This post has been lost while Dad has been away with the laptop.
I was in London again today. Mainly on bank business. The friendly staff at the HSBC were most helpful and now I have a debit card, two accounts but no PIN. They sent the details of that to NZ I think. So, further delays before my accounts are fully operational. Oh well, lucky Mum and Dad are here. He he he
Anyway. I was changing tubes at Oxford Circus. Nearly made it on to the District line train. Nearly as in, doors were just about to close. I had to make a split decision, dive for it and hope not to get crushed. Or, just wait, the screen informed me, one whole minute til the next train. Thinking about what mum would do, or at least what she would want me to do - that is - the sensible thing, I waited. I’m on holiday anyway and not actually in a rush to go anywhere.
Safely aboard the next train, which was only one minute behind, I took my seat. As usual the announcement was made “Stand clear of the …” Arghhh – a girl is stuck in the closing door. With a struggle she squeezes in, but alas, her back pack is half in and half out of the train. Further pulling and she manages to free the bag from the strong jaws of closing tube door. A sigh of relief.
I do have to laugh though. If it weren’t for my inbred sensibleness (thanks Mum) it could have been me.
Ponder this: why do so many people insist on ignoring instructions?
Monday 28 May 2007
Saturday 26 May 2007
Noah's Ark
I have had a bit of time to read between job and flat hunting. Came across this which I thought was rather funny.
In the year 2007 the Lord came unto Noah, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the CAD drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!" he roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my view it is a temporary structure. We had to go to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision. Then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark's move to sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accomodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many BMEs I'm supposed to hire for my building team. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS accredited workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, Customs and Excise seized all my assests, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No", said the Lord "The government beat me to it."
In the year 2007 the Lord came unto Noah, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the CAD drawings, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!" he roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed Building Regulations Approval. I've been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is development of the site, even though in my view it is a temporary structure. We had to go to appeal to the Secretary of State for a decision. Then the Department of Transport demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions to clear the passage for the Ark's move to sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it. Getting the wood was another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Specific Scientific Interest set up in order to protect the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals, the RSPCA sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accomodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission on how many BMEs I'm supposed to hire for my building team. The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only CSCS accredited workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, Customs and Excise seized all my assests, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.
Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"
"No", said the Lord "The government beat me to it."
What's in a name?
Well quite alot actually when you are trying to find a place.
Rymans - before I came mum and dad were on a mission to find a stationary shop. They must have walked past Ryman's a number of times before they realised that it was a likely place to buy printer paper.
Budgens - sometimes referred to as buG-Dens by members of my family. I don't know who taught them to read. At my school (Tawhero Primary) words with a dg in the middle were said like budgie.
Lakeland - no, funnily enough this has no connection with Rotorua. We're in England now. This is a shop that sells homeware - kitchen equipment, stuff for the laundry, bathroom and bedroom, cleaning products etc. So when I was sent a text "we're in a shop near Sainsbury's", how was I to know where to go? That's right, I didn't! What was the point learning to read if you can't give me a name to look for on a shop sign.
B&Q - sometimes referred to by a family member as BBQ. Who knows why. Apparently it is something to do with the large, orange sign, similar to BBQ Factory in NZ. By chance you may find the odd BBQ for sale at B&Q. I would describe it as being like Mitre 10 Mega (also large, orange sign) and Bunnings back home.
As a walk and sometimes cycle around I look at what I am passing. This is in the hope that if I need to find a supermarket, stationary shop, or want to take up building I will know what names to look for.
Rymans - before I came mum and dad were on a mission to find a stationary shop. They must have walked past Ryman's a number of times before they realised that it was a likely place to buy printer paper.
Budgens - sometimes referred to as buG-Dens by members of my family. I don't know who taught them to read. At my school (Tawhero Primary) words with a dg in the middle were said like budgie.
Lakeland - no, funnily enough this has no connection with Rotorua. We're in England now. This is a shop that sells homeware - kitchen equipment, stuff for the laundry, bathroom and bedroom, cleaning products etc. So when I was sent a text "we're in a shop near Sainsbury's", how was I to know where to go? That's right, I didn't! What was the point learning to read if you can't give me a name to look for on a shop sign.
B&Q - sometimes referred to by a family member as BBQ. Who knows why. Apparently it is something to do with the large, orange sign, similar to BBQ Factory in NZ. By chance you may find the odd BBQ for sale at B&Q. I would describe it as being like Mitre 10 Mega (also large, orange sign) and Bunnings back home.
As a walk and sometimes cycle around I look at what I am passing. This is in the hope that if I need to find a supermarket, stationary shop, or want to take up building I will know what names to look for.
Friday 18 May 2007
Cambridge: Cycling Capital
Dad is off north somewhere sightseeing with a friend from NZ. Mum woke me up at 8am this morning. Why? I am still enjoying being on holiday. Anyway - the forecast was for fine weather today and the sun was shining. It has rained most days since I arrived in Cambridge.
So, with more rain forecast over the weekend we thought we would start our weekend early. We found our cycling gears, nothing at all like what I have at home for serious cycle touring. Then we headed off down to the train station to hire ourselves some bikes.
We found the hire place no probs and decided on a couple of mountain bikes. Out the back Mikey - the tall ginga - finally appeared and sorted us out. I stood and watched as a basket was attached to the front of the bike, lights front and rear and then was instructed on how the locking mechanism works. This is very important in Cambridge because we are in the cycling capital of the world. I have never seen so many bikes. All different shapes, sizes, colours and styles. Anyway, helmets aren't compulsory over here and only a few people wear them. So, just to make sure everyone knows we are tourists we picked up a helmet each. I think they are kind of useful in case you fall off too. Something about protecting your brain perhaps.
Enjoyed a nice ride through the English countryside out to Grantchester, 3 miles or so from Cambridge. Most of the way on a walking/cycling track. As you know there aren't any real hills around here so it was no sweat. The wind didn't even pick up enough to make it challenging. At least we enjoyed the sunshine.
In little more than 5 minutes we checked out the sights in Grantchester, or more to the point scoped out the best place for a pint and a feed. Settled on Rupert Brookes, a lovely little pub with a Belgian beer garden. Had a fabulous lunch - Chicken & Bacon Baguette with fries and salad. I think I will have to go back there coz there are other things on the menu I'd like to try.
We took a detour through Trumpington (south side of Cambridge) on our way home. Cycling casually along the main road and what happens my chain falls off. I coast along for a bit and try and get mum's attention. I think she is going deaf. Anyway stopped and sorted that out. Lucky I've had plenty of practice on the school trips. At least it gave me a chance to test out the bike and my legs at a quicker speed as I raced to catch Mum who had obliviously carried on down the road.
Got home safely and only a little pink from too much sun exposure. Oh well, it will probably be another month til it shines again!
So, with more rain forecast over the weekend we thought we would start our weekend early. We found our cycling gears, nothing at all like what I have at home for serious cycle touring. Then we headed off down to the train station to hire ourselves some bikes.
We found the hire place no probs and decided on a couple of mountain bikes. Out the back Mikey - the tall ginga - finally appeared and sorted us out. I stood and watched as a basket was attached to the front of the bike, lights front and rear and then was instructed on how the locking mechanism works. This is very important in Cambridge because we are in the cycling capital of the world. I have never seen so many bikes. All different shapes, sizes, colours and styles. Anyway, helmets aren't compulsory over here and only a few people wear them. So, just to make sure everyone knows we are tourists we picked up a helmet each. I think they are kind of useful in case you fall off too. Something about protecting your brain perhaps.
Enjoyed a nice ride through the English countryside out to Grantchester, 3 miles or so from Cambridge. Most of the way on a walking/cycling track. As you know there aren't any real hills around here so it was no sweat. The wind didn't even pick up enough to make it challenging. At least we enjoyed the sunshine.
In little more than 5 minutes we checked out the sights in Grantchester, or more to the point scoped out the best place for a pint and a feed. Settled on Rupert Brookes, a lovely little pub with a Belgian beer garden. Had a fabulous lunch - Chicken & Bacon Baguette with fries and salad. I think I will have to go back there coz there are other things on the menu I'd like to try.
We took a detour through Trumpington (south side of Cambridge) on our way home. Cycling casually along the main road and what happens my chain falls off. I coast along for a bit and try and get mum's attention. I think she is going deaf. Anyway stopped and sorted that out. Lucky I've had plenty of practice on the school trips. At least it gave me a chance to test out the bike and my legs at a quicker speed as I raced to catch Mum who had obliviously carried on down the road.
Got home safely and only a little pink from too much sun exposure. Oh well, it will probably be another month til it shines again!
Sunday 13 May 2007
Punting on the Cam
She still can't be trusted. Mum that is.
On Monday, Bank Holiday, Em's last day with us before heading back to Madrid. We headed off for a walk up Castle Hill, the highest place in Cambridge. It is just around the corner from Westminster College where we are staying. A few minutes walk and we are looking out over the rooftops of Cambridge. That didn't take long. What else should one do while in Cambridge. Go punting of course. So, with no notice or preparation we head down to the river. Another short walk. You can't cross the bridge without being offered a punt on the Cam. Hire a punt and go it alone. This provides plenty of entertainment for crowds watching as the inexperienced punters smash into the river bank, or go round in circles. Not too bad at this time of year but as summer approaches the river will get busier and mayhem it will be. Alternatively you can hire a guide and sit back, relax, enjoy the view as you punt past the colleges and hear about the towns history - some fact, some fiction. The fiction tends to make for a better story! We settled on option two and for a reasonable price had a private tour. It is cheaper in a larger group of randoms. But again, as this little trip was unplanned I find myself without my camera.
Oh well, I have had an offer from a woman here at Westminster College to teach me to punt. I am sure it wouldn't be that hard to balance on the back of a punt, large pole in hand and take a picture or two. Don't teachers specialise in multi-tasking!
On Monday, Bank Holiday, Em's last day with us before heading back to Madrid. We headed off for a walk up Castle Hill, the highest place in Cambridge. It is just around the corner from Westminster College where we are staying. A few minutes walk and we are looking out over the rooftops of Cambridge. That didn't take long. What else should one do while in Cambridge. Go punting of course. So, with no notice or preparation we head down to the river. Another short walk. You can't cross the bridge without being offered a punt on the Cam. Hire a punt and go it alone. This provides plenty of entertainment for crowds watching as the inexperienced punters smash into the river bank, or go round in circles. Not too bad at this time of year but as summer approaches the river will get busier and mayhem it will be. Alternatively you can hire a guide and sit back, relax, enjoy the view as you punt past the colleges and hear about the towns history - some fact, some fiction. The fiction tends to make for a better story! We settled on option two and for a reasonable price had a private tour. It is cheaper in a larger group of randoms. But again, as this little trip was unplanned I find myself without my camera.
Oh well, I have had an offer from a woman here at Westminster College to teach me to punt. I am sure it wouldn't be that hard to balance on the back of a punt, large pole in hand and take a picture or two. Don't teachers specialise in multi-tasking!
Sightseeing with Mum
She just can't be trusted.
I had been in London for a couple of hours. It is not hard to follow the signs to find a train or switch lines on the tube to reach your destination. Especially not with a bag with the underground map on it. Thanks KP! However, I did struggle when I popped out of the station at Highbury/Islington. Hardly surprising that finding my bearings was a challenge with only 3 or 4 hours sleep since I left NZ. Anyway, after a long walk dragging my heavy suitcase in the wrong direction I hailed a taxi. A short trip later I was at the Highbury Centre where we were staying for a couple of nights.
I had time for a shower before Mum, Dad and Em arrived from Cambridge. Then as soon as they did I was keen for lunch. So we set off down to Highbury and found a nice little cafe. Mum decides that time is of the essence so during lunch she plots a sightseeing adventure. With directions from the cafe staff we set off for Baker St on the tube. We purchase tickets for the Original Tour and hop on the open aired bus. This takes us in loops around London to see some of the famous sights - St Paul's cathedral, the Globe theatre, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge etc. This is all very well but remember, when we left we were heading out for lunch. I have no warm clothes and no camera! The Original Tour was a quick way to get a glimpse of what London has to offer. There are a number of options - Original Tour , Sightseeing Tour & Museum Tour. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you are free to hop on and off buses as you choose. It also comes with two options of cruises on the Thames.
The following day we took a cruise down to Grenwich. Or as Emily pronounces it Gren-witch, with the W, much to the amusement of the young ticket man. We had a live tour guide who was very informative. We enjoyed the fresh breeze on the top deck of the boat and when we arrived at Grenwich headed for the nearest cafe. A hot drink was required to warm us up. Then it was near to the time the ball drops - that is the thing on which the whole Grenwich mean time is measured. The local lady at the cafe couldn't help us with directions but the lovely French waiter was most helpful. So we scampered off up the hill for a closer look. Just before 1pm I stood with camera in hand and recorded the red ball slowly rise up and at precisely 1pm, dramatically drop. 1pm because it is summer time here (i.e. daylight savings).
There ends my first 24 hours in London.
p.s. Em's time in Spain means she is a great navigator on the tubes. Quick to find alternative routes when lines or stations are not operating for maintenance.
I had been in London for a couple of hours. It is not hard to follow the signs to find a train or switch lines on the tube to reach your destination. Especially not with a bag with the underground map on it. Thanks KP! However, I did struggle when I popped out of the station at Highbury/Islington. Hardly surprising that finding my bearings was a challenge with only 3 or 4 hours sleep since I left NZ. Anyway, after a long walk dragging my heavy suitcase in the wrong direction I hailed a taxi. A short trip later I was at the Highbury Centre where we were staying for a couple of nights.
I had time for a shower before Mum, Dad and Em arrived from Cambridge. Then as soon as they did I was keen for lunch. So we set off down to Highbury and found a nice little cafe. Mum decides that time is of the essence so during lunch she plots a sightseeing adventure. With directions from the cafe staff we set off for Baker St on the tube. We purchase tickets for the Original Tour and hop on the open aired bus. This takes us in loops around London to see some of the famous sights - St Paul's cathedral, the Globe theatre, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge etc. This is all very well but remember, when we left we were heading out for lunch. I have no warm clothes and no camera! The Original Tour was a quick way to get a glimpse of what London has to offer. There are a number of options - Original Tour , Sightseeing Tour & Museum Tour. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and you are free to hop on and off buses as you choose. It also comes with two options of cruises on the Thames.
The following day we took a cruise down to Grenwich. Or as Emily pronounces it Gren-witch, with the W, much to the amusement of the young ticket man. We had a live tour guide who was very informative. We enjoyed the fresh breeze on the top deck of the boat and when we arrived at Grenwich headed for the nearest cafe. A hot drink was required to warm us up. Then it was near to the time the ball drops - that is the thing on which the whole Grenwich mean time is measured. The local lady at the cafe couldn't help us with directions but the lovely French waiter was most helpful. So we scampered off up the hill for a closer look. Just before 1pm I stood with camera in hand and recorded the red ball slowly rise up and at precisely 1pm, dramatically drop. 1pm because it is summer time here (i.e. daylight savings).
There ends my first 24 hours in London.
p.s. Em's time in Spain means she is a great navigator on the tubes. Quick to find alternative routes when lines or stations are not operating for maintenance.
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