The Royal Wedding Experience

So we decided that we would not even attempt to try and get a spot at the Mall or along the procession route on Friday - we instead made our way to the NEXT biggest party at Hyde Park. There were over 120,000 people there, so there was a great energy. We could hear the cheers from Buckingham Palace at times too - so that was neat!

It was quite a day! It was amazing that even though there were SO many people in the park, they were SO quiet during the ceremony. Lots and lots of cheering when the Prince's emerged, Kate and the Royal Family. The loudest cheers for saved for their beloved Queen though. I kept thinking how pleased Granny would have been with the Queen's outfit yesterday. She would have really enjoyed the wedding - I can only imagine what she would have said about all those hats!

Probably the COOLEST moment...and one you only would have experienced by being in London, was that as soon as William turned to look at Kate for the first time, the SUN broke through the overcast sky...no word of a lie! I remember everyone cheering and some being stunned at the coincidence. The weather could not have been better...it was like a choreographed dance.

I slept like a baby last night - sooo tired! As I am sure some of you in Canada were even more tired after getting up early AND going to work! Well done to those who pulled it off.

The day was a fairy tale for Kate and William...I hope they enjoyed it and got some time for themselves to take it all in. One of my favorite moments was when Kate walked out onto the balcony and saw all the people in the Mall. Her reaction was so candid and real.

I am enjoying the sunshine today and actually looking forward to getting some work. I am not cut out to be a housewife or stay at home "mom"...I would get WAY too restless. It has been 3 weeks since I last worked. Nice to have the time off to enjoy the weather and events in London...but COME ON already, bring on the work!

The group of Canucks I enjoyed the day with


Most popular party in London!


The Queen came and sat with us for a bit

After they walked out as husband and wife, confetti was dropped at Hyde Park! Very exciting

William showing Kate the lovely Canadian girl that Harry should marry!


This was exciting!! Straight after flying over Kate and William, they flew over us!

Much love xo.

Royal Wedding MADNESS!!

I decided to cycle into the city today, as the weather was so beautiful...a bit chilly, but still sunny! I went past Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace - both of which were crawling with tourists, media and mad people camping out! Yes, the camp-outs have begun. I did think for a second I might as well camp out since I haven't been working this week, but then...the second past.

It is a cool thing to be a part of. Even if you are not buying into all the hype...it's still a HUGE event. It was neat just seeing all the media set up and whole "lights, camera, action" scenes.

I took a few photos - there were more people just out and about then there were campers...I was shocked at how few were camped out. I'm sure more will join them though as the time gets nearer!

Enjoy - I'll take as many photos as I can on the day...but I don't imagine we will get anywhere NEAR the action. I'm just excited for the experience of it!

This police woman was very friendly, posing for pictures, talking to the media and tourists


There was a random procession practise

It was a lovely view looking down the mall


Carpenters were busy building stages for the media to take pics


Across from the Abbey...people already camped out, along with the media staking their places

Much love xo.

After 16 days...

...I am back to work tomorrow (hopefully). It feels a little strange, in the sense that I am not returning to St Gregs, but exciting and good anxious to get my feet wet in the London schools.

I had a great weekend - catching up with friends, basking in the lovely weather, seeing some London sights and playing some tennis (in Wimbledon!!).

Thank goodness its only a 3 day work week, and then another 4 day weekend, including the madness that will be the Royal Wedding!!

Hope you all had great family times! I would like to thank my family for their extremely "SPECIAL" voice message that I received last night. Was great to hear everyone's voice and have a big laugh!

Much love xo.

The last week has been absolutely INCREDIBLE weather! I'm sure it will come to an end at some point, but for now, I am just enjoying it!

I have spent my weekend getting lots of training in - on my bike. Went for a big cycle yesterday around Richmond Park, and a big one today around London.

A beautiful view from Richmond Park

Views of the London Eye


Biking across Tower Bridge

Such a beautiful and relaxing weekend - really couldn't ask for much more. Am missing my family - however, the fact that there is snow back home really helps being away from them all :)

This is our first family holiday without Granny...big hugs to everyone back home - it will NOT be the same without her, I'm sure.

My what a difference an entire year can make. I remember this time last year I was a very unhappy person - in terms of work and "what am I doing with my life" sort of feeling. Still a few of the same stresses, but fully enjoying life and the experiences I have had the last year. I don't think the April 2010 version of me ever thought I would be sitting in London, UK with the past 7 month's experiences under my belt.

Here's to choices, challenges, experiences and family!

Happy Easter, and just as at Christmas, don't forget the reason for the season!

Much love xo.

7 Months In!

How quickly time flies when you are having the time of your life!! Can you believe I have now been over here for 7 months?! Still no money sent home, but all in good time :)

I am absolutely in LOVE with the area that I am living in. It really is a combination of big city convenience and rural living leisure. I found a HUGE park yesterday, called Richmond Park. It was sooo huge! It boasts many trails and a nature reserve (so there were random animals about). I spent about 3 hours there yesterday cycling around.


Its been nice to have this week off to get myself acquainted with the area and rested up after all the commuting during the move. I am looking forward to the Royal Wedding weekend - it is going to be one of those "I was there for that!" and "once in a lifetime" experience. My friends from Cambridge are coming up to stay, so it will no doubt be eventful!

I signed up for a free fitness class at Niketown tonight, so hopefully that will be good. They offer them 2x a week, just have to be quick to get your name in and get a place. The Cambridge girls are leaving for Amsterdam tomorrow morning, so they are staying in London tonight very near to my fitness class, so I'm meeting up with them for a visit. Hard to believe its nearly been 5 months since I've seen them!!

Off to commence my day!

Cheerio!

Much love xo.

Official Resident of Wimbledon

I am officially all moved in! Very proud of myself for moving everything on my own in just 2 trips...on public transit. Once I moved everything in, I went for a big cycle around London. Watched a bit of the marathon at Buckingham Palace and then came home to do some grocery shopping and organizing.

My bedroom - also has TONS of storage (wardrobe and shelf)

The view out my window - gorgeous!

SOOO happy to have this week off. It will be nice to have some time to catch up on my sleep, as its been a busy busy week.

I am a little sad to have closed the Oxford chapter in my life, but am so very thankful for my time and experiences there. I ended up teaching in Oxford by chance, or so I thought. Turns out I was always meant to start out there. I can't imagine enjoying my time over here without my "family" home base in Wallingford. Am sad to be further away from them, but as Catherine put, I could be further (moving back to Canada).

Enjoying the evening with my new roomies - Naomi (from Ireland) and Sarah (from Australia).

Much love xo.

Lovely Day with Lovely People

Hello...

I moved most of my things to Wimbledon today. Hopefully will be able to manage one last case and my bike tomorrow and then that is it! Looking forward to getting settled in my new place...am glad to have all of next week off.

Am very tired, so will keep this post brief. Had a lovely afternoon with Catherine and family today for Jessie's 1st birthday party. She was an absolute DOLL today in a super cute dress and she was utterly gorgeous the entire afternoon. Oscar is getting so grown up in everything that he does. We were playing football for a bit today and he said "Good shot" each time I kicked it. He also demonstrated the CORRECT way to run...too cute. Was so great to see everyone after a long 3 weeks. Will be about that again until I see them...BOO.



Sleeeeeeeep!

Much love xo.

I am a blessed soul...

Hello all! I arrived back to Gatwick safe and sound yesterday afternoon. The flight from Budapest took about 2 hours and it was shockingly on time (a rarity with budget airlines). I have had quite the busy day today though. Spent the day in London getting sorted for work with my new agency. Back in Oxford tonight packing up as much as I can to take tomorrow morning. The rest, a friend is helping me take on Sunday. After I move on Saturday, its back to Oxford for Jessie's 1st birthday party...can't believe she was only 5 months old when I met her! Time is really flying over here! I just said to Kendle and Meaghan (girls in Cambridge) that I cannot believe I haven't seen them since New Years in Scotland, almost 5 months ago now!

So Budapest - first of all, I went there on a recommendation from Catherine (thankfully for her, I loved it!). It is a BEAUTIFUL city, rich with history and architecture. From World War 2 to communism, there was a lot for me to see and do! The first day I just spent walking around and exploring (as I find that is usually the best way). I stayed at a hostel, recommended to me by a well traveled friend. It was my first hostel experience and I must say, as someone who has high standards, I was blown away by how awesome this place was. It was totally secured (MOM) and tucked away in a nice little courtyard. So although it was right downtown (on the Pest side) it was completely away from all the craziness. The staff were unbelievable - they truly felt like my mates after the first day. The owner, Feri, had a complimentary wine tasting party for us on the Tuesday night. It was really cool just sitting and chatting with everyone. Later that night, a UK bloke and I went out to a REAL Hungarian pub with one of the staff members to watch the Manchester United v Chelsey match with his mates. It was a really cool experience. Similar to Poland, most people under 30 speak English. I spent the rest of my days exploring pretty much the top 10 sights to see! I went to the Thermal Baths - SO much old people sagging skin to scar me for many lifetimes, and even a few old men hitting on me (awesome), but it was a gorgeous day and very cool experience. I went to the Terror House - which was the site of the Nazi and Communist party operations and torture chambers. I must say, it was the MOST bone chilling exhibition I have EVER been too. The museum is SO well done, I actually felt like Hitler or Stalin could jump out at any minute...it was incredible and a must do. I spent one morning walking around with Matei from Romania. I would describe him as a gentle giant! I met him the first night at the hostel. He looks like a hard-core rock/medal fan (which is actually is), but has a heart of gold and would do anything for you. We went to a museum in the morning and walked around a HUGE market. It was nice walking around the city with someone else too!

Paul (Berlin), Dan (London) & Matei (Romania)..............some interesting photos from my room in the hostel

The last night I was there, a new batch of travelers came in. The original few that were left and the staff, were helping me celebrate my last night there. I felt like it was my birthday! We had so much fun, lots of laughs. I ended up going for a walk by the Duna River to get some night shots - it was an incredible sight. My camera didn't capture all the beauty, but I'm glad I went for that walk.

Archeological Site - SOOO COOOOOOOOL!

A great trip, a memorable one! I think back to a few years ago when I was in Montreal, Quebec for the first time - and HATED the fact that nothing was in English, let alone people speaking it. It is an EXTREMELY cool feeling to have conquered both Poland and Hungary on my own. After I got to the airport yesterday, after taking the tube to the train to the bus (costing about 1 Euro) and none of it being in English, and NO one really around to ask, I gave myself a pat on the back for a job well done!

Last minute packing to do before a busy busy day tomorrow. Really looking forward to seeing the babbas...who are not such little babbas anymore(!!) and their lovely parents - it has been 3 VERY long weeks.

Much love. xo

Adios!

The traveling bug, I have it! I am beyond excited to go to Budapest. Even though its another solo trip, I don't really mind. Solo trips mean you can do what you want, when you want.

Today was potentially my last full day in Oxford, so I decided to spend it cycling the lovely countryside. I made it up as I went, but went through Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and back up to Oxford. Took much of the afternoon, but was glad to spend it checking things out.

Anyway, between packing up my room and packing up my sack for Budapest - HOW did I accumulate SO much stuff in the last 7 months?! Actually...I should be able to make it all in one trip, except for my bedding and bike.

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather...even you, Canada!

Much love. xo

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

I'm hoping this saying will be true of my move to London. Saying goodbye to St Greg's is unfortunate, but exciting at the same time. It will be very strange not being a part of that school anymore, I really did feel like I was getting in to a good place. Tomorrow is my last day - strange feeling, as I think I'm mostly just excited that it's Easter holidays (aka 2 weeks off!).

The weather has been absolutely GORGEOUS here this week. It was actually TOO HOT to be outside for PE today - imagine that Canada...TOO HOT in April! I went for a cycle on my own last night after work, my first in the day light, around our circuit. It was SO beautiful going in the day. I wish I brought my proper camera to take quality shots - it was stunning. I took a few with my mobile, but not the greatest quality.

These are both views towards Oxford...the second one is poor quality, much more amazing in person

Tonight was Year 8 parents evening. I saw about 20 or so parents. As a young teacher, these experiences are great for me to have.

Off to continue packing and sorting through my things - cannot believe how much I have accumulated since being here! I'm seriously hoping I can get everything there in 2 go's...should be interesting.

Much love! xo