Back in Mississauga now and preparing for my trip to Ottawa this Friday, I guess I should reflect on the last 48hrs of my trek to 'the homeland'.
I was initially thinking about composing a song or writing a musical about it, but I felt that it would be two time consuming and, ultimately, very boring and off key. So, instead, I'll write about it :)
Consola and Helena made a wonderful breakfast to get us to (and them from) the airport on Monday, following a weekend of fun and debauchery in Leeds. I tried to pack early so as to ensure that I didn't spend the few hours before I go to bed fretting and throwing stuff into my bags. I should have realized that when I try to do things to avoid a negative result, it's going to happen anyway! So as I tried to fit a couple shoes and shirts into my already over full luggage I came to grips with the fact that I was going to be paying charges for my overweight luggage. Only 35GBP, it's a small price to pay to bring back my London life from my adoptive home. Oh...if only that were true...
Bringing my luggage to the airport with Consola and Helena (which, without them I would have not been able to do) was an effort and a half. My two pieces of checked luggage, which turned out to weigh 44kg and 27kg, was awkward, heavy and a workout to drag along. After trying to get an upgrade, Sheila, from Air Canada, informed me that my 44kg luggage was too heavy to get on the flight. So my options included either shipping it home from the 'excess luggage' counter, which would have cost 250GBP, or buying an extra bag and paying the excess baggage fee, which cost me 100GBP with the bag. Still a small price to pay to bring back my London life!? I shall now be known as Excess Luggage Man, ELM for short.
Well, 100GBP poorer, a new alter ego and a flight waiting for me, I said bye to Consola and Helena and made my way through Heathrow Terminal 3 to gate 26 for my 7hr trip to Canadian soil. After trying a second time for an upgrade at the gate, I made my way onto Air Canada's newly renovated Boeing 767-300 and seat 19D - right behind the galley with loads of legroom! The Boeing 767-300 was equipped with touch screen video on demand, comfy seats, power outlets and the nicest Air Canada captain and crew ever! I can normally get really ticked off on a flight when the crew tries to be perky, happy and overly nice, but this group had just the right amount. The service manager kept the passengers constantly abreast of what was going on around us - where we were flying over, what we should expect next in on our on flight service, etc. He even played some Celine Dion 'I believe I can fly' when we touched down, it was quite fitting. I lucked out on this trip as there were no screaming babies onboard, however the flight had its fair share of nuns, ONEX employees, retirees and one smelly individual (sitting two rows behind me), which kept my flight interesting and odour filled.
The flight came and went no problem, I was able to occupy myself with writing an essay for Carleton, watching the History Boys (great film) and listening to XM Satellite radio. Seeing my family was probably the best end to this trip, I didn't think I would miss them that much, but it was clear when I saw my mum and dad there waiting for me.
I'm excited (yet a little weirded out) to be home, but I am really looking forward to going back up to Ottawa at the end of this week and seeing more people there...whoo hoo! As for the rest of this week, it will consist of sleeping, some friend seeing, maybe a trip to the States for some cheap shopping tomorrow and/or Thursday.
On another note, my phone should be back in full force on Saturday, so please pass on your mobile numbers so I can replenish my Rogers SIM Card. Hope to connect and see everyone soon.
Cheers.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
It's funny how there are moments in everyone's life where one finally understands the meaning of that saying. Most of the time it doesn't take an actual life or death situation to help you understand it, sometimes random small things that you come across in your daily interactions help it along! A random start to my entry, I know, I just felt like it needed to be said.
Since my last entry, I have continued my travels around Europe and made a (carbon) footprint in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Oslo, Norway. Amsterdam was an amazing trip as it was really relaxing and laid back - and not for the reasons that you're thinking! The hostel we stayed in was absolute shit, for many reasons that I don't even want to mention, but we ploughed on! The city is very beautiful and we got to see loads of the old architecture and structure when we took a boat cruise down its many canals. We visited the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museums and a few other places. I also had an epiphany and decided that I needed to go into the business of making canned preserve. Yes folks, Darran wants to sell jam and Mateusz is going to help with the marketing "Hooooomemade Jaaaaaaaam" anyone? Rachelle Mac - summer roomie and great friend - came to London for a visit and I dragged her along to Holland with us all...I'm pretty sure she appreciated it! It was great to see her again and exciting to think of all the fun we're going to have this summer in our sexy flat on Gilmour St...whoo!
I jetted off to Oslo a few days later, and although I was really tired from Amsterdam and work, I am very happy I made the trip! Oslo was one of those places I wanted to go and visit from day one, it could be because of my odd love of speed skating or because I enjoy the name of the city, I don't really know. When I was booking my trip I couldn't find any reasonable accommodation as the city was all booked up for some massive relay race, a miscalculation on my part. I decided to couch surf instead and found reasonable accommodation with some guy named Terje - it worked. I spent my day and a half roaming the small city, taking in great artwork at the National Gallery and Contemporary Art Museum, soaking up the Nordic culture at the Viking and Historical Museum and being a 'local' - as much of a local as a brown man can be in a Scandinavian country - by taking in the local (very pricey) cafes, shops and pubs. I highly recommend Oslo and will come back to visit some day to do a proper tour and visit of the entire country, and maybe make a hop over to the other Scandinavian countries as well. We'll see how things go.
This week was a little battle in itself. Friday was supposed to be a big day for myself and my flatmates, it was supposed to be our court date for nonpayment of our council tax, similar to property tax at home. The reason for our nonpayment is clear, we're students, which gives us an exemption, however the council authority did not believe us or Leeds University of our student status, even after documentation was submitted supporting our claim. As a result we all received a summons. Mike was on the case in connecting Leeds and the Council and I made a small gesture in putting our MP into the mix as well. We (well, mainly Mike) successfully got the court date postponed to the middle of August with a reassessment of our case occurring in the interim. Whoo hoo!
With work over, our court case on hold, my travels done and with only a few more pages to go on my last paper, it's evermore clear that I'm going to be shipping off back to Canada quite soon. Hmm...I think I'm going to need to start packing tomorrow...ugh!
Since my last entry, I have continued my travels around Europe and made a (carbon) footprint in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Oslo, Norway. Amsterdam was an amazing trip as it was really relaxing and laid back - and not for the reasons that you're thinking! The hostel we stayed in was absolute shit, for many reasons that I don't even want to mention, but we ploughed on! The city is very beautiful and we got to see loads of the old architecture and structure when we took a boat cruise down its many canals. We visited the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museums and a few other places. I also had an epiphany and decided that I needed to go into the business of making canned preserve. Yes folks, Darran wants to sell jam and Mateusz is going to help with the marketing "Hooooomemade Jaaaaaaaam" anyone? Rachelle Mac - summer roomie and great friend - came to London for a visit and I dragged her along to Holland with us all...I'm pretty sure she appreciated it! It was great to see her again and exciting to think of all the fun we're going to have this summer in our sexy flat on Gilmour St...whoo!
I jetted off to Oslo a few days later, and although I was really tired from Amsterdam and work, I am very happy I made the trip! Oslo was one of those places I wanted to go and visit from day one, it could be because of my odd love of speed skating or because I enjoy the name of the city, I don't really know. When I was booking my trip I couldn't find any reasonable accommodation as the city was all booked up for some massive relay race, a miscalculation on my part. I decided to couch surf instead and found reasonable accommodation with some guy named Terje - it worked. I spent my day and a half roaming the small city, taking in great artwork at the National Gallery and Contemporary Art Museum, soaking up the Nordic culture at the Viking and Historical Museum and being a 'local' - as much of a local as a brown man can be in a Scandinavian country - by taking in the local (very pricey) cafes, shops and pubs. I highly recommend Oslo and will come back to visit some day to do a proper tour and visit of the entire country, and maybe make a hop over to the other Scandinavian countries as well. We'll see how things go.
This week was a little battle in itself. Friday was supposed to be a big day for myself and my flatmates, it was supposed to be our court date for nonpayment of our council tax, similar to property tax at home. The reason for our nonpayment is clear, we're students, which gives us an exemption, however the council authority did not believe us or Leeds University of our student status, even after documentation was submitted supporting our claim. As a result we all received a summons. Mike was on the case in connecting Leeds and the Council and I made a small gesture in putting our MP into the mix as well. We (well, mainly Mike) successfully got the court date postponed to the middle of August with a reassessment of our case occurring in the interim. Whoo hoo!
With work over, our court case on hold, my travels done and with only a few more pages to go on my last paper, it's evermore clear that I'm going to be shipping off back to Canada quite soon. Hmm...I think I'm going to need to start packing tomorrow...ugh!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Pisa, Dublin and Rome...oh my!
This month has been non-stop, I don't know where the time went! It started off on an amazing note when Emma and I set off for Pisa, Florence and Lucca in the Tuscan region of Italy. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, we enjoyed some light tanning (yes, me too) and saw all the great sights; it was a great RELAXING vacation.
After Emma left I decided to capitalize on the Easter Holiday and take a day trip to Dublin. I found a 20GBP round trip fare and set off for a day of fun in the Irish capital! I went around and did most of the touristy attractions and set off on a very cool bus tour of the city. Dublin is such a beautiful place, and although it was quite expensive, I would love to go back and spend more time there, soaking up the culture, nightlife and everything else it has to offer! The day was enough, however, for me to take in most of the tourist attractions and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the office!
Consola, Mateusz, Krystel and myself got back from Rome this past Monday after an amazing four days in the city! It was scorching hot - 25 degrees and sunny - for the whole time we were there, which gave us the opportunity to tan (yes, me too) and take advantage of the many water springs that were location across the city. We did most of the major sites in Rome during our first three days and spent our last day at the Vatican - it was all breathtaking and amazing. Aside from the visual appeal of the city, the nourishing appeal was also huge! We enjoyed mouth watering pasta, thin and delectable pizza and delicious wine every day of our adventure. I did learn a few things while I was there, which will come in handy for my (and possibly your) future travels:
After Emma left I decided to capitalize on the Easter Holiday and take a day trip to Dublin. I found a 20GBP round trip fare and set off for a day of fun in the Irish capital! I went around and did most of the touristy attractions and set off on a very cool bus tour of the city. Dublin is such a beautiful place, and although it was quite expensive, I would love to go back and spend more time there, soaking up the culture, nightlife and everything else it has to offer! The day was enough, however, for me to take in most of the tourist attractions and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the office!
Consola, Mateusz, Krystel and myself got back from Rome this past Monday after an amazing four days in the city! It was scorching hot - 25 degrees and sunny - for the whole time we were there, which gave us the opportunity to tan (yes, me too) and take advantage of the many water springs that were location across the city. We did most of the major sites in Rome during our first three days and spent our last day at the Vatican - it was all breathtaking and amazing. Aside from the visual appeal of the city, the nourishing appeal was also huge! We enjoyed mouth watering pasta, thin and delectable pizza and delicious wine every day of our adventure. I did learn a few things while I was there, which will come in handy for my (and possibly your) future travels:
- -Bird poop causes stains if it's not washed out of your clothes immediately
- -Do not leave 20EUR on a counter top while going through your bag - Mateusz not me
- -Service in Italy is horrible, really horrible
- -Good wine CAN cost 3EUR
- -Sunglasses tans are not cool
- -Always visit an Irish pub, no matter what country you are in
- -The word 'prego' has 3 different meanings - all of which are rude and not so nice
Overall, the trip was quite grand and a real relaxing one...it was sad to see it end. It'll also be sad when I can no longer do a weekend trip to Rome or anywhere else...sigh. I plan on being back to London one day and hit up all the other cities I haven't had a chance to visit on this trip.
It's Krystel's last few days in London, before she sets off with her parents for a tour of Portugal and Spain, it's going to be sad to see her go and have all of this come to an end. The next lot of departures are Mateusz, Erin and myself at the end of May/beginning of June. My days are numbered...
I had a chance to meet up with Louisa, an old Starbucks coworker of mine the other day. She and her mum are on a little vacation in England and Germany, and she was in town for a few days. Cooper is coming into London on Monday and we'll hopefully be able to meet up and go for food or drinks somewhere. Following Cooper's arrival on Monday, The Granny Flat residents will be playing host to my friend Rachelle for a couple days before we set off to Amsterdam from Wednesday - Saturday. It should be loads of fun!
I'm just in the midst of finishing a couple papers, applying for full time jobs and getting myself organized for my departure back to Canada in four weeks - scary thought! It's an odd feeling that (a) this trip is almost done and (b) I'm looking for a full time job. I'm itching to get back, however, especially with all the political happenings that have been going on in Ottawa. I love political juiciness...
Sunday, April 01, 2007
The Evermore Jaded Fernandez
I realized something a couple weeks ago - London has made me (more) jaded. I've started to curse when the tube takes longer than a minute to come; walk around with my elbows out fending off innocent yuppies and tourists; yell (in my head, course) at people who are standing on the left side of the escalator; and the list goes on...
This fast paced city has made me more demanding and mean...I never thought that was possible! I don't know what's going to happen when I get back to Ottawa and have to deal with OC Transpo being 10-15minutes late and tourists flooding the streets without a local resident's elbow in sight...yikes!
Aside from my growing disdain for mankind, I'm still enjoying my little adventure! I spent a
good part of March visiting two cities in the north of the UK - Manchester and Sheffield. Manchester was great - after we recovered from our coach breaking down on the way up! We were up at the beginning of March for an LCD Soundsystem gig at the Man Uni's student union. I really enjoyed both the gig and the time there, although we only got to see a small portion of it, it was quite nice and big-small city-ish. Helena's family very graciously put us up for the weekend in their house in Bolton, it was great having a homely place to come back to after a night out and enjoy a lovely cooked breakfast the next morning...yum! I was up in Sheffield for St. Patty's Day visiting my friend Benjie. It was great being in a student city for that weekend, I really got the full 'experience' and walked away with a sweet t-shirt and some new friends! We spent some time in a Guinness tent and at the student union enjoying some 1.5GBP pints...glorious!
Krystel and I had a mutual friend, Jay, come visit us from his adoptive home in Rotterdam a couple weeks ago. We took in a lot of the 'London' sights and enjoyed round two of Granny Flat Party. His trip down and our attendance at Equus made me realize that I have seen quite a number of shows in the city thus far (with hopefully a few more to go before I leave)! Thus far I can add The Taming of the Shrew, Avenue Q, Equus and Chicago to my list with hopefully a few more Shakespearean plays, and the musicals Wicked and Lord of the Rings before I leave.
Emma is here now and (hopefully) enjoying her busy week! I give great kudos to this girl who has planned day trips to Paris, Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge in her week here. We're also off to Pisa, Florence and Lucca tomorrow for a little Italian vacation...whoo hoo! I'm really excited for it, I hear that it's absolutely beautiful and relaxing. We'll see how it goes - we have to leave my flat at 2am tomorrow to make our 6:30am flight...yay?
A final note - it's April 1st!?!?! Ugh, aside from my adventures around the EU and people visiting me, I still have three papers to finish before the end of May. Yeah, I know...I'm still a bloody student!
This fast paced city has made me more demanding and mean...I never thought that was possible! I don't know what's going to happen when I get back to Ottawa and have to deal with OC Transpo being 10-15minutes late and tourists flooding the streets without a local resident's elbow in sight...yikes!
Aside from my growing disdain for mankind, I'm still enjoying my little adventure! I spent a
good part of March visiting two cities in the north of the UK - Manchester and Sheffield. Manchester was great - after we recovered from our coach breaking down on the way up! We were up at the beginning of March for an LCD Soundsystem gig at the Man Uni's student union. I really enjoyed both the gig and the time there, although we only got to see a small portion of it, it was quite nice and big-small city-ish. Helena's family very graciously put us up for the weekend in their house in Bolton, it was great having a homely place to come back to after a night out and enjoy a lovely cooked breakfast the next morning...yum! I was up in Sheffield for St. Patty's Day visiting my friend Benjie. It was great being in a student city for that weekend, I really got the full 'experience' and walked away with a sweet t-shirt and some new friends! We spent some time in a Guinness tent and at the student union enjoying some 1.5GBP pints...glorious!
Krystel and I had a mutual friend, Jay, come visit us from his adoptive home in Rotterdam a couple weeks ago. We took in a lot of the 'London' sights and enjoyed round two of Granny Flat Party. His trip down and our attendance at Equus made me realize that I have seen quite a number of shows in the city thus far (with hopefully a few more to go before I leave)! Thus far I can add The Taming of the Shrew, Avenue Q, Equus and Chicago to my list with hopefully a few more Shakespearean plays, and the musicals Wicked and Lord of the Rings before I leave.
Emma is here now and (hopefully) enjoying her busy week! I give great kudos to this girl who has planned day trips to Paris, Bath, Windsor and Stonehenge in her week here. We're also off to Pisa, Florence and Lucca tomorrow for a little Italian vacation...whoo hoo! I'm really excited for it, I hear that it's absolutely beautiful and relaxing. We'll see how it goes - we have to leave my flat at 2am tomorrow to make our 6:30am flight...yay?
A final note - it's April 1st!?!?! Ugh, aside from my adventures around the EU and people visiting me, I still have three papers to finish before the end of May. Yeah, I know...I'm still a bloody student!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
They arrived on my doorstep…
When I first moved to London in January, it was a stark change from student and political life in Canada. Two and a half months into this internship, I have grown accustomed to the changes, and although I miss home at times, I am really enjoying myself here. The past few weeks brought a little taste of Canadian life in to my London world with visits from three amazing people!
Danielle came in mid February and spent a week with me in London and Paris. It was an amazing time, and great to see her again! She came with a suitcase filled with goodies from home including the latest issue of Macleans, chocolates and peanut butter! Good peanut butter is a rarity here, and to enjoy a little taste of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter was a heaven…seriously! After gallivanting around the city for the first part of the week Tuesday morning found us on an early morning train to Paris for three days. Paris is such a beautiful place, and I’m sure if you ask McGee, she’d express her undying love for France’s capital. After hitting up l’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, The Beaver – a Canadian bar – and a few other touristy sites we made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower to cap off our Parisian adventure. Tired after our trip we got back into the city on Thursday and spent the last few days visiting London’s other major attractions and catching the hilarious show ‘Avenue Q’ – so funny! The week came and went too quickly which made the airport drop a tough one!
This past Saturday saw the arrival of Pam and the Force, on their first flight – ever. Since it was their first flight it was riddled with turbulence, crying babies and delays, obviously. But 10 hours after their scheduled departure from Ottawa International, the duo arrived with all of their goodies – Ms. Vickies chips, Starbucks coupons, Advil Liqi-Gels and Macleans – at Heathrow International. Some roaming in Camden and Portobello markets on the weekend and some debauchery on Saturday night was their official welcome to London! The twosome enjoyed the rest of their week taking in various London sights, drinking on public transport and also enjoying the hilarity of ‘Avenue Q’ on their last night!
Looking ahead I will be welcoming two other Canucks, whose shopping list of Canada-only items is slowly forming…
Danielle came in mid February and spent a week with me in London and Paris. It was an amazing time, and great to see her again! She came with a suitcase filled with goodies from home including the latest issue of Macleans, chocolates and peanut butter! Good peanut butter is a rarity here, and to enjoy a little taste of Kraft Crunchy Peanut Butter was a heaven…seriously! After gallivanting around the city for the first part of the week Tuesday morning found us on an early morning train to Paris for three days. Paris is such a beautiful place, and I’m sure if you ask McGee, she’d express her undying love for France’s capital. After hitting up l’Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, The Beaver – a Canadian bar – and a few other touristy sites we made our way to the top of the Eiffel Tower to cap off our Parisian adventure. Tired after our trip we got back into the city on Thursday and spent the last few days visiting London’s other major attractions and catching the hilarious show ‘Avenue Q’ – so funny! The week came and went too quickly which made the airport drop a tough one!
This past Saturday saw the arrival of Pam and the Force, on their first flight – ever. Since it was their first flight it was riddled with turbulence, crying babies and delays, obviously. But 10 hours after their scheduled departure from Ottawa International, the duo arrived with all of their goodies – Ms. Vickies chips, Starbucks coupons, Advil Liqi-Gels and Macleans – at Heathrow International. Some roaming in Camden and Portobello markets on the weekend and some debauchery on Saturday night was their official welcome to London! The twosome enjoyed the rest of their week taking in various London sights, drinking on public transport and also enjoying the hilarity of ‘Avenue Q’ on their last night!
Looking ahead I will be welcoming two other Canucks, whose shopping list of Canada-only items is slowly forming…
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