Here's my theory, it has to do with the que. Here in England nothing is as respected and honored as the order one stands in a line. Everyone has to stand in a line everyday for at least ten minutes a day. If someone jumps the que he/she is insulting all the people patiently waiting and could be the difference between those people getting on a bus and being on time for an appointment or being late. It is understood that if people wait their turn eventually they will be taken care of; if not, a que jumper will be the target of everyone else's disdain. Waiting in line for the bus, or the cashier may be a chronic test of my patience, but English people have been bred from infancy to be calm and wait.
This theory is the result of an afternoon spent in crowded hustling stores, and of days waiting in all sorts of weather for the bus. It is a work in progress and will require further analysis.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Friday, 20 February 2009
football
I joined the club football team. My first practice was on Monday and consequently I haven't been able to walk the entire week. hahaha. Never-the-less I had forgotten how much I love to play and I'm glad to get to play.
The coach asked me where on the pitch I played and I didn't know what to tell him. Partly because he said pitch and partly because I can't understand a single thing he says. This morning at practice I commented on the fact that I didn't have cleats, and it was his turn to give me a funny look before correcting me: blades.
The coach asked me where on the pitch I played and I didn't know what to tell him. Partly because he said pitch and partly because I can't understand a single thing he says. This morning at practice I commented on the fact that I didn't have cleats, and it was his turn to give me a funny look before correcting me: blades.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
The Bet
Sunday was just one of those days that nothing could go wrong. I just woke up in a cheerful mood. I knew from here on out everything was going to be wonderful, which in my mind meant there was going to be no more snow. So, when I shared my optimistic outlook with my friend she did what any sane person would do; she took advantage of my euphoric state. She proposed a bet: if it snowed within the next week I treated to Starbucks coffee. Of course if it didn't I would be treated to a coffee. Now, I couldn't retract my previous statement that might ruin my good mood. So I agreed. Loser bought the winner a Starbucks coffee. (In my opinion getting Starbucks is a win-win situation!)
Needless to say, before the night was out I was owed my friend a coffee. So much for my good feeling.
Needless to say, before the night was out I was owed my friend a coffee. So much for my good feeling.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Candy Land
This post will be the full account of last Saturday. Sorry it took so long for me to write it.
My alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. waking me in time to make the 8:16 train. Although exhausted, I was anxious about the anticipated train trip and move quickly to got ready. I met up with the other girls, we all looked equally as weary. None of us got a full nights sleep.
The train ride was pleasant enough, with watching the scenic countryside and nibbling scrumptious muffins. Although Tom Hanks never did come bouncing down the aisle singing hot chocolate, and the conductor didn't punch "Believe" in my train ticket, I think it's an experience I'd love to try again.
There was a mix up with what station we were suppose to be at, but with the help of some nice tickets sales personal we were able to board the correct train and get to Cadbury World, despite my faulty directions.
The walk to Cadbury Factory took about ten minutes. It was easy to find, all we had to do was follow the purple trail. As we neared the factory everything began to smell of chocolate! MMMMMMM it smelled so good.
The museum was full of fun stuff to do. We walked through an interactive stimulation that taught us the history of Cadbury Chocolate. We learned how coco beans were processed, and turned into chocolate. Then we walked through packaging center. This was my favorite part. We saw the machines, and workers that packaged the Candy and saw it being sent out all over the world! We also got to see a demonstration of some of the chocolate makers decorating ornate chocolate shoes. At every station we received a new piece of chocolate! I walked away from that museum stocked with enough chocolate for a month.
*The film documentary on how the chocolate was made featured the cheerful workers of Ghana who harvest the coco beans. At the end of the tour there was a donation display soliciting for water pumps in Ghana.*
(Okay, that wasn't the full account. I'll try to do better next time. Maybe I'll get around to editing this one.)
My alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. waking me in time to make the 8:16 train. Although exhausted, I was anxious about the anticipated train trip and move quickly to got ready. I met up with the other girls, we all looked equally as weary. None of us got a full nights sleep.
The train ride was pleasant enough, with watching the scenic countryside and nibbling scrumptious muffins. Although Tom Hanks never did come bouncing down the aisle singing hot chocolate, and the conductor didn't punch "Believe" in my train ticket, I think it's an experience I'd love to try again.
There was a mix up with what station we were suppose to be at, but with the help of some nice tickets sales personal we were able to board the correct train and get to Cadbury World, despite my faulty directions.
The walk to Cadbury Factory took about ten minutes. It was easy to find, all we had to do was follow the purple trail. As we neared the factory everything began to smell of chocolate! MMMMMMM it smelled so good.
The museum was full of fun stuff to do. We walked through an interactive stimulation that taught us the history of Cadbury Chocolate. We learned how coco beans were processed, and turned into chocolate. Then we walked through packaging center. This was my favorite part. We saw the machines, and workers that packaged the Candy and saw it being sent out all over the world! We also got to see a demonstration of some of the chocolate makers decorating ornate chocolate shoes. At every station we received a new piece of chocolate! I walked away from that museum stocked with enough chocolate for a month.
*The film documentary on how the chocolate was made featured the cheerful workers of Ghana who harvest the coco beans. At the end of the tour there was a donation display soliciting for water pumps in Ghana.*
(Okay, that wasn't the full account. I'll try to do better next time. Maybe I'll get around to editing this one.)
Monday, 2 February 2009
The Snow Came to Visit
In twenty years Leicester hasn't seen anything like it: fluffy, packable, sparkling snow. I must admit, at first, I wasn't excited to welcome this change in weather, but after experiencing the affect it has on Leicester students I've changed my mind.
Apparently, in England, snow gives everyone a free ticket to be seven again! Bands of young man stood in key positions to attack public buses with snowballs, loads of students were building snow sculptures and some were trying to sled. These escapades where nothing in comparison with the winter night life. Starting about 7:00 at night gangs of boys we moving in groups ranging from 3 to 20. All looking for unsuspecting doors, windows, or people.
I joined a group of three who were vigorously trying to roll a huge snowball into the reception hall. This comedic trio reminded me of the Princes Bride. One seemed to be the worker. He was the one doing all the dirty work of pushing the snowball and the first to piecing it together if the snow ball fell apart; I thought he could be Inigo Montoya. His friend claimed to be a decedent of Vikings, which was easy to picture because he was huge with untamed hair. Occasionally, when told step in he helped Inigo and moved the ball much farther than Inigo had in ten minutes; obviously he was Andre the Giant. Finally, the last partner was a scrawny kid who sat back and informed the other two what to do claiming he couldn't help, because he had to roll his cigarette. It was clear he was Vizzini. The dynamics between the three very amusing to watch.
I stayed with them until a regiment of fifty boys came marching our way. They all had snowballs at hand, and all were heading to the dormitory complex across the street. Quickly, I made myself a snowball and joined the ranks.
Our arrival was met head on by another troop of fifty boys. The largest snowball fight in history quickly ensued. Snowballs we thrown left and right. I had to be on constant guard. I only saw one of my attempts hit the right target; I don't know if I got more than one.
The fight ended slowly as soldiers lost their interest and one-by-one headed home. I hope that if the snow sticks, so will people's enthusiasm.
Apparently, in England, snow gives everyone a free ticket to be seven again! Bands of young man stood in key positions to attack public buses with snowballs, loads of students were building snow sculptures and some were trying to sled. These escapades where nothing in comparison with the winter night life. Starting about 7:00 at night gangs of boys we moving in groups ranging from 3 to 20. All looking for unsuspecting doors, windows, or people.
I joined a group of three who were vigorously trying to roll a huge snowball into the reception hall. This comedic trio reminded me of the Princes Bride. One seemed to be the worker. He was the one doing all the dirty work of pushing the snowball and the first to piecing it together if the snow ball fell apart; I thought he could be Inigo Montoya. His friend claimed to be a decedent of Vikings, which was easy to picture because he was huge with untamed hair. Occasionally, when told step in he helped Inigo and moved the ball much farther than Inigo had in ten minutes; obviously he was Andre the Giant. Finally, the last partner was a scrawny kid who sat back and informed the other two what to do claiming he couldn't help, because he had to roll his cigarette. It was clear he was Vizzini. The dynamics between the three very amusing to watch.
I stayed with them until a regiment of fifty boys came marching our way. They all had snowballs at hand, and all were heading to the dormitory complex across the street. Quickly, I made myself a snowball and joined the ranks.
Our arrival was met head on by another troop of fifty boys. The largest snowball fight in history quickly ensued. Snowballs we thrown left and right. I had to be on constant guard. I only saw one of my attempts hit the right target; I don't know if I got more than one.
The fight ended slowly as soldiers lost their interest and one-by-one headed home. I hope that if the snow sticks, so will people's enthusiasm.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Just Any Old Sunday
The day began as any Sunday would--getting up ridiculously to go to mass. (When I say ridiculously I mean around eight to catch the bus for 9:30 mass.) Unbeknown to myself, or Megan, bus don't start running until 9:31 on Sunday mornings. Now 9:30 mass being out of the question, we settle on getting breakfast to waste time until 11:00 mass started.
The first place we find is Leicester's equivalent to an Applebee's. This chain is all around Leicester disguised with different names, but serving the same menu.
Now remember, by the time we walk in the restaurant/bar it is only 9:45 in the morning. Everyone in the place is drinking either a beer or mixed drink. Old ladies are in in the back corner having a lovely reunion over a fine brew. The elderly men behind us have no teeth, but at least two beers a piece. A young woman next to us is downing her mixed drink in order to get started on the wine she just ordered, and her boyfriend is content with the beer in front of him. I take this to be the status quo, but I have an urge to inform everyone that it's not yet twelve. Just in case they didn't know the time.
We enter the church and the sun is shining brightly behind us. It's the first time I've seen the sun in days. We leave the church it's snowing. I didn't think it would but the snow stuck. There's still snow on the ground and black ice everywhere. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go to Australia. I wish Le Moyne had a study abroad exchange with Hawaii.
The first place we find is Leicester's equivalent to an Applebee's. This chain is all around Leicester disguised with different names, but serving the same menu.
Now remember, by the time we walk in the restaurant/bar it is only 9:45 in the morning. Everyone in the place is drinking either a beer or mixed drink. Old ladies are in in the back corner having a lovely reunion over a fine brew. The elderly men behind us have no teeth, but at least two beers a piece. A young woman next to us is downing her mixed drink in order to get started on the wine she just ordered, and her boyfriend is content with the beer in front of him. I take this to be the status quo, but I have an urge to inform everyone that it's not yet twelve. Just in case they didn't know the time.
We enter the church and the sun is shining brightly behind us. It's the first time I've seen the sun in days. We leave the church it's snowing. I didn't think it would but the snow stuck. There's still snow on the ground and black ice everywhere. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go to Australia. I wish Le Moyne had a study abroad exchange with Hawaii.
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