The christmas season!

Marcela and her boyfriend Jullian threw a great christmas party on Saturday! It was a lot of fun. THe pictures are of my flat-mates and myself. This past week I taught everyday at different schools and they went pretty well. Sarah comes into London tomorrow and we will travel around for about 2 weeks ending in London. I am excited to have a friend here, to travel and to not ork for the next three weeks! 

This last weekend I met up with some girls who are on the same visa as I am and hung on in London. We went to a few different open air markets then went and saw Spamalot. The markets were amazing and had great food and really great mulled wine! Spamalot was Monty Pithon and the Holy Grail set to music, it makes fun of itself. It ends January 3rd so I am really happy that I was able to see it when I was. On Sunday I went for a jog, it was really sunny but so cold there was frost on the ground. I never jog so it was more jog/ walk but it still felt good to get out and do that. 

On Monday I went to the Special Needs school again I really just love that school, I went back on Tuesday as well. That night I was told that I would be going for a trail day at a different school that would be three days a week. The class I would half of that time is so difficult. I was then told they extended it to five days. I struggled with that because I do not want to work 5 days a week every week or have to do that. I want the flexibility to be able to travel and not work if I want to. I went back today, Thursday the class is so difficult but somehow have grown on me. I was offered the job and am thinking about it. I do not think i will accept it though. My heart is just not in it. It also takes ma about an hour and a half each way to get from home to the school. I have to take two buses and a train. 

     When I was on the train home I got a call about a long term position ever Tuesday Friday at a school which I might be interested in. I have never been to the school before but think that I am going tomorrow as like a trail day. To see if they like me and I like them. 

    Next week Sarah comes and we begin our travels! Hope everyone has a great Christmas and a very happy new year! Lots of love Ang

Twilight!

I got back into London on Tuesday afternoon and went to my flat. I just unpacked and talked with my flat-mates. On Wednesday I did not work. I was super tiered from the flight and I also wanted to go to the Twilight Premier in London. There were so many people- girls there, a lot of them were Americans also who were studying in the city or around it. My flat-mate Kate came and kept me company for a little while and brought me hot coco. It was crazy but I saw Edward, Robbert Pattison and Bella Swan, Kreisten Stwert. They were the only start there and also the director. I really just wanted to see him and was happy when I was able to! I was like 10 feet away from him but had a little trouble taking pics. I worked today at a new school and had a really hard time finding it. I have work lined up for tomorrow and that is great. 

You can go home again!

After I had a great weekend with someone from home, I subbed four days the following week. Two of the days were at a school that is completely a special needs school. Most students are high needs and were not thriving in a general education school. It was great to see the different ideas that the teachers had for different students needs. On Friday of that week I flew home to go to my brother Dennis's wedding. I got home at about 11 on Friday night where my parents and the newest Mr. and Mrs. Linderman met me. It was great to see them all and to be in the states. I had a lay over in Chicago for about 2 hours and it was great. I was able to get a pumpkin spice latte which is my favorite and they  do not have in the UK because they do not have Thanksgiving. I also got McDonalds for dinner which was so gross but so great all at the same time. 

     On Saturday morning the fam all came over. Rob & Misty, Den & Tessa , Mom & Dad. It was nice to have an American breakfast with normal beacon. Its funny the stupid little stuff you miss. We went to a movie after that, mom made me go to Twilight with her. We have both read the books and were pretty excited. It was not that good, but with that said I saw it again in the week and am thinking about going to the premier in London in two days in hopes of seeing Edward. I know I am Lame! No need to tell me!!! After the movie we went to Red Robin, of course I wanted a real burger and that was definitely what I needed.  We just hung out at the house the rest of the night and it was nice. On Sunday mom and I went shopping in Portland and it was nice to just walk around, I felt a little like I was in London. That night we just hung out and mom cooked dinner it was great. On Monday I got mexican food which was much needed!  I think we just hung out but now I cant remember. On Tuesday I met Shannon and Erin at Bridgport for lunch and to see Twilight again. It was great to see them and catch up. After the movie we grabbed coffee and dinner then waited for the preview of Milk. Shan got us passes. Adam, Kyle and Shan's sister Hallie and her husband Scott came and saw the movie with us. It was really good. It was about Harvey Milk the first openly gay public official elected. After the movie we went and got drinks. 

    On Wednesday I went up to Timberline with my brothers. They went skiing and snowbording, and I hung out in the lodge and read. That is so relaxing for me. When we got home Sarah came over and we planned out what we are going to do when she visits for 2 and a half weeks in December. It was fun to see what we are going to do and plan it all out. After that I helped mom make pumpkin pies for Turkey day.   On Thanksgiving day I helped mom make breakfast and get the food ready. It was a relaxing turkey day and we were able to watch movies. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Wilma came in time for dinner and we ate way to much. My cousin Corrine got in to town in time for pie so all was well.  On Friday we, my mom, aunt, cousin and I went to Target and did a little shopping and then just hung out until the lingerie shower for Tessa. It was fun and not uncomfortable as I thought it would be considering my mom was there with her future daughter-in-law. After the shower we all went to Greek Cousina for a non-rehearsal- rehearsal.  It was a lot of fun, we threw plates on the floor and they taught us Greek dances. It was a lot of fun, and really good food.

         On Saturday mom, my aunt, cousin and myself went to Summer’s baby shower. It was great to see them because we normally only see them once a year.  It was exciting to celebrate baby Jackson’s arrival. After the shower we went home and got ready for the wedding. It was beautiful, there were tons of candles and it was just family. There were about 45 people and it was so nice and intimate.  The ceremony was amazing. Tessa looked fabulous! The reception was at the Portland City Grill down town. The food was really good and there was great music and lots of dancing.

      On Sunday we made breakfast at the house, and then mom, aunt Wilma and I went and did a little shopping. That night we had a family dinner with both brothers, both sister-in-laws, my aunt and uncle and my parents. It was nice to have one last dinner together and to have a great meal before I left. On Monday I packed and had Mexican with my parents, I needed to get my fill before I left. I went home and hung out with Dennis and Tessa who came over to say good bye then my parents took me to the airport. I flew from Portland to Seattle. Then Seattle to London, in Seattle I was able to get my last bit of Mexican at Quadoba before I got on the plane. I got back to my flat about two hours ago and have just been unpacking and getting re-settled in. 

Better I have a voice

After I lost my voice I did not work again until Friday. I was not able to speak again until Thursday night and even then I sounded like a boy in puberty. I worked at the Catholic school on Friday, I was in a year one class and then nursery. Nursery was fun they are 3 and you just play so that is always great! On Saturday I went to Portebelo Market, the market in Notting Hill from the movie. It was crazy busy and lots of tourists. Every time I hear an American accent I kind of perk up its strange. It was fun it was a nice day and there were stalls selling everything you wanted and did not want. Around noon a friend came in to town. She went to PLU for a year and is studying in Manchester for the semester. Once Kristen got here we went and garbed lunch in my neighborhood then went into the city center to see about getting tickets to a show. We went to different booths claiming to be half price and went to theaters but they were sold out or all 60 pounds. That is about 120 dollars. We ended up going back to my flat and just watched movies. It was great to catch up and have someone who knows the same people and places as I do. 

       On Sunday we got breakfast  then went to Spitfields market. That was a really great market a lot of similar stuff to portebelo but different also and it was covered which was great because it was raining.  We went back to my flat and had dinner with my flat-mates and Marsela's boyfriend. It was so good, she made lamb with rosemary and lots of vegetables and potatoes. There was lots of wine and dessert it felt like out own little Christmas dinner. We are going to try and do that kind of a thing every once and a while. Kristen left on Monday morning and I went and worked a half day at the first school I was at four weeks ago. I was in the nursery and had a good time. There was a mix up and were to many supply teachers, luckily as I got there first I was able to stay and work, when one girl got sent home with out pay.  After work I went to High Street Kensiginten and did a little shopping. I found a dress for Dennis's wedding next week and a few other things. Today I went to a new school to cover teachers being pulled out for IEP meetings. It was a school just for students with special needs. It was amazing to see the skills students have learned and the inclusive community because the school is for students with sever learning or behavioral needs. I was in one class with seven 5 year olds that had 4 aids because of the high needs of the students. It was a much different approach then we have at home or that i have ever seen. As of right now I do not have work for tomorrow but I do on Thursday, then Friday no work because im going home! only for 10 days though, but it will be great! See some of you soon and hope to hear from the rest of you. Love lots Ang

This week

On Monday I worked at the Catholic school that I was at the week before.  But Monday night my voice started to break and go week. By the time i went to sleep i had no voice left at all. On Tuesday i had to call in to work and tell them that i could not work. I just stayed around my flat and drank a lot of orange juice. This morning I still did not have my voice so I still could not work. It feels a little bit better now and just hope that i will be able to work on Thursday. 

Weekend in Wales

This last weekend I went to Wales with a group from my work visa. It was arranged through them, so it was nice to not have to organize anything or look into anything. I went by myself and it was a little strange when I got there it was pretty   clique. I meet a couple nice girls though that I hung out with so that was good. We stooped in a few different cities. The first one we went to has a bridge that is part England and part Wales. That is the picture of me on the bridge. From there we went to a town that has an old abby that was taken apart when Henry VIII changed from Catholic to Church of England. In the hills there is an old church  that was burnt down in the woods. It was pretty amazing because the woods around it have started to grow with in it. The views from there were also amazing. At our third stop the town was called Hay on Way and has over 35 used book shops. There was one that had every book for one pound. It was pretty rad, some how I only got three books. My favorite though was this bookshop in a courtyard that was full of bookshelves full of books. You just left your money in a box. It was amazing! But sadly the books were al really wet and kind of falling a part because they were just outside the whole time. The hostel we stayed at was nice and I was in a room with 7 other girls. They were all pretty nice and normal, unlike some of the girls who seemed like they were still very much in middle school. 

    The next morning we went horse riding. Because its me I got the largest horse in the stable. I always get the horse that does not move, or wont stop eating. So it was fitting that I had the largest horse. Its because I was the tallest girl, but it was crazy. Some of the girls seemed like they were on ponies, my horse could walk over them. It was an English saddle which was strange it was raining so much and at one point it was hailing. The ride was pretty great around the area but it was raining the whole time. We were on paths for a while that had really low branches and since I was on the huge horse I had to lean back in the saddle so that I would not get hit by a branch. At one point a girl in the groups horse ran and she could not stop it. It was funny but she got so freaked out that she demanded to be taken of the horse and walked back to the stable. We found out later that it there had been gale force winds they did not even think we would be able to cross the bridge back into England . So we had been riding for three hours in gale force winds and hale. We got back to london at about  9 and then I went back to my flat. I worked today at the Catholic school that I have been at for a couple days last week. It is so nice to know where I am going and some of the people. I have one weekend before I go home for Dennis and Tessa's wedding and Thanksgiving. I might stay in London and a friend from Manchester might come down or we might go to Dublin. I hope everyone is well and doing well! Let me know what is happening with all of you, I hope everything is going well. 

Love lots Ang

The last week.

Since Sunday I have had a pretty good week. I did not work on Monday but I was able to get an appointment to try and get my National Health Insurance Number. I was able to get it, but it will not bet sent to me for about three weeks. When I got back I just hung around my flat. On Tuesday I did not work either and that got a little annoying, but I decided to go to the British Museum. I went to the museum and stayed there for a bit, but then ended up at a market, walking through some parks and then by the buildings of parliament. When I got home I went to the mexican restaurant with my flat-mates. It was pretty good, it was kind of fancy and had different food on it. It seemed like it was Spanish food but was very good! On Wednesday I did work and went to a Catholic school I was with four and five year olds. They are so young! It was going well and there is a teacher assistant in the room so that is great because she knew what was going on. But at lunch i felt real sick and ended up throwing up in the bathroom. Sorry if that is a TMI for some of you ( to much info) but there it is.  After that I felt so much better and almost finished out the day. With about five minuets to go, the TA was out of the room I started felling sick I had the kids start singing, then ran to their little bathroom and threw up. Again after that I felt so much better, no one new though and the head teacher was asking if I would want to go back to the school. I was went home and thought I was feeling better but then I threw up again outside my tube stop. But at least I found a trash can. I got to my flat and just laid in bed drank water and ate pringles, because those were the closets thing I have to crackers.  I just sat around for a while and just drank sprite and ate breadsticks. It was the fifth of November and that marks the anniversary of when Guy Fawkes failed to blow up parliament.  So people light of fireworks to celebrate. Rory bought some down the street and we light them from atop balcony upstairs. It was fun and they were just little rockets that burst in the air. They were all good and great, until one fizzled and went right into the street.  With that we stooped and ran into the flat. It did not hit anyone or any so were ok. On Thursday I worked at a school pretty close to me and that was fine. Again there was a teacher assistant so that made it so much better. It all went well and there was nothing to special about it. I found out that they wanted me back at the St. Anthony's school I was at the day before. The one I was sick at. They wanted me for Friday and two days next week. So thats good. I went back to St. Anthony's school today and it went fine again nothing special but nothing ridiculous either. Oh however in the staff room the head teacher and second head teacher brought in a bottle of whine and offered it around to all the teachers, that seemed a bit strange. But no one else seemed to think so.  I just got back to my flat and am going to pack for tomorrow when I leave to Wales.  Im pretty excited about it. 

Sorry this is so boring, just not a lot going on at the moment. Hope everyone is doing well and having a good November. Have a Pumpkin Spice latte for me, I miss those! 

   Love lots Ang

The photo is us lighting the fireworks of on Wednesday. 

Sunday

When I got back from traveling I was super tiered and just hung out at my flat. There were fireworks going of around my flat because of some kind of fair that was going on. But there will be more this week because on November 5th it marks the anniversary of when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up parliament and failed. On sunday I woke up and went to High Street Kenisginton so do some shopping. But since it was Sunday they did not open until 12:00, so I had to wait about and hour and a half. I found this cute little place that had omelets which I have never seen here before it is always the gross English breakfast.  I got some jeans and a few sweaters from H& M and a pair of flat boots that will be nice when it rains and also when I go horse back riding this weekend in Wales! I came back home and cleaned my room a little then went the the grocery store with a flat-mate. 

     Last night I went to a church that I had found online. It is less then a mile from my flat which is really nice. I really liked it and will definitely go back. They had greeters at the door and when I sat by myself a few girls a little older then me came sat with me and introduced themselves. Everyone seemed really nice and down to earth, and not creepy; so I will be going back! Right now its Monday morning here and I just called into work and am waiting to see if there is anything. Since last week was a holiday I thought it might be slow so we will see. I want to work just so I can start getting used to it and get in a schedule, but that will come with time. Hope everyone is well and love yall lots!

Copenhagen, Brussels and Paris! This is why I am here.

On Saturday night I went out to dinner with my flat-mates to celebrate one of their birthdays. We went to an Indonesian restaurant in Chelsea up the road from my flat. I was leaving for Copenhagen the next morning. I had to get up the next morning at 3:30 to make my flight. I found a really cheap flight but it left really early. But the tube does not run that early, I had to take a cab to a train station to take the train to the airport. My flight was fine and I got into Copenhagen safely. I took the metro down town and meet Jen and Allen down town. They were at a fashion designer showcase where you can get designer for pretty cheap. It was raining so hard and really cold, so they took me to a museum that the best in the city. The museum was really cool and had an amazing court yard inside the museum. When they were done they came and picked me up and we went back to their apartment.  We hung out at their apartment and just watched T.V. they have a ton of American sitcoms but with Danish sub titles. The next day it was nice out and Je and I walked around their neighbor hood and went to a cemetery where hans Christian Anderson is buried. It was a really beautiful day the leaves had all changed it was amazing.  The cemetery was really neat because it was a so old. There were so many old stones and family plots. There were also red squirrels in the cemetery which was very strange because I have only ever seen gray ones.  After we left the cemetery we headed back to their apartment. We ended up running back to the apartment because it started to rain so much. They are having their kitchen redone and had to wait for the countertop to be delivered. So Jen walked be to the bus stop and told me where to get off to see the little mermaid statue. I was able to find it and walked around for a while. There was a fortress by the statue that was just amazing. The weather was much better, it was cold but it was not raining. I found the statue and really liked it but at the same time was expecting something larger.  I liked Copenhagen a lot, although there was a language barrier the people were so nice and helpful. Everyone spoke english and when I would ask them if they did they would all just say yes of course we all do. I got a few questions about the election which is just as big over here as it is at home, but here they do not have control of the outcome. 

       I made my way  from the statue to the palace and to the cannel in downtown. I ended up in a major shopping center area and ended up sitting at a cafe and people watching. Jen came and meet me and then we just walked around and went into the shops. We went back to the apartment and hung out. I planned the rest of my trip and found my hostels. 

     The next morning I took the bus to the airport and flew to Brussels. I took the a train and a metro from the airport to my hotel. The hotel was a little hard to fine because I cam out of the wrong exit from the metro. I was able to recall enough french to be able to ask if they speak english. I found my hotel and checked in, it was a very tiny room but was nicer then a hostel. I walked around for a bit and looked in shops and saw the grand plaza. It was strange because it felt like most other large city's. It was very multicultural and I heard tons of different languages being spoken. I had a really good dinner, I could not read the menu but just asked the waiter what he would recommend and it was beef with onion sauce. It was really good. After dinner I had dinner I went back to the grand plaza which gets all lit up at night. I left Brussels the next morning and wen to Paris by train. 

    When I got to Paris I did not have directions to my hostel and did not want to try and figure out the metro with all of my things. I took a cab to my hostel. I left and went to lunch, I was a little nervous about it but the waitress was really nice and found someone who could speak english with me so that I could ask about the menu. I decided to go and walk by the river, it was a really nice day but freaking cold.  I walked a while and found Notre Dame, found I mean I got to it. I was not expecting the walk to take so long. I decided to take a river boat thing. It is a hop-on-hop-off boat and goes to all the major sites. It was a really pretty way to see some of the city and was also just very relaxing. I took the boat for the whole loop and got off at the Eiffel Tour. I have never been one of those girls who has wanted nothing more then to see the Eiffel tour, but sitting there and looking at it I was in Aww. I got a crape and just sat and watched all the people, and the guys selling you little Eiffel tour figurines.  I did however realize that my dislike for pigeons is only greater for the kids who kick at the pigeons and cause them to fly, normally at me. It ended up getting incredibly cold and starting to rain so I took the boat ride back close to my hostel and then walked to my hostel. I grabbed dinner at a cafe and the waiter was supper nice to me. He was helpful and was able to provide me with a menu in english.  I tried to go back to the Eiffel tour because I wanted to see it all lit up and sparkly.  I got lost in the metro thought and decided to just get a coffee. I was sitting outside just enjoying being in Paris when I had my only real rude experience.  I had a coffee and he wanted be to pay right away but I asked but what if I want something else? He responded with I do nut understand your English, I am French, I speak French. With that I paid and walked away. He was the only rude person that I encountered. I decided to go back to my hostel and hang out and plan kind of what I was going to do the next day. 

    On Thursday I got up early and took the metro to the Eiffel tour. I wanted to go to the top but did not wait in the long line that gathers during the day. I got in line at about 8:30 and it opened at 9. I went all the way to the top. I had never felt like that was something that was important to me but it was amazing up there. It was so windy and you could see how huge Paris is. Because I was there so early there were not a ton of people. From there I just walked around and took my time enjoying the city. I ended up at the Champs Elise and took some time there. I went into the Louis Vuitton store, it was like 4 stories tall and there were so many people in there. I grabbed a quick lunch at McDonalds it took me 10 minutes to order becuase of how busy they were. I walked a bit and when in and out of shops.  I sat in Starbucks for a while and rested in the warmth and dryness. I walked back down to the river and took the boat back to Notre Dome. I took a tour inside and sat for a while. It is so strange to me that these huge massive kind of dark places were created to reflect God, when they seem so depressing. I did appreciate the history of it and the massive scale of which it was built. I grabbed dinner at a cafe nearby and had onion soup, which makes it French onion soup. It was really good! I also had tiramisu that was incredible. I then caught the boat and went to the Eiffel tour. I saw it sparkle from the boat and then it stays lit up. After that I went back to my hostel and rested. 

     On Friday I wanted to go to the Louvre. I knew it was massive but did not understand how massive. I got lost so many times and I had a map. I saw the Mona Lisa which was cool, but at the same time makes you wonder why is it so famous. It just did not seem like anything that remarkable its just famous. I walked around for about 4 hours until I felt overloaded. I grabbed lunch at their cafe and then discovered there are shops in the Louvre. There was a Starbucks and other cloths shops that was strange. I sat for a bit and talked with an American couple. When I left the Louvre I went to the train station to buy my ticket back to London so I would not have to worry about it today. I then went back to the area around the Eiffel tour and grabbed dinner and just sat for a while writing in my journal and watch people go by. I then went and sat by the Eiffel tour for a while and took it all in. I grabbed a crape and waited for it to light up. 

     All the guys selling their little figurines ran past because the cops where coming, that was funny because they just grab their blanket with crap and run. I was able to see it sparkle and it was amazing. At one point it got a little to much but was really cool. I then went back to the Champs Eilese because I wanted to see that all lit up also. From there I took the metro back to my hostel and packed up my things. I chatted for a while with a girl in my room, she has been traveling by herself for a month and has the rail pass that I want to get so it was great to ask her questions and get honest answers. 

      This morning I took the train from Paris to London and got back to my flat about 12:30. It is nice to be back because I was not here very long before I left, so it is nice to have my own space. I had a really great time and cant wait to go back to Paris. I really liked Copenhagen and would like to go back but maybe in the summer next time. I would not go back to Brussles thought, all though the country side looked amazing from the train. I hope everyone is doing well keep me posted!

    Lots of Love 

                  Ang

The Photo is of my flatmates and one of their Friends. From Right to left, is Rory and Kate teh couple from Austraila, me, Marsala from Prauge in the Chech Republic, and her friend. 

Friday and Saturday.

On Friday I got up in  my flat and called into work to see if there was any work. There was no work that day because the next week is half term break so there is no school the whole week. So I went to the visa office again because I got an email saying that there was bank mail for me at the office. It is kind of far away and across London. By the office there is a kind of street market there with really great food. So I garbed some food and just sat and people watched. I was able to go shopping and get some things that I have been wanting to have since I have been here. Stuff like a blow dryer and a straightener, stuff that is not that important but that make things a little nicer. I have unpacked and gotten pretty settled into my room, its small and not a lot going on with it but it is all I need. I went down so the store down the street from here, with one of my flat-mates. The store is large and actually has lots of choices unlike most of the shops here which are small and are more like a minnie mart. I walked around the store for a while just looking at all the choices and trying to figure out what I needed. I got some stuff and decided to make dinner. It was nice to be able to cook and not have to eat out. I ended up making dinner and hanging out with my other flat-mate whose birthday it was.  Since it was her birthday we got her Champagne and cake and hung out a little and celebrated. It is nice to have a home base type of place that I feel comfortable in and can go to and be comfortable in. 

                     This morning which is Saturday I woke up and got ready and just went walking around the neighborhood. It is really nice there is just a lot of little shops and places to eat. There are a lot of people who are out just walking about. I came back to the flat and got a load of wash going. It is a washer and dryer in one, but it does not really dry that well. The cloths come out wet but warm at the same time. you also cant wash in cold water the coldest our washed goes is 30 degrees celsius. I then went to the post office with my flat-mate and then went and grabbed a coffee. It is really a nice area and just nice to hang out in. Tonight we are going out to dinner for one of the girls birthdays and that should be fun. I leave for Copenhagen tomorrow and plan on going to Amsterdam on Wednesday through Friday. I am excited to go travel around and see more Europe. I hope everyone is doing well and keep me updated on what is going on!

    Love lots 

           Ang

Thursday

On Thursday I planned to move into my flat, and then go to my visa office where I had a few boxes and pack those back to the flat. I was able to move into the flat which was great. One of the girls in the flat, Kate was there and she is really nice. She was helping me figure out where to get things and what places where the best to go. I went by the bank over here that I set an account up at, but had trouble because I can not access the money I have at home. I can only take out a little bit of money at a time which is really frustrating. I went to my visa office and picked up a couple boxes that I had sent with my mom the day I left. It was just more clothes and shoes, but I am really excited about the idea of different clothes, I was already getting tired of wearing the same thing. When I was at the office I signed up for a trip in two weeks to go to Wales and go horse back riding. It is just for the weekend and is for kids on BUNAC visas so it should be fun! 

    When I got back to the flat I just unpacked and talked to Kate and Marsalla the other girl who lives on the floor above me. They are all 30 so I feel really young but they are all real nice so its good. We just hung out in the living room and drank wine, it was nice. Much better then the hostel, that is for sure. We ended up watching a movie together so that was nice. I really like them all!

No work today, nice!

I did not work today which was fine with me because it was a nice day here. The only bad thing is that my contract of guaranteed four days of work does not start until November 1st, so I did not get paid to not work. I decided to go to the Imperial War Museum in London. I have visited it before when I was here last but it was nice to go again and take my time looking at the exhibits. They have really large exhibits about both World Wars and also the Holocaust. I was able to take pictures in the exhibits and plan to use them when I have my own classroom so that was kind of cool to look at the exhibits and think about how I could use them in the future. 

    After the museum I walked across the Waterloo bridge and took pictures of Parliament and the London Eye. The weather was pretty great, it was sunny but chilly. I know that I was here in January last time but I will still take some getting used to the cold weather here. I move into my flat tomorrow and am really excited about that. I have definitely gotten used to being in the hostel and the area that it is in, and that might be hard. I like having a Star-bucks, Mark & Spencer & pizza express less then 3 minutes away.  But it will be nice to do laundry, unpack watch T.V. sleep when I want and be able to cook. 

   Not much going on here today but I hope everyone is doing well!

       Lots of Love

              Ang

Second Day... better!

Today was better, I was at the same school but different classes about grade 5 and 6. I just did a half day and covered for teachers who were in meetings. That helped because they were there to tell me what to do, not just unclear plans. The kids were much more well behaved, but still so chatty. It is so funny because when I introduce myself they automatically want to figure out where I am from. They are normally always right with American.  Then tell me about who they know who is American also. It was nice to be at the same school because I knew where I was going and how long it would take me about. 

    After I was done working at about 12:30 I went back to the city. I work probably 30 min outside of the city. I walked by the river and went and walked around/across the tower bridge and the tower of London. It was such a nice day it was sunny and clear with a little chill in the air. It is kind of phone to walk around the tourist areas because of all the different languages that you can hear.  Tonight I booked a ticket to go to Copenhagen to visit Jen , who I lead Young Life with at PLU. I will be there for three nights then I made plans to meet Kristen Sussmen in Paris for Halloween. She went to PLU also and is in Manchester on exchange. I think I will go to Amsterdam in between the two city's for a few days by myself also. The next week is have term break in all the schools so there is no work that week. I hope all is well and keep me updated on all your lives!

    Love lots 

            Ang

First day teaching... Yikes!

Well however thought that English children would be well mannered got that wrong, big time. They were so talkative it was about second grade, that is my guess anyways since they do not have the same names as us. I was only there for a half day, and thank God for that! They did not stop talking, the pushed and shoved right in front of me, yet held the door open for me at the same time????? It was interesting I had no idea what to do, which I know would be the same back home but I just had a lot of trouble understanding the way their schools are set up. I did have a little bit of a hard time understanding what some of the kids where saying, and I do not think quoting Mary Poppins at them would help, but thanks Erin. Luckily there was a rehearsal for a play and an assembly that took up a major part of the day.  And of course I got lost on the way there but I had given myself lots of time so I was O.K. The kids despite being kind of pains where really nice, they all wanted to help and wanted to tell me about themselves, I just wish they could be quite also.  I am scheduled to go back to the school tomorrow, but not that class. But the teacher is gone all weekend so we will see where I end up. It was pretty far west of the city, it was in Zone 5 if anyone has an idea of London, most things in the city, are in zone one, and then you live in the outer zones. 

     Speaking of living...... I got a flat!!!! The pics are of it, it is small but in a pretty good area. It is the flat that is owned and above the "Adult" shop.  I like it a lot! I move in on Thursday and am excited to get out of the hostel and have my own space. I meet the couple that live there and they seemed pretty nice a little older then me. They were watching friends in the communal room so they cant be that bad. I hope everyone is doing well lots of love !

    Ang

Weekend

On Saturday I went and looked another flat. It was kind of far out in the West side of London, But it was crap. It was gross and rundown and not that much cheaper then the nice one in Fulham. So after leaving the flat I went down by the river in the touristy part of town. There is a really nice walking path there where there are tons of street performers and painted people. 

That is also the area where the London Eye is and the parliament buildings are. It is just a really nice walk and the weather was beautiful it was a great fall day, it was warmer then it had been when I left home.I then walked through St. James park to Buckingham Palace .  I love that park, but there are a lot of birds in it and those of you who know me well know I do not like birds and to make matters worse there are also squirrels that people feed on kind of came at me, i got a picture of it as it was running at me, then I quickly walked away. I girl saw and laughed at me, but then one came after her to , so she got hers! But the park is really gorgeous and this time no birds flew at me, they did last time I was here.  On my walk I was able to get a pic with a palace guard and this time he was in the red coat. Last time he was in the black "Winter" coat and it was very disappointing. From there I walked up to Trafalger square and went to the National Portrait Gallery. 

       The museums here are so great because they are free except some exhibits coast money. There was an Anne Leibowitz exhibit that I went to and it was pretty amazing. There were so many families there, it was great to see kids sitting on the floor sketching out the portraits that they see.  From there I walked up to Lester Square which is where all the movie premiers happen in London. It is just kind of a fun place to walk around. I ended up going out to dinner with a girl from my hostel. She is here for an internship and is from Florida. She told be that there was a free walk from the hostel to take you on like a night photo tour of London and stopping at "real" english pubs. I decided to because I do not know anyone and I thought I might people that way. But, it was she, the guide and I . LAME! The tour was pretty much was I had walked earlier that day on my own, but it was at night so the sights were all light up. It was not the bad but it was kind of strange because it was such a small group. 

     Today, by the suggestion of my mom I went to the area of the flat that I like, the one above the "Adult" shop and just look at more of the area. I really like the area. There is a park and a community garden not far, there is a really cute coffee shop, and pubs which are everywhere. There were lots of people walking around and lots of kids with their parents. So I feel like it is pretty safe. But the best part was that there is a Mexican restaurant like 4 blocks from where the flat is. Some of you may know this but it is really hard to find Mexican food here so before I left I was eating a ton of it to prepare for the time when I wont be able to eat it. So that is pretty great. The area is pretty nice, lots of small shops not large cookie cutter shops like on high streets. 

        I decided to go by where I stayed last time just for fun. It is pretty much the same although it seems I little nicer then it was then. There is a church there that Brit and I could hear practicing music so I went to see what times it services are for if I want to go. I sat outside Star-bucks for about an hour just reading, it was so nice the sun was out and it was kind of warm! I hope you are all doing well and keep me updated on what is happening with you all!

Lots of Love

   Ang

BUNAC!

Today I had my BUNAC orientation, BUNAC is the visa that I am here on for those of you who do not know. It is a visa for students and recent graduates. The orientation was very helpful because I was able to see that a lot of people are in the same situation that I am in. Most did not have a job or housing, so I fell very fortunate that I at least have a job. I was able to meet a few people at the orientation and one is even from Portland! After orientation I went to a bank and opened up a bank account, so know when I get paid it has somewhere to go. Side note, minimum wage here is 5 pounds 50 pence, which is about 8 dollars. but keep in mind that in London that wont go that far. 

       I went and looked at another flat today and liked this one. It is in Fulham which is in West London kind of by Notting Hill area. It is owned by a lady who owns an adult shop and the flat is next to and above the shop. It is three levels with a bedroom on each floor. There is one couple who live there and I would share a bathroom with them, but I also have a water closet ( toilet and sink) on my floor that would be mine. On the floor where my bedroom would be there is a kitchen with a full fridge, an oven and stove and  a washer/ dryer. The room that would be mine is pretty small but would be all I need. The area is pretty decent, I saw lots of moms with kids in the area, there are lots of shops on the street level with flats above them. There is a tube stop about 5 minutes away so that would be nice. Also I hope some of the schools I would be teaching in would be in that area as that is the area that I requested. 

      I had dinner, by myself which was not as bad as I thought it would be at I really nice pretty cheap Italian place. It was great to sit and relax and people watch, as I was sitting in the window table. It was nice to have a real meal since I have been having breakfast at the hostel and it makes me miss an american breakfast of foods that I associate with breakfast, not baked beans and stewed tomatoes.  Lunch I have noticed is mostly running to a corner market or Tesco and grabbing a sandwich to go.  So ladies, you know who you are if I can have dinner by myself so can you! Tomorrow I am going to look at another flat, well really a room in a house. The lady lives on the first floor and I would be on the second floor. I am pretty excited it would be nice to have space that was mine and also have someone , although a bit older that I would know and could trust in the city.  I also plan on going and doing the touristy things that I love about this city so much. The weather has been great, not to cold and actually kind of sunny. I hope everyone is great and doing well. Keep me updated on what all of you are doing!

    Love lots 

          Ang

First full day...

It is my first full day here and I am pretty tiered.  I slept pretty well considering I am sharing a room with 5 strange women whom I have never met. But they are nice just not real chatty and that is strange. The hostel has a free english breakfast which is as non appetizing as I remember. At least there was cereal and toast. 

   I meet with teach London today the agency that I will be working for, everything sounds good I will start work Monday I could have started Friday but I decided it would be better to wait. It was good to meet them and be able to ask questions so that I kind of know what to except on Monday. They told me that they will start me in nice schools and work me up to bad ones. I am a little scared but the lady just told me that if I do not know what to do fake it. So that is the plan! 

    I went and met a lady to look at a flat, but I am not going to be living there. It was very nice and in Kensington which is the really nice area but it just felt strange. It has three bedrooms and no living room of family room, the one bathroom consists of a toilet, sink and bath tub- note no shower head. She was a very nice lady, but does not live there she owns it and is renting out all the bedrooms. If  I mover in I would be the only one living there and would be put with random ladies that she choices. 

   Tomorrow  I will be gong to orientation for my work visa, it is a work visa for American students and recent grands so it will be nice to be able to meet other people who are alone and unsure like I am.  I hope to see a few more flats this weekend and would love to be in one by Monday. As lovely as my hostel is it is just not very homey and I am already tiered of living out of a suitcase. I have not been sightseeing that much but plan on this weekend after hopefully moving into a cheap perfect flat with great girls! Everyone pray that it will happen!!!!!

    Hope everyone is well and having a good fall. The leaves are hanging/changed here also so it is really pretty. 

      Love lots 

             Ang

I Am in LONDON!

Well, 

   I left Portland last night at about 7:30 my flight was about a half hour late. I flew from Seattle to London, luckily the flight was pretty empty and I got my whole row to myself. The flight was fine and we got in a little early at about 2:30 pm here. I then took the tube to my hostel. But because it is me I had one wheely suitcase, my laptop, my camera turtle pack, and my large purse. It was kind of a pain, it was fine until i had to go up and down stairs with all this during major commuting times.  I had to switch tube lines and when I was finally done, or so I thought; my big bag got caught in the gat thing exiting the tube. I stood there for like a minute just trying to pull my bag through but it would not work. I did not want to just leave it and get help because that is everything I brought with me. But I women saw what had happened and tried to save me by swiping her tube card but it would not work because I was still stuck in tit, but she did go and get someone that works at the tube-station and I was released. 

      Finding my hostel was not easy either although it should have been but i came out the wrong side of the tube station, not the side my directions were from. But I am here now and it is great. I walked around  for a little while and grabbed a sandwich at marks and Spencer, and I saw salsa flavored chips to I think I will be all right.  There was something important happening at St. Pauls Cathedral tonight, the women I asked said it was something to do with the Royal Navy and a celebration they have once a year. But there was no prince William of Prince Harry, that I saw anyways. But it was still cool to see all the ritual and the people and the hear the bells that would not stop ringing it was pretty cool.  I saw a man in a powdered wig, which I thought they only wore in movies but they do where them in real life. 

     Tomorrow I have a meting set up with the people I will be teaching with. Hopefully it will be good news! I also am going to try and meet a few girls tomorrow to look at flats. One is right in the area I want to be in and I think the girls sound fine, but there is one where she sounds fun but it is kind of a long way out so we will see.  I guess that is all for now, the pics are from walking around and just being by St. Paul's. 

     Love lots Ang

    

Leaving

 Well, 

    I leave for the airport today in about an hour. I am packed and ready to go! I am some how only bringing one bag for a 8 month stay, but I also have boxes that I am going to have my mom send me. This morning as I was finishing packing, I got a call from the agency over there saying that they were low on jobs and that they would have to cancel my contract. He said that if I still decided to come I could probably work 1-2 times a week. Lucky he called back before I had time to freak out and say that he was wrong and that my contract was fine. he said that there are schools that interested in me and that my contract is fine. So I am still going but a little worried that something else might go wrong. If all else fails I can just try and get a different job but will not be able to travel as much or get more teaching experience. I will still be teaching and just will pray that everything works out and that my contract will work out. 

   Once again if anyone is thinking about traveling out that way let me know and I can request that time off. Hope everyone is well and love lots!

   Ang

I leave in two days!

Well, 

    I leave Tuesday night at 7, I then fly to Seattle then on to London. I will be looking for a flat when I get there and then start working on Monday. I am really excited but a little nervous. I would love visitors if anyone has the time or is out this way at all. I will write more when I have more to say. 

   Love lots

     Angie