when he went straight at the roundabout...
Friday, March 09, 2007
Why I don't blog much anymore
Something at work has changed and I am not even able to access blogger from my computer anymore (well, actually, I can access it but when I try to post it always tell me my page isn't found). It's the same with my email. Anyways, I am (covertly) trying to work on the situation, so for those of you who actually look here from time to time, I hope to be back soon. But then again, I think I mostly waffled anyways...
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Snow London Snow!
This city finally did me proud this morning and got a snow fall that would seem substantial, even by my snow-snob Canadian standards!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6338151.stm
It was very exciting to see London dealing with the biggest snowfall of the century thus far (ha ha ha...) I took a few pictures, but sadly my day of fun was interrupted by work (blah). But still, I had a long meandering walk to work and took a few pictures...I wish I could have taken more, but I've learned my lesson and will now always live a drive away from work...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6338151.stm
It was very exciting to see London dealing with the biggest snowfall of the century thus far (ha ha ha...) I took a few pictures, but sadly my day of fun was interrupted by work (blah). But still, I had a long meandering walk to work and took a few pictures...I wish I could have taken more, but I've learned my lesson and will now always live a drive away from work...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Entertainment a-la cheap
I have a lot of extra expenses for February, so I am going to need to find cheap ways of entertaining myself...
My thoughts thus far are:
- Spend a morning taking photos in the docklands (it doesn't get expensive until I really like them and want to enlarge and frame them)
- watch borrowed DVDs (and yes Rich, that includes the Godfather series, so you WILL have it back by the end February)
- sorting and organising things that I've been putting off for months
I am also going to hunt down some inexpensive recipes:
- Shepherd's pie
- Mom's stew
- the beans and pasta that have been in my cupboards for ages...
I'd be happy for any suggestions for either of the above!
My thoughts thus far are:
- Spend a morning taking photos in the docklands (it doesn't get expensive until I really like them and want to enlarge and frame them)
- watch borrowed DVDs (and yes Rich, that includes the Godfather series, so you WILL have it back by the end February)
- sorting and organising things that I've been putting off for months
I am also going to hunt down some inexpensive recipes:
- Shepherd's pie
- Mom's stew
- the beans and pasta that have been in my cupboards for ages...
I'd be happy for any suggestions for either of the above!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Getting to that age...
I had a conversation with a friend on Sunday evening who told me about her Saturday night.
"I was out clubbing until 3:00 a.m. and when I woke up this morning I thought 'I am too old to do this'. Then I fell asleep in my chair and woke up with drool on my shoulder. Then I thought 'I'm too old to go clubbing, but too young to wake up with drool on my shoulder'"
Ha ha ha!
"I was out clubbing until 3:00 a.m. and when I woke up this morning I thought 'I am too old to do this'. Then I fell asleep in my chair and woke up with drool on my shoulder. Then I thought 'I'm too old to go clubbing, but too young to wake up with drool on my shoulder'"
Ha ha ha!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Washing The Undies
According the something in the National Post (which I only read because a copy was sitting next to me on the GO Train) on 03 January, "washing the undies" is "blogging about the most tedious, minute, personal non-events". I certainly hope that's not what I subject ya'll to! But I suppose if I do, all I can say is "why do you keep coming back?" :)
I can't believe I leave tomorrow. I decided to come home and pack in this afternoon so that I can have a fun night with friends tonight and a relaxed time with my sister tomorrow (and also so I can find out how much room I have so I can figure out how many Montreal Bagels I can fit in my bag!) I feel very sad. I'm not ready to go back. I was listening to my Joel Plaskett album and tuned in to what he was actually singing just in time to hear:
Someone whispered in my ear
“It’s not like it was before”
I don’t know what happened here
I guess we just got bored
The good old days
Well I suppose, I’m glad they’re behind us now
The only thing worse than growing up
Is never quite learning how
Late at night we toss and we turn
Lay awake ‘til dawn
We close our eyes as the sun comes up we’re gone
Flatmate, be warned...this has probably replaced Death Cab for Cutie as the tear-jerking song! Don't worry though...on the same album is a remedy...but I won't bore the other readers by explaining...that would just be washing my undies.
Time to pack...and then we'll see...
I can't believe I leave tomorrow. I decided to come home and pack in this afternoon so that I can have a fun night with friends tonight and a relaxed time with my sister tomorrow (and also so I can find out how much room I have so I can figure out how many Montreal Bagels I can fit in my bag!) I feel very sad. I'm not ready to go back. I was listening to my Joel Plaskett album and tuned in to what he was actually singing just in time to hear:
Someone whispered in my ear
“It’s not like it was before”
I don’t know what happened here
I guess we just got bored
The good old days
Well I suppose, I’m glad they’re behind us now
The only thing worse than growing up
Is never quite learning how
Late at night we toss and we turn
Lay awake ‘til dawn
We close our eyes as the sun comes up we’re gone
Flatmate, be warned...this has probably replaced Death Cab for Cutie as the tear-jerking song! Don't worry though...on the same album is a remedy...but I won't bore the other readers by explaining...that would just be washing my undies.
Time to pack...and then we'll see...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Getting ready to get back on the horse...
This photo is courtesy of Andrea.... I am in love with this new blogger/flickr feature!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
I fell in love by accident
Last night I was walking down Spadina to pick up some bits on the way to Liz's for dinner. I hadn't been in this area at night since I lived here and I was recalling how my flatmates and I would meander down Spadina at night quite regularly. I was suddenly overwhelmed by how much I love the Spadina/Kensingston Market area. At no point did I ever think that I'd end up loving and missing Toronto as much as I do...but I do. I fell in love with Toronto by accident, I guess!
I fell in love by accident part 2
I had forgotten how much I love Spadina at night. I felt so much at home that I could have walked all the way to Front St (but I didn't, because then I would have been late to see Liz!)
Benches at Trinity Square, Toronto
I quite liked this picture I took when I was walking around Toronto with Andrea on Monday. I have probably sat on these benches dozens of times...I wanted to remember the hours I've spent sitting in Toronto whiling away the hours! My sister is in a choir that does lots of concerts here too....
Paper boxes on Bay St
This is my experiment!!! I have successfully connected blogger and flickr! Yay me!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Hockey Night!
I decided yesterday that I really wanted to go see the Leafs game! I tried to get returns and late releases but there were none to be had. I didn't consider scalpers because I thought they were illegal. But then Andrea (bless her little cotton socks), even though she had no interest in going herself decided that she would ask the Policemen at the ACC if it was illegal ("excuse me, is buying tickets from scalpers illegal?) Well, as it turns out, selling is, but buying isn't. So, I decided that since I am only in Toronto on occasion these Yesterday afternoon I had the great idea of trying to get tickets for the Leafs game. I tried anddays, I would figure out the morality of it later, and go for it! Andrea went home (having zero interest in watching the game) and Ashley joined me, so we waited for the game to start and then went and got our tickets! We payed face value for them (which helped the morality issue a bit) and then went to find our seats. On our way in I said to Ashley "are we even sitting together?" That's when we learned our first lesson...check these things before buying them! As it turns out, our seats were quite far apart. So, we went to her gate, explained the situation to the pleasant man there (Ashley very cleverly said "we accidentally got seats that aren't together...a thin disguise, but an attempt nonetheless!" and asked if we could sit together if we could find two empty seats. We were told no. So we decided to try my gate. When we got to mine, we were asked to wait for a break in the play so Ashley cleverly hid herself in the crowd of people waiting and we managed to find two seats together! Honestly, this is the most rebellious I think I've been in my whole life!
Mats (my hero) scored two goals and had one assist!
This is a post-fight spread of sticks and gloves (I've mostly posted this one for Rich who seems to think there is nothing to hockey but fights!)
The zambonis between periods for those who have never seen zambonis before!
Again, I hope to post videos eventually, but presently, I have some lunch to be had and
some
Ashley and I capturing the moment!
Mats (my hero) scored two goals and had one assist!
This is a post-fight spread of sticks and gloves (I've mostly posted this one for Rich who seems to think there is nothing to hockey but fights!)
The zambonis between periods for those who have never seen zambonis before!
Again, I hope to post videos eventually, but presently, I have some lunch to be had and
someAshley and I capturing the moment!
New Years
Andrea and I had a night of East Coastness, whereby we cooked lobster, listened to East Coast Music and watched Anne of Green Gables.This is (was) my new little buddy, Dinner...
This is Dinner having a bath...
This is Dinner fulilling her destiny...
This is Andrea's friend Barnacle being prepared...
mmmmmm...Dinner....
Visiting the PU...
I'm not sure how my family feel about appearing on my blog, so I lposted pictures from around town instead. You will note how there is noooo snow! I couldn't believe it! One can't take pictures of cold, and it was indeed that!The Canal in late afternoon light...
Encountering some wild turkeys on the road (this was after Christmas, so they didn't double as dinner...
The teeny bit of snow we did get! (This is a snow plough, for those of you who haven't seen one before!)The suspension bridge...
Well...this is the river the bridge goes over...
The bridge...
Separating us and certain death (and it doesn't help that the bridge goes bounce, bounce, bounce when you walk across!
From Canadia...
It would seem that while I have been away, I have been far busier than I had imagined I would be, so instead of updating chronologically, I will be doing some updates thematically. Thanks to Andrea's help and some trial and error on my part, I am learning how to post videos too, so stay tuned for fun updates (please be aware though, that due to plans and the trial and error process this may take a while!)
Wish me luck!!!!
Wish me luck!!!!
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