Boot and Bonnet: boot refers to the trunk of your car. Did I mention the car boot sale? Its like a swap meet. People sell the stuff out of the boot (trunk) of their cars.
And bonnet is the hood of the car. And you don't 'pop the bonnet' like we 'pop the hood' but 'lift the bonnet.'
Of course, there's lorrie for truck. And they use people carrier for mini-van but there aren't many of those over here. Saw my first Dodge vehicle - one of those new station wagons. Fords are very popular but other than the Escort, the models are different. And the Escort over here is very different with a lot more varieties of it.
I've actually seen a hummer here in the City. Which makes no sense. It would not be possible to drive it down about half the streets as they aren't wide enough. I've only seen it parked in my neighborhood and not actually moving. Wonder if maybe they had it flown in for show and don't drive it :-)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
A "pause"
The project I was brought over here for is officially on a "pause." For now this means I won't be working on that project. I have a meeting on Monday with the resource manager over here in England to discuss what, if anything, they want to do with me.
My Mum is coming over for Easter and gets here on Wednesday. We have Easter Friday and Monday off - bank holidays. They get a lot of holidays here and tonnes more vacation days. I hear the French get even more.
The client has said they need until 16 April to make a decision on whether to proceed or not. Not sure what is going to happen. I still get paid and I still get expenses reimbursed. It all just gets more complicated.
My Mum is coming over for Easter and gets here on Wednesday. We have Easter Friday and Monday off - bank holidays. They get a lot of holidays here and tonnes more vacation days. I hear the French get even more.
The client has said they need until 16 April to make a decision on whether to proceed or not. Not sure what is going to happen. I still get paid and I still get expenses reimbursed. It all just gets more complicated.
More Greenwich
The Royal Observatory is on the top of a tall hill and surrounded by a lovely park.
Here is a tree that had a little tag "1684/86"
Now that's old!
And I told you it was Spring here. How about daffodils for as far as you can see.
Here is a tree that had a little tag "1684/86"
Now that's old!
And I told you it was Spring here. How about daffodils for as far as you can see.
Friday, March 30, 2007
High Street
You see 'High Street' and hear reference to high street a lot. It refers to a commercial district or street. For example I live on Paddington Street which is two blocks from Marylebone Road which runs parallel to Paddington Street.
Also, Paddington Street intersects with Marylebone High Street. Marylebone High Street is the retail street with the same name as the road. You see that a lot, too.
Also, Paddington Street intersects with Marylebone High Street. Marylebone High Street is the retail street with the same name as the road. You see that a lot, too.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Greenwich
That's Greenwich as in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Greenwich Meridean. This was a simple Underground and Light Rail trip. Let me just say that this is a great place to go for a day or half-day trip.
I got off the light rail at Island Gardens for the view of the Royal Naval College you see to the right. By the way the light rail from Bank tube stop takes you through "New" London. Glass and steel highrises of offices and condos. The lightrail is elevated giving a futuristic feel to the area. It appears to be old and still active docks as there is water and canals everywhere.
There is a foot path UNDER the Thames! to Greenwich.
The Royal Naval College is no longer part of the navy. Trinity Music College has taken over part of the buildings. Others are historic and open to the public. The Painted Hall was the Naval Colleges mess hall. My guide book described it as "arguably England's finest secular interior" and you cannot fathom how beautiful it is. This picture is of the center ceiling painting and it is huge.
The entire interior is painted except for the floor. There are mirroed rolling carts you can use to roll around and look into so you don't have to crane your neck. A brilliant idea.
There is also a chapel - of course - and it is very beautiful, too. According to the brochure, it remains pretty much how it was when first constructed in 1789. It is full of light and is an active Anglican church.
My real goal was the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line. The observatory is on top of a rather steep hill in a wonderful and popular park.
So here is another flattering picture of me at the official clock outside the observatory.
I got off the light rail at Island Gardens for the view of the Royal Naval College you see to the right. By the way the light rail from Bank tube stop takes you through "New" London. Glass and steel highrises of offices and condos. The lightrail is elevated giving a futuristic feel to the area. It appears to be old and still active docks as there is water and canals everywhere.
There is a foot path UNDER the Thames! to Greenwich.
The Royal Naval College is no longer part of the navy. Trinity Music College has taken over part of the buildings. Others are historic and open to the public. The Painted Hall was the Naval Colleges mess hall. My guide book described it as "arguably England's finest secular interior" and you cannot fathom how beautiful it is. This picture is of the center ceiling painting and it is huge.The entire interior is painted except for the floor. There are mirroed rolling carts you can use to roll around and look into so you don't have to crane your neck. A brilliant idea.
There is also a chapel - of course - and it is very beautiful, too. According to the brochure, it remains pretty much how it was when first constructed in 1789. It is full of light and is an active Anglican church.
My real goal was the Royal Observatory and the Meridian line. The observatory is on top of a rather steep hill in a wonderful and popular park.
So here is another flattering picture of me at the official clock outside the observatory.
The Lady from Dubuque
Finally saw another West End show. The Lady from Dubuque an Edward Albee play starring Maggie Smith with everyone else being American. Peter Francis James plays Oscar oposite Dame Smith's Lady from Dubuque.
And guess what, Chris and Jill, I got a concession. I got a better than half price ticket for being an Equity member. It also helped that I had a very nice box office person.
A rather difficult play but it was worth seeing Maggie Smith (with an American accent) and PFJ. And theatre was beautiful with wonderful acoustics.
I walked around to the stage door before the show to leave a note for PFJ and there was another one of those blue plaques. The theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket, was the location of the first performances of two Oscar Wilde plays - The Woman of No Importance and another one I can't remember.
And guess what, Chris and Jill, I got a concession. I got a better than half price ticket for being an Equity member. It also helped that I had a very nice box office person.
A rather difficult play but it was worth seeing Maggie Smith (with an American accent) and PFJ. And theatre was beautiful with wonderful acoustics.
I walked around to the stage door before the show to leave a note for PFJ and there was another one of those blue plaques. The theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket, was the location of the first performances of two Oscar Wilde plays - The Woman of No Importance and another one I can't remember.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The big adventure out of London - part 7 - final
I thought I was going to end this with the last entry but don't want to make each one too long.
After Saint John's College we were hungry. On our way to find food, we stopped in the Round Church. It is a lovely, very little church and it is round and very old.
The first restaurant we went to was full. It was Mothering Day in Great Britain. We ended up in a pub and I had the best hamburger I've had since getting here.
The real place of interest we were heading to on this trip was Kettle's Yard. I'm not usually one for modern art but this home and gallery were great.
The home belonged to Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate Britain. He lived here and furnished his home with art and artifacts from the many artists of his time and they often visited him there. Since, there has been a gallery addition where there are works from many well-known artists.
Also on the property is a tiny little chapel that still has the original Norman architecture. This is a rare find. It is so tiny that it is now a children's chapel.
We were pooped out after the day but it was great. It started to snow shower when we were walking back to the car. They dropped me off at the train station. I made it back to London before they made it back to Harlaxton. They also got hailed on.
After Saint John's College we were hungry. On our way to find food, we stopped in the Round Church. It is a lovely, very little church and it is round and very old.
The first restaurant we went to was full. It was Mothering Day in Great Britain. We ended up in a pub and I had the best hamburger I've had since getting here.
The real place of interest we were heading to on this trip was Kettle's Yard. I'm not usually one for modern art but this home and gallery were great.
The home belonged to Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate Britain. He lived here and furnished his home with art and artifacts from the many artists of his time and they often visited him there. Since, there has been a gallery addition where there are works from many well-known artists.
Also on the property is a tiny little chapel that still has the original Norman architecture. This is a rare find. It is so tiny that it is now a children's chapel.
We were pooped out after the day but it was great. It started to snow shower when we were walking back to the car. They dropped me off at the train station. I made it back to London before they made it back to Harlaxton. They also got hailed on.
Friday, March 23, 2007
The big adventure out of London - part 6
I've got to wrap this up. There was just so much to see.
It was definitely cold and very, very windy while we were in Cambridge. Helene and I wandered around the street market while Nick was bookstore shopping. Once back together we headed down the Trinity Street to Trinity College. When we neared the chapel, we could hear the choir. We stepped in and the sound was wonderful. The choir was rehearsing but it was glorious. We couldn't see them as they were behind the wood wall.
We were sitting and enjoying the choir when a tour came in with a loud guide who talked and talked.
College is in session so we weren't allowed to do the full tour. Helene and I did step into the Hall (cafeteria) and saw the portrait of Henry VII, the founder of the College, before we were kicked out.
Trinity College library was designed by Christopher Wren and has some famous artwork inside. We couldn't go in on Sunday. That's the library behind the lovely Helene and Nick.
After Trinity College we headed on down Trinity Street which changes its name to St. John's Street as we entered St. John's College.
St. John's College Chapel is small but has a beautiful wood ceiling (shown to the left). There is a strange tomb just as you walk in. And the tower connected to the chapel is open to the top in one big expanse.
The colleges are all layed out about the same with gates or guard house entrances to an open court yard of grass (no trees). You pass from courtyard to courtyard walking through the buildings that make up the courtyard.
St. John's college has the Bridge of Sighs which is kind of a replica of the bridge of the same name in Italy.
The bridge spans the River Cam which runs right though Cambridge. On the river you will find people, usually students, .
It was definitely cold and very, very windy while we were in Cambridge. Helene and I wandered around the street market while Nick was bookstore shopping. Once back together we headed down the Trinity Street to Trinity College. When we neared the chapel, we could hear the choir. We stepped in and the sound was wonderful. The choir was rehearsing but it was glorious. We couldn't see them as they were behind the wood wall.
We were sitting and enjoying the choir when a tour came in with a loud guide who talked and talked.
College is in session so we weren't allowed to do the full tour. Helene and I did step into the Hall (cafeteria) and saw the portrait of Henry VII, the founder of the College, before we were kicked out.
Trinity College library was designed by Christopher Wren and has some famous artwork inside. We couldn't go in on Sunday. That's the library behind the lovely Helene and Nick.
After Trinity College we headed on down Trinity Street which changes its name to St. John's Street as we entered St. John's College.St. John's College Chapel is small but has a beautiful wood ceiling (shown to the left). There is a strange tomb just as you walk in. And the tower connected to the chapel is open to the top in one big expanse.
The colleges are all layed out about the same with gates or guard house entrances to an open court yard of grass (no trees). You pass from courtyard to courtyard walking through the buildings that make up the courtyard.
St. John's college has the Bridge of Sighs which is kind of a replica of the bridge of the same name in Italy.
The bridge spans the River Cam which runs right though Cambridge. On the river you will find people, usually students, .
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The big adventure out of London - part 5
We were warned that Sunday would mean a change in weather. And they weren't kidding.
Helene and Nick came by the motel at 8:30 as planned. The restaurant hadn't opened until 8:00 so I was still eating breakfast -- still no pancakes. Turns out there wasn't much hot water at Harlaxton Manor and the coffee machine wasn't working. Staying at the motel was the best move.
I drove to Cambridge, our big destination for the day. This meant we got to go on the expressway. There were no speed limit signs so keeping up with traffic was the way to go...which was around 70. And they are on miles per hour and not kilometers per hour. Even though we were on an expressway, the A1, there were still round-abouts. They were pretty easy to negotiate. Having lived in Washington, DC helps.
It was a dramatically windy day and you could really feel it even in our little car. By the time we got to Cambridge it was downright cold. The sun was out some but big dark clouds were also around.
Cambridge University consists of several colleges. Most of them have been sponsored by Kings and Queens. There has been a lot of money involved. And they all seem to have chapels. England does have a state church - The Anglican Church - that was established by Henry VIII. The grand-daddy of all the chapels is the chapel at King's College. Stunning doesn't begin to describe it.
One of the most famous features is the fan arches. The picture gives you a glimpse of how amazing it is. Truly gorgeous. The chapel is brilliantly long and brilliantly tall.
The brown wood structure in the picture to the left separates the chapel with the choir on the other side. They are seated on each side with an aisle in the middle.
The organ is also situated in the dividing wall. There is a very large Reubens painting at the end where the altar is located. There are lovely side chapels on the right and a museum of the history of the college on the left side.
The other stunning feature are the windows. The entire
interior is surrounded by windows. The upper set represent images from the Old Testament and the lower set from the New Testament.
And the symbols of the Tudor house are represented throughout. You can just make out the Rose, red dragon, greyhound, and portcullis (gate).
More of Cambridge to follow...
Helene and Nick came by the motel at 8:30 as planned. The restaurant hadn't opened until 8:00 so I was still eating breakfast -- still no pancakes. Turns out there wasn't much hot water at Harlaxton Manor and the coffee machine wasn't working. Staying at the motel was the best move.
I drove to Cambridge, our big destination for the day. This meant we got to go on the expressway. There were no speed limit signs so keeping up with traffic was the way to go...which was around 70. And they are on miles per hour and not kilometers per hour. Even though we were on an expressway, the A1, there were still round-abouts. They were pretty easy to negotiate. Having lived in Washington, DC helps.
It was a dramatically windy day and you could really feel it even in our little car. By the time we got to Cambridge it was downright cold. The sun was out some but big dark clouds were also around.
Cambridge University consists of several colleges. Most of them have been sponsored by Kings and Queens. There has been a lot of money involved. And they all seem to have chapels. England does have a state church - The Anglican Church - that was established by Henry VIII. The grand-daddy of all the chapels is the chapel at King's College. Stunning doesn't begin to describe it.
One of the most famous features is the fan arches. The picture gives you a glimpse of how amazing it is. Truly gorgeous. The chapel is brilliantly long and brilliantly tall.
The brown wood structure in the picture to the left separates the chapel with the choir on the other side. They are seated on each side with an aisle in the middle.
The organ is also situated in the dividing wall. There is a very large Reubens painting at the end where the altar is located. There are lovely side chapels on the right and a museum of the history of the college on the left side.
The other stunning feature are the windows. The entire
interior is surrounded by windows. The upper set represent images from the Old Testament and the lower set from the New Testament.
And the symbols of the Tudor house are represented throughout. You can just make out the Rose, red dragon, greyhound, and portcullis (gate).
More of Cambridge to follow...
Monday, March 19, 2007
The big adventure out of London - part 4
So you've probably noticed several reference to Belvoir. The small villages we were visiting are in the Vale of Belvoir surrounding Belvoir Castle. The castle is home to the Earl of Rutland. He and his family actually live there. And get this. The pronunciation is "Beever." You'll have to ask Nick why.
From the fox hunt we went to Woolsthorpe. There was a small church but it was closed. And the running joke for the weekend really got going. I found myself repeating the statement, "now, that looks old." A lot of these churches have gone through various changes over the years. The more changes usually means it has been around for a long time. Some of these go back to the 11th century.
In Woolsthorpe we stopped in the Chequer's Pub for a pint. Then we headed to Stamford stopping in a village that begins with "D" to see if the pub is open. This town is within walking distance of Harlaxton. The pub wasn't open.
Stamford is where Burghley House is located. Helene is having guests in a few weeks and is planning a trip to visit this estate. We thought we'd check it out. We knew the house wouldn't be open.
The scuplture garden was open though. Nick didn't care for much there. It is located in a wonderful garden with big old trees and a large resevoir.
Also, on the grounds of the estate are ancient deer. We saw a herd when we first drove up and didn't think to much of them.
On our way to look at the manor house closer we came up to another herd. These were much closer and have no free of humans.
The house itself is stunning from the outside.
Burghley House is a ways out of town so we headed back to Stamford. The town has several churches. Helene and Nick had seen them, it was late, and we were kind of churched out. So, of course, we headed to a pub. We had seen The Green Man pub on the way in and Helene's natural pub homing device kicked in and we were able to find it again.
It was St. Patrick's Day and a pub named The Green Man seemed appropriate. Our bartender was from Canada! We had Guinness and watched the football game on tv. Decided we were hungry and headed to the George Hotel.
The George Hotel is a fancy place with a very fancy restaurant. We went to the less expensive Garden Lounge restaurant. It was wonderful. We had a leisurely dinner then headed back to Harlaxton. There was no room available at the college on Saturday so I spent the night at the Ferrier Inn, a regular roadside motel. It was nice.
From the fox hunt we went to Woolsthorpe. There was a small church but it was closed. And the running joke for the weekend really got going. I found myself repeating the statement, "now, that looks old." A lot of these churches have gone through various changes over the years. The more changes usually means it has been around for a long time. Some of these go back to the 11th century.
In Woolsthorpe we stopped in the Chequer's Pub for a pint. Then we headed to Stamford stopping in a village that begins with "D" to see if the pub is open. This town is within walking distance of Harlaxton. The pub wasn't open.
Stamford is where Burghley House is located. Helene is having guests in a few weeks and is planning a trip to visit this estate. We thought we'd check it out. We knew the house wouldn't be open.
The scuplture garden was open though. Nick didn't care for much there. It is located in a wonderful garden with big old trees and a large resevoir.
Also, on the grounds of the estate are ancient deer. We saw a herd when we first drove up and didn't think to much of them.
On our way to look at the manor house closer we came up to another herd. These were much closer and have no free of humans.
The house itself is stunning from the outside.
Burghley House is a ways out of town so we headed back to Stamford. The town has several churches. Helene and Nick had seen them, it was late, and we were kind of churched out. So, of course, we headed to a pub. We had seen The Green Man pub on the way in and Helene's natural pub homing device kicked in and we were able to find it again.
It was St. Patrick's Day and a pub named The Green Man seemed appropriate. Our bartender was from Canada! We had Guinness and watched the football game on tv. Decided we were hungry and headed to the George Hotel.
The George Hotel is a fancy place with a very fancy restaurant. We went to the less expensive Garden Lounge restaurant. It was wonderful. We had a leisurely dinner then headed back to Harlaxton. There was no room available at the college on Saturday so I spent the night at the Ferrier Inn, a regular roadside motel. It was nice.
The big adventure out of London - part 3
After getting petrol we headed to Bottesford where Helene and Nick had heard there was a very interesting church.
And there was. Completely surrounded by a cemetery but beautifully located next to a creek. This church, St. Mary's, was quite large for a small village. We met the rector when we walked in. Turns out the principal (head master) at Harlaxton has preached here. The church was supported by the Dukes of Rutland and they had insured that it was big and impressive.
The unusual aspect of this church is all the tombs within the chapel. And they all have elaborate statues. One tomb is shown to the right. Or it is Helene and Nick taking a nap :-)
The spire of St. Mary's is below.
It is made of stone.
From Bottesford we were to head to Woolsthorpe. Helene had heard there was a nice pub there. On the way we saw a lot of cars parked along the road and people out looking into the woods.
There was a handsome horse and rider. He looked very official in is red jacket, black boots and black helmet. I thought it looked like a hunt.
We drove on but curosity got Helene and I. Since I was driving we turned around and Helene got out and asked what was going on. We had also passed Belvoir Castle and considered going in. Helene found out that it was a fox hunt so we went back to watch a bit.
Fox hunting is a controversial sport now. The Labour Party actually has banned it and the hunts are just supposed to be staged with a scented trail. This group was out and about with a real fox in chase.
And there was. Completely surrounded by a cemetery but beautifully located next to a creek. This church, St. Mary's, was quite large for a small village. We met the rector when we walked in. Turns out the principal (head master) at Harlaxton has preached here. The church was supported by the Dukes of Rutland and they had insured that it was big and impressive.
The unusual aspect of this church is all the tombs within the chapel. And they all have elaborate statues. One tomb is shown to the right. Or it is Helene and Nick taking a nap :-)
The spire of St. Mary's is below.
It is made of stone.From Bottesford we were to head to Woolsthorpe. Helene had heard there was a nice pub there. On the way we saw a lot of cars parked along the road and people out looking into the woods.
There was a handsome horse and rider. He looked very official in is red jacket, black boots and black helmet. I thought it looked like a hunt.
We drove on but curosity got Helene and I. Since I was driving we turned around and Helene got out and asked what was going on. We had also passed Belvoir Castle and considered going in. Helene found out that it was a fox hunt so we went back to watch a bit.
Fox hunting is a controversial sport now. The Labour Party actually has banned it and the hunts are just supposed to be staged with a scented trail. This group was out and about with a real fox in chase.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The big adventure out of London - part 2
I realize this are going to be in the wrong order on the blog so if you haven't read the first part, scroll down to part 1.
Harlaxton is a school so breakfast is on a strict schedule. And we missed it. No coffee for Helene and Jeff and no food for Nick.
One of the things I've been wanting to do is drive and so Nick had arranged to rent a car. This was also going to make it easier for us to explore the smaller villages around the area. We got a ride from the college van driver to Enterprise rent-a-car.
There was only one agent on duty and apparently she needed to show each driver in minute detail how to operate each vehicle...and we weren't the first there. Quite a while later (I don't remember how long) it was finally our turn. And you probably guessed it, there weren't any cars - at least any that would hold 3 adults available.
Apparently there was one that was supposed to be picked up but there was some confusion and the agent who was the only one there couldn't get the vehicle back. But in the meantime, another guy had showed up and he had some relationship with Enterprise....not sure what. He could take us to this larger car. It was only 10 miles away.
Well, maybe ten miles as a crow flies. And, by the way, there are lots of crows about. And crows' nests...big ones. It turned into a mini-tour of the countryside including stories of northern England. Turns out our driver was a "Murray from the Durry." Nick picked up on his accent and asked him about it. He was very animated about telling us.
We did find the car in the middle of nowhere basically. We headed on with no real plan. We ended up in Redmile where there was this lovely inn and pub. The Peacock Inn where we had a leisurely lunch.
Next door to the Inn is a lovely church, St. Peter's. Nick knows a lot about churches and architecture so described the architectural history from Norman times to Elizabethan and Gothic -- I probably don't have those correct.
At this church we found The Belvoir Angel which has become the logo for the churches of the area. You can see it on this gravestone
From Redmile, I drove. The first thing we needed was petrol (gas).
Harlaxton is a school so breakfast is on a strict schedule. And we missed it. No coffee for Helene and Jeff and no food for Nick.
One of the things I've been wanting to do is drive and so Nick had arranged to rent a car. This was also going to make it easier for us to explore the smaller villages around the area. We got a ride from the college van driver to Enterprise rent-a-car.
There was only one agent on duty and apparently she needed to show each driver in minute detail how to operate each vehicle...and we weren't the first there. Quite a while later (I don't remember how long) it was finally our turn. And you probably guessed it, there weren't any cars - at least any that would hold 3 adults available.
Apparently there was one that was supposed to be picked up but there was some confusion and the agent who was the only one there couldn't get the vehicle back. But in the meantime, another guy had showed up and he had some relationship with Enterprise....not sure what. He could take us to this larger car. It was only 10 miles away.
Well, maybe ten miles as a crow flies. And, by the way, there are lots of crows about. And crows' nests...big ones. It turned into a mini-tour of the countryside including stories of northern England. Turns out our driver was a "Murray from the Durry." Nick picked up on his accent and asked him about it. He was very animated about telling us.
We did find the car in the middle of nowhere basically. We headed on with no real plan. We ended up in Redmile where there was this lovely inn and pub. The Peacock Inn where we had a leisurely lunch.
Next door to the Inn is a lovely church, St. Peter's. Nick knows a lot about churches and architecture so described the architectural history from Norman times to Elizabethan and Gothic -- I probably don't have those correct.
At this church we found The Belvoir Angel which has become the logo for the churches of the area. You can see it on this gravestone
From Redmile, I drove. The first thing we needed was petrol (gas).
A big weekend - adventure out of London..part 1
This was really an adventurous weekend. Helene and Nick, the couple from Wisconsin living and working in England, came down with their college group on Friday. I joined them at The History Boys. A really marvelous play and production.
I took the bus back with them and the college group. We arrived at Harlaxton, the University of Evanston (Illinois) former manor house outside of Grantham, north of London. We arrived at 2AM.
Harlaxton is quite the building and complex. I stayed in room 327 right next door to Helene and Nick's spacious end-of-hall room. It was a bit chilly but the bed was very comfortable and it took no time to fall asleep.
Nick gave me a tour of the estate Saturday morning. The following pictures are from various parts of the interiors.
I took the bus back with them and the college group. We arrived at Harlaxton, the University of Evanston (Illinois) former manor house outside of Grantham, north of London. We arrived at 2AM.
Harlaxton is quite the building and complex. I stayed in room 327 right next door to Helene and Nick's spacious end-of-hall room. It was a bit chilly but the bed was very comfortable and it took no time to fall asleep.
Nick gave me a tour of the estate Saturday morning. The following pictures are from various parts of the interiors.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Wood pigions
There are these rather large pigeons that perch(purch?) in trees. They look like pigeons but are almost the size of a chicken.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The far turn
I adapted quickly to the look right then left thing when crossing the street. It helps that they put it on the pavement most places.
The thing that gets me is what I call the far turn. Cars turning from the far lane into the lane close to you or turning from the close lane to the far. I guess it really isn't far but it does seem that way.
The times I've almost gotten wacked is corners where no one has to stop and the turn is from a far lane.
And this is not a pedestrian friendly city. If the cross isn't marked with white lines (they call them zebra - pronounced zeb-ra - lines). Also made famous by the Beatles album cover.
The thing that gets me is what I call the far turn. Cars turning from the far lane into the lane close to you or turning from the close lane to the far. I guess it really isn't far but it does seem that way.
The times I've almost gotten wacked is corners where no one has to stop and the turn is from a far lane.
And this is not a pedestrian friendly city. If the cross isn't marked with white lines (they call them zebra - pronounced zeb-ra - lines). Also made famous by the Beatles album cover.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Benedict Arnold
Had to go the US Embassy this morning to replace my damaged (washed) passport. On the way back to the flat I was walking up Gloucester Place and saw a plaque on a residential property. It is common to see plaques that tell of some famous person that lived at the address.
This one said that Benedict Arnold lived there from the late 1700's to 1801 when he died. The plaque ends with the line "An American Patriot."
By the way the US Embassy is really ugly. It is also completely surrounded by concrete vehicle barriers painted black. There is construction on the side facing Gloucster Square so there is ugly fencing around, too. And there are armed police all over.
The passport replacement went very smoothly and quickly though. Only took an hour from when I arrived and was out. Would not want to be someone applying for a visa though. That looked like a really long wait.
This one said that Benedict Arnold lived there from the late 1700's to 1801 when he died. The plaque ends with the line "An American Patriot."
By the way the US Embassy is really ugly. It is also completely surrounded by concrete vehicle barriers painted black. There is construction on the side facing Gloucster Square so there is ugly fencing around, too. And there are armed police all over.
The passport replacement went very smoothly and quickly though. Only took an hour from when I arrived and was out. Would not want to be someone applying for a visa though. That looked like a really long wait.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
All Bar One
All Bar One, the pub next to the flat, is closing today! I was walking by last night and the waitress that was so nice about getting ice for Jill and chips with mayo for Chris let me know. She has been the only person in the neighborhood that recognises me and says 'Hello.'
There were little signs on the door but I hadn't noticed. I ended up getting locked out of the my apartment building and while waiting for the locksmith, had dinner, a couple of beers and a glass of wine.
Someone had closed the door at the bottom of the steps and tossed the sticks in the utility cabinet. I don't have a key to that door. Met the mother of the tenant in the top flat and they don't have a key either. I called my leasing agent and she contacted a locksmith.
It all worked out but a little scary there for a bit as to whether I would get in or not.
I'm going to stop by thet pub his evening to wish everyone well. They had also been nice enought to hold the keys to the flat for Helene and Nick when Ping Pong wouldn't do it.
There were little signs on the door but I hadn't noticed. I ended up getting locked out of the my apartment building and while waiting for the locksmith, had dinner, a couple of beers and a glass of wine.
Someone had closed the door at the bottom of the steps and tossed the sticks in the utility cabinet. I don't have a key to that door. Met the mother of the tenant in the top flat and they don't have a key either. I called my leasing agent and she contacted a locksmith.
It all worked out but a little scary there for a bit as to whether I would get in or not.
I'm going to stop by thet pub his evening to wish everyone well. They had also been nice enought to hold the keys to the flat for Helene and Nick when Ping Pong wouldn't do it.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Inside 10a Paddington
When Jill and Chris were here, Jill took a picture of Chris and I cooking. You can kind of see what the interior of my flat looks like.
Victoria and Albert Museum
It was rainy last Sunday but figured can't let that stop me from my touristo ways so I heady out to the Victoria and Albert museum. Nick and Helene had walked it when they were down so I guessed I could do the same. Holy-moly! That was a bloody long walk! And I didn't get lost or meander off course.
By the time a made it I was pretty tired. I made my normal Sunday call to Mom to rest and catch my breath.
Anyway, the V&A, as it is called, is a good-sized museum of British culture. The popular exhibit there now is on Kyle Minogue. She is a pop star ala Madonna. It has an exhibition entrance fee and was sold out for the day. I really wasn't interested in seeing it anyway.
It is another great museum. They've taken entire rooms out of homes to preserve the interiors before the buildings were torn down. It is quite dark in most of the display rooms so they have small torches (flashlights) you can use. So much to see so I'll have to go back (when I take the tube or bus) and spend more time.
Here I am with the beautiful glass chandalier from the entrance rotunda.
By the time a made it I was pretty tired. I made my normal Sunday call to Mom to rest and catch my breath.
Anyway, the V&A, as it is called, is a good-sized museum of British culture. The popular exhibit there now is on Kyle Minogue. She is a pop star ala Madonna. It has an exhibition entrance fee and was sold out for the day. I really wasn't interested in seeing it anyway.
It is another great museum. They've taken entire rooms out of homes to preserve the interiors before the buildings were torn down. It is quite dark in most of the display rooms so they have small torches (flashlights) you can use. So much to see so I'll have to go back (when I take the tube or bus) and spend more time.
Here I am with the beautiful glass chandalier from the entrance rotunda.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Asbo kid
I had seen and heard this in the news -- calling juveniles "Asbo kids." Took a while to find out but it refers to someone who has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order. I guess they are sited by the police and then get this tag. It is not a good thing.
I thought it was just juveniles but then I saw where this 60 year old was referred to as an Asbi -- Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction.
Look up ASBO
I thought it was just juveniles but then I saw where this 60 year old was referred to as an Asbi -- Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction.
Look up ASBO
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Sir John Soane by candlelight
The first Tuesday of the month the Sir John Soane Museum is open late and is the interior is lit using candlelight. I thought it would an interesting chance to see what it would have been like way back when.
I went straight from work and arrived about 6:30pm. Well, Helene and Nick, the line we waited in was super short compared to the one last night. I waited almost an hour and a half for my turn. I must say I was glad I had seen it in daylight. While there was electric lights on through out and the candlelight was indeed beautiful, it was definitely hard to take in all the pieces and colours and architecture without the daylight.
I'm definitely glad I went. The breakfast room in #13 with the mirrors in the starfish ceiling and the mirrors in the wall panels was lovely by candlelight. I think they may have been the only room that was just candles. The front room of #14 with the red walls was also very lovely.
Helene and Nick you'll be glad to hear I found it straight-away. I took the Underground to Holborn and when I got up to street level I went to the right. Then following my instructions to always turn around and go the opposite way from my instinct, I headed in the other direction. I saw the alley way next to the tube stop which looked vaguely familiar. There was the Shipyard's pub and I knew I was headed in the right direction. Brilliant!
I, of course, stopped at the Shipyard's Pub on my way back to the tube. It is Best of England Ale month at the Shipyard's. I had an Old Century ale. It was tasty.
I went straight from work and arrived about 6:30pm. Well, Helene and Nick, the line we waited in was super short compared to the one last night. I waited almost an hour and a half for my turn. I must say I was glad I had seen it in daylight. While there was electric lights on through out and the candlelight was indeed beautiful, it was definitely hard to take in all the pieces and colours and architecture without the daylight.
I'm definitely glad I went. The breakfast room in #13 with the mirrors in the starfish ceiling and the mirrors in the wall panels was lovely by candlelight. I think they may have been the only room that was just candles. The front room of #14 with the red walls was also very lovely.
Helene and Nick you'll be glad to hear I found it straight-away. I took the Underground to Holborn and when I got up to street level I went to the right. Then following my instructions to always turn around and go the opposite way from my instinct, I headed in the other direction. I saw the alley way next to the tube stop which looked vaguely familiar. There was the Shipyard's pub and I knew I was headed in the right direction. Brilliant!
I, of course, stopped at the Shipyard's Pub on my way back to the tube. It is Best of England Ale month at the Shipyard's. I had an Old Century ale. It was tasty.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Lovely and Brilliant
British people use lovely and brilliant quite a bit.
Lovely is used when something tastes good or if you agree with something. Also similar to how we use "nice" in the United States.
Brilliant is used if something goes well. Sometimes brilliant and lovely can be used interchangeably.
Lovely is used when something tastes good or if you agree with something. Also similar to how we use "nice" in the United States.
Brilliant is used if something goes well. Sometimes brilliant and lovely can be used interchangeably.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Bap
If you order a sandwich on a roll, it is called a bap. Don't have a clue why.
You can also get thick-sliced bread which is called doorstop or doorstep depending on who you talk to. And you are always asked if you want butter on it.
You can also get thick-sliced bread which is called doorstop or doorstep depending on who you talk to. And you are always asked if you want butter on it.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Tate Britain
First Friday of the month the Tate Britain is open late and has live entertainment. Rather like the first Thursdays at The Walker Museum in Minneapolis.
Attracted a good-sized crowd even though it was raining pretty good. The Tate Britain contains art from the 1500's to present day Britain.
Just to be clear to those that have been here, the Tate Britain is the old museum. The Tate Modern is the new one which is a separate museum and has become the most visited site in London.
The portraiture paintings including some really beautiful Gainesboroughs and Van Dycks are my favourites. There were some clever everyday life paintings from the 1800's that I liked. There's an entire JMW Turner wing that I did care for. His paintings are very romantic with washed colours and imagery of myths.
Some of the entertainment was fun. There was this big black guy dressed in Victorian woman's attire singing old show tunes.
Attracted a good-sized crowd even though it was raining pretty good. The Tate Britain contains art from the 1500's to present day Britain.
Just to be clear to those that have been here, the Tate Britain is the old museum. The Tate Modern is the new one which is a separate museum and has become the most visited site in London.
The portraiture paintings including some really beautiful Gainesboroughs and Van Dycks are my favourites. There were some clever everyday life paintings from the 1800's that I liked. There's an entire JMW Turner wing that I did care for. His paintings are very romantic with washed colours and imagery of myths.
Some of the entertainment was fun. There was this big black guy dressed in Victorian woman's attire singing old show tunes.
Gum
I can't believe it took me as long as it did to realize this and it is going to make me look like an idiot but here goes.
I've noticed all these...little discs...on the sidewalks and places. I thought maybe it was a lichen because you see moss on everything. Or maybe bird droppings but way too many. Or some repair thing.
Well, I finally figured it out. It is gum. There is gum everywhere! It gets squished and squashed and is never sticky so there are these white and grey discs everywhere. Especially around the rare rubbish bin.
I've noticed all these...little discs...on the sidewalks and places. I thought maybe it was a lichen because you see moss on everything. Or maybe bird droppings but way too many. Or some repair thing.
Well, I finally figured it out. It is gum. There is gum everywhere! It gets squished and squashed and is never sticky so there are these white and grey discs everywhere. Especially around the rare rubbish bin.
More on the Sir John Soane Museum
Sir John Soane was a London architect in the 1700's and 1800's. He combined three town homes along Lincoln's Inn Fields to make one home. Lincoln's Inn Fields is right at the edge of what is the actual city of London - referred to as The City.
Sir John's famous work was the Bank of England. He designed the whole structure inside and out. From what I can tell the exterior remains pretty much what was built but the interior has all been re-done.
He was also a collector of amazing proportion. He converted his home to a museum while he was still alive and intended for it to be kept that way. I guess through the years since mid-1800's it was altered because now they have posted that following a restoration that was completed in 1995, the home is back to it's original state.
They only let a limited amount of people in at time so a queue forms outside. Luckily it was not raining the day we went. The reason to limit the number of guests becomes apparent when you go in. Whilst the three homes combined make for a decent sized building, there is just so much stuff that at time you have to turn sideways just to get through.
There are antiquities from Italy and Greece and reproductions of antiquities. Paintings of all kinds. Sir John's architectural drawings. Models of Sir John's work. And just plain ole' nick-nacks.
One room that was the stable in the original building Sir John converted to a gallery. And in order to display as many pictures as possible, he kept the stable doors and put paintings on both sides. All the walls open to display painting on the other side of the panels and then on the walls again. It is fabulous and we were very lucky to have it displayed.
He repeated the idea in his upstairs study. This time displaying paintings made of his architectural ideas that never got built. Again we were lucky to have a cooperative docent to show us how it worked.
The home is completely furnished also. The three houses were cleverly combined to make one home. And there are windows everywhere with grates and strategic openings to let the natural light pass all the way to the basement.
Can't recommend this museum enough. And like all the national museums it is free!
Sir John's famous work was the Bank of England. He designed the whole structure inside and out. From what I can tell the exterior remains pretty much what was built but the interior has all been re-done.
He was also a collector of amazing proportion. He converted his home to a museum while he was still alive and intended for it to be kept that way. I guess through the years since mid-1800's it was altered because now they have posted that following a restoration that was completed in 1995, the home is back to it's original state.
They only let a limited amount of people in at time so a queue forms outside. Luckily it was not raining the day we went. The reason to limit the number of guests becomes apparent when you go in. Whilst the three homes combined make for a decent sized building, there is just so much stuff that at time you have to turn sideways just to get through.
There are antiquities from Italy and Greece and reproductions of antiquities. Paintings of all kinds. Sir John's architectural drawings. Models of Sir John's work. And just plain ole' nick-nacks.
One room that was the stable in the original building Sir John converted to a gallery. And in order to display as many pictures as possible, he kept the stable doors and put paintings on both sides. All the walls open to display painting on the other side of the panels and then on the walls again. It is fabulous and we were very lucky to have it displayed.
He repeated the idea in his upstairs study. This time displaying paintings made of his architectural ideas that never got built. Again we were lucky to have a cooperative docent to show us how it worked.
The home is completely furnished also. The three houses were cleverly combined to make one home. And there are windows everywhere with grates and strategic openings to let the natural light pass all the way to the basement.
Can't recommend this museum enough. And like all the national museums it is free!
Friday, March 2, 2007
Belts and Braces
Had a phone meeting with an Ernst & Young representative to help fill out some tax forms. He used the phrase "belts and braces" which I guess is like "dotting the i's and crossing the t's."
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