Today was a pretty chill day spent working on the computer from Dave's flat. Been working on updating the 2010 Trust Fund database. I woke about 9:30 a.m. and just pretty much rolled out of bed and logged on to the computer. Had some connection issues so it wasn't the most productive day. However, the db was scrubbed and I've started populating it.
Tonight I'm watching BBC4 with some documentary style shows. First up was a show about the Tudors and art. Now I'm In Search of Medieval Britain. I'm pretty tired from not going to bed until late last night as well as my back acting up. It's almost 9 p.m. and I'm so ready to crawl into bed. All-in-all a pretty uneventful day. Tomorrow will be a busy one with an early rise. I need to flier Hackney for Saturday night's Street Action event before heading down to the office in Brixton...a good walking day for sure.
Bonne nuit et dors bien tout le monde
Big Ben
Thursday 30 September 2010
Wednesday 29 September 2010
London day 8
Wow, long day today...but a good one.
Today I assisted with the training of four young adults who will be traveling into South Africa and Burundi in the next couple of months representing Street Action. I assisted the Director Joe with misc. tasks and provided my own personal account and recommendations for when they travel to South Africa and work with the NGO Umthombo and street children in Durban. I think this is a great group of "kids" (I call them kids only because they are in their early 20s). I have to admit I am a wee bit envious of their journey because they will be in Durban, South Africa for about six weeks and then headed to Burundi to work with New Generation for another six weeks. This will be an experience that they will never forget and it was an honor to share in a portion of their training.
The training session was from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and I got a little lost getting there since the bus terminated earlier than I had expected. The London buses often terminate before your stop making you have to get off and then back on another bus on the same route (provided that those buses don't also terminate where you're waiting). The transit system here is amazing. But I'm still having a hard time not being turned around and knowing which way is N, S, E and W. They don't mark their maps indicating which way is which. It's still a little confusing with everything being on the opposite side as well. I can totally navigate the Underground and Overground, but the buses I'm still working on.
Okay, enough about my transit rant. So today's main focus was on the volunteers training. After, we all went to the University bar/lounge and had a pint before everyone went their separate ways, most going home. Not me. Nope...I went to a lecture given by the Royal African Society addressing the legacy of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. This was also at the University of London and started at 6:00 p.m. It was a great lecture with three speakers from the media field. It'll be interesting to see if the legacy is positive or negative in the long run economically and socially.
After the lecture, it was pouring rain. I didn't mind except I wore the wrong pants and didn't bring my jacket out today. My cotton lounge pants got soaked as I walked to the bus stop and it got a little chilly without the jacket. The past week I have been bringing my jacket with me not knowing how cold it might get and I end up sweating my butt off. So today I said no more. I'd rather be cold than an icky, sweaty mess. For once it would have come in handy. LOL. So the story goes.
I popped in to a burger joint to have some dinner before heading back to North London where I'm staying. No, I didn't have a burger but a grilled chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich. No more burgers until I get home I swear. I don't want the disappointment. I knew that my host wouldn't be home so I took my time. Dave, my host, has been so kind in making dinner and breakfast each day and when I got in he had left me a small bottle of wine (enough for a glass) to finish my day. He's the kindest man and I really enjoy chatting with him. He worked for Shell Oil for 25 years and it really has been refreshing to get his side of how the industry works.
Anyways...so now I'm ready to head off to bed. I've been dicking around on Google chat for the last couple of hours and now it's well past midnight. Tomorrow is a low-key day for me. We have a music fundraiser on Saturday night so tomorrow I need to go back to Hackney and put out some fliers for the event. Should be another good walking day. I'm hoping though, seriously hoping, that it won't be raining. Please, please, please oh weather gods. Once I'm done I'll probably head back to North London and work on some database data for Street Action. If not, then I'll work on my french and research for my thesis.
So far this has been a fantastic trip. It was well worth it and I'm getting even more excited about getting my thesis done and back into the working field...especially in my field of study. If only I could find my way to London and get a job out here. I really do like it here. It's a fast-paced city with such educated and experienced people. It is exactly where I want to be career wise. Who knows what the future holds for this crazy and passionate Cali girl? Whatever it will be...it will be something fulfilling and exciting that will not only make myself proud but my parents and family even more proud (not sure if that's possible right now though with my parents).
Okay...signing off...until tomorrow.
Today I assisted with the training of four young adults who will be traveling into South Africa and Burundi in the next couple of months representing Street Action. I assisted the Director Joe with misc. tasks and provided my own personal account and recommendations for when they travel to South Africa and work with the NGO Umthombo and street children in Durban. I think this is a great group of "kids" (I call them kids only because they are in their early 20s). I have to admit I am a wee bit envious of their journey because they will be in Durban, South Africa for about six weeks and then headed to Burundi to work with New Generation for another six weeks. This will be an experience that they will never forget and it was an honor to share in a portion of their training.
The training session was from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and I got a little lost getting there since the bus terminated earlier than I had expected. The London buses often terminate before your stop making you have to get off and then back on another bus on the same route (provided that those buses don't also terminate where you're waiting). The transit system here is amazing. But I'm still having a hard time not being turned around and knowing which way is N, S, E and W. They don't mark their maps indicating which way is which. It's still a little confusing with everything being on the opposite side as well. I can totally navigate the Underground and Overground, but the buses I'm still working on.
Okay, enough about my transit rant. So today's main focus was on the volunteers training. After, we all went to the University bar/lounge and had a pint before everyone went their separate ways, most going home. Not me. Nope...I went to a lecture given by the Royal African Society addressing the legacy of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. This was also at the University of London and started at 6:00 p.m. It was a great lecture with three speakers from the media field. It'll be interesting to see if the legacy is positive or negative in the long run economically and socially.
After the lecture, it was pouring rain. I didn't mind except I wore the wrong pants and didn't bring my jacket out today. My cotton lounge pants got soaked as I walked to the bus stop and it got a little chilly without the jacket. The past week I have been bringing my jacket with me not knowing how cold it might get and I end up sweating my butt off. So today I said no more. I'd rather be cold than an icky, sweaty mess. For once it would have come in handy. LOL. So the story goes.
I popped in to a burger joint to have some dinner before heading back to North London where I'm staying. No, I didn't have a burger but a grilled chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich. No more burgers until I get home I swear. I don't want the disappointment. I knew that my host wouldn't be home so I took my time. Dave, my host, has been so kind in making dinner and breakfast each day and when I got in he had left me a small bottle of wine (enough for a glass) to finish my day. He's the kindest man and I really enjoy chatting with him. He worked for Shell Oil for 25 years and it really has been refreshing to get his side of how the industry works.
Anyways...so now I'm ready to head off to bed. I've been dicking around on Google chat for the last couple of hours and now it's well past midnight. Tomorrow is a low-key day for me. We have a music fundraiser on Saturday night so tomorrow I need to go back to Hackney and put out some fliers for the event. Should be another good walking day. I'm hoping though, seriously hoping, that it won't be raining. Please, please, please oh weather gods. Once I'm done I'll probably head back to North London and work on some database data for Street Action. If not, then I'll work on my french and research for my thesis.
So far this has been a fantastic trip. It was well worth it and I'm getting even more excited about getting my thesis done and back into the working field...especially in my field of study. If only I could find my way to London and get a job out here. I really do like it here. It's a fast-paced city with such educated and experienced people. It is exactly where I want to be career wise. Who knows what the future holds for this crazy and passionate Cali girl? Whatever it will be...it will be something fulfilling and exciting that will not only make myself proud but my parents and family even more proud (not sure if that's possible right now though with my parents).
Okay...signing off...until tomorrow.
Tuesday 28 September 2010
London Week One
It's now been a full six days since arriving in London. It was a little difficult the first few nights getting over the jet lag but I've finally done it. I've been told it's harder traveling west to east...I guess their right?
I arrived late last Tuesday after two flights from San Francisco. The first leg was pretty rough since it was a red-eye flight and I don't sleep well or at all on planes. It didn't help that my kidney stones were acting up and there was a heavy set drunk man sitting in the aisle seat for me to get my pills from up top. No worries, I got them down for the second flight from Boston to Heathrow. That flight was much better and I slept some and was ready to go once I got off that plane. Immigration was long to get through but finally I got in and Joe Walker, Director of Street Action was there waiting for me. Apparently nobody drives in London so we took the underground and then bus to my first lodging location in Hackney.
Hackney is a burough of London on the East End. An up and coming area that is diverse in nationalities. Not to mention quite a few young, new families. I stayed with some wonderful friends of Joe's for a few days before moving on to the North part of London to stay with one of Street Action's board members Dave. I'll be here at Dave's for a few days before moving on again to some other folks.
What I didn't realize, is how much walking is done here. I swear I've dropped at least five pounds already. My hips are sore as if I've had a good workout. Even though I'm a little out-of-shape, I welcome all the exercise and hope to lose at least another 5 to 10 lbs.
Since I was going to be jet lagged for a few days, Joe let me wonder about as I wanted. The first full day was sunny and beautiful. About 70 to 75 degrees. I wasn't expecting such nice weather and I was a little hot walking all over. I started off at the London Eye, located on the river Thames and walked over to Parliament and Big Ben. The architecture here is amazing. For those of you who know me, you'll understand why I love old things and buildings...I'm a total European history geek. After oohing and awing over Parliament, I walked across the street to Westminster Abbey. Another amazing location. It was really cool to see where all of the famous English court characters were buried. I have to admit I got all excited when I saw Lord Burghley's grave (he was Elizabeth I's Chief Advisor). Told you I was a geek. It took me a while to get through the Abbey but was excited to try and move on to go see Buckingham Palace. I didn't quite make it there and got lost walking around. I didn't want to get too caught up in commuting traffic on the underground so I hopped on a train and made my way back to Hackney.
The following day, Joe had me trotting all over London and I was barely able to keep up. Friday, he took me into Shoreditch, an up and coming neighborhood, for breakfast and then down to the School of Oriental and African Studies. From there we finally made it to the office in Brixton. I was so exhausted by all of the walking and jet lag that I took it easy that night and ate dinner with the flat mates. Saturday I was all gung ho about going down to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge also hoping to get to another location. The day started out beautiful but ended up a little cloudy. By now, all of the walking had started to irritate my lower back. Once I got to the Tower, I was up and down stairs left and right. This made my back even more angry that by the time i was done I hopped onto a river taxi and went up the river to the Waterloo station. I could barely make it home and was all too happy to see my bed. Sunday was painful. The back felt better but my broken foot (from age 11) was pissed and swollen. It was pretty hard to walk about so I stayed in only getting out to grab some lunch.
Monday was a free day so I went to get my library card form SOAS and couldn't do so since it was the first day of classes and I was a visitor. No biggie, I headed over to the British Museum where I got lost for hours. After, I decided to head to Covent Gardens and the Lamb and Flag. Covent Gardens is a major shopping area and the Lamb and Flag a pub that's been around for over 300 years. I got my first pasty (cheese and onion, my fave) and a pint of Guinness. Again I was exhausted from all the walking and my back again was not having it. So I pulled up the strength and made my way back to Hackney and pretty much fell on my bed.
Now I'm in North London with week one over. Had my first full day in the office and was pretty productive in our plan of attack for one of the things I'll be working on. Tomorrow I'm back down at the SOAS helping with a volunteer training session speaking to the vols (as Joe calls them) about my time on the ground in South Africa. Should be quite fun and I feel honored to be one of the guest speakers. Tomorrow evening there is a talk regarding the World Cup in South Africa and it's impact upon the children. Very much looking forward to that.
So I leave you now with my mug of tea at my side and my bed calling my name. Sleep well everyone.
Cheers!
I arrived late last Tuesday after two flights from San Francisco. The first leg was pretty rough since it was a red-eye flight and I don't sleep well or at all on planes. It didn't help that my kidney stones were acting up and there was a heavy set drunk man sitting in the aisle seat for me to get my pills from up top. No worries, I got them down for the second flight from Boston to Heathrow. That flight was much better and I slept some and was ready to go once I got off that plane. Immigration was long to get through but finally I got in and Joe Walker, Director of Street Action was there waiting for me. Apparently nobody drives in London so we took the underground and then bus to my first lodging location in Hackney.
Hackney is a burough of London on the East End. An up and coming area that is diverse in nationalities. Not to mention quite a few young, new families. I stayed with some wonderful friends of Joe's for a few days before moving on to the North part of London to stay with one of Street Action's board members Dave. I'll be here at Dave's for a few days before moving on again to some other folks.
What I didn't realize, is how much walking is done here. I swear I've dropped at least five pounds already. My hips are sore as if I've had a good workout. Even though I'm a little out-of-shape, I welcome all the exercise and hope to lose at least another 5 to 10 lbs.
Since I was going to be jet lagged for a few days, Joe let me wonder about as I wanted. The first full day was sunny and beautiful. About 70 to 75 degrees. I wasn't expecting such nice weather and I was a little hot walking all over. I started off at the London Eye, located on the river Thames and walked over to Parliament and Big Ben. The architecture here is amazing. For those of you who know me, you'll understand why I love old things and buildings...I'm a total European history geek. After oohing and awing over Parliament, I walked across the street to Westminster Abbey. Another amazing location. It was really cool to see where all of the famous English court characters were buried. I have to admit I got all excited when I saw Lord Burghley's grave (he was Elizabeth I's Chief Advisor). Told you I was a geek. It took me a while to get through the Abbey but was excited to try and move on to go see Buckingham Palace. I didn't quite make it there and got lost walking around. I didn't want to get too caught up in commuting traffic on the underground so I hopped on a train and made my way back to Hackney.
The following day, Joe had me trotting all over London and I was barely able to keep up. Friday, he took me into Shoreditch, an up and coming neighborhood, for breakfast and then down to the School of Oriental and African Studies. From there we finally made it to the office in Brixton. I was so exhausted by all of the walking and jet lag that I took it easy that night and ate dinner with the flat mates. Saturday I was all gung ho about going down to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge also hoping to get to another location. The day started out beautiful but ended up a little cloudy. By now, all of the walking had started to irritate my lower back. Once I got to the Tower, I was up and down stairs left and right. This made my back even more angry that by the time i was done I hopped onto a river taxi and went up the river to the Waterloo station. I could barely make it home and was all too happy to see my bed. Sunday was painful. The back felt better but my broken foot (from age 11) was pissed and swollen. It was pretty hard to walk about so I stayed in only getting out to grab some lunch.
Monday was a free day so I went to get my library card form SOAS and couldn't do so since it was the first day of classes and I was a visitor. No biggie, I headed over to the British Museum where I got lost for hours. After, I decided to head to Covent Gardens and the Lamb and Flag. Covent Gardens is a major shopping area and the Lamb and Flag a pub that's been around for over 300 years. I got my first pasty (cheese and onion, my fave) and a pint of Guinness. Again I was exhausted from all the walking and my back again was not having it. So I pulled up the strength and made my way back to Hackney and pretty much fell on my bed.
Now I'm in North London with week one over. Had my first full day in the office and was pretty productive in our plan of attack for one of the things I'll be working on. Tomorrow I'm back down at the SOAS helping with a volunteer training session speaking to the vols (as Joe calls them) about my time on the ground in South Africa. Should be quite fun and I feel honored to be one of the guest speakers. Tomorrow evening there is a talk regarding the World Cup in South Africa and it's impact upon the children. Very much looking forward to that.
So I leave you now with my mug of tea at my side and my bed calling my name. Sleep well everyone.
Cheers!
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