Showing posts with label Something Special. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Something Special. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Chasing the Royal Wedding
The Royal Wedding. A once in a lifetime experience. And I was there!
The first sighting I had of the Royal Couple was on the balcony...OK, so the first balcony was Chiquito in Leicester Square!
And then the race was on. My plan had been to watch the ceremony on the big screen in Trafalgar Square and so, rather naively in hindsight, I aimed to get there around 10am, find a prime spot and watch the service that started at 11am. Hmm...not quite so easy. I had met my friend Lisa in Leicester Square at 10am, got tickets to see Dirty Dancing that evening, then turned all our efforts to watching the Royal Wedding. Our first hurdle was a police barricade at Trafalgar Square as it was already full and had been for several hours. OK then. On to Plan B...Hyde Park. We set off for Hyde Park, following the crowds and got as far as Marlborough House on Pall Mall, where we met another roadblock of police.
Weaving through the backstreets, we ended up on Piccadilly with the rest of the world, where we managed to see Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey on TV through the window of the Hard Rock Cafe (now there's a story for the grandkids!).
At Hyde Park, we came across some girls clearly hoping that Kate would be a no-show!
From our "prime" vantage point we saw most of the ceremony, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a lunch of Pimms and chips!
From Hyde Park, we thought we'd try to get as close as we could so we set out for Wellington Arch and Constitution Hill where we met yet another police roadblock. There was some excitement when the Horse Guards came past and Lisa and I resigned ourselves to the fact that that would be all we would see.
When the road re-opened, the crowd moved towards Constitution Hill and sure enough, more police. Just when all looked lost, the police line moved forward and we were almost running down Constitution Hill towards Buckingham Palace.
And yes, we made it in time to see the family on the balcony and the now famous double kiss! Yes, I know, we were too far away to really "see" the kiss but I was just too excited that after our epic journey across London, we had made it in time for the all important moment.
And it's fitting that my last sighting of the Royal Couple is also on a balcony...this time the right one!
After it was all over, the city had a very strange feel. Strangers had smiled at each other and bonded over a shared experience. No one seemed in a rush to leave the city and the crowds sprawled out all over St James's Park to eat their sandwiches in the sunshine. Union Jacks could be seen hanging out of almost every backpack.
Then, after Dirty Dancing, those still on the streets simply looked exhausted. Just like me.
So thank you, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. No doubt you feel the same!
The first sighting I had of the Royal Couple was on the balcony...OK, so the first balcony was Chiquito in Leicester Square!
And then the race was on. My plan had been to watch the ceremony on the big screen in Trafalgar Square and so, rather naively in hindsight, I aimed to get there around 10am, find a prime spot and watch the service that started at 11am. Hmm...not quite so easy. I had met my friend Lisa in Leicester Square at 10am, got tickets to see Dirty Dancing that evening, then turned all our efforts to watching the Royal Wedding. Our first hurdle was a police barricade at Trafalgar Square as it was already full and had been for several hours. OK then. On to Plan B...Hyde Park. We set off for Hyde Park, following the crowds and got as far as Marlborough House on Pall Mall, where we met another roadblock of police.
Weaving through the backstreets, we ended up on Piccadilly with the rest of the world, where we managed to see Kate arrive at Westminster Abbey on TV through the window of the Hard Rock Cafe (now there's a story for the grandkids!).
At Hyde Park, we came across some girls clearly hoping that Kate would be a no-show!
From our "prime" vantage point we saw most of the ceremony, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a lunch of Pimms and chips!
From Hyde Park, we thought we'd try to get as close as we could so we set out for Wellington Arch and Constitution Hill where we met yet another police roadblock. There was some excitement when the Horse Guards came past and Lisa and I resigned ourselves to the fact that that would be all we would see.
When the road re-opened, the crowd moved towards Constitution Hill and sure enough, more police. Just when all looked lost, the police line moved forward and we were almost running down Constitution Hill towards Buckingham Palace.
And yes, we made it in time to see the family on the balcony and the now famous double kiss! Yes, I know, we were too far away to really "see" the kiss but I was just too excited that after our epic journey across London, we had made it in time for the all important moment.
And it's fitting that my last sighting of the Royal Couple is also on a balcony...this time the right one!
After it was all over, the city had a very strange feel. Strangers had smiled at each other and bonded over a shared experience. No one seemed in a rush to leave the city and the crowds sprawled out all over St James's Park to eat their sandwiches in the sunshine. Union Jacks could be seen hanging out of almost every backpack.
Then, after Dirty Dancing, those still on the streets simply looked exhausted. Just like me.
So thank you, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. No doubt you feel the same!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Marrakech
At the beginning of April, I travelled to Marrakech for 10 days for work. Here are some highlights of the trip:
Friday, January 7, 2011
I come from a land down under
My first day in Brisbane and the sun is out. The view from the deck...look at all those palm trees!
Christmas lights on Christmas Eve
Christmas Dinner...aah, seafood!
Then the rains came...
...but the sun came back, on my last day (typical!). Who knows when I'll see another blue sky like this!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I'll be home for Christmas
Not just a song that's sung on the radio at this time of the year...I am truly home for Christmas!
That's right, I'm currently in Brisbane enjoying a beautiful, sunny 29 degree day. For the past year I have been planning to go home to surprise my family for Christmas and I still can't believe I pulled it off. Last Thursday, around 10.30pm, after an early morning bus ride to Paddington, a train to Heathrow, a 26 hour flight from Heathrow via Dubai and Brunei and a taxi ride from the airport, I knocked on my sister's door...SURPRISE!!
Everyone was totally shocked, including me at how much my niece had grown! Friday morning, I went to surprise my nana and then my dad, who is currently in the hospital having knee replacement surgery, and since then I've been catching up with friends, helping my mum move house, shopping and trying to get some sleep in there somewhere!
It's a whirlwind trip (just two weeks) but I plan on enjoying every minute of it. You never know, it could turn out to be longer...especially with all the snow back in London. Over the next couple of days, I'll post some pics.
That's right, I'm currently in Brisbane enjoying a beautiful, sunny 29 degree day. For the past year I have been planning to go home to surprise my family for Christmas and I still can't believe I pulled it off. Last Thursday, around 10.30pm, after an early morning bus ride to Paddington, a train to Heathrow, a 26 hour flight from Heathrow via Dubai and Brunei and a taxi ride from the airport, I knocked on my sister's door...SURPRISE!!
Everyone was totally shocked, including me at how much my niece had grown! Friday morning, I went to surprise my nana and then my dad, who is currently in the hospital having knee replacement surgery, and since then I've been catching up with friends, helping my mum move house, shopping and trying to get some sleep in there somewhere!
It's a whirlwind trip (just two weeks) but I plan on enjoying every minute of it. You never know, it could turn out to be longer...especially with all the snow back in London. Over the next couple of days, I'll post some pics.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Baby Steps
I heard this from Little Girl 3 in the backseat this morning on the school run:
"Becs...I like you...a little bit, but...I still like C (former nanny) a lot".
That's fine with me. It's a step in the right direction.
"Becs...I like you...a little bit, but...I still like C (former nanny) a lot".
That's fine with me. It's a step in the right direction.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Mamma Mia
Last night, I went to see Mamma Mia with my friend Lisa and her sister, Mandy. It was brilliant!
I tried my hardest to not sing along to all the songs and embarrass myself, but by the end, I was on my feet, arms in the air, singing along with everyone else.
So much fun!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Graduations and Goodbyes
Yesterday, the youngest boy I look after graduated from his nursery, all ready to start "big" school in September. It was such a great day. He did so well in his performance and I couldn't help but shed a few tears.
It hit me that I have just two months left with them, and even though I will see them from time to time, the close relationship we have built over the past 18 months will not be the same. They'll have a new nanny and I'll have new kids to look after and we'll move on. I really hate goodbyes. I'm no good at them and I've had too many of them. I always start to cry and never really get to say exactly how I feel.
After the performance, I took both of the kids to our favourite playground and I watched as little-boy-four balanced on the balance beam by himself. I taught him that. I watched him swing himself on the swings, stretching his legs out as he went forward, tucking them in as he swung back. I taught him that. I watched his six-year-old sister take her first one-handed swing on the monkey bars. I taught her that. I realised then that I have made a difference in their lives and even though I won't be there day to day, they'll remember me.
No one told me about this side of the job when I signed up!
It hit me that I have just two months left with them, and even though I will see them from time to time, the close relationship we have built over the past 18 months will not be the same. They'll have a new nanny and I'll have new kids to look after and we'll move on. I really hate goodbyes. I'm no good at them and I've had too many of them. I always start to cry and never really get to say exactly how I feel.
After the performance, I took both of the kids to our favourite playground and I watched as little-boy-four balanced on the balance beam by himself. I taught him that. I watched him swing himself on the swings, stretching his legs out as he went forward, tucking them in as he swung back. I taught him that. I watched his six-year-old sister take her first one-handed swing on the monkey bars. I taught her that. I realised then that I have made a difference in their lives and even though I won't be there day to day, they'll remember me.
No one told me about this side of the job when I signed up!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bring out the cheese...Eurovision's here!
Yes, it's Eurovision time again!
There is definitely a love / hate thing with Eurovision. It's just not possible to sit on the fence. I can't really explain it but I love, love, love Eurovision! I know this makes me a sad individual, but I don't care. Where else do you get to see such "class" acts from all over Europe?
Right now, I am watching the second semi-finals on BBC Three, having missed the first semi's for the simple reason that I had no idea it was on. For someone who loves Eurovision as I do, I am really lacking in true fan style! Better late than never, I say!
Highlight so far: the guy from Israel was really good - apparently the runner-up in their Pop Idol contest. The guys from Cyprus are on right now and they're also really good. Corniest moment so far: the blokes from Lithuania singing Eastern European Funk, and tearing off their trousers to reveal sparkly hot-pants! Honestly, what's not to love about Eurovision??
The finals are on Saturday (that night's viewing is sorted then!) and if you've never watched it before, you have to see it to believe it! I just hope you're not lactose-intolerant...there is so much cheese !
There is definitely a love / hate thing with Eurovision. It's just not possible to sit on the fence. I can't really explain it but I love, love, love Eurovision! I know this makes me a sad individual, but I don't care. Where else do you get to see such "class" acts from all over Europe?
Right now, I am watching the second semi-finals on BBC Three, having missed the first semi's for the simple reason that I had no idea it was on. For someone who loves Eurovision as I do, I am really lacking in true fan style! Better late than never, I say!
Highlight so far: the guy from Israel was really good - apparently the runner-up in their Pop Idol contest. The guys from Cyprus are on right now and they're also really good. Corniest moment so far: the blokes from Lithuania singing Eastern European Funk, and tearing off their trousers to reveal sparkly hot-pants! Honestly, what's not to love about Eurovision??
The finals are on Saturday (that night's viewing is sorted then!) and if you've never watched it before, you have to see it to believe it! I just hope you're not lactose-intolerant...there is so much cheese !
Monday, May 17, 2010
My Expat Anniversary
This weekend just gone, I have been in London for one year.
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dear John...The Gala Event
Yes, it's true! The day after last week's failed attempt to see Dear John, I received an e-mail from LoveFilm telling me that I had won their Dear John competition...a ticket to the Gala Screening...PLUS a Q&A with Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried after the movie! So not only do I get to see the movie (finally!), I get to meet the stars up close. I didn't mention it earlier, in case I couldn't get there for some reason and then that would have been a really boring post!
After I had arranged another early afternoon off work, I made the trip into the city for the second time today (I had taken the kids to The Transport Museum this morning), to the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square and arrived a whole hour early, happy to stand in the cold and the rain, until they opened the doors at 6.00pm.
I managed to get a seat four rows from the front and without giving too much away, the movie was brilliant (better than the book, especially at the end...that's all I'll say!).
As the credits were rolling, out came Channing and Amanda for the Q&A session that lasted about half an hour. Can I just be all girly and teenager-y (?) for a minute? Yes? OK. Guess what?? Channing walked right past me and in one of my photos (above) he is looking right at me!! He is just yummy!
OK. Back to acting my age now! It was a great night out and you just have to see the movie.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday Snapshot
This weeks Sunday Snapshot is from the Maslenitsa Russian Festival, that was on in Potter's Field Park today. These two girls were wearing the traditional dress of Tatarstan and kindly posed for me.
Maslenitsa is a Russian folk celebration that takes place just before Lent...sort of like a week-long version of Britain's Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day for the Aussies!).
I have a love for all things Russian and it's my dream to travel there one day. I even managed to say "Thank you" in Russian...very proud that I could remember it after 11 years! On a cold, foggy afternoon in London, surrounded by the Russian language, it was easy to imagine that I was in a city square, somewhere in St Petersburg or Moscow.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Designs of the Heart
Check out this blog: www.designsoftheheart.blogspot.com
My sister, who is always a big fan of my blog, is the author and since she has given my blog some good press lately, it's high time I repaid the favour.
When the talents were given out in our family, my sister got all the artistic ones. Have a look at her page, especially her Etsy shop. She makes all sorts of things that are awesome, unique presents for those people hard to shop for or just to keep all to yourself.
Mention you heard it from me and she may even give you a discount!
My sister, who is always a big fan of my blog, is the author and since she has given my blog some good press lately, it's high time I repaid the favour.
When the talents were given out in our family, my sister got all the artistic ones. Have a look at her page, especially her Etsy shop. She makes all sorts of things that are awesome, unique presents for those people hard to shop for or just to keep all to yourself.
Mention you heard it from me and she may even give you a discount!
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