On Monday I moved into my temporary residence at 44 Himley rd in Tooting Broadway. I'm loving it. I didn't realise how much I had missed having my own room until I got this one. The first day I was here I pretty much JUST slept. I had 3 months of interrupted sleep to catch up on. And now that I have I feel energized and ready to take on London all over again. When I was sleeping on Tess' couch I was starting to feel really... "blah". It was hard adjusting from the fast paced life of a European Jet-setter to being (essentially) a lonely housewife. I felt like time NOT spent at a museum, or gallery, or church, or some famous historic landmark, or drunk and partying was time wasted. It was hard to get used to. But now that I'm settled in my own space I feel like I'm able to function at a normal speed again. I'm quite happy to just read and knit or wonder around town. I set myself little projects so I at least feel like I've accomplished something at the end of each day. After what i had to endure last year at my soul-crushing job I feel I've earned the right to dawdle through the next 3 months of my life, doing nothing much in particular. Who knows, maybe I'll write a book or something.
Yesterday I went to the Museum of Natural History. All the exhibits were aimed at very young children so I think I even managed to learn something. The Dinosaurs were my favourite. I liked that whenever the information stated a 'fact' it would say, for example "dinosaurs PROBABLY had skin which helped them to camouflage" or "this dinosaur PROBABLY blew air through this hollow cavity to create a warning sound " etc etc. I don't think paleontologists know anything for sure. It would be fun to be a paleontologist. You could just make up whatever you wanted and no one would know for sure. You could be like "triceratops spoke with a south african accent. What's that? you think I'm wrong? prove it." I think this is a career path I should look into. The human body section was soooooo dated. I was clearly constructed in the 80s and has definitely not been touched since. If fact the whole museum was in desperate need of a spruce up. All the exhibits were covered in a think layer of dust except for the areas wiped clean by the prying fingers of disobedient children. The giant whale which hung from the ceiling appeared especially neglected. If the exhibits ACTUALLY came to life like they did in that movie (night at the museum) I think they'd be appalled at their condition. Someone should do something about that.
Tomorrow I think I'll go to Leicester square and then maybe to the national portrait gallery. It's supposed to be pretty fab. Oh and in other recent news, Erin has offered me her room when she moves back home in may. SO. I'm taking it and will stay until the lease is up at the end of July. Well that's the plan for now. Things will quite possible change another 8 times before I actually get home. Stay tuned.
I'm off to make dinner. Chicken and salad. Then shower. Then lots and lots of grey's anatomy. My love for the show has been rekindled and I'm desperately trying to catch up to the episodes which are airing here at the moment.
Au Revoir xx
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Classic Donna
I survived St. Patricks day. Just.
Lucy and I arrived in Cork late last saturday. I knew I liked Ireland from the second we landed. Irish people are SO Irish it's ridiculous. Ridiculously ADORABLE. They say things like "tis grand" and "to be sure" and "I'm just tuggin' your socks"... I loved it. But I digress. Once we checked in at the hostel we went out to dinner and then to a traditional Irish pub down the road. We thought we'd just ordered a beer but soon realised we'd ordered a guinness. Well the Cork version of guinness: Murphey's draught... and oh be-jesus it was like drinking a beer/a loaf of bread. But After the first few sips it's surprisingly enjoyable and we felt like total locals drinking it which was a bonus. The next day we got up early to go see the sites but apparently Cork doesn't open on Sundays. The only things open were pubs. Typical. So we did what any self respecting tourists would do and and went on a Cork pub crawl starting at 11am. We didn't see much but we sure did soak up the culture.
The next day we were much more productive. We got the bus down to Kinsale which is a small town on the coast about 45minutes south of Cork. We walked along the coast about hour to Charles Fort (a fort built in the 1600s or something. A big deal apparently) It was beautiful. Everything was so lush and green and the ruins of the fort looked incredible. We spent almost 2 hours there just exploring. It was one of the most amazing things I've seen so far. We headed back into town to meet up with Lucy (no.2) and Tess who had driven down from Dublin to meet us. We grabbed some lunch and then drove back to cork where we then ate (again) and drank (some more). Next on the agenda was Blarney Castle. Which, in true Irish form, was also like a mystical, magical, fairy land. We went to the top to kiss the stone which wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. There's nothing even on the rock. It's just... a rock. And I had to kiss it. gah. Oh well. After that we drove to Cove. Another seaside town. We got a beer at a pub right on the water and then went back to Cork for more drinking and Irish festivities.
The next morning we got up bright and early to drive up to Dublin. I drove. I was nervous. But it was in the middle of nowhere so there wasn't really much to crash into. We drove via Tipperary, cause Lucy's family is from there but other then that it was onward to Dublin to get ready for Paddy's day. WEOW!
By the time we got around to booking our accommodation for Dublin all the hostels were booked out so we had to resort to booking a swanky hotel. Best thing we ever did. It was so nice. Room service. Cable television. Fresh towels. ah. heaven. It was a splendid two days. When we first arrived we went to the Guinness factory. We only got there an hour before closing though so we pretty much sprinted past all the exhibits to the top floor where you claim your complementary pint of Guinness. Worth it. The next day was Paddy's day which was pretty much what we expected. Guinness Guinness Guinness Whiskey Whiskey Guinness Whiskey. We started drinking at 12pm and got home at 3am. It was EXHAUSTING. The more Irish people drink the friendlier they get but also the less coherent their speech gets. It was certainly a struggle but if ever we didn't understand anyone we just sang and hugged and everything was good. I think I heard that song (that p.s. I love you song) "her hair was black and her eyes were blue" about 50 times. Not even exaggerating. Or complaining. Great song.
So I've been back in London for about 4 Days. Just chilling out. I went to Hyde park yesterday. It was beautiful. I just sat there for 3 hours or so reading my book and observing the squirrels. I. Love. Squirrels. They'd come right up to me to say hello, but as soon as they realised I didn't have any food they'd piss off again. On saturday there's a big rowing race on between cambridge and oxford. Apparently it's a HUGE deal so we're going to pack a picnic and some drinks and head down to the river to observe. How English am I?? Answer: Pretty English.
Other than that not a whole lot has been going on. I thought I had secured a flat but the girls currently renting it gave me the wrong information so that's not happening anymore. Instead I've decided to just travel until end of June/July and then come home. Places I want to go include: Scotland, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland... mmmm yep. Although one of the girls I'm staying with at moment is thinking of going home in April so If she does I'll take her place here. I have a feeling she won't decide til the last second though... which is annoying... but oh well. Spontaneous Jac will deal with it.
I think thats all.
starving
xx
Lucy and I arrived in Cork late last saturday. I knew I liked Ireland from the second we landed. Irish people are SO Irish it's ridiculous. Ridiculously ADORABLE. They say things like "tis grand" and "to be sure" and "I'm just tuggin' your socks"... I loved it. But I digress. Once we checked in at the hostel we went out to dinner and then to a traditional Irish pub down the road. We thought we'd just ordered a beer but soon realised we'd ordered a guinness. Well the Cork version of guinness: Murphey's draught... and oh be-jesus it was like drinking a beer/a loaf of bread. But After the first few sips it's surprisingly enjoyable and we felt like total locals drinking it which was a bonus. The next day we got up early to go see the sites but apparently Cork doesn't open on Sundays. The only things open were pubs. Typical. So we did what any self respecting tourists would do and and went on a Cork pub crawl starting at 11am. We didn't see much but we sure did soak up the culture.
The next day we were much more productive. We got the bus down to Kinsale which is a small town on the coast about 45minutes south of Cork. We walked along the coast about hour to Charles Fort (a fort built in the 1600s or something. A big deal apparently) It was beautiful. Everything was so lush and green and the ruins of the fort looked incredible. We spent almost 2 hours there just exploring. It was one of the most amazing things I've seen so far. We headed back into town to meet up with Lucy (no.2) and Tess who had driven down from Dublin to meet us. We grabbed some lunch and then drove back to cork where we then ate (again) and drank (some more). Next on the agenda was Blarney Castle. Which, in true Irish form, was also like a mystical, magical, fairy land. We went to the top to kiss the stone which wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. There's nothing even on the rock. It's just... a rock. And I had to kiss it. gah. Oh well. After that we drove to Cove. Another seaside town. We got a beer at a pub right on the water and then went back to Cork for more drinking and Irish festivities.
The next morning we got up bright and early to drive up to Dublin. I drove. I was nervous. But it was in the middle of nowhere so there wasn't really much to crash into. We drove via Tipperary, cause Lucy's family is from there but other then that it was onward to Dublin to get ready for Paddy's day. WEOW!
By the time we got around to booking our accommodation for Dublin all the hostels were booked out so we had to resort to booking a swanky hotel. Best thing we ever did. It was so nice. Room service. Cable television. Fresh towels. ah. heaven. It was a splendid two days. When we first arrived we went to the Guinness factory. We only got there an hour before closing though so we pretty much sprinted past all the exhibits to the top floor where you claim your complementary pint of Guinness. Worth it. The next day was Paddy's day which was pretty much what we expected. Guinness Guinness Guinness Whiskey Whiskey Guinness Whiskey. We started drinking at 12pm and got home at 3am. It was EXHAUSTING. The more Irish people drink the friendlier they get but also the less coherent their speech gets. It was certainly a struggle but if ever we didn't understand anyone we just sang and hugged and everything was good. I think I heard that song (that p.s. I love you song) "her hair was black and her eyes were blue" about 50 times. Not even exaggerating. Or complaining. Great song.
So I've been back in London for about 4 Days. Just chilling out. I went to Hyde park yesterday. It was beautiful. I just sat there for 3 hours or so reading my book and observing the squirrels. I. Love. Squirrels. They'd come right up to me to say hello, but as soon as they realised I didn't have any food they'd piss off again. On saturday there's a big rowing race on between cambridge and oxford. Apparently it's a HUGE deal so we're going to pack a picnic and some drinks and head down to the river to observe. How English am I?? Answer: Pretty English.
Other than that not a whole lot has been going on. I thought I had secured a flat but the girls currently renting it gave me the wrong information so that's not happening anymore. Instead I've decided to just travel until end of June/July and then come home. Places I want to go include: Scotland, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland... mmmm yep. Although one of the girls I'm staying with at moment is thinking of going home in April so If she does I'll take her place here. I have a feeling she won't decide til the last second though... which is annoying... but oh well. Spontaneous Jac will deal with it.
I think thats all.
starving
xx
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mind the gap
So.
In total we ended up staying in Barcelona for 8 nights. We Just got REALLY lazy and decided we should cut out Avignon and Lyon and go straight from Barca to Paris. best. decision. ever. It was so nice to be settled in one place for longer than 3 nights. and everyone at the hostel was so friendly. It was one big happy family. Duda (the manager I guess) also gave us beds for super cheap because we had "good vibrations" so it seemed stupid to leave. When we did eventually pack up and go it was really sad! Everyone was gathered in reception to see us off. It was nice.
We got a sleeper train to Paris. We had heard horror stories from friends about train pirates and crazy abusive German ladies who throw bread rolls at you BUT our trip was really pleasant. It was just like a plane but way better. The seats were bigger and cushier and they reclined all the way back. Yum. Tulla met us in Paris which was nice. Sarah and I were always eager for new people to talk to. We did the typical tourist stuff. Eiffle tower. Arc. The Champs Elysees. The Louvre. blah blah blah. It was all cool I guess but I just didn't dig Paris. It was kinda a dull place. A dull place full of amazing things but still... dull. At least the food was good. Duck and crepes and cheese. OH MY! Yeah I pretty much just ate my way around Paris. It was grand. And oh so delicious. Soooooo many pastries. oh mylanta they were scrumptious. Made the trip totally worth it.
Now I'm back in Jolly old England. Staying with Tess and Lucy. I've found a place of my own but I can't move in until May so it seems I may be here a while. On Saturday we go to Ireland for st Pats. Terror. It's going to be full on. Today I went to Spitalfields Market and bought a green jacket just for the occasion. It seemed necessary.
Now I'm watching the real housewives of orange county.
Must devote my full attention to it.
Adios Amigos.
xxxxx
xxx
x
In total we ended up staying in Barcelona for 8 nights. We Just got REALLY lazy and decided we should cut out Avignon and Lyon and go straight from Barca to Paris. best. decision. ever. It was so nice to be settled in one place for longer than 3 nights. and everyone at the hostel was so friendly. It was one big happy family. Duda (the manager I guess) also gave us beds for super cheap because we had "good vibrations" so it seemed stupid to leave. When we did eventually pack up and go it was really sad! Everyone was gathered in reception to see us off. It was nice.
We got a sleeper train to Paris. We had heard horror stories from friends about train pirates and crazy abusive German ladies who throw bread rolls at you BUT our trip was really pleasant. It was just like a plane but way better. The seats were bigger and cushier and they reclined all the way back. Yum. Tulla met us in Paris which was nice. Sarah and I were always eager for new people to talk to. We did the typical tourist stuff. Eiffle tower. Arc. The Champs Elysees. The Louvre. blah blah blah. It was all cool I guess but I just didn't dig Paris. It was kinda a dull place. A dull place full of amazing things but still... dull. At least the food was good. Duck and crepes and cheese. OH MY! Yeah I pretty much just ate my way around Paris. It was grand. And oh so delicious. Soooooo many pastries. oh mylanta they were scrumptious. Made the trip totally worth it.
Now I'm back in Jolly old England. Staying with Tess and Lucy. I've found a place of my own but I can't move in until May so it seems I may be here a while. On Saturday we go to Ireland for st Pats. Terror. It's going to be full on. Today I went to Spitalfields Market and bought a green jacket just for the occasion. It seemed necessary.
Now I'm watching the real housewives of orange county.
Must devote my full attention to it.
Adios Amigos.
xxxxx
xxx
x
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