We (the Canuck interns) booked a trip to Krakow, Poland in early August, so there was a lot of build up and anticipation that surrounded it. It was a short weekend break, but it was still amazing.
Our two hours London-Krakow flight was on Friday night. After a bag search, a flight attendant's face in my lap and passport issues resolved, we arrived at JPII airport very cold and very tired from the journey. After a quick check of the shuttle bus and train times, we made our way into the main city. A frigid -15degree and snowy 20 minute walk through the Old City brought us to our Hostel, Nathan's Villa. We settled in our 6 person room and made our way to the streets for some dinner, a (few) drink(s) and some clubbing before bed.
A huge advantage to visiting Poland is the exchange rate :). No matter what currency you choose to convert, you win! After conversions, a beer costs 1 Euro, 50pence or less than 2 Canadian. AMAZING! Food was pretty cheap too.
Most of Saturday was spent in Auschwitz. It was a very eye opening, chilling experience. I'm happy I went and saw everything first hand, so I was able to get a better understanding of what thousands of men, women and children faced decades ago. Obviously, I will never know the pain anguish and torture they went through, but any further understanding of their pain sheds new light on the culture at the time and our history.
When we got back from Auschwitz we finished off the day with some shopping at the local westernized shopping empire, where some of us made contributions to a few multinational organizations' bank accounts. Dinner was had at a traditional Polish pierogi restaurant, where a massive plate of meat pierogies cost me less than 3 Canadian Dollars...whoo hoo! Because we were only in Krakow for two nights, we decided to make the most of our time in the city that's known for having hundreds of bars/clubs/pubs within a 1km radius. We started off at the Hostel pub, with a shot of absinthe and then made our way to a Kahn suture Bar, followed by a (brief stint) at a Heavy Metal Pub, proceeded by a couple cave bars. It was loads of fun!
Sunday was a day dedicated to Krakow, with our personal tour guide, Mr. Tadeusz, at the helm we saw (almost) every nook and cranny of Krakow, including the castle in the centre of the city, a few churches, classic buildings and non-westernized shopping empires (i.e. local shop markets). His junior tour guide, Ms. Pleet, gave us a very interesting crash course on the Jewish history of Krakow and on the local synagogue. The city has so much history that's sometimes never highlighted, it was great!
We flew out of JPII airport that night, but not before we enjoyed a yummy homecooked Babcia meal at a local restaurant...costing less than 5 Canadian dollars...I LOVE IT! It was for the best that we got to the airport with ample time, as after we checked in and went through security (I had my bags checked again), passport control decided to stop me and 'ask some questions'. Primarily, about where I was born - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A pretty big Middle Eastern country that's known for its two main cities - Abu Dhabi and Dubai - and its lavish way of life. However, the young gentleman at the passport control counter had never heard of the country and couldn't locate it on a map (even after I named it's neighbouring countries) or on a 'list'. A consultation with his passport control friend ensued for about 10mins before I was asked to prove where I was staying in Krakow and the reason for my stay. A total of 20 minutes after all the other Canadians got through the control station, I was allowed to pass through and enjoy some duty free vodka purchases. Yummy.
The flight back was all but uneventful, with a cranky head of the flight crew, and a few rowdy brits reciting lines from the Borat movie, it took in flight entertainment to a whole other level. I love traveling!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Proper Granny Flat!
We successfully (if you don't include the lack of Internet or set of keys) moved into our granny flat last Saturday...whoo hoo! We've spent this past week settling in and attempting to make our living space more homely. The 'granniness' of the flat gives it some distinct character that helps us justify it to our friends and loved ones when they see it in person or in pictures. I'll be sure to post some as soon as possible...
We christened the new flat this past Saturday with a UN-esque party, which had people from all parts of the world in attendance - The United States, New Zealand, The UK and Canada. With DJ Mike at the helm, our lounge was the place to be this Saturday night in South London. Good music, yummy rummy bears and vodka shooters added to the atmosphere!
Work has been going pretty well, I'm still trying to get into the groove of things, even though our Parliament was born out of the Westminster system, the structure and regulations behind the two are completely different. The Westminster system here, has none. I was surprised to find out that there was very little party discipline when it came to committees and house duty, and that the members spend a good deal of time in their constituency. She's really getting me involved in her committee areas of Media, Culture and Sport. So my focus is on recent reports about the 2012 Olympics and other media, culture and sport related matters. A very interesting area of study, I'm quite excited!
It has almost been a month and I am yet to travel anywhere! That will be rectified soon enough with a trip to Krakow, Poland this coming Friday...whoo hoo! That's one tick off my list...17, er...19 more to go!
We christened the new flat this past Saturday with a UN-esque party, which had people from all parts of the world in attendance - The United States, New Zealand, The UK and Canada. With DJ Mike at the helm, our lounge was the place to be this Saturday night in South London. Good music, yummy rummy bears and vodka shooters added to the atmosphere!
Work has been going pretty well, I'm still trying to get into the groove of things, even though our Parliament was born out of the Westminster system, the structure and regulations behind the two are completely different. The Westminster system here, has none. I was surprised to find out that there was very little party discipline when it came to committees and house duty, and that the members spend a good deal of time in their constituency. She's really getting me involved in her committee areas of Media, Culture and Sport. So my focus is on recent reports about the 2012 Olympics and other media, culture and sport related matters. A very interesting area of study, I'm quite excited!
It has almost been a month and I am yet to travel anywhere! That will be rectified soon enough with a trip to Krakow, Poland this coming Friday...whoo hoo! That's one tick off my list...17, er...19 more to go!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I have arrived!
It's hard to believe that this has been more than 10 months in the making, but I'm here in London, England...and still alive! It's been a great 6 days thus far, with some even greater days to come.
The flight over was great and quite uneventful. My father, in good Trevor Fernandez fashion, attempted to get me an upgraded seat with an upgrade voucher, to no avail. While my mother clung onto my hand tightly and kissed and hugged me goodbye 4 times over. It was sad passing through security and onto the gates of Terminal 1 at Pearson International, but it was exciting to think about the adventure to come! One of those 'transition' moments...
We have been staying with Alex and his family here in London. They have very graciously put all five of us up in their home since we arrived. I will hopefully be moving into my 1970s retro style flat by Monday of next week. It will be nice to have a place to call my own, even if it does have kitch carpet, lime green walls, and pink velvet headboards...groovy!
I'm slowly learning that everything here takes twice as long as it would in Canada. Case in point: we found a flat on the 6th (last Saturday) and almost a week later, we haven't moved in. Why? Because the 10 page application, reference check, bank check and guarantor documents have been holding it up. I guess working with a reputable letting agency has also added to the delays, whatever happened to the likes of 'Gabriel' who only wants the rent in small unmarked bills?
I started work today at the House of Parliament, with my MP from the North of the UK. She and her son (who runs her London office) seem very nice and very accommodating. I got a grand tour of the House of Parliament today, which resembles our own in its ornate and historical nature. She has given me a great deal of flexibility with my hours and days or work, along with the opportunity to do some traveling to her riding and other parts of Europe, so it should be interesting. I will also be her date for the 2007 Brit Awards on February 14th, so keep your eyes peeled for me on the red carpet!
Aside from the stresses of house hunting and starting a new job, I've done a little sight seeing of Central London - Downing Street, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square and many bars and pubs. A lot has been packed into the last 6 days and I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of it!
Hopefully I'll become a little bit more consistent with my blogs. And remember that if you'd like to experience London for yourself, you're more than welcome to come and join me during my 20 weeks stay :)
Just give me some notice...
The flight over was great and quite uneventful. My father, in good Trevor Fernandez fashion, attempted to get me an upgraded seat with an upgrade voucher, to no avail. While my mother clung onto my hand tightly and kissed and hugged me goodbye 4 times over. It was sad passing through security and onto the gates of Terminal 1 at Pearson International, but it was exciting to think about the adventure to come! One of those 'transition' moments...
We have been staying with Alex and his family here in London. They have very graciously put all five of us up in their home since we arrived. I will hopefully be moving into my 1970s retro style flat by Monday of next week. It will be nice to have a place to call my own, even if it does have kitch carpet, lime green walls, and pink velvet headboards...groovy!
I'm slowly learning that everything here takes twice as long as it would in Canada. Case in point: we found a flat on the 6th (last Saturday) and almost a week later, we haven't moved in. Why? Because the 10 page application, reference check, bank check and guarantor documents have been holding it up. I guess working with a reputable letting agency has also added to the delays, whatever happened to the likes of 'Gabriel' who only wants the rent in small unmarked bills?
I started work today at the House of Parliament, with my MP from the North of the UK. She and her son (who runs her London office) seem very nice and very accommodating. I got a grand tour of the House of Parliament today, which resembles our own in its ornate and historical nature. She has given me a great deal of flexibility with my hours and days or work, along with the opportunity to do some traveling to her riding and other parts of Europe, so it should be interesting. I will also be her date for the 2007 Brit Awards on February 14th, so keep your eyes peeled for me on the red carpet!
Aside from the stresses of house hunting and starting a new job, I've done a little sight seeing of Central London - Downing Street, Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square and many bars and pubs. A lot has been packed into the last 6 days and I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of it!
Hopefully I'll become a little bit more consistent with my blogs. And remember that if you'd like to experience London for yourself, you're more than welcome to come and join me during my 20 weeks stay :)
Just give me some notice...
Monday, January 01, 2007
Fleeing the country...
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday season! I'm leaving for London in a couple days and wanted to make sure that we still keep in touch. So I've set up a blog for your reading pleasure =). It can be found at darranfernandez.blogspot.com
Feel free to use it as an anti-depressant, a sounding board, or as a way to become infatuated with me...whatever your heart desires.
If you're looking to get away from the grind of everyday life over the course of the next five months, hop across the pond and pay me a visit! My flat door is always open!
Also, send me your mailing addresses so I pay it forward with some postcards!
Take care and all the best in 2007!
Cheerio!
PS - Like the lingo (flat, cheerio, etc.)?
Feel free to use it as an anti-depressant, a sounding board, or as a way to become infatuated with me...whatever your heart desires.
If you're looking to get away from the grind of everyday life over the course of the next five months, hop across the pond and pay me a visit! My flat door is always open!
Also, send me your mailing addresses so I pay it forward with some postcards!
Take care and all the best in 2007!
Cheerio!
PS - Like the lingo (flat, cheerio, etc.)?
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