The Scottish Lemon

Moving

2009-11-07T22:15:00.000Z

I'm moving house next month (more about that closer to the date) so seemed appropriate to move blogs as well.

http://the-scottish-lemon.tumblr.com/

Its a bit of a different format and I think it might help me to post a little more regularly. Also the photo link seems to be a bit better there as well.

See you over there...

Customer service, the kindness of strangers and getting out of your comfort zone

2009-10-28T19:50:00.003Z

It has been a busy couple of weeks over that last while. I've spent the last 3 of 6 weekends in Glasgow since I returned from the holiday in the homeland.

The first trip was a bit of a sending off party for a good friend whose taken a job over in Cambridge. It was also a chance to catch up with friends that I hadn't seen in quite a while.

As with most trips to weegie land there is food involved. Went to a funky vegetarian restaurant called The 78. I was still basking in the glory of rediscovering film photography so had brought my Pentax ESII with me as well as my DSLR so I could do some comparisons. Sadly once the dinner was done and it was prime time to haul out the camera the restaurant staff thought it would be a good thing to dim the lights. Also with the addition of a DJ things were going to get a bit loud so we decided to move venues.

The Uisge Beatha is a lovely pub in the west end of Glasgow known for it's 300+ single malt whisky shelf as well as it's kilted staff. The group managed to find a series of tables we could all squish around and the fun continued. With the group was a fellow blogger and photo geek. Anyone that knows me will understand that if I'm sharing a room with someone else with a camera then I tend to become a bit snap happy. To the point of being cheeky enough to ask complete strangers if I can take their photo.

Trip 2 to Glasgow was to visit my ex-flatmates parents that were in town for a visit and also celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. Food is a central part of this holiday and although there was no turkey involved there was the attempt at a pumpkin pie. Except we didn't have a pumpkin.

Judging by the laughter that followed, my comment of 'a gourd's a gourd's a gourd' was very funny. I wasn't trying to be funny but just highlight the fact that swapping a butternut squash for a pumpkin was a reasonable substitution. I mean I thought it was yummy.

Trip 3 is where the title of this post was derived. In Trip 2 I had brought my Zorki 4 camera with me.

I'd purchased it off eBay for an insanely cheap winning bid but had not been able to get the thing to work because the shutter wouldn't press down. I'd downloaded an owners manual off the net and worked it through but no luck. Last time I was in Merchant City Camera's shop in Glasgow I'd mentioned to the guy behind the desk about my problem and he'd suggested I bring it in as it sounded like it was probably something relatively simple. So I did. Then returned 2 weeks later with it fixed and was then told that there was 'no charge'. How great is that! I then bought a roll of B&W film as I'd not yet run a roll through the camera.

I was also going to be doing a photo shoot of a friend that afternoon and needed a CF Card as I wasn't going to be using my camera. I already have a 1GB and a 2GB card at home so didn't want another. They did have just a small 256MB card so I said I would take that. Apparently the card wasn't on the price list because, well they don't stock them anymore because the new cameras these days with their increased number of pixels larger cards are more the norm. The young guy that was serving me looked to the older guy and said "well what should I ring it in as then?" To which the older guy looked at me and says "How does 5 quid sound?"

People, if you're wanting to purchase anything photography related, I highly recommend Merchant City Cameras. A great bunch of guys that have not forgotten what Customer Service means. Plus they're a nice group of guys and they know what their talking about.

Ok, next up - Kindness and Comfort

A friend of mine has written a book and had asked me if I would be interested in taking the portrait of the author to go with it. But of course! Keeping in mind that I'm not really known for taking people pictures, unless it happens to be of their shoes.

As I was going to be in town I figured we could talk about what her ideas were for the shoot. Only to find out she was thinking we could do it that weekend. Of course this was the ONE time I didn't lug all my camera gear with me! Plan B was I did have my Lumix with me but somehow a point and shoot doesn't seem worthy enough for someones first book.

On a whim late at night I decided to post a request on 2 of the Glasgow Flickr groups that I used to post too when I still lived in the city asking if anyone out there had a Nikon D70 DSLR with a 50mm lens. Its what I would have used had I brought my gear with me, and if I'm going to borrow a camera I'd like to be familiar with how it works. But I'd also just posted a general cry for help on Facebook and also sent a text to a friend in town that has a nice Canon.

Much to my surprise I had not one but 3 complete strangers contact me wanting to help out. One of which had the camera and the lens I was looking for. Hurrah!!! So the planned photo shoot went ahead as planned and the guy that loaned me the camera sat and waited for me with a nice cup of hot chocolate compliments of me.

I easily filled up my wee 256mb CF card while trying to figure out the best lighting in the cafe, camera settings, composition and trying to put the subject at ease. Once I got everything just right, the card was full and I had to delete a bunch to make room for the good shots. In the end I think I got around 3 shots that are really good and that we are both happy with.

That night as I took the train back home to Edinburgh I reflected on the process of doing that portrait shoot. My first really, the wedding I shot back in March was a very different process. So slowly I'm getting out of my comfort zone of sneakers and inanimate objects

and trying my hand at doing things most people think of when they think of photographer.

Still just not sure I want to hang a sign and call myself a real photographer just yet. I've got so much more to learn.

and now begins the winter of our discontent

2009-10-06T07:56:00.003+01:00

Out came the long sleeved black turtleneck
An extra blanket on the bed
Sleeping in a long sleeved T-shirt and flannel bottoms
Having to wear gloves when I go outside
Trying to find my hat somewhere in the depths of my closet
Seeing my breath on my walk to work in the morning
Having difficulty standing upright when the winds blow
Curling up under a wool blanket on the sofa

And I had to turn to boiler on

It's only the first week in October...

The Trip Home

2009-09-05T16:10:00.004+01:00

Well it's been over 2 years since my last trip home to Vancouver. It's also been that long since I've been on an overseas flight and I started going a bit stir crazy at around the 3hr mark.

I flew BA as I wanted a direct flight from Heathrow and Air Canada was insisting an additional stop in either Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, or Calgary. Sitting on a plane for 9+ hrs I didn't want to extend anymore than I had too.

Also my first time in the new Heathrow Terminal 5. I arrived in 5A from Edinburgh and then had to change to 5B for my connection to YVR. 5A has all the major shopping, restaurants and duty free shops. 5B has a few but nothing on a grand scale. I found it strange that the terminal (5B) was quite empty. Looking at the departures board there were only 5 flights scheduled so it was very quiet and it also meant I could take a photo with no people in it .

Lucky me :)

A Housefull

2009-08-04T10:35:00.003+01:00

Everyone is here now. Picked up Leona on Sunday and then yesterday I took the cheap* way out to Heathrow Airport (i.e. the tube rather than Heathrow Express) to meet my friend Laurel whom I haven't seen in over 20 years. She's a friend from my college days and I think the last time we saw each other was in 1986 at a wedding.

It may sound cliche but we reconnected via facebook of all places about 2 years ago. We've had regular chats since then and last year when I was doing this same trip I had floated the idea to her that she should come out for a holiday. Visiting Europe isn't quite so daunting when you don't have to pay for accommodation :) The timing wasn't right for her last year but this year she jumped at the chance.

Here she is ...

She was so jet lagged, but I knew getting her outside in the sunshine and not allowing her to nap was going to help her get a decent nights sleep. It's kind of fun to watch someone that tired, but so excited as she's never been to Europe before.

So we are all here now and ready to take on the city. And it's just started to rain... typical.

* for those that have the time you can take the tube all the way out to Heathrow Airport. If you have an Oyster Card the trip works out to 4.80 return and takes approximately an hour from London Victoria station, vs 32.00 return and 15 minutes.

Living South of the Thames

2009-08-02T09:40:00.002+01:00

I arrived in London yesterday afternoon to begin a much needed 2 week holiday. I am house/cat sitting for friends and this will be the 3rd time doing this so it's turning into a bit of a regular thing - lucky me :)

Last year there were 2 cats to care for. This year there is just 1 as Suki passed away in January (so very sad).

This leaves me with Tom

who is now ultra affectionate and we had a good cuddle last night when I got settled and another one this morning before I started to make my breakfast.

I haven't uploaded any new photos at the moment (the above were from last year) as my camera is downstairs and I am upstairs still curled up in bed with my coffee. I am on holiday after all ;)

Enemy thy name is paper clutter

2009-07-29T21:53:00.002+01:00

I am surrounded by mounds of paper. It doesn't seem to matter how many trips to the recycle bin I make there is always another pile of paper to sort through and decide what to do with it.

Bank statements - why do I still get these when I signed up for paper free correspondence?
TV License - it says you need to keep record of it, but where do I put it?
Cards - how long is it appropriate to keep a card on the mantle. Is it bad protocol to then throw it in the recycle bin or must one hang on to it forever?
Take-Away Flyers - one of these days I will order a curry, but from where?
Local free paper - I really should sit down and read it to familiarise myself with my community

Then there are the bits and pieces of things you pick up while out and about. The business card of the funky furniture place, the brochure from the exhibition at the gallery I was just at, the magazine from the Tate.

I was good for a while there. Making the instant decision the moment the item was in my hand but part of the issue is the things I must keep (pension scheme documentation, employment contracts, lease etc) I don't really know where to keep these. I really should get a proper file cabinet or something of that sort, but that's just one more thing I really don't have anywhere to keep at the moment (next flat).

When I moved to Edinburgh I did one really large purge as I didn't want to move a bunch of useless paper. But in the 7 months I've been here it seems to have followed me here as I look at the pile in my window seat in my bedroom.

But sorting through piles of paper is not high on my list of things to do when the sun is shining outside. But then when its dark, cold and rainy I don't really want to do it then either.

Someone needs to create an Annual Paper Sorting Day, maybe it should be me? Hmmm, any suggestions out there as to what day would be a good one?

Coincidence?

2009-07-29T07:59:00.003+01:00

The day after I posted the photo on my blog about the rubbish bins the bin men finally came to collect on our street. I read in the paper that the city has finally brought in private contractors to clean the place up. Coincidence?

The bins were emptied but the street was still a mess. All the men did was empty the bins, throw the bags that were scattered around the bins into the now empty bin, emptied that and then left.

So all the bags that had been torn open by the seagulls and dragged all over the street and sidewalks were still there. I had to walk past the rotting carcass of what looked to be an undercooked roast chicken (ewwwwww).

It seems the cleaning up of the actual street is being left to the citizens.

Hmmmm

Sunday afternoons

2009-07-26T21:13:00.004+01:00

I've found that Edinburgh has not one but two what I would qualify as art house cinema's, the Cameo and the Filmhouse That's not to say they only show foreign or independent film. But they don't tend to show the latest Hollywood blockbuster that is already showing at the big multiplex in some suburban shopping mall.

That's just fine with me.

I have an annual membership at both cinemas and that gets me discounts at the box office, the ability to purchase tickets on-line without a fee, and in the case of the Cameo free tickets to the Sunday double feature. Yes you read that right, free tickets every Sunday.

There is usually some kind of common thread between the two features. Either the actor, director or film genre. Sometimes they will match a current film with something from the past, or they'll show 2 films from the same decade. To be honest it doesn't really matter what the film is.

As you can see from the above shot the theatre has been renovated. The seats are very plush and comfy and you've actually got leg room. No ads or trailers are shown ahead of time, but sometimes one of the cinema staff will say a few words before the film if there is something of interest.

Some weeks the place is packed, the James Bond double feature was sold out. Last weekends Star Trek/Galaxy Quest was close to full. And other weeks it's just the diehards out there and you've got lots of room to spread out. Everyone is well behaved, no issues with someone taking a call on their mobile or talking throughout the film.

My only complaint is that the staff behind the bar and the sweeties counter seem to move in slow motion. It kind of reminded me of the staff at a vegan restaurant in Vancouver called the Naam. You didn't go there for fast service but for the food and relaxed atmosphere. I've taken the same approach at the Cameo. If I'm thinking I might want some popcorn or a pint of ale then I'll get there early to avoid the long queue.

Today I opted for no snacks (in case you were wondering).

So after all that, The Cameo Picturehouse gets to be my 'Thing I Like Today'

Now for a new feature, The Thing I DON'T Like Today

It has been almost a month since the bin men have been on work to rule. The city is not looking so pretty and not smelling very nice either. And the seagulls are becoming even more of a nuisance and noisy.

Yes it's been a while...

2009-07-24T22:27:00.005+01:00

I admit it. Lost my flow of thought I suppose.

This blog was started as a way to document my experience of moving to a new country. But that was 2 yrs and 9 months ago so how long does one continue to say this is 'new'.

True, I've moved to a new city, Edinburgh, 6 months ago. But it's not quite as exciting a transition as it's just another city 50 miles away.

What is it I should use this space for? I thought of doing the photo blog thing, but I use Flickr for that so it seems like duplication. The travel blog sometimes seems a little dull, kind of like when people ask you over to see their holiday slides and you're trapped for the next 6 hours.

Perhaps I should ask you out there... why do YOU read the Scottish Lemon? What would you like to see more of, less of?

While you are thinking about that, I will post an idea I had today when I was making my dinner.

The Thing I Like Today

Tomato & Basil Bloomer

What is a Bloomer you may ask?

Bloomer refers to a bread shape that is cylindrical, but flat on the bottom with several diagonal slashes across the top. The term most often describes a bread shape popular throughout Britain. Bloomers are made with many types of flour, although various types of wheat flour are the most popular. (at least according to this website it is)

Fresh baked in store at Sainsbury's. It goes well with chili and pasta. It tastes very yummy when soaking up the last of the sauce from the plate. I like to toast it and then just spread a little butter on it.

It's the simple things in life that make me happy

Held Over

2009-05-01T13:01:00.001+01:00

Ascension, originally uploaded by sasseymills.

As previously mentioned I had my first ever photography exhibition and the most fabulous Biblio Cafe in Glasgow (the corner of Woodlands Road and Woodlands Drive).

I was showing for the entire month of March. But then as fate would have it the April artist cancelled so I got an extra month out of the deal. Now I find the May artist can't set up until May 7th.

So for those that were meaning to get down and check it out, you've still got time :)

Christmas is only 238 days away after all. Support an artist, buy a print.

Ok enough grovelling, back to your regular schedule program.

Discovering the city - Edinburgh

2009-04-23T21:44:00.007+01:00

This is a Saturday Walkabout from a few weeks ago. The main difference with my move to Edinburgh compared to my move to Glasgow is I've not had as much time & opportunity to get to know the city. When I moved to Glasgow in 2006 I was unemployed for 2 months waiting form my work contract to get sorted out. So that gave me lots of time to set foot out the door each day and decide if I would go left or right and just wander.

Moving to Edinburgh was the complete opposite experience as I dumped my stuff in my newly rented flat, headed back to Glasgow, hosted my parents for Christmas, took a holiday to Portugal (in which we missed our return flight home) and then when I did get back I started work right away. Oh ya, and it was winter.

Now the days are longer, the weather not quite as miserable and I've got the weekends to get out there and explore. On this particular wander I set out to discover Stockbridge.

Today (Saturday) is brought to you by the colour red

2009-04-20T06:21:00.014+01:00

It was a very grey day when I was getting ready to head out the door. So grey that I almost didn't take my camera. I find Edinburgh extremely hard to take photos of when the clouds roll in. The buildings are grey stone and black so not much going on in terms of a colour palate.

Went to the National Gallery of Scotland to check out the big Turner Exhibit. They'd laid new lawn in Princes Street Gardens and with the trees sprouting new leaves it had a very green vibe going on.

However, there seemed to be an awful lot of red in the area. Something was afoot...

A little pre drumming pep talk and warm up. There was lots of wiggling going on too but that doesn't really translate well in this shot.

Just after I took that shot a guy (also with a camera) walked over to me and we had a bit of a chat. He wasn't an observer like me, he was with the group and handed me a flyer on an upcoming event they were going to be participating in up on Calton Hill . In checking out the website I'm thinking these are the Red Beastie Drummers.

And so it begins

Wasn't expecting the dancers.

About that wedding

2009-04-07T21:13:00.012+01:00

I mentioned a while back that I had shot my first wedding. Something I swore I would never do. I'm not trying to be one of 'those' photographers. I'm not into doing portraits. I prefer to photograph strange things like abandoned chairs, elevetor shafts in art gallerys and my sneakers.

But they asked so nicely.

The challenge for me was going to be shooting what I want vs what I think they will want. But then the whole point of asking me to do this was because they liked the way I see things through my camera.

I tossed and turned the week leading up to this. I was really worried that the day was going to be a disaster, that something would go horribly wrong.

However, I think things went pretty well. These are some of my favorite shots from the day.

Portobello

2009-03-28T12:51:00.011Z

Last Sunday afternoon I was out and about with the Edinburgh Flickr gang in Portobello. I'd never been there before and any excuse to hang out with some fellow camera geeks is always a fun way to spend a day.

There is a lovely long beach with a promenade the length of it. It wasn't exactly sunbathing weather that day. In fact it was BLOODY COLD and the ever present wind was blowing as it always does.

Fun was had by all.

Nice kitty.

The Wedding

2009-03-25T21:59:00.003Z

This past Saturday I photographed a wedding. I've never done anything like that before and to be honest I tried to talk the couple out of getting me to do it. I mean I don't take people pictures. But they weren't having any of it and insisted. So I gave it the old college try.

I can't show you any of the shots just yet as the couple gets to see them first and they are currently on their honeymoon. I'm mostly happy with the outcome and am down right proud of a few shots. But as expected there were a few clunkers as well. I've only had my DSLR since Christmas so I'm still figuring it all out.

It was a spectacular day though, blue sky, daffodils everywhere and the location was on the shore of Loch Lomand.

Nice

So I'm busy at the moment sorting through the 241 shots I took trying to figure out what stays what goes and what needs editing. As of this evening I've only got 145 more shots to do and 4 days to do them.

My brain hurts.

Saturday Walkabout

2009-03-14T23:01:00.007Z

ya ya ya I know, I know...

2009-03-12T22:32:00.005Z

Life just kind of got in the way. But I'll be home this weekend. Nothing planned, no where to go, nothing to do. I'll get around to updating you on my life then k?

Until then, say cheese :)

Oh right and if you find yourself in Glasgow at any point this month (i.e. March) head on down to the Biblio Cafe, grab yourself a steamin' coffee and go upstairs to see my exhibition.

That wasn't too obvious a plug was it?

A Penny Dreadful

2009-02-21T22:18:00.006Z

Sitting on my sofa just reading my emails not even thinking of dinner yet as I'm just not hungry. My mobile goes off and it's L from work.

You said you weren't doing anything tonight right?

Yup - that's the plan, a whole lotta nothin'

We've got a spare theatre ticket tonight, it's only a fiver, no idea what it is, want to join us?

Sure

Be there in about 10 minutes (she just lives around the corner from me).

The show was 'The Mystery of Irma Vemp' and was at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. It was a nice bit of fun.. A very camp show consisting of two men playing all the parts so of course there was some cross dressing involved. The cheap tickets were part of the First Fridays deal, kind of like a dress rehearsal I guess. No assigned seating so you need to arrive early. But this is the theatre, no stampedes as everyone queued as they tend to do here in the UK.

At intermission the ushers come down to the audience to sell mini-tubs of Haagen Daz ice-cream which I found really strange, but it seemed immensely popular. Why ice-cream at the theatre?

Speaking of the theatre, it's very nice.

After the show we walked home going around the back part of the castle and up into the old town. I found it funny that as we crossed onto the street at the foot of the castle there was a big sign pointing towards it that said...

<-Castle

I must go back during the daylight and take a picture. Makes me wonder how many tourists have stood with their back to the sign, underneath this massive looming presence and said to their spouse 'I wonder where the castle is'.

Took this shot as we walked up the hill just before connecting up with the Royal Mile.

It was a good night.

Dare I speak the word that is... spring?

2009-02-20T07:33:00.003Z

If I jinx it by doing this then so be it, but gosh it feels like spring :)

I wake up in the morning and the sun is starting to poke its head in the sky as I make my breakfast. I'm no longer walking home in the pitch black. No more do my pajamas consist of flannel layered over a t-shirt, socks and topped with a hooded sweatshirt, and I am no longer sleeping curled up in a tight little ball shivering. I even reduced the number of hours the boiler is on for.

I can hear the birds twittering out my bedroom window as I type this.

Yes I think spring is just around the corner.

Its amazing what people search for

2009-02-17T07:42:00.005Z

As most of you are aware I post all my photography (the good and the crap) on Flickr. Its main function is that of an archive but also a way to bridge the distance between here (Scotland) and home (Canada). Many of my friends are on Flickr so its fun being able to check out the vacation shots when one gets home or to get that feel good warmth when I look at pictures of my cats at my folks place.

But there is also the sharing aspect. You can join groups to post your work to in order to receive critic to better your craft or just to meet some really interesting people. I belonged to the Glasgow Flickr meet up group when I lived there as a way to not only meet other camera geeks but also to get out there in and discover the hidden areas of the city. I've done the same here now in Edinburgh, although I haven't been out all that much yet to actually take some shots but I have attended the 2 social evenings at least (they're such a friendly bunch).

Then (and this is the reason for the post) there is the utterly random. You can look up the statistics on your photostream. What shots were viewed yesterday, how many times, how were they seen (i.e. people going directly to your stream or viewed from a group) or what photos were searched for.

This is my most viewed photo:

Ok everyone together now 'WHY???' Because I titled it Genetic Mutations and EVERY DAY I can see that people either through Flickr, Google Images, Google Search, Yahoo Images or Yahoo Search the masses out there will type in the words 'genetic mutations' and hit search and my photo pops up. Probably not what they were looking for but I find it funny. How many pre-med students have seen my work, or budding mad scientists?

And for those of you wondering, its a TV show prop that was sitting on my cousins balcony because it was just too cool to throw away.

And now its famous.

(oh and I'm running late so I'll add in all the hyper links and some more reference photos later tonight after work)

The Movies

2009-02-15T17:51:00.004Z

I've been watching quite a few movies lately. Both the DVD kind and the go to the cinema kind. One reason is, well... I've got lots of free time on my hands due to not really knowing that many people.

For the last 2 Sundays I've been going to the double feature at the Cameo Picturehouse. (thanks for the free ticket JG) Going to the cinema by yourself is not for everyone, but I don't mind.

It's easy enough finding a seat as unless forced, people tend to leave at least one empty seat between them and the stranger next to them in a row. If I get to the theatre early enough I can be strategic in where I sit. Preferably directly behind someone that isn't tall. I've learned the hard way that if I don't do this the empty seat in the row ahead of me will be filled by a 7 ft giant just as the lights go down.

While waiting for the movie to start sometimes I'll read the paper but eventually I feel myself being drawn to the snippets of conversations around me.

The couple 4 seats over
- he's doing all the talking. He seems very opinionated about a friend of his and that she (only 24) is dating a guy in his 40's. "But if she's happy..."

The guy 2 rows ahead
- is going on and on about how awful the last movie he saw was and how he didn't even want to see it but the comedy he wanted to see didn't start until after 10:00 and that was too late.

The 2 elderly ladies to my right
- are discussing their grandchildren.

The guy at the end of the row on the right
- has already fallen asleep

4 rows ahead to the right is a blond
- I recognise her from last Sunday as she's wearing the same blue coat and she has great hair.

A couple sits in the seats directly next to me just as the movie begins. Within 2 minutes they switch seats because the girl can't see the screen because of the tall guy in the seat in front.

The lights go down, I've got my tube of Pringles Sour Cream & Onion crisps and a pint of Deuchers IPA. Let the movie begin.

Settling In

2009-01-25T19:56:00.007Z

Mom and Dad flew home on Monday. The rest of the week just ticked along as per normal with work and the home routine. My days are a little bit longer with the new job as I work 9 to 5:30 rather than 5:00 so that's taking a little bit to get used to but in reality an extra 30 minutes isn't a huge deal as with my previous job it was rare that I got out the door before 6.

But then it's Friday, 5:30 and it hits me. I don't really know anyone in town. There isn't the culture in this office of heading out to the pub after work as many of my colleagues don't live in the city and have trains to catch or families to get home to. So I stop at the Odd Bins on the way home and treat myself to a nice bottle of Italian Red Wine.

The weekend before me is spent with the continuous task of trying to make the flat feel like mine. I get curtains hung in the lounge (it was soooo drafty) and the bedroom. A towel rail in the bathroom and a small shelving unit in the kitchen to provide storage for my sauces and spices.

I've pretty much got the furniture where I want it. But now the daunting task before me is hanging my photographs. Its not just the figuring out what goes where, but the physical hanging of them. Its hard to do when you don't have a second person to say a little higher or to the right. But I managed to get the hallway or 'the gallery' done at least.

More flat photos to follow as I attempt to complete each room. There's just so much stuff to sort though and figure out where it's new home will be.

So one room at a time ...

Slowing down

2009-01-19T21:34:00.004Z

It has been a wacky, chaotic, busy couple of weeks.

- December 17th my parents arrived in Glasgow from Vancouver

- Dec 19 packed up my flat then hopped the train to Edinburgh to sign the lease and collect the keys to my new flat

- Dec 20 loaded up a large van and moved the majority of my stuff to Edinburgh

- Dec 21 head back to Glasgow to crash at a friends flat as I'm still working until the 31st (Mom and Dad stay at the Edinburgh flat)

- Dec 23 my parents joining me in Glasgow for the Christmas break

- Dec 27 Mom and Dad head back to Edinburgh

- Dec 30 drinks with a few friends from the office

- Dec 31 my last day at work, pack up what I can carry and hop the train to Edinburgh where once I arrive I shut the door to my bedroom and I have a good cry. It was an emotional day.

- Dec 31/Jan 1st, view the fireworks on Calton Hill and the Castle from the warmth of my lounge window. Pretty good views :)

- Jan 2 try to unpack/organise as much as I can in the flat

- Jan 3 pack my suitcase as we (Mom & Dad and I) go on a one week holiday to Lagos Portugal

- Jan 3, 4 & 5, suffer from a horrible cold that I caught during the last hour of the flight

- Jan 5 - 10th enjoy all Lagos has to offer

-Jan 10th, proceed to miss our return flight to Edinburgh thanks to our prebooked private shuttle to Faro Airport failing to arrive in a timely fashion. We were able to book flights departing the next day (for full fare of course) and find accommodation close by the airport.

- Jan 11th spend 10 hours in transit (Faro to Prestwick, miss the train by minutes, so sit at the Yale Pub in the airport for an hour enjoying a Pint and onion rings, catch the next train to Glasgow Central, discover the Glasgow Central trains to Edinburgh are not running that evening due to track maintenance, walk to Queen Street station, catch the 7PM service to Edinburgh, catch a taxi from Waverly Station to my flat).

- Jan 12th start my new job

- Jan 13th, discover bedroom radiator is leaking and boiler is dodgy

- Jan 14th boiler not working, no heat :(

- Jan 15th boiler & radiator get fixed

- Jan 16th hook up with the Edinburgh Flickr group and meet my fellow camera geeks, then discover how to get to Ikea by bus

- Jan 17th accompany my parents back to Glasgow to enjoy one last dinner at the Lansdowne Pub before sending them on their way to the Holiday Inn at the airport

- Jan 18th Mom and Dad fly home, it snows in Edinburgh and in the evening I enjoy the last of the risotto from the fridge and a glass of Rioja

No wonder I'm tired!

The Food...

2009-01-11T22:47:00.004Z

Did I mention the food?

Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with the food. It's very tasty. Our first night since we got in so late we just ate at the restaurant next door as it was open. The menus don't give you a whole lot of information. It reads something along the lines of:

Steak
Pork
Special Meat (for 2)
Squid Kebab with Prawns
Grilled Cod

You get the idea.

No explanation of what exactly they DO to the steak or pork or what exactly is the Special Meat (for 2). We are sitting close to the kitchen area and I can see in. Looks like Mama is doing all the cooking and there is only one other person in there, probably more for clean up than anything else.

Mom and Dad decide to be brave and order the Special Meat (for 2) and I tried to order the Halibut but apparently they're out (it is late) but they have salmon so I get that. It seems everything always comes on a large platter. So the first order comes through and its 2 massive steaks and a whole sausage link. Orange slices are scattered and I can see a pile of crushed garlic floating in the flavoured oil mixing with the juice from the meat. But that's all it is a platter full of meat, oh and 2 boiled potatoes.

Oh dear...

But wait, no, more is coming. It's my massive salmon steak and with it comes another platter with boiled potatoes, carrots and some kind of green vegetable. I can't remember what its called but it's kind of like a cross between asparagus and broccoli. Ah and also we get a platter of rice and a platter with a very simple salad (lettuce, a few sliced tomatoes, shredded onion and a few cucumber slices).

So picture this very tiny table for 2 with 3 people seated at it. We already had a bread basket and a plate with very yummy olives and 3 empty dinner plates. Then a platter of meat, a platter of fish, a platter of rice, a platter of salad and a platter of vegetables. Not much elbow room.

Everything was very flavourful if not a little on the heavy side. The salmon was cooked to perfection, moist so it almost melted in your mouth. But it seems everything was dripping in the same garlic oil, tasty but a little much after a while. And salt, they are strong believers in salt in cooking. But that could be just me as I don't use very much in my own cooking.

That was just our first dining experience. Perhaps the next place would be different.

Next door is another place worth a try. It's lacking in ambiance but it seems to be full of locals so to me that's a good sign. The meals are presented very similar, a large oval platter. I had the pork loin with mushrooms in a porto wine sauce and Dad had the pepper steak (I swear the sauces were the same but his didn't have mushrooms), Mom went with the chicken Peri Peri. All very good but a big hunk of flesh and potatoes - this time chips rather than boiled potatoes and rice but no vegetables other than the mixed salad we ordered.

Now you need to understand something. I like a good steak as much as the next guy but I'm not a huge meat eater to begin with. Most of what I cook revolves around vegetables and if anything maybe I'll throw in a little chicken. Even so, the portions I cook for my protein are on the small side. I swear in 2 meals I've had more meat than I would normally consume in a month. My stomach was protesting at 1 AM as it attempted to digest it.

But it's not been all steak and pork. No there's been fish as well. Lagos is on the coast after all and we can see the fishing boats docked at the waters edge. Apparently one of the local specialties is large grilled sardines with boiled potato and some kind of green kale soup. There is no way Dad would set foot in a restaurant if that was going to be on the table so Mom and I decide to abandon him in the town square and we go to a little tiny place for lunch where we order both the soup and the sardines.

The soup was fine, very similar to a sorrel or borscht soup my Mom makes (but missing the barley and dill). But what we are really waiting to see is the sardines. And there they are, all five of them, with their little fish eyes and fish lips frozen in a call for help when thrown on the hot grill.

We both agree again that it's a good thing Dad's not here. Sardines do smell fishy but grilled they aren't half bad. It takes a little bit of effort to get the main backbone out and of course remove the head and tail but everything else is eaten. The skin grilled up nice and crispy and it's just lightly seasoned with sea salt and probably a little pepper.

I ate 2 and I don't ever have to order them

Day 3 - Monday

2009-01-11T08:59:00.004Z

Feeling much better today :)

Had a good nights sleep, a hot shower and breakfast and feeling human. Still sneezing a bit but much less congested.

First order of business, need to find a grocery store. The dodgy part about maps is they don't always give you a scale. So something that looks far away could be just a 10 min walk, or a 3 hour hike. Its all relative. Lucky for us the grocery store ended up just being a quick 15 min walk so not too bad.

I love exploring food shops in a different country, its one of those ways to see life as a local. Of course it's always a bit of a challenge purchasing items when you don't know the language. Some times its easy. For example, how to tell semi-skim from whole milk? Look at the calorie content. However, telling a dark roast coffee from mild proves to be a bit more difficult. I think Dad and I stood looking a the different packages for about 10 minutes before just grabbing one and hoping for the best (I hate weak coffee).

The meat and seafood counters are always entertaining. I saw some massive prawns or perhaps they were crayfish, it's difficult to tell.

A large stack of dry salted cod

and in the meat counter,how about a pigs head to wet your appetite?

The wine corner was another area where there was much deliberation. I'm not familiar with the various regions in Portugal so don't know what varieties of grapes are produced in each. Sometimes the labels have English but even so its a tough call. Today's rule of thumb is nothing over 5 Euro. Dad and I ponder over the importance of a good price vs. a cool looking label. Its a scientific equation don't you know. We grab 2 bottles and hope for the best.

Last stop is the bakery. I'm just LOVING the rolls here, nice and firm, tough and chewy but not too heavy. They are fabulous with some smoked pork loin and cheese for a mid afternoon snack. Oh and a package of pane chocolate pastries for later.

Day 2 - Sunday

2009-01-10T21:47:00.001Z

Woke up

Still sick

Stayed in pyjamas all day under a blanket
Much sneezing, sniffling and mucus flowing

Mom & Dad went out and about

I did not

Lagos, Portual - The Arrival (Saturday)

2009-01-09T11:26:00.002Z

The craziness is finally over.

I finished up at work, got myself moved to Edinburgh and now it's a weeks holiday in Lagos, Portugal before I start the new job. Perfect... except during the last hour of the flight I started sneezing uncontrollably. I tell myself it must be an allergic reaction to something. But once we'd landed and during and after the 50 minute drive to Lagos I was still sneezing and feeling even worse.

I had popped some decongestants in my meds bag last minute so I take one before heading to bed. Why is it that if the box says one tablet every 6 hours they always stop working in hour 4? In the morning I look horrible, can't breathe, head pounding and I'm on holiday and the sun is shining - ARGH!!!

Still I suppose if I'm going to be sick I might as well be sick on vacation. I'm crossing my fingers that this will just be a quick straight forward head cold and I can nip it in the bud. As it's Sunday pretty much everything will be closed anyway. It just burns me that it's so nice outside and I'm stuck inside wrapped up in my flannel pyjamas, hooded sweat shirt and a heavy blanket trying to stay warm.

But if I'm honest with myself, I'm not surprised. This is probably my bodies reaction to all the stress I've been going through in the last month. Too many big changes over too short a period of time. No time to be sick so as usual my body waits until I have a moments rest. Sadly that moment happens to be while I'm in Portugal.

Life can be cruel.

The Last Christmas

2008-12-26T00:03:00.001Z

Ok, it's not the last one EVER, but its my last one in Glasgow. Well, probably not my last one as I'm sure I'll come back again to hang out with friends but it will be my last one as a resident.

I moved house to Edinburgh last weekend. I tell ya, I'm getting too old to be lugging heavy boxes up 3 flights of stairs. I'm at the age when I should have a husband and a teenager to do it for me. But in lieu I lined up some friends,one of which was a strong and energetic University student. He worked for cheap, a mince pie. Many thanks to Claire, Maggs, Isobel, Mark and my folks. Without their help it would have been a very expensive task as I'd have had to hire movers.

So yes, Edinburgh is home now except not quite as I'm back in Glasgow until the 31st when I finish work. Another Christmas finds me living out of a suitcase. Perhaps this is my Christmas tradition 'cause when I think about it this has been the third Christmas in a row that I've moved. Bizarre.

Christmas eve was a familiar scene with my Dad. Hitting the mall last minute to assist him with finish his shopping. He pointed out the men walking around the shops with that dazed look of desperation.

After doing the appropriate amount of comparison shopping the decision was made on the final purchase and then it was to the grocery store to get the last few items. It's a bit difficult planning any meals let alone a proper Christmas dinner when you're not in your own kitchen. My friend Claire has graciously offered her flat for us to stay in over the holidays but a kitchen is such a personal thing. When going through cupboards you're having to think 'if I was Claire, where would I put the cutting board, or where would the sugar be?' Everyone has their perfect culinary set up, and it's always different. But that's half the fun.

By the time I got home, my stomach pointed out to me that all I'd had all day was about 4 cups of tea, one danish, a tiny chocolate and a glass of red wine (at the office). It was now 4:30, I really needed to eat something. You know it's been a long busy day when you don't have time to eat.

After zapping some leftovers I then decided to have a nice long nap as the plan was to go to the Christmas Eve service at St Silas. This has been a new tradition for me as back in Vancouver the Christmas Eve service was normally at around 6:30, perhaps a little later if Christmas Eve fell on a work day. But here, the service is 11:15PM and there are lots of candles, carols, communion, it's all good.

Getting home after midnight I am completely knackered. Looking in my room at the bags of stuff still needing to be wrapped that I just don't have the energy to do. I can hear my bed calling to me.

Christmas morning I allowed myself a nice long lie in. Since returning from my holiday at the end of November, then promptly getting the worst flu bug ever, my folks arriving, packing, moving to Edinburgh, unpacking and organizing a new flat, packing again to come back to Glasgow... I realize this is probably the first lazy morning I've had in a while. Still groggy and without any caffeine I set about wrapping the presents. I manage to accomplish this without any injury.

Christmas has always been just a quiet affair for us as we are a small family of three. After the gifts its usually always a nice lazy day, watching some TV, a nap or three, coffee, wine, cheese, cookies. Even though it's just the three of us Mom insists on cooking a proper Christmas dinner, Turkey and all the trimmings. I must admit her stuffing is the best I've ever had and the turkey (and I'm not a big turkey fan) is always nice and moist, good gravy too!

Its been a great relaxing, lazy day. Tomorrow if I am to believe the weather forecast it should be cool but sunny with no wind. So a good day to get out for a walk about and take some photos.

The Winter Holiday - Las Palmas de Gran Caneria, Spain

2008-12-15T07:36:00.009Z

The day started off not looking all that great but one never knows.

Walking along the pier we received a nice map from a lady trying to convince us to go shopping at the large El Cortez shopping mall (no-thanks). Its the old town I want to find. The funny things about these tourist maps is they never seem to have a scale. So you look at where you are and where you want to go and think, hmmmm that looks far. But then it takes you 10 minutes to walk there. Or you think, hey that's not too bad, and it takes you 2 hours. Today fell into the 2 hour category.

Initially we walked along the water front but the motor way paralleled it which was very noisy and the car exhaust got to be a bit much after a while so we moved in a few blocks.

When walking along the non-sanctioned tourist route you see the city as the locals do. You come along the hospital, clinic zone, pass a school, the fitness centre or my Mom's favourite - the grocery store. Remember Dino from The Flintstones? He has his own chain of grocery stores in Spain.

Other things seen enroute, the new Police Headquarters in a very nice pink and blue office tower.

Eventually we come to our destination of the Old Town and find the large cathedral there. It's not overly ornate which is nice for a change. But it does have its own dead person :)

The ceiling is very nice too.

All that walking to get there meant our feet were tired and our stomachs were grumbling. Time to eat! Found a lovely little cafe down a side street where we ordered a plate of cured hams and some cheese, bread and some wine.

With the wine came tapas of anchovies on toast (it's on the bottom right corner). You know, it wasn't half bad (the anchovy) everything else was lovely. Met a nice couple at the table next to us visiting from Sweden. They ordered the same thing on my recommendation :)

We interrupt this program for an important announcement

2008-12-09T19:05:00.009Z

I am sick.

That is all, thank you.

Now back to your regular scheduled programming already in progress

The Winter Holiday - Arrecife

My walking buddy C was stricken with a horrible migraine this day so I wandered off the ship on my own. As previously mentioned the maps we're given the night before aren't really all that helpful. And when stepping off the shuttle bus you have no idea where you actually are. I love this!

But wait, I'm jumping ahead of myself.

The shuttle journey in itself. While still travelling through the port itself off to the side there was a ship wreck. Sorry the photo is crap but hey, it's through a moving bus window so I think its not half bad

Next thing that appeared through the window was this...

I mean this is just a sleepy little village with a population of just over 50,000 Who knew that would be enough to support an IKEA (the best store in the whole wide world btw).

And no, I didn't go inside.

Arrecife is a nice sleepy little town. As it's a Sunday most of the shops are closed which is fine by me. I wander around the streets, found a cute little church.

Some oh so picturesque boats.

And this...

Its a fort with 2 cannons. This spot gave me a good solid hour of entertainment value. You should have seen the chaos. A ship of 2700 passengers heading towards something that looks kind of historical/interesting and everyone wants their photo taken in front of it.

You've got the husbands with their expensive DSLR's and no sense of artistry or composition commanding their wives which way to look, where to place their hands and then click, click, click, click, click etc etc etc... Then there are the other tourists not understanding the concept of waiting their turn as they walk in front of someone else's shot and then blankly look back at the person with the camera and give a glazed look.

There was this one couple, I swear he blew off over 100 shots. I mean come on people. Its a cannon. Its NOT THAT INTERESTING!!!

This is my favorite shot of the day

But then I see things a bit differently.

The Winter Holiday - Agadir, Morocco

2008-12-07T22:34:00.006Z

BTW - I got back last Monday but I'm still behind in updating this thing. What else is new eh?

So on to Agadir...

Not much to report for this port. Agadir was decimated in 1960 thanks to a horrific earthquake that lasted 15 minutes. As a result of this the town was completely rebuilt. It is a planned city and looks like something out of a post modernist architectural text book rather than a Moroccan town.

It's also a resort town with a lovely beach, so everything is more geared towards tourism with hotels and condos. There is a central market but again it's aimed at attracting tourists rather than catering to the locals. There is a nice Mosque that I took a few shots of but that's about it.

However, I did purchase a rug. I found something rare, a fixed price rug shop so no haggling needed and no high pressure sales over tea either. The shop owner was very nice and friendly. Looking at pretty much all of his wares in the size I was interested in I finally found the rug I wanted. He packed it up good and tight with plastic bags, tape and rope. Some how, C was able to fit it into her suitcase and between all our bags we were able to shuffle all our belongings that everything fit and we didn't incur any oversize baggage fees on the journey home.

Oh and go figure, it never occurred to me to take a photo of the rug before it got packed up so you'll all just have to wait until I'm settled into my new flat in a few weeks and I'll take a shot then. But in the mean time here's a very blurry photo of the rug shop itself.

The Winter Holiday - Casablanca, Morocco

2008-11-27T22:36:00.001Z

This is my first time in Morocco. I wasn't really sure what to expect of the culture. There are a few things you can count on being different from home, local cuisine and traffic.

Lets just say I made it back alive.

Casablanca is a busy city, it has a big port and once dropped off by the shuttle, map in hand we just start walking. Traffic is busy and once we come to the first major intersection I make the observation that there doesn't seem to be any pedestrian signals or anything that closely resembles a cross walk. That's not too bad if you're just dealing with a quiet 2 or even 4 lane road. But how about 6 lanes of traffic in each direction, a round-about and 5 or 6 streets converging together. Safety in numbers is my strategy, or follow a Mother pushing a stroller.

First stop is the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, yes there is one in Casablanca.

What an amazing space! White painted interior, beautiful coloured stained glass that seemed to glow. Extremely high roof line, your eye is drawn up immediately. Interesting art exhibit inside that seemed to revolve around woodwork (no English translation so I'm not sure, will have to look it up when I get home). The man at the entrance spoke no English but we managed to communicate with my extremely limited French. He was very friendly, big smiles and made sure we noticed all the important details. Like how behind the main alter all the stained glass were the flags of different countries. Couldn't find Canada but not sure when the windows were constructed as it could have been prior to Canada being it's own country.

Once I thought we were done, the nice man then came out from behind his table and motioned for us to follow him. He lead us to one of the towers and told us we could climb all the way to the top to view all of Casablanca.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

What started out as nice wide concrete steps quickly got narrower and narrower as I went higher. The pigeons were nested inside the window recesses and as the steps narrowed the pigeon droppings increased (insert bad smell here). I got up as high as the first roof line and I stepped out to take a few shots of the city.

I started up the next level but then decided against it as the steps got even more narrow, more pigeons (swooping this time), more pigeon droppings and my knees began to wobble as the vertigo kicked in. Time to head back down the stairs I think.

Back on solid ground we said thank you to the nice man and I asked if I could take his photo and he jumped up immediately and stood at the entrance to the cathedral sanctuary and made sure it was in the shot he was so proud of it. He then put his arm around C and had a huge smile. He introduced himself as Mustapha. He just cracked me up with his enthusiasm :)

Once back outside I took a few shots of the exterior (ok, more than a few) as it's such an interesting design.

Almost kind of an art deco take on the Parisian Sacre Couer. Again I'll have to look up more info on the internet once I get home.

Next we make our way to the Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes. Completed in the 1950's it doesn't look like much from the outside but inside the stained glass is overwhelming. Usually the windows are way up high and you can't appreciate all the detail. This is the reverse. All the glass starts at the ground level and is the length of both sides of the sanctuary.

Absolutely fabulous, and with the sun shining in and the place to ourselves it was a wonder to behold.

Last stop before heading back to the ship is the Old Medina or market. We went in one of the side entrances and as bad timing would have it the service at the Mosque just finished and we seem to be walking in the wrong direction as everyone else. But we manage to wiggle through like salmon swimming up stream. The market itself reminds me a bit of the barras in Glasgow in that much of what is for sale is just a bunch of dodgy cheap merchandise. Sneakers, clothing, electronic gadgets of questionable origin and strangely enough more than a few hair salons and barber shops.

The layout is fascinating. Its a labyrinth of lanes, none of which seem to follow in a straight line for very long before veering left or right. We seem to hit their version of siesta and many of the shop fronts are closed. Eventually we come across the food stalls and this is what I imagined the area to look like. Tables stacked high with fresh oranges, spices, breads and thankfully not a cobra to be seen.

We don't venture too far into the market for fear of not being able to find our way back out again but it was enough just to get a taste of it.

Next port - Agadir, Morocco

The Winter Holiday - Malaga, Spain

2008-11-26T22:20:00.000Z

In a word, beautiful.

I'm doing this cruise a little different from the others. Cash is a bit tight due to my upcoming relocation to Edinburgh, Christmas and another trip in January. All that means is rather than paying for a ship excursion to do the sight seeing it's DIY. So armed with a tiny map compliments of the NCL Freestyle Daily its step off the ship and time to wander.

You can see the top of Malaga Cathedral looking up from outside of the pier so that's the first stop. My breath is always taken away a bit when I walk inside these massive structures. The height of the ceilings, the art work, the attention to detail and the craftsmanship involved. Each church/cathedral has their own distinct look. They can be similar in the layout but for some it's the stained glass, others could be wood carving. First impressions for me on this one is the ceilings. You'll have to take my word for this one, or wander over to my Flickr page as I've got the Malaga photos posted already. Perhaps once I'm home I'll edit this and add in the photos that should be accompanying these words and it would all be much more interesting.

After the Cathedral its meandering through the streets and lanes. Pablo Picasso was born here in 1881 so there are a number of Picasso museums and galleries. However, I was just in a large Picasso museum in Barcelona in 2007 and I'd rather take the one day I have here to explore the city rather than spend it indoors in a gallery.

Eventually the wondering leads to up, up, waaaaay up to the remains of Castillo de Gibralifaro, Phoenician built, but modified in the 8th century by the Moors. As all good castles are, it's perched on the top of a hill and there is a 360 degree view of Malaga below. It was quite the stair work-out getting all the way to the top (and all the way back down again) but it was worth it. Back down on the bottom was a lovely Botanic Gardens.

Completing the archaeological stair master worked up a bit of a sweat and a much needed break. So we wandered back to a central square we had noticed before and found a nice little cafe bar, Cafe Con Libros. A bottle of the local ale,a small bowl of crisps and enjoying the French (?) music playing in the background.

A Mom came in shortly after us pushing a large stroller with a happy little baby. The cafe had vinyl records randomly hanging from the ceiling that caught the baby's eye and caused him to giggle and eyes sparkle. The guy working behind the counter didn't think twice when asked and he just took the Mom's 2 jars of baby food and heated them up for her in the kitchen. How nice :)

Beer and crisps finished and legs happily rested it was time to head back through the town making our way back to the pier to board the ship again. Once on board, if I've got a few hours before dinner I'll try to find a quiet spot in one of the public areas. My favourite being the Spinnaker Lounge on deck 13 as there are plugs in-between some of the sofas. My habit has been to fire up my laptop and go through my photos taken that day, cull the bad ones and tweak (if needed) the keepers to be loaded onto my Flickr page when I have a good strong signal. Then after do a little writing.

Other than that the evenings involve getting ready for dinner, eating too much rich food and then catching some kind of on board entertainment. This cruise they have a Second City improv troop on board and they are doing a number of shows over the course of the cruise. The one show we've caught has been highly entertaining so I am looking forward to the others.

Next port, Casablanca !

The Winter Holiday - A Day At Sea

2008-11-25T13:56:00.001Z

Have I mentioned I'm on a cruise? 12 days covering Spain, Morocco, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

Boarded the ship in Barcelona Tuesday afternoon with no trouble. Being a Latitudes member has it's advantages I guess. Either that or the fact that we were in Barcelona already so were at the port when check-in opened, so no real queues had started yet.

Our cabin is on deck 5. Being low down, inside and mid-ship are all good things should the seas get rough. You feel the motion more as you get higher. So sure you could have a fancy schmanzy garden villa with your own private viewing patio on deck 13, but should those swells get large, I wouldn't want to be attempting to walk from one side of the cabin to the other. I'm quite happy in steerage ;)

OK it's not that bad in the cheap cabins, but they are tiny. I keep forgetting how narrow a twin bed is. But who needs a big cabin when you've got a whole ship at your disposal. This is cruise number 4 for me and the Norwegian Jade, is a big one, 13 decks holding 2700+ passengers plus crew.

The other advantage (if you can call it that) with staying down on deck 5 is that everything is up. The cafe, the restaurants, the pool deck, the bars, the gift shop it all involves going up the stairs. Yes you heard me, stairs. There is only one rule for us girls when ever we go on a cruise is 'no elevators' we can only take the stairs. It helps to offset the over abundance of sinful food choices :)

The first day is a sea day which gives us time to explore the ship and get our bearings. A tip we've been told is the dolphins in the carpet (yes, there is a dolphin pattern in the carpet) always swim toward the front of the ship. Speaking of carpets and décor, oh my, this is a bright ship. Orange, pinks, electric blue, lime green, mermaids, jelly fish, neon lights tacky tacky tacky... The ship was initially built for the Hawaii itinerary so they went bright. I feel sea-sick looking at some of the rug patterns.

And I haven't even started with the passenger bad fashion statements yet. Lots of time.

I'm not able to upload photos in these posts, the low connection speed doesn't allow this through Blogger. But funny enough I can upload photos to my Flickr account so just click on the link off to the left and you can see them there. I haven't got round to titles, tags or descriptions but it's a start.

The Winter Holiday - A few days in Barcelona

2008-11-25T13:08:00.002Z

I was here once before, spring 2007 with my parents for a few days. So there is no need to rush around madly to see all that there is to see as I've done that already. I can relax and wander around at my own pace. However, this is B & L's first time, so they reference the Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona to see what all they can cram into the 2 days we have here.

We flew down on Sunday and arrived just before 1:00PM. Feeling confident this time we decided to hop the bus into the city centre rather than a cab as the bus ride only costs 4.05 Euro each and I figure a cab would be minimum 25 Euro.

Instead of an expensive hotel, we've rented a self catering apartment so we don't have to eat out for all our meals. We're in the Gothic Quarter so with access to St James Market, the Carrefour Express grocery store and all the little ethnic food shops I'm pretty confident I can keep the group fed well. And wine from the grocery store is about 10 times cheaper than a bottle in a restaurant. We are in Spain after all, it would just be wrong not to give a few of their wines a try.

The weather is nice, waking up to brilliant blue sky and crisp temperatures with no wind is such a treat. It's not warm (but warmer than Glasgow), a long sleeved T-Shirt, light sweater layered with my jean jacket keeps me warm enough.

I really do love the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The little twists and turns of the side lanes, all the shops, the architecture, the smell of the Patisseries, the yummy cured meat & cheese sandwiches from the patisserie. I do manage to find a few nooks and crannies that I hadn't found before which was nice.

The only downside to these few days is I developed a migraine the day we arrived and it lasted the regular 3 days. I was able to keep it down to a persistent dull throb with my various medications, but it did zap me of energy. But a migraine won't stop me from enjoying this wonderful city.

Winter Holiday 2008 - The Prep

2008-11-22T15:20:00.000Z

Normally as I gear up to leave on a holiday, I'm working until the wee hours trying to finish various little bits at the office and then packing at some crazy hour like 2AM.

However, this trip the circumstances are different. As I'm leaving my job at the end of the year my workload has massively decreased due to various pieces of my job being outsourced to others. So Friday I was out the door before 5:30 PM.

My friend L arrived from Vancouver earlier in the week and as there is no spare room or sofa bed in the flat I gave her my room and I've been staying with my friend C a few blocks away. So what this meant is I had to pack my suitcase in the normal way, i.e. the daylight hours.

When I was done, it felt weird. I was a bit out sorts. Ready to hit the sack at about 9:30PM with nothing left to do other than a little tweaking of the contents of my suitcase which I'd leave until morning after I'd gotten up and ready. Is this how the rest of the world prepares for a trip? In advance? It doesn't feel right.

As I was mentioning to a friend, without the mass chaos of trying to get everything done I seem to have lost the excitement for the trip. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to getting away, relaxing etc but it's almost as if so much has been going up before hand, my brain just hasn't had time to process the details of the holiday so it just sort of got pushed into the far recesses of my gray matter.

FYI - I'm already on mid way through the holiday somewhere in North Africa, but internet access is not always reliable so I'll be posting retroactively when I can. Photos may have to wait until I get back if they take too long to upload.

Sunday

2008-11-09T19:24:00.005Z

Hot shower, do the hair, get dressed. Look out my bedroom window and see some blue sky. Walk into the lounge, chat with the flat mate as putting on my coat and grab my keys. Head outside, open the front door and it's a torrential downpour.

Head back inside, find my hat, twist/tuck the hair up underneath. Say goodbye again to the flat mate, open the front door and the rain has stopped. Oh well.

Walk one block and it starts raining again. Good thing I've got the hat on.

Cross the street, get halfway down the next block and it starts to hail :( No worries as I'm almost to the church.

After the service a few of us decide to head to Stravaigin for brunch. And once again it's a torrential downpour but with some wind added in for good measure.

The pub is packed, seems everyone had the same idea. Lucky for us a nice table at the back has just freed up (nice and far away from the cold front door). It's so nasty outside I'm thinking I may just stay here all afternoon.

Just as we sit down a man walks in with a HUGE rottweiler, EEK!!! But he seems very good natured and after a few moments I have this incredible urge to give him a hug (the dog not the man).

I notice this is the third dog I see in the pub. I'm beginning to think the "Honey, I'm heading out to walk the dog" line is code for going to the pub. But the dogs don't seem to mind, preferring the toasty warm inside to the ugly weather outside.

One full Scottish Breakfast and a black coffee later it's time to go. I bundle up all my layers, once again tuck/twist up my hair underneath my hat and step outside to...

Blue sky? OK it's not completely blue but there is an opening in the cloud cover with a bit of blue poking through. And it's not raining, but there are many puddles to navigate and by the time I get home my denims are soaked up about 5 inches from the bottom.

Get home, take off coat, find a wool blanket to curl up under look out window and it's hailing again. And it's not even winter yet.

I love Scotland.

Where to start...

2008-11-08T15:33:00.003Z

In 6 weeks Edinburgh will be home. Well sort of.

Dec 20th I'll be moving to my new flat. But as I don't finish work until the 31st I'll be traveling back and forth between Weegieland and the Burgh.

Oh sorry didn't I mention that? I've got a new job. I've known for over a month now but couldn't really say anything until my staff were told, which finally happened this past week.

I'm not sure it is why every time I move it ends up being around Christmas. This will be the third year in a row this has happened. Weird.

So anyone out there willing to lend a hand, a vehicle, a van, truck? Any and all offers would be appreciated :)

My Love for Red Footwear

2008-10-30T18:03:00.014Z

Apparently this started at a young age as shown by this photograph taken by my Dad.

Anyone who has been following my flickr page will have noticed I've become a bit enamoured with my red shoes. I took a nice group photo of my various red shoes/boots at the time back in November 2006.

However, in January 2008 I began the obsession with one particular pair. I called them my disco shoes as they had glitter imbedded in the fabric and some red plastic 'jewels' stuck on the sides (very out of character for me).

That first shot was taken in the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. I thought it was a cool shot and after that day I started happily snapping away at my lovely red sneakers in various locations.

On the shore of the Thames in Greenwich

In the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

The South Side of Glasgow

You get the idea.

The odd time I'd stray outside the norm and take a shot of my other shoes but I don't think it had the same impact as my red disco shoes.

But then it happened. The shoes were dying :( They were starting to get uncomfortable to wear and holes were developing in the soles. When I think about it I bought those shoes more than 10 years ago for something like $3.00 at Payless (50% off an already ridiculously low price). I was surprised they'd lasted as long as they did as Payless isn't really know for excellent quality.

I had the idea in my head that I wanted to replace them with a pair of red Converse All Star shoes but this was getting difficult as I have tiny feet (UK size 2). I was on holiday in London over the summer so I decided this would be a good opportunity to hit the shops and get a new pair. I went into a number of shops but I couldn't find any red ones in the correct size. So eventually I gave up and purchased these instead.

I like them, they fit well and with swapping the laces I think they are a bit of fun. But if I'm honest with myself they just don't have that special 'thing' about them. They aren't magical.

And then I saw them…

Aren't they beautiful? Can you feel the magic? My Ruby Slippers, just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. These will be the best shoes ever!

Let the magic begin.

Under Siege

2008-10-29T20:46:00.009Z

No it's not a Steven Seagal flick but the scene outside the office this morning.

Sitting at my desk I could hear the distant sound of pipers. Being Glasgow that's not entirely unexpected so didn't really think much of it. However, a bit later my curiosity was piqued when I started to hear shouting. I looked to my right and could see a number of people crowded around a window looking at the commotion outside. So of course I needed to see what was going on.

And this is what I saw

A whole bunch of men in desert camouflage and guns standing in formation for 3 blocks.

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore. My main question is:

WHY ARE THERE MEN WITH GUNS OUTSIDE MY OFFICE?!?!?!?!?!

According to one of my colleagues they are the Royal Highland Fusiliers. Goody, but what are they doing outside with guns? A quick search of their website gives me no answers and I don’t see anything on the BBC website either.

Every now and then one of the guys in charge shouts something and guns get moved from left shoulder to right, or they turn to the right, or the stomp in place. I'm becoming suspicious that this is just a delay tactic as one guy keeps checking his watch.

Eventually the 'colours' walk past and get into formation, everyone turns to the right and off they go down the street and round the corner.

I'm unclear as to if it will be safe to leave the building to purchase my lunch when there are random regiments marching around in desert camouflage.

*Update* after dinner I did another search on the news sites and found this article on The Herald website

Oh and if that wasn't enough interestingness enough for my day... This was the view outside at 4:13PM

Um a girl in ugly underwear, dancing on a broken wooden box.

The Scottish are a strange people

No Rest for the Weary

2008-10-18T08:56:00.004+01:00

Yup, still sick.

I had a brief moment this morning when I awoke at 7AM being able to breathe out of BOTH nostrils at the same time. Sadly this was the morning I was going to allow myself to sleep in to give my body some healing time.

But by the time I curled up in bed again with my hot tea (French Breakfast by Mariage Freres) ,bowl of muesli and yogurt when the head started to clog up again :( I find it strange that last year at about this time I was also knocked silly with a stupid cold/flu bug. What is it about October that doesn't agree with my immunity?

I'll give myself another hour in bed (I'll turn off the computer when I'm done this) and then I need to get up and start my day. It's going to be a busy one and I can't really go into details at the moment but stay tuned as I'll give a summary and some photos after the fact.

I will have to pack a wad of tissue, a packet of Extra Strength Halls and stash of decongestants in my purse in order to get myself through the day. I know I'll regret the pace at the end of it all but I am confident it will be a fun day.

I'll just look like death tomorrow ;)

Right, nap time

A Public Service Announcement

2008-10-15T22:04:00.003+01:00

Extra Strength Tylenol Flu Daytime/Nighttime does not work for me. I repeat does NOT work for me. It may work for others, but not me :(

It's going to be a long night.

Sneeze
Cough, Cough
Wheeze
Sneeze
Honk

Sigh

The Pink Floyd Story: Which One's Pink?

2008-10-01T22:13:00.006+01:00

I've just finished watching this documentary on the BBC iPlayer. Pink Floyd is a band I know but not intimately. Who hasn't heard of The Dark Side of the Moon and how it's STILL selling.

I remember my Dad bringing home the double album The Wall and sitting in the living room with the head phones on and listening to it in its entirety in one go. I was too young to really grasp the concept of the story and the music was a little out there for a 14 yr old girl. I recall a sense of slight depression after such an intense listen.

I learned more of 1973's The Dark Side of the Moon while enrolled in an Engineering course. It was referred to on numerous occasions when teaching about tape loops, use of synthesizers and how anything is possible if you are open to new ideas and experimentation as Engineer Alan Parsons did when working on this album.

I probably became more of a fan of the band when Roger Waters left and David Gilmore took over as the lead. I preferred his vocals and today can truly appreciate his talent on the guitar. Plus, he was quite the hottie when he was young ;)

Meddle, Wish You Were Here, A Momentary Lapse of Reason...

I wonder if FOPP has any Pink Floyd on their cheap wall?

Govanhill Baths, 1917

2008-09-28T09:53:00.011+01:00

The Baths, designed by A.B. McDonald, were opened in 1917 and consisted of hot baths, 3 swimming pools and a 'steamie' (wash-house).

Public baths were built by the Glasgow Corporation to promote health and hygiene. Many people had no hot running water in their flats so used the laundry facilities until the 1990's and the bathing facilities up to 2000. Very few of these buildings now survive, and when it closed in 2001, Govanhill Baths was the only original, substantially unaltered public baths still in use.

A.B. McDonald was the city surveyor and designed the baths in Edwardian Baroque style. The most important architectural elements of the Baths are the pools with their arched reinforced concrete roof trusses which let in a large amount of light. The main pool, with it's cast iron railed gallery, gives the Baths their most distinctive feature. The original tiling still exists in several parts of the building.

In 1992 the Baths were listed at Category B. This requires the Baths to be marketed to a restoring purchaser or that a suitable alternative use should be found. Demolition of the building is only possible when all other options have been exhausted.

The building's condition is fair, although repair work is required. Historic Scotland recommends that 'an architecturally and historically important part of the city's history ... any proposed reuse of Govanhill Baths must take into account more than simply the preservation of the facade ... and preferably should be preserved as swimming baths'.

Text courtesy of the Govanhill Baths Community Trust

St Peter's Seminary, Cardross Scotland

2008-09-27T01:01:00.012+01:00

I had heard about this place.. A decaying shell of 20th century modernist architecture using concrete, wood, glass, breathtaking use of light and the beautiful natural surroundings of the grounds. Now, it's just a broken decaying shell of what it once was left at the mercy of vandals. But it is also a favourite spot for photographers in the Glasgow area.

St Peter's Seminary was designed by Andy Macmillan and Isi Metzstein, working for Gillespie Kidd and Coia, a Glasgow firm specialising in churches for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. The two young architects were heavily influenced by Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto and converts to the modernist style. Construction commenced in 1961, however, while the building was still under construction the second Vatican council decreed that priests should not be trained in seclusion, but within the community. The seminary opened to the first trainee priests in 1966 and the building was fully completed in 1968. But because of the Vatican council degree, was only used for it's intended purpose until 1980.

The seminary comprises of 3 main buildings grouped around Kilmahew House (which is now completely gone thanks to a fire in 1995). To the east is the five-storey dormitory block, which employed a stepped cross section, where the upper dormitory floors defined the communal spaces of the refectory and the chapel below. At the south end of the block is a two-storey curved wall that formed the backdrop to the altar.

This by far is the space that creates the WOW factor when entering for the first time. It glows an eerie green from the surrounding forest outside and the moss coating the concrete inside. The space over the altar at one time was a 3 tiered glass roof, but now the glass is all destroyed and the altar is open to the sky above bathing the space in sunlight, or in most cases rain and cloud (this is Scotland after all). There is graffiti everywhere and the altar has been damaged thanks to someone taking a sledgehammer to it. Why? Because they could I suppose.

To the south of the dormitory block was located the classrooms & library. Now almost completely inaccessible due to the collapsed roof. To the north is a series of convent buildings.

Since its completion St Peter’s Seminary has been critically received and its status as an important example of modern architecture has grown over the years, described recently, by Tony Levinthal of the Scottish Civic Trust, as “…one of the top 10 post-World War II buildings in Scotland.” The building was listed category B in 1971 and was elevated to category A in 1992.

A small video made of the Seminary when it first opened and I recommend it's viewing after looking at the ruins to see what a wonderful space it once was.

Space and Light @ Yahoo! Video

When walking around the grounds on this grey overcast Sunday I was talking with a few photographers in my group about how much the building has been vandalised even in just a few weeks. There has been much talk about ways to use the building again and strip it back to its core, but it just seems to be just that - all talk. In the mean time this building continues to beaten, raped and pillaged by those that have no respect for what this place once was, a Holy Place.

And the song is....

2008-09-07T16:29:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Pops for helping out here. The tune is called "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie.

Here's the official video:

Random Thoughts While Sitting In The Pub

2008-09-06T12:28:00.005+01:00

Sipping my pint of Guinness wondering why did the brewery decided to push Extra Cold? I can understand offering the option. Perhaps to encourage those that would normally not drink Guinness to try it Extra Cold. But why actively try to change current Guinness drinkers to 'come to the cold side'? It frustrates me when the pubs only serve Extra Cold. To me Guinness looses its flavour when served this way, its no longer Guinness, its just cold stout.

I'm liking the music that's currently being played in the background. Its a mix, probably something the child tending bar put together. The current tune is an acoustic singer/songwriter. My favorite, just the human voice and simple guitar. I fade in and out not really listening to the lyrics but enjoying the vibe. However, I do pick out something about Heaven and Hell being satisfied. Then the boy professing to follow you into the dark.

Men don't really say things like that. But the songs and movies out there want to continue the woman's fantasy that they do.

What a load of rubbish.

My sandwich was good though.

BTW pub was The Drawing Room, great place. Go there.

Seen in Sainsbury's

2008-09-05T10:42:00.003+01:00

3 women, hovering around the chocolate bar display.
All with glazed over eyes.
Nervously looking around them every now and then to see who (if anyone) was watching them.

70%, 80%, how much cocoa content would be enough?
Single women, getting their fix.

Guys, don't bother with the pubs and night clubs.
Hang out a your local grocery store in the chocolate aisle.

On Holiday, Day 9 - Sit Still Please

2008-08-23T09:41:00.013+01:00

Anyone who has ever had a pet will understand how difficult it is to get a good photo. It's not for lack of them posing. Animals just seem to KNOW how to look oh so cute. However, the challenge is getting them to sit still. The cat could have been motionless for hours but the moment you quietly get your camera to capture the moment of serene adorableness they start squirming.

Case in point, Tom.

Every morning so far after I've fed him I then go into the kitchen to make my own breakfast. He follows me in and curls up at my feet and just sits there looking cute. So silly me thought it was a good opportunity to get a shot of him. There is some lovely light that comes in the window in the morning and his tabby coat looks lovely on the golden wood floors.

Here are the results:

Success, well... sort of.

After tiring of my attempt at animal portraiture I decided to find the Portobello Road Market. As this is mid week it's not the full on market but it was large enough for an afternoon's wander and now that I know where it is will be able to come back on another day on another trip to investigate further.

I attempted one more try at being the Great Animal Photographer:

I highly recommend working with Snails.

On Holiday, Day 8 - All Things Brighton and Beautiful

2008-08-19T17:06:00.009+01:00

Yes I've been back home in Glasgow for over a week now but I'm still not done boring you all with my holiday down south. So let us continue with the day trip to Brighton.

It's very easy to get to Brighton from London. There are direct trains that leave from Victoria Station and it takes a little over an hour and 15 minutes to get there. Normally that would be a dull uneventful trip. But not today. No today it just so happens that it is the Pride in Brighton Festival.

The train was jam packed with many happy partying people. By 10:30 someone had cracked open the champagne and I've seen far too many men in thongs before having any caffeine in my blood stream. Then when I got to the station there was a flood of pink, feather boas, a man attempting to put on a wedding dress... I was in awe.

I sat down for a bit just to take it all in. While in my seat I struck up a conversation with a little old lady sitting next to me who had commented on what a nice job I had done braiding my hair. She was a local, and it just so happens had a daughter living on Vancouver Island (small world). She too was enjoying the spectacle and said the festival just gets bigger and bigger each year. She was all for it as it brought in the tourists, and money for the local businesses "and everyone is just so happy" she says. That just cracked me right up.

So at this point you're probably wondering, well where are the photos of all these happy people. I admit knowing I was going to be in the middle of all this I thought I was going to be my photography focus. But once there, I kinda thought that was too easy. So instead I attempted to capture Brighton without all the glitz and glam.

On Holiday, Day 7 - They call it 'Modern' Art

2008-08-10T13:35:00.005+01:00

My friend M was up at the crack of dawn to get to the rail station. Being the horrible friend I am I just kinda dragged myself out of bed, mumbled something along the lines of 'have a good trip, don't get lost' gave her a hug and stumbled back to bed.

Today I'm meeting another friend and visit the Tate Modern. I'm really excited about going here to see the exhibit: Street & Studio, An Urban History of Photography.

But I'm getting ahead of myself a bit. I'm not meeting my friend until 5:00 I've still got a whole day (ok, half day by the time I get out of the house). I take the leisurely route into the city compliments of the Number 3 bus. With the hot weather it's just too muggy to be on the underground if you don't need too. The Number 3 takes me right into Trafalgar Square so I can make a stop at the National Gallery. I've spend many an hour at this monstrosity of a place. It's just so huge that it can be very overwhelming to a first timer (as it was for me). But as I've done the main collection already on previous trips I just do a quick visit to see what new exhibits they have this time round that don't have an admission charge.

The first one is called Take One Picture: an exhibition of work by primary schools. This years painting was Rubens's A View of Het Steen in the Early Morning A print is given to a selection of schools and the teachers in those schools work lesson plans around aspects of the painting. Here is a link to the Take One Picture annual program. I think it's a fabulous idea and think that exposing young children to art early can only be a good idea. The exhibit itself was great seeing what types of programs the teachers came up with, and it wasn't just about art. All subjects were able to find some aspect of the painting to build a lesson plan around. I just felt all warm and fuzzy and that good things can come out of the education system.

The second exhibit I went to is called Love and it's a small collection of paintings, sculpture, etc surrounding the theme. A nice and varied selection with something for everyone. There's even a piece in process compliments of Yoko Ono asking for your participation.

Those two things are enough to gallery me out for now so as it's nice outside (i.e. not raining and not 29+ degrees) I make my way down to the north bank of the Thames and decide to walk to the Tate Modern. You can never have too much fresh air and exercise.

The city has done a good job of revitalizing both the north and south bank of the Thames by constructing the Thames Path. It's part of the National Trails program.

And walking along the river there is always something to look at.

Now I'm at the Tate Modern as first mentioned at the beginning of this post. The Photography exhibit did not disappoint at all. My feet were still up for a bit more so I wandered in around the Poetry and Dreams Collection Theme to get my surrealism fix for the day. Found this piece:

The tile is Thirty Pieces of Silver by Cornelia Parker. She's also done this piece that hangs in the Victoria & Albert Museum as well.

Dinner was at a great little Peruvian Restaurant called Titos. Good prices and very yummy food. I had the Papa a la Huancaina starter and Escabeche de Pescado for my main. We shared a bottle of Castillero del Diablo which is a nice red wine from Chile. No room for dessert This place is one to check out if you're in the London Bridge area.

Not too late of a night out, home on the bus still had some energy left for a little Modern Art of my own.

On Holiday, Day 6 - Out of Town Guest

2008-08-08T11:32:00.006+01:00

Being on holiday is great. No schedule, do what you want (as much or as little). But every now and then it is nice to have someone to share it with. So it was a nice change of pace to have some company for a day.

My friend 'M' is heading up to France for her own holiday and since she had to change trains in London anyway worked it that she'd overnight here so we could spend a day together.

I met her at the train station just down the hill from where I'm staying and we grabbed a cup of coffee on the patio of a cafe next to the station before heading back to the house so she could drop off her back pack and freshen up a bit.

We headed into the city to the little hole in the wall place I found last December called Raffles Cafe, home of the 2.99 Big Ben Breakfast. And people say it's expensive to eat in London, pshaw!

Next was a nice walk through Hyde Park then starting to head toward the Victoria & Albert museum. As we walked by the Royal Geographical Society I noticed some breath taking photographs on display through the window. I stopped to read the sign advertising the exhibit and saw the two magic words "Admission Free". The exhibition was called Portraits of Adventure and you can see a few of the photos here There were some pretty amazing shots.

A pit stop at the V&A Cafe for a coffee and then we walked to the Science Museum to take a look around. It's one of those places I've never been and it was wall to wall children so very noisy an a bit on the chaotic side. We went through an exhibit called Plasticity that was basically everything you wanted to know about Plastic but were afraid to ask.

The other exhibit we checked out was a multimedia exhibit called the Listening Post Really found this interesting, both the concept and the finished product.

After viewing those two things I'd about had my quota of screaming children so it was off to Victoria Station. We picked up some cheap theatre tickets to go and see the musical Wicked so we spent the rest of what was left of the afternoon in a pub enjoying a cold draft and some dinner.

The musical was great and I must say the character of Glinda the Good Witch stole the show! Once the show got out it then hit me that the Victoria Line underground shut down early at 10PM do to ongoing upgrades (DOH!) but no worries as it just meant we took the train instead (phew!).

Back to the house and a little tipple of some lovely dessert wine and a few cookies - I now know what a Jaffa Cake is, I don't like them and I don't care what the package says they are a cookie, not a cake!

It was a good day.

On Holiday, Day 5, Lunch, Tanks and James Bond

2008-08-04T09:49:00.003+01:00

With being here for 15 nights I can do the tourist thing at a very leisurely pace. None of this getting up at the crack of dawn and having to get 'dressed' for breakfast. I usually spend the first half of my day lazily lounging in my pajamas, enjoying my coffee, catching up on emails, uploading and organizing my photos from the previous day. You know, what a real holiday should be. The idea is to return home rested and relaxed. Not stressed and in need of a holiday from your holiday. So what this means is I usually just plan on seeing one thing a day.

Today I am meeting a friend for lunch. The restaurant is just around the corner from tower bridge and I had this amazing cod battered with chili and coriander seasoning and Asian vegetables. YUMMY! I didn't take my usual meal photo as this place looked a little on the posh side. But you'll just have to take my word for it that it was aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

After the nice long lunch catching up with my friend I decided to check out the Imperial War Museum. It's one of those places that I've heard about and when taking the bus back I pass on a regular basis. I had noticed that they had some banners advertising the new exhibit on Ian Flemming, author of the James Bond book series (and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as I discovered) so that intrigued me enough to check it out.

The museum itself is free, but the Flemming exhibit had an admission charge. When you walk in the first thing you are greeted to in the large open atrium are the tanks. Every little boys dream to see these monstrous vehicles up close and personal.

I take a wee wander around but eventually pick up my ticket and go into the exhibit. I found it quite interesting but not entirely sure it was worth the 8 pound charge. But that's just me.

The museum is massive and I barely scratched the surface of it as I hadn't done any research into what they have. But I'll put it on my list of things to go back to a bit later in the holiday.

It is still roasting outside and this is affecting my energy levels. Once outside I make a b-line for the kiosk to get an ice cream. All they've got are the prepacked treats, no real cones where they ask you if you want one or two scoops. But at this point I don't care, I need the sugar as a bit of a pick me up and the frozeness to combat the heat. The museum is surrounded by some park space and I found this beautifully haunting memorial sculpture .

On Holiday, Day 4 - Supporting the Arts

2008-08-03T10:32:00.009+01:00

OK enough dilly dallying, time to start doing the tourist thing.

The last time I was at the Tate Britain was in 2001 on my first trip to London, so it's been a while. I seem to make my way to London at least a few times per year piggy backing on work trips or with cat sitting duties so I decide to do my bit to support the arts and take out a membership. I choose this rather than say the British Museum or the V&A because you get 2 for the price of one. Your membership is good at both the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. Plus by signing up for Direct Debit I get an extra 3 months added to my membership. As always you get the 10% discount in the gift shop which is a very good place to pick up gift ideas for Christmas, birthdays etc.

Enough of the sales pitch.

Any time I visit a gallery I need to do it in little chunks. My feet just can't handle standing still for long periods of time before they start to protest. That's what the cafe is for, giving yourself a break and having a cup of coffee and perhaps something sweet.

I must say, I was very impressed with this cafe. It's in the basement so no natural light but it had a very art deco vibe to it and I was really digging the ceiling and the lights.

Also hanging on the walls were all these amazing B&W photographs. It was hard to see them all as I was getting the evil eye from a few people as I'd come up to their table and then just stare past them at the photo on the wall behind.

The things to see are of course the beautiful paintings by British Artists but something I forgot was that not only do they have the old more classical style but also part of the gallery houses more modern exhibits as well. The most hyped is the Martin Creed Work No. 850 which involves runners sprinting down the main hall. Actual runners, not photos or paintings.

There was also this sculpture by Julian Opie. I quite liked it.

I found it interesting to look inside the spaces and see the colours poking out. But the title of the piece was a bit much I thought. 'It Is Believed That Some Dinosaurs Could Run Faster Than a Cheetah' , Julian Opie.

Something like that again makes me think that if you give a bizarre long title and back it up with some existential commentary that anything will be viewed/respected as 'Art'. Click here for my attempt at this.

After the gallery I decided to walk up the Thames to try a second attempt to capture this shot.

One of those random things you find that makes an interesting composition. However it on that day it was too bright and I couldn't judge just looking at the little camera monitor if my settings were correct. As a result, the chair looks fine but the sky was completely blown out. So I went back but just my luck someone threw the chair further down the embankment.

So this time I got the sky exposed correctly but you can't see the chair because it's been knocked down (bottom right corner of the shot). My Dad did his photoshop magic to stitch my shots together and this was the result.

Not bad, but I still wish I'd tried a few more shots the first time round. I need to be a bit more disciplined when taking photos. As you don't always get a second chance.

On Holiday, Day 3 - Kitty is Growing Up

2008-08-01T10:52:00.011+01:00

My main reason for taking this 2 week holiday in London (other than the typical rest and relaxation) is to cat sit 2 adorable young felines.

Suki

And Tom (cat)

They are two very affectionate, cuddly young cats. I think they are just under or perhaps just over a year. Not adults yet anyway.

So my duties involve giving them lots of love and attention and making sure they are fed and watered daily. There is no litter box to clean as the house has a fancy dancy cat door. The contraption is pretty slick in that it's small and complex enough that only the cats can get through it and no other animals like a dog or fox.

Now hold this thought for a moment. Let's back track to Tuesday morning.

I eventually drag myself out of bed, put on my slippers and head downstairs to the kitchen thinking warm thoughts of hot fresh coffee.

As I am going down the last few steps I see something dark and frog shaped on the floor to the left of the bottom step. My initial thought was it was either a bean bag frog like this

(it was dark btw) so I just nudged it over with my foot as I stepped down. However, the weight felt wrong and it wasn't slippery so as I continue through to the kitchen I'm thinking it must be one of those rubber frogs you can get at the toy shop and didn't really think much else of it.

I'm in the kitchen going about my breakfast/coffee making duties when I can hear Tom scurrying around at the bottom of the stairs. I walk over to take a look and there is a 2nd frog, also on it's back and Tom is ever so gently nudging it with his paw and now and then gently grabs a limb in his mouth to drag it around and jump and play with it. Frog is just lying there motionless.

It's at this moment it hits me, these are no toys, they are the real deal. Now I have 2 dead frogs to dispose of before I've even had my first cup of coffee.

Still in my pajamas I don the rubber gloves and pick up the frog the cat is playing with and put it outside under a tree. I'll put it in the rubbish bin when I head out for my day as it's on the other side of the front of the house. Then I go back in and pick up the 2nd frog and put it in the same place.

I go back to the kitchen and start to think "I should really take a photo of this moment as it's so bizarre" I grab my camera and head out the door again but both frogs are gone.

Who knew frogs knew how to play dead?!?!?

It seems Tom is growing up and has taught himself how to hunt. He just hasn't quite got the killing your prey thing down yet. That's probably a good thing because the idea of having the clean up a hairball with a partially digested frog carcass is just not a visual I need first thing in the morning.

The rest of my day was not nearly as exciting. Took a wee wander in and around Trafalger square, made my way over to Leister Square and met a friend for a picnic lunch and then we wandered over to Tower bridge for a walk along the Thames and ended up on the patio of a pub for a Pint of Bitter.

A lovely way to end a summers day don't you think?

On Holiday, Day 2 - Shopping, Sweat and Underwear

2008-07-30T09:04:00.005+01:00

I was not expecting this heat and humidity. Who knew anywhere in the UK got an ACTUAL summer? I did not come prepared wardrobe wise for 28 degrees, no breeze and high humidity.

I already needed to go shopping because of the packing fiasco and forgetting to pack underwear so I might as throw on the list to look for a few summeresque clothes. I don't want to spend a fortune because it's not like I'll have much need for them when I return to Glasgow.

It was 4 months ago I was here last so I still remember the bus/tube connections to get me from the house into the city. I want to head into the Kensington shopping district to take a wee wander and see if there are any sales. I don't think I can manage the crush pack crowds in the Oxford Circus area just yet, it's toooo hot for that.

I take a look at my little tourist map inside the cover of my eyewitness guide book and can see that the bus makes a stop at Piccadilly Circus and from there it's a straight line to where I want to go. However, enroute I make a fatal mistake once we cross the Thames and I decide to get off there and walk a different way to see a different part of the city.

You see living in Glasgow for 21 months I've become accustomed to Glasgow distance and scale when it comes to their maps. So you look at something and think 'wow, that's far' and then find you're there in 10 minutes. What I failed to take into account was that tiny little 'scale reference' at the bottom of the map and the heat, humidity and absence of any breeze. This all added up to me doing my own personal death march. Trying to find a little shop to purchase some water, criss crossing the streets trying to find shade. After 2 attempts I did manage to get on another bus and get to the correct area but at this point I was in no mood to shop, but the loor of air conditioning changed that.

H&M had a big sale on and loads of racks with all items 5.00 so even by Glasgow standards that's a pretty good deal. Managed to find a pair of shorts, a tank top and a little black sundress that will look oh so smashing with my red sneakers all for only 16.90

So that chore done my stomach is reminding me it's been a long time since breakfast and I seriously need some water. I remembered from a trip back in December there was this fabulous French Patisserie down the road and their prices weren't too bad. So I find it and pick up a Crayfish and Rocket sandwich, a chocolate croissant and a can of Perrier.

I cross the street and eat it on the steps of the Victoria and Albert Museum as it's good place to people watch. And yes it was delicious!

So now that I'm fed and watered I still need to find some inexpensive underwear. I wander the other direction of the district but it's mostly designer shops. I'm sorry I just can't bring myself to spend 86.00 for a pair of knickers, I don't care who's name is on them. It's about then that I remember there is a Next Warehouse at Victoria Station. Back underground I go to make my way there.

It must be hot, I can see signs all over the stations warning what to do if you are feeling ill. Number 1, don't get on a train! It is even more muggy when you're on the underground as they are not air conditioned, throw on lots of hot sweaty bodies and it's not pleasant.

I've found success at Victoria Station and have now completed all I set out to do and none too soon. I feel in dire need of a nap and a few litres of water. Tomorrow I'll be ready to face the heat in cooler clothes and clean underwear!

On Holiday, Day 1 - Getting There

2008-07-29T09:21:00.005+01:00

I need to accept the fact that it always takes me about an hour longer than I plan to get ready to leave on a trip. Even if I make a list of things to do/pack I still end up scurrying around. I needed to arrange for the plants to be watered so a last minute text to a neighbor took care of that. Need to clean out the fridge of any perishables, take out the rubbish and then pack. I thought I was being proactive by making a list to make sure I didn't forget anything. But lists are only helpful if you actually reference them. I'll expand on that a bit later.

My train leaves at 11:50 and I had wanted to be out the door at 11:00 or 11:15 at the latest. So here I am at 11:25 madly flying out the door to the underground station. I really wish they had escalators all the way down to the platform level. Clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk I go with my heavy suitcase. I packed lots of 'just in case' items as every time I come to London I am completely unprepared for the weather. December it was freezing cold and windy, February it felt like summer, March it snowed and had record breaking cold temperatures. So even though it's the end of July I'm taking 2 long sleeved sweaters and threw in my Taiga because you never know, it might rain.

I get to the train station and look up at the clock, 11:48, ooops. I still need to get my ticket from the machine yet. I run over as I already know what platform and start to get flustered trying to in put my confirmation number. I look over at the platform again as my tickets get spit out and think, hmmmm it looks pretty empty, that's not a good sign. Queue to me running to find car L as I hear the station agent's whistle blow so I just jump onto the first car with an open door. The door shut behind me and the train starts to move. That was cutting it just a bit close.

I find myself in car C and my seat reservation is car L so I have a bit of a hike. The aisles in the cars are just a smidgen too narrow to pull your suitcase behind you which means you need to carry it in front of you. Remember I've packed for 2 weeks, plus have my back pack with my laptop, some books and all the power cords and such. By the time I get to car L I am glistening with sweat. I put my bag in the rack, find my seat and collapse.

For this trip, seeing as it was so close to my birthday I thought I'd splurge and go 1st class. When you book in advance isn't not all that much more (unlike for flights). What it gets you is a wider seat, more leg room and a few perks. Like free coffee, cookies, water. Table service should you wish or priority seating in the dining car.

National Express has complimentary wifi service on their trains which helps to make the time pass quickly. So I can look out the window, take a photo of some nice looking fields, pop the chip from my camera into my laptop, tweak the shot and then upload it onto my flickr page. Easy Peasy, ain't technology grand!

So I'm finally allowing myself to unwind after a busy, stressful hectic couple of months. I realize my last holiday was in March so 4 months is a long time to go with no real break. It's also about now that it hits me, I FORGOT TO PACK UNDERWEAR! Ooops, guess the first thing I'll be doing on Sunday is going shopping.

Back to the train, looking out the window, sipping coffee, getting annoyed with the lady next to me that insists on yakking on her mobile for the entire trip. I mean her husband is sitting across from her, how rude is that? Trip is about half way over and we stop in York. The announcement came on that the dining car had been shut down 30 min earlier to prepare for the change over in staff. The mention of this causes my stomach to grumble and I peruse the seat service menu. I'm thinking afternoon tea of a sandwich of my choice, scone with clotted cream and preserves and coffee should hit the spot and at 5.95 seems like a fair price.

Waiting, and waiting and waiting. Then another announcement comes on apologising for the delay but there have been some switching problems (as in rail switches) that has caused a back up. No worries, I'm on holiday and have no schedule.

Still waiting and then a staff member comes into our car and announces we all need to get off and board the train sitting on the platform next to us. Queue mass chaos.
Now seat reservations mean nothing, no worries I'm able to find one right away and get settled in. Numerous announcements come on reminding people to take bags and such off spare seats, only 1st class ticket holders are permitted in 1st class. But strangely no announcement as to why we are being moved to a different train.

People are becoming cranky. Why? I have no idea, really what will it accomplish. We're still going to get to London on time but this train is smaller than our original and some people from standard class (queue posh upper class accent) are insisting on sitting in 1st class. Horrors! Then there is this woman sitting across the aisle. I heard her get on lecturing the poor attendant about how she had made a reservation and she wanted her single seat facing forward and how dare she be inconvenienced yadda yadda yadda. Some nice young boy (I saw his family outside on the platform) gave up his forward facing seat so she could get her way. Then, THEN she starts banging a spoon on her coffee cup and shouting 'And when will we get our coffee!?!?!' Oooh this is going to be a long 2 hours. I spent the rest of the trip listening to her moan at anyone who happened to look her way.

'It's almost 4:00 and there has been no one to take our tea order'
'This is despicable service'
'I can't believe we're being treated this way, no sight of the service cart'

AGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I eventually wandered back to the snack bar on my own as I hadn't had any lunch to find out what the scoop was. It seems the train we are on is much smaller and they were just not stocked to service this many passengers and they ran out of hot food. So my lunch consisted of a bottle of water, a nut & honey bar and a packet of crisps. What can you do? These things happen. When I got back to my seat I opened up my i-Tunes and drowned her cries of injustice out.

We pulled into London Kings Cross station on schedule.

Let the holiday begin!

The Day That Was My 43rd Birthday - July 20, 2008

2008-07-26T14:02:00.017+01:00

Yes it's a bit late but I hope it's worth the wait.

If you've gone to my flickr page at all you'll have noticed the shots from last Sunday taken out at Loch Lomand. A lovely little spot but man-o-man was it cold. The sun that I left behind in Glasgow was no where to be seen now. Took some OK shots but I can't help but think they could have been that much better had a brilliant blue sky been in the background. But in Scotland that is a bit too much to ask.

On the drive back to Glasgow I told my friend to stop at an open field. I had an idea. I had been joking that my friend was going to be my 'official' birthday photographer. If the Queen can get an official portrait why can't I?

So he pulled off to the side of the road and parked. Grabbed the camera gear and hopped the fence. At this point he says, 'Now there's no bull in this field right?' and I look around and say 'You mean like that one waaaaaay over there that's looking at us?' But the bull seemed quite happy hanging out with the sheep and staying in his far corner so no danger.

This was the perfect spot to document number 43

This shot is one of my favorites.

Acting your age is highly over rated.

My interpretation of 'sensible' shoes.

And what does one do when standing in an open field, in the sun, surrounded by sheep and it's your birthday? Why twirl of course! And no, I was NOT singing The Hills are Alive.

How about an abstract shot

Not bad for an old lady eh? Ok maybe not old, how about middle aged?

The Country, Castles and yes more Cows

2008-07-15T21:11:00.010+01:00

The weather was just lovely this weekend. I'm trying not to get too accustomed to the warmth and sunshine knowing that at any second it could all go horribly wrong. I always dress in layers and take a hat with me because I've been caught one too many times leaving the flat in glorious sunshine only to walk 2 blocks and get soaked through to the skin by a random rainstorm.

But hey, it makes life interesting.

So this weekends adventure and the next chapter in this little photo blog is the beauty that is Mugdock Country Park.

What a wonderful place!

It has not one but TWO, yes you heard me TWO castles. The first one was Craigend Castle

The second is Mugdock Castle

There are also these old Anti Aircraft Gun Sites that were fun to explore. They were placed there after the Clydebank Blitz

I thought it might make an interesting location for a self portrait as well since I just so happened to have my tripod with me.

And yes, there were Highland cows too.

Don't you just want to take her home and cuddle her?

A Day at the Beach

2008-07-06T19:03:00.009+01:00

Being without a vehicle means I don't get outside of the city much. So it's a special day when someone offers to pick you up and go for a drive to the beach.

There's a beach?

What beach?

Apparently there IS a beach.

And cows, did I mention the cows?

Mooooooo

The Hidden Places

2008-06-29T21:36:00.001+01:00

I've been in Glasgow for going on 19 months now so have pretty much seen all the must see items on ones list as a tourist or at least from the EyeWitness Guidbooks. Sure there are a few things I haven't managed to fit into my oh so busy schedule but I've made a big dent on seeing the sights. So what to do then on a gorgeous sunny Saturday? How about finding old abandoned railway tunnels!

Here's the history according to that ever useful source Wikipedia

And no Mom I did NOT go alone.

Meanwhile at the park...

2008-06-01T00:04:00.004+01:00

The scene:

A lovely sunny day. I decided to walk over to the Botanics, picked up a Panini, water and bag of crips for a little picnic for one. I'm sitting on the grass finishing off my lunch and my camera and tripod are off to the side.

Him: whatcha taking pictures of?

Me: nothing at the moment, but probably flowers after

Him: why dontcha take my picture

Me: would you like me to take your picture?

Him: Ya!

Me: OK, big smile then

Click

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

2008-05-25T20:37:00.014+01:00

A group from the Glasgow Flickr Meetup Group got access to this wonderful little space. Check this link out for the history.

Mark Your Calendars!

2008-05-16T21:35:00.004+01:00

I'm giving you all LOTS of advance warning of this.

Date: Saturday March 7, 2009
Time: 17:00 - 19:00
Place: Biblio Cafe, 262 Woodlands Road, Glasgow

Event: An exhibition of my photography

I will actually have my work exhibited for the entire month of March, but the 1st Saturday will be the party. With it being 10 months away the selection of shots I choose to exhibit will probably change over and over again until the day arrives and I need to cart them over to the cafe to be hung on the walls. Friends with vehicles, you know I'll be calling for your assistance. I can only carry so much in my wee little arms.

Things to do:

- Come up with an informative yet entertaining bio
- Decide on the prices (needs to be expensive enough that people will assume what they are buying is art, but cheap enough that they actually shell out the cash)
- Finalize the grouping
- Figure out what order to hang them in
- and the most important..... what to wear for the party!

Make your travel plans now!

New Music

2008-05-12T07:39:00.004+01:00

I love discovering new music. There are so many talented bands but with radio being so restrictive in what they play it can be difficult to find out what else is out there. Recommendations from friends are always helpful, but if they live in the same post code as you, they are often a limited source due to being exposed to the same media environment.

One thing I've started doing since I moved to the UK is when I connect with someone on a musical level (it happens on occasion) we do a bit of a music exchange. Find say 10 bands the friend has never heard of then put together a list of tunes, links to various websites, perhaps the odd YouTube video and viola! New music!

But there is also the blogs.

One of the blogs I read on a regular basis is The Pompomist. This girl has a great taste in music. Like me she will post the odd wonderful find and I thank her for this. But this sharing is a two way street. I introduced her to the Canadian Band Sloan and just this morning she posted a bit on a band I'd never hear of Beirut.

Wow

I so need to find their CD's

Kind of a cross between Ron Sexsmith and Rufus Wainwright if playing with a Balkan Gypsy band. Wonderful!

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

2008-04-27T17:52:00.009+01:00

Now that the weather is getting a little less wintery (notice I didn't use the term spring or summer) I'm trying to get out and about a bit to discover what there is to see outside of Glasgow. So Saturday I went to a magical place called the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. It's on the East Coast just South of Berwick on Tweed, England.

Lots to see and do, but just easier to show you:

Saturday Sunset in Linlithow

2008-04-20T13:26:00.011+01:00

And the answer is....

2008-04-18T07:33:00.001+01:00

For Mags, who snuck one question in a bit late:

4

Why? No particular reason, just because.

Speaking of Music that makes you want to dance...

2008-04-15T20:47:00.003+01:00

Been going down a bit of a trip down memory lane with my iTunes today and have been listing to Billy Joel. I've got 5 of his albums on my laptop and have gone through them all this evening. It amazes me,

1 - that I still remember all the lyrics and
2 - how well his music has stood the test of time.

This man is an amazing songwriter.

My all-time favourite tune though is off the album:

The Bridge
Track 6

Big Man on Mulberry Street

The horns make it one seriously sexy song. And who can forget that Moonlighting episode.

Ah yes the 80's......

Meanwhile at the local Starbucks

2008-04-13T18:18:00.006+01:00

I couldn't help myself. I heard the music, recognised the classic for what it was and I started to dance. There I am, standing at the counter waiting for my coffee and I start swaying my hips and doing the white girl wiggle.

Yes - I'm weird.

The Saturday Walkabout

2008-04-13T12:15:00.010+01:00

And Now, The Answers

2008-04-08T20:07:00.006+01:00

Simon:
- Sort of, but it looks like I missed you.

Graham:
- it depends on what year, Calah was the earliest but Nineveh was the last.

Dezene:
- I didn't have to sign anything to get into the country saying I would eat a specific quota of Haggis, but it is the traditional dinner on January 25th (Robbie Burns Day). I didn't see any frozen dinners (it's usually vacuum packed) but it is a regular staple on the grocery store shelves. The below shot was taken today as proof, it's on the middle shelf.

Staccato:
- the square root of pi

Ginger:
- By hanging on to outdated imperialist dogma which perpetuates the economic and social differences in our society.

Isabel:
- The architecture & the fabulous selection of single malts in the pubs
- Biblio Cafe
- Stravaigin
- I don't know if it counts as bizarre, but having a conversation over a pint (at the Stravaigin of course) with an American Comedian. But it might have been more than a fortnight ago.
- Learning to speak a foreign language fluently
- I have a dream of creating my own business giving one on one cooking lessons in peoples homes
- A pair that fit properly and don't make my feet look smaller than what they already are. But really I'm more a sucker for boots
- Nope

John:
- 42

Kathy:
- I don't have children so at this point and time I'm not qualified to answer that question

Anonymous:
- I'm not allowed to talk to strangers

Katie:
- Long term yes, but not necessarily in Scotland as I'd be happy pretty much anywhere in the UK.

A Week in London

2008-04-05T08:27:00.017+01:00

Over the Easter break I took some time off and travelled to London. I blogged about getting there via the train thanks to the complimentary WiFi connection (thank you very much National Express). So here's a quick synopsis of what I did while I was there.

Saturday

I arrived in the late afternoon so had to first find the house where I would be staying. A friend of a friend mailed me their keys as they wouldn't be back until Monday - how trusting is that! People are soooooo nice :>) I was very adventurous in that from the train station I took the tube and then a bus rather than wimping out and just getting a cab. I managed to get off at the correct stop and it promptly began to hail on me. But I found the house, the keys worked and as I opened the door there were two ADORABLE cats staring at me as I let myself in and then they promptly came over and started nudging my legs and let me give them a little pet. A very good sign. Found the room I'd be staying in, dropped off my bags, got myself oriented with the house and then decided to find a grocery store. I've traveled quite a bit and I'm starting to get a sixth sense about these things.

I stepped out the door and turned right. Why right? I don't know, it just felt like the correct direction, I walked a few blocks and saw another person with a tell tale orange Sainsbury's grocery bag (a good sign). I won't give you the detailed map route of where I went, but it only took about 10 minutes and I was in the warmth (did I mention how FREEZING it was outside?) of a Sainsbury's local where I filled my basket with food & wine for the next couple of days. Back to the house to make my dinner.

The fun thing about staying in a strangers house is you find yourself standing in the middle of the kitchen looking at cupboards talking to yourself saying things like "if I was olive oil, where would I be?" or "if I was a cheese grater which drawer would I be in". After about the 5th time going through all the cupboards and drawers I was good to go and managed to cook myself a tasty healthy meal.

Into the lounge with my tray of pasta, crusty baguette and wine to look at a large screen TV and 3 remote controls. I have a sixth sense about home electronics too (thanks Dad) and had no problem figuring out how to get the TV and digital box turned on so I could find a movie to entertain myself with for the evening.

Did I mention how cold it was? The east coast of England was being battered with this unseasonably late winter weather and I couldn't find where the boiler was hiding or a thermostat in order to warm the house up. It must have been on a timer as I could feel the radiator in my room warm up first thing in the morning but the temperatures were dipping below zero at night and I found myself going to bed in an undershirt under my flannel pajamas along with socks. I had a big thick heavy duvet on my bed so once I curled up in that I warmed right up, but boy it was tough getting motivated to come out of my cocoon in the morning.

Sunday

I wake up, open the curtains to take a look outside and it's snowing.

It's also Easter Sunday so though checking out the service at St Paul's Cathedral would be an interesting thing to do. BTW this picture was taken later in the week as Sunday was very dark, gray, cloudy and cold so not the best conditions to take photos but I digress. The service was good and as expected the place was packed. It also happened to be the last service for the organist before heading off to America so he quite literally pulled out all the stops at the end of the service and everyone stood up and applauded when he was done.

After the service I was feeling a little hungry so took a wander over to Trafalgar Square and grabbed lunch at the Cafe in the Crypt underneath St Martin in the Fields church for some yummy soup and a serving of bread pudding with warm custard for dessert.

The rest of the afternoon I spent at the National Portrait Gallery. This is tucked in behind the National Gallery and can easily be overlooked but they have a wonderful and diverse of collection. The gallery itself isn't too big so you don't feel overwhelmed by it. I was able to catch one of the gallery talks and heard some interesting details on a number of paintings.

Monday

Again woke up to snow (what's with the weather!!). Discovering I did not bring warm enough clothes, am now having to layer everything together. The day's attire consists of an undershirt, 2 long sleeved T-shirts, a sweater, 2 pairs of socks, wool scarf, hat, gloves and my hat. By the time I get to the bus stop I can't feel my big toes anymore.

Today's cultural adventure involves the Victoria & Albert Museum. A lovely hodge podge of everything. Paintings, sculpture, history, photography, stained glass, cool stuff. In my previous stops here I've always been rushed and only been able to do little snippets of the museum. So today I do it all! Including their cafe, very delicious I might add.

This is an all day affair and my feet are feeling it as I wander out via the gift shop. Where the museum is situated is in the same area as Harrod's department store and also Selfridges and a number of funky expensive shops. I wander along the streets just looking around and when my feet can't take anymore I'm down to the Tube going home (well my home for the week).

Upon walking in the door I finally get to meet my gracious host as the family is back from their weekend away. AND the house is toasty warm, JOY!

Tuesday

The sun has decided to come out this day and it's not quite so frigid outside for a change. I hop the tube to Victoria Station and will make my way to the British Museum. However, to get a different flavour of the journey decide to take the bus there rather than the tube all the way.

Thanks to the helpful pamphlet issued my the London Transportation people I figure out which bus I need to take and it only takes me 2 circles of the huge monstrosity that is Victoria Station for me to find the bus stop to hop on.

During the ride the bus passes the Royal Academy of Art. I've seen posters for this place but have never gone in before so make a mental note to look it up when I get home. A nice man that was in the first seat when I got on the bus overheard me ask the driver if this was the correct bus to get to the British Museum. Before the driver could answer this passenger then went into great detail to explain which stop to get off at and which way to walk when I stepped off. He was so enthusiastic that I assumed he was some how connected to the Transportation Authority, like a guide on the bus routes that are most likely to be frequented by tourists. But as he hopped off within a few stops it became apparent he was just a very helpful local. How nice!

So thanks to this kind stranger I knew exactly where to go when I reached my stop and had no trouble finding the Museum. Now I've been to this place many times now as it's always high on my list of things to see when I come to London. So I don't think there is a room I haven't seen yet. But as always, you have your favorites and for me it's the Egyptian wing and looking at the mummified cats (I'm strange I know). But I also checked out the talks schedule and there is one at 3:30 in the Roman section that I will catch.

I love the Great Court in the Museum. It's one of those spaces that just makes you look up when you walk in. Even if it's cloudy and rainy outside this place is awash in natural light. I've taken so many pictures of this space (as does everyone) but it really is an amazing design.

The big shiny blob in the picture is a sculpture by some Chinese artist but I can't remember his name or the intellectual blurb given about what the shiny metal blob is supposed to represent. But it was fun taking pictures of it.

After seeing what I wanted to see in the Museum I started to walk. Initially I was going to just head to a Tube station and go back but I changed my mind and just started to follow my nose. I have a great sense of direction and managed to make my way back to Trafalgar Square and then onto Regent Street heading back towards St Paul's. On the way I stumbled upon a number of places I either didn't realize were there, or others where I'd tried before to get in but they were closed. So I've made my list of what I still want to see.

Wednesday

Today is socializing day. I'm meeting up with one friend for lunch and another friend for dinner. Up until now I've been dining alone so this will be a treat.

I make my way out to the wonderful world of Putney and have a burger and a Pint in a very nice pub overlooking the river. Over the course of the meal I'm watching some very black clouds make their way. The day started out as sunny but guess it was too good to last.

After a nice lunch I take the Tube into London city centre and go to the Royal Academy of Art . Similar to the National Portrait Gallery, this is a small space and not too overwhelming. The building itself has had some of the rooms restored to their former glory and it's worth checking out just to see those, but the collection is very nice and varied as well. There is an extremely long queue to see the 2 visiting exhibitions so I just go in and check out the free stuff.

I'm meeting my friend for dinner on the South Side of the Thames and I've got lots of time so decide to walk it again. Remember those black clouds I was talking about? They are still around and casting a really interesting light. I stop in Trafalgar Square again and take a few shots.

The clouds do eventually open up and the rain comes down, but I've got my trusty hat on and I'm bundled up in my heavy wool coat so I stay dry enough. I make my way across one of the bridges to the South Side of the Thames and meet my friend at the London Bridge station. Dinner is in a nice Tavern and I satisfy my craving for Bangers and Mash and enjoy a pint of bitter (I'm trying to expand my beer outside of Guinness).

After dinner my friend takes me on a tour of the financial district at night and we admire the new architecture of the city. One of the really amazing buildings here is the Loyd's of London office. I remember watching a documentary on this building and seeing it up close and lit up dramatically at night it did not disappoint.

There is also the Gherkin (or the big Easter egg as I like to call it) but I didn't take a picture of that one as it was raining again by this time. We also walked through this really interesting market, of course all the shops were closed up, but I can't remember the name of it, the something Arcade. I'll have to look it up later in my Eye Witness Guide. One more thing to make note of for next time.

Thursday
Another beautiful sunny day. I start out my journey at St Paul's Cathedral, grab lunch at their cafe (also down in the crypt) and then walk down Regent Street. One of the places I noticed in my travels yesterday was a church called St Brides that looked interesting. It's not very big but has an interesting history and a lovely interior. Their crypt was just recently discovered in some excavations and they had a very interesting display giving the history aamongst all the old stones and such

Next on the list Temple Church. This place was mentioned in the Da Vinci Code and it hard to find if you don't know where to look. It's very small but the area I was most interested in looking at was closed off do to renovations, so one more thing to but on the list for next time.

Last on my list for today is Somerset House. The building itself is beautiful and on the 1st Monday of each month they host tours (another thing for the list). There is a free exhibition space with a really interesting installation on London's public spaces. I found it really thought provoking. There is also an Art Gallery that has a Renoir exhibit, it's only a fiver to get in and I haven't paid to 'see' anything yet so I allow myself the splurge. Renoir's aside the gallery's permanent collection is great and I know I'm sounding like a broken record but .... it's not overwhelming. I guess my first experience in London and the art scene was just that overwhelming. Doing the Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the National Gallery can be a bit much. But there are all these lovely little places that have amazing collections and are well worth checking out.

Friday

I only had one official errand to do here in London and that was to deal with my soon to expire passport. I go back to Trafalgar Square (I take the bus this time) and go to Canada House, pass through security and take a number. No making appointments here, it's first come first serve. I find it strange that in the waiting room they have Sky News showing. You'd think with this being the Canadian High Commission they'd be showing the CBC news.

After I'm done with the government business I look across the road at the monstrosity that is the National Gallery. My feet say to me, "We just can't do it, it's too big". Every time I come to London I go inside and view their collection, but this place is massive. So I go to the desk and see that there is one wee room that has an new exhibit of a Scottish Artist, who studied at the Glasgow School of Art so how could I not check it out.

After this it's a beautiful sunny day outside so even though my feet doth protest too much I head off to do more walking. My stomach reminds me that I didn't take time out for breakfast today so I pop into a cute pub for lunch at the Olde Cock Tavern for a Mince and Onion Pie. Mmmmm, very creamy mashed potatoes and the gravy was very delish.

I make my way back across the Thames again to another church, Southwark Cathedral.

Right next door was the Borough Market. At this point I hit the wall. Too much walking over the last couple of days I could feel all the energy in me just disappear. I was so heartbroken really as it was a lovely day, blue sky and the great colours and smells of a market and I couldn't muster up the energy to take my camera out again. I was here for a specific purpose as I had promised my host family that I would cook them dinner as a big Thank-You for opening their home to me, a complete stranger. So I mustered up the strength needed to purchase the fresh veggies I needed for the meal and grabbed the Tube home.

I walked in the door, took my groceries down to the kitchen and then went to my room and promptly had a nap. Man, vacations are tough!

Saturday (the last day)

Today was my last day, but my train doesn't leave until 4:00 so I've still got pretty much a full day ahead of me. I pack up my stuff, say goodbye and thanks to my hosts and the cats and head off to the bus.

I'm off to the Tate Modern today as yesterday I noticed there was an exhibit on Duchamp, Man Ray and Picabia that looked interesting. It took me about 3 hrs to get through the exhibit and I found it really fascinating.

One thing with going to all these galleries and museums, I'm seriously considering paying for annual memberships for some of them. I'm usually in the London area a bunch of times throughout the year and being a member gets you into all the special exhibits for free, plus you usually get a discount at the gift shops as well. It's something I'm thinking about anyway.

So after the gallery it's back to the Kings Cross Train station to head back to Glasgow.

My feet may never be the same again, but I sure had a good time.

Questions

2008-04-03T21:57:00.004+01:00

OK, my brain is tired and I've just no creative juices flowing today, this week, this month. So let me put the ball in your court dear readers. I've been the Scottish Lemon here in Glasgow for going on 17 months now. What burning questions have you got for me?

(it also gives me a chance to find out who has actually been reading this)

Ask away.....

Oh and to answer the obvious, that's a self portrait of me reflected in a sculpture in the British Museum.

I Love the BBC

2008-04-02T20:55:00.001+01:00

Always high quality programming. Check this out, click here

11:02 Update

2008-03-22T11:02:00.002Z

Somewhere inbetween Edinburgh and Newcastle.

It's snowing

Enroute

2008-03-22T10:03:00.003Z

Sometimes technology is just plain cool.

Today I begin a weeks holiday and I'm on my way to the big city of London. I only have one true errand to do while I'm there and that's to submit my passport renewal. In doing this, it means I will be without any 'official' picture ID which means no airports. So something I've been meaning to do for over a year is to take the train to London.

The night security guard (Bob) at work told me about taking the train a while ago. If you plan far enough in advance you can get a single one way ticket for 14.00 GBP so 28.00 in total for tickets there and back. On the train quite often its cheaper to get two singles than a return ticket, go figure.

But I digress...

So I've been meaning to take the train to London for a while now. It's a great way to see the rest of the countryside, no long security line ups, no sitting around for endless hours in an airport lounge waiting for your delayed flight, more space etc. The journey in total is approx 5.5 hrs which isn't all that bad. A quick flight to London is easily very close to that when you include the train journey out to Preswick Airport, the sitting around in the terminal, the time of the flight, the train journey from Stanstead airport to the city centre.

But I digress...

Technology, that's what I started this with. National Express has now offered free wi-fi on their trains. It used to be only first class got that privilege, but they've now opened the service up to the rest of us in the peasant seats. Granted it's not a fast speed (which is why no pictures with this post) but it's better than nothing. There's even an electrical socket next to my window seat so I don't have to worry about power - my laptop battery just doesn't hold much of a charge anymore (neither does my mobile, but that's another post altogether).

So yes, some days technology is just plain cool.

It's 10:14AM on Saturday, I'm looking out the window at some very green fields and gray sky. So far I've seen lots of sheep, a few horses and even the odd cow (but no Highland Cooos).

For the first part of my journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh I was subjected to 8 loud 20somethings from New Zealand complaining that the Royal Mile in Edinburgh looked really far (it is a mile after all) but apparently there are lots of cafes and coffee shops along the way. One of them had too much to drink the night before and couldn't handle the bright sun. One of the girls was to vain to wear her glasses and the others were teasing her endlessly about what she kept thinking she was seeing.... "Is that a dead sheep?", others, "No, it's sleeping"

So far it's been an interesting journey. 4 hrs to go.

The Sunday Walkabout

2008-03-17T07:22:00.009Z

Random Thought for the Day - Radio

2008-03-13T22:04:00.003Z

I like music.

I love listening to it, really listening to it.

I've ranted before how much I miss having a proper audio system. The Saturday morning concert was a ritual I picked up from my Dad.

Get out of bed
Got to the CD wall
Figure out what kind of mood I'm in
Pick an appropriate CD

Make a double Americano espresso, breakfast
Grab the paper out of the mailbox

Sit

Hit play on the remote
Listen

I would have a similar ritual at the end of a hard day during the week.

After cooking dinner I'd pull my chair into the sweet spot in the living room, find the perfect CD to soothe my weary soul, light some candles, turn down the lights and just listen.

Heaven.

But here all I've got is my iPod, what few CD's I was able to rip to my laptop and radio.

Here begins the rant for the evening.

Radio - I HATE playlists. Why do radio stations insist the public be subjected to a small playlist of 40 tunes played over and over and over and over. It doesn't seem to matter what format the station is, be it Hip Hop, Alt Rock, Country, Retro etc they all have their playlist and you end up hearing the same thing.

Why am I going on about this? Well I was looking for a little taste of home and I Googled a radio station from Vancouver that I used to listen to. I opened the Web Player and surprise, surprise... they are still playing the same tunes.

If I had a pile of money with which to make the world a better place I'd set up my own radio station whose mandate is to not have a set playlist. Your average CD has what 10 - 12 tunes on it? So why just play one? How many of you out there purchase a CD because of a song you heard on the radio. But then when you get it home you discover track 7 (between you and me track 7 is ALWAYS the best). But no one else is playing this, they only play the 'single'.

My station would be called Radio B sides, or something witty like that.

Hmmmm, I wonder what would be involved in setting up a webcast radio station?

High School, Music, Comedy and Canada

2008-03-09T21:19:00.003Z

How's this about a walk down memory lane. High School.

At the time we thought we were so cool. And if we weren't we envied those that were. The school talent shows, the boys that had a real band?

Back in the 70's and 80's there was SCTV. A fabulous bit of comedy on Canadian Television. This was where some of Canada's funniest got their start.

Now some of you out there may not really get the above. But to give you some context, here's the original song they were covering oh so well.

I have no idea if the band Chilliwack ever made it outside of Canada. I loved this song when it came out.

Ah memories......

Ever the Optomist

2008-03-02T16:58:00.010Z

The winter's here have a little bit of everything. The temperatures never really get all that cold but it's the variety that gets me. Lets take this weekend for example.

Both yesterday and today I looked outside my lounge window and was greeted with bright blue sky and sunshine. I'll admit, I was a little over enthusiastic and dressed with just a long sleeve T-Shirt, a sweater (or jumper as they say here) and my jean jacket - good for the wind. Then threw on the muffler, gloves and a hat and I headed outside.

Met a friend for coffee and scone, then walked to another cafe (still sunny) and met B for a bacon and egg on a bun.

Headed off with a friend to an Antiques Warehouse and the clouds started to roll in, and then the wind started up again. (the wind here is a whole 'nother story) But every now and then the wind would stop and it didn't feel that bad.

Walking through Kelvingrove park the crocuses and daffodils were all up and blooming. It was a good 30 min walk to this warehouse and it felt good to be inside and out of the wind as I was starting to get a bit chilled. You'd think being inside I'd start to warm up, but this place is not heated because it's a warehouse.

This place is HUGE and it's jammed full of stuff. You really need to walk through it twice as the first time you're overwhelmed but what all you see. Second time through you can start to process everything and be specific in what you're trying to find. I was looking for old cameras, found a few but didn't purchase anything.

Anyway, it was about half way through the second time that I became aware of how cold my hands were (I was wearing gloves) but didn't really think too much of it other than to put my hands in my pockets. I think I was in there for about an hour or perhaps slightly longer, but when I stepped outside the gray skies were back and it started to sprinkle.

We walked along Argyle street towards city centre thinking once we got there we'd step into a cafe to warm up. By the time we reached Central Station the flood gates had opened and instead diverted into the Arches bar/restaurant as it was the closest.

Sitting down and taking off my gloves I looked down at my hands to discover that the middle fingers on both hands were blue, yes really blue down to the first joint. I looked at my friend and said "That isn't good is it". So I go off to find the bathroom thinking I'll place them under warm water, but the taps were cold. No problem, I'll use the hand dryers. You know those modern ones that you just wave your hands underneath and the automatically turn on. But these didn't, neither of them.

Great.

Back to my seat and I ended up just sitting on my hands for 45 min until the blue had disappeared and my fingers were pink again. Phew!

Today - Sunday, I looked out and once again blue sky and sunshine. Not to be fooled twice I wore TWO long sleeved T-shirts and my big heavy wool coat, gloves, scarf and headed off to church. After the service went to a small cafe for coffee and another scone and realized I had no cash. I walked a few blocks to the ATM and could feel the sunshine on my face and how warm it felt.

It was the perfect day to go on an adventure so I hopped the underground to St Enoch station and then walked up Argyle street to the Barras market.

It's a big market, but not very picturesque when I compare it to last weekends market in Greenwich. I didn't take many photos as there were no colours jumping out at me.

As I took this picture though I commented to my friend that was with me.... "Hmmm, looks like the flood gates could open up at any time now", I went snap with the camera, started to put my camera back into my bag and it began to rain. By the time we walked back to the Underground station (10 min maybe) I was looking like a drowned rat.

Now I sit curled up in a blanket wearing my 2 long sleeved T-shirts and a hooded sweatshirt underneath a blanket.

I think I'm almost warm.

A Day in the Life of a Business Traveller

2008-02-21T22:40:00.004Z

Didn't get around to having breakfast this morning as I ran out of time due to packing my suitcase.

Didn't get around to having lunch until after 3:00 due to trying to get everything done in prep for being out of the office for a day.

The 'snack' on my BA flight consisted of 1/2 sandwich with cheese and vegetable pickle on oatmeal bread, and another 1/2 sandwich of ham and...... wait for it...... MAYO (big surprise) on wholemeal bread. But the glass of Bordeaux made up for it.

Did I mention I was lucky passenger number 15 that had to endure the 3 yr old have a temper tantrum the whole 1 hr and 25 minutes of the flight? The little angel.

Missed my train by about 30 seconds so had to stand around for 30 minutes for the next one.

Arrived at the hotel and was informed the kitchen JUST closed.

Dinner - a cup of English Breakfast Tea and 2 shortbread biscuits.

Yup, business travel is sooooo luxurious.

Back On-Line Again

2008-02-18T17:00:00.012Z

It's been close to a month without home internet access. Sure it's easy enough to check emails after hours at the office or in the local i-cafe but it's not the same as being curled up in bed or on the couch under your favorite blanket playing your i-tunes. You can take your time to surf or write that looooong overdue email to a friend

So Saturday afternoon after multiple phone calls to various call centres in different parts of the world the green blinky broadband light on our wireless router finally turned green.

It's the little things in life that make me happy.

So what have I been up to this past month since I last posted? Well there's the work thing that I just don't want to blog about anymore because it's getting repetative. So instead, here are the fun things I've been up to in January and February

A Glasgow Flickr Meet

- a random bunch of camera geeks to get together in the cold, dark, wet, freezing night and take pictures of cars and stuff. Sooooo much fun!

The Move

- it took a number of false starts but everything got moved and we are now relatively settled. But I still have 1 duffle bag to unpack and 1 box.

Some Local Theatre

- went to the Citizens Theatre to see a play called Translations that dealt with the English military coming in and renaming everything in Ireland. Not sure what the deal was with the pink elephants in the theatre lobby though.

Paris

- good food, good wine, good weather

Visitors from Vancouver

- 2 friends from home came to experience winter in Glasgow. And they thought the 4 seasons in one day was just an exaguration.

Pub Quiz

- we came, we drank Guinness, we came in 2nd!

Clothing Swap

- a bunch of girls, some chinese take-a-way and cleaning out our closets

The Birthday Party

- who says you have to be grown up if you turn 40?

The Spontaneous Trip to Edinburgh

- sitting over morning coffee, flipping through a book on the Musee D'Orsey I said to B "Hey, let's go to Edinburgh". So we did. It was fun.

When in Rome...

2008-01-25T10:57:00.000Z

Exept I'm not in Rome, I'm in PARIS!!!

Oh it feels so good to get away. Work has been far too stressfull and I needed a break. So thanks to EasyJet seat sales and finally getting my expenses submitted from the business trips I took over the last 6 months I'm thinking of this as a free trip. I know it's not really, but that's how my brain is justifying it.

Arrived yesterday and did the adventurous thing and took the RER & Metro to get into the city. It was actually very simple and I manged to luck out in the stops I went to all had escalators so I didn't need to lug my bag up any stairs.

I've rented a self catering apartment in District 18, the Montmatre area. Last time (which was the first time) I was in Paris we stayed in the Latin Quarter so I wanted to be somewhere new. By the time I got to the flat it was early afternoon so didn't really do much on the touristy side of things other than walk the market area in Montmatre.

Today though, the sky is blue and the sun is shining. I'm very close to the Sacre-Coeur which I have been informed the locals take pleasure/pride in being very blase about it. They won't even admit it's beautiful. But my guidebook says it's supposed to have some stunning views from the hill it's perched on. So I'll check it out.

I've had my morning breakfast complete with fresh croissant. Just need a shower now and I'll be ready to start the days adventure.

Chaos

2008-01-20T15:01:00.000Z

Not a happy bunny at the moment.

This is my 4th attempt to try and post this. I'm not at the new flat but no internet hook-up yet so have been checking out the various cafes and pubs in the neighborhood. The signals in these places are always a bit on the iffy side and keep dropping their connection with annoying frequency.

My experience at the i-cafe this morning was evern more frustrating. I could connect, and had good signal but it wouldn't load my email, and a number of different websites. So I had drafted a blog entry offline and then went to publish it and the signal would drop out just as it was to finish. It didn't even do it's normal save to draft so when I've tried again at a different cafe , Enjoy(great porrage here) I've had to start from scratch.

So yes, I'm now sleeping at the new place but hesitate to use the phrase 'moved in'. All the stuff is there. Strewn about with no rhyme or reason. But my bed is made and is very comfy so that's one thing. Kitchen is still under construction with wood dust everywhere as they are still cutting strips for stuff so no point in cleaning until they're done. Our couches were delivered on Thurday but are draped in plastic and shoved in a corner. So it doesn't feel like home yet. At this point I'm not sure when it will be.

Because of the internet issues I can't seem to upload any pictures so you'll have to go to my Flickr site to see them there.

So, it's still chaos.

Still Here

2008-01-13T21:17:00.000Z

This weekend was supposed to be the big push to move into the new flat. But as per the title. I'm still here.

Saturday I was at the current flat packing and cleaning while B was over at the new flat painting and cleaning. Today, Sunday I spent the morning emptying my closet into

2 duffel bags,
1 large suitcase
1 carry on size suitcase
2 laundry hampers

My books and Cd's I have packed in some of the dresser drawers along with my coats. My extra large suitcase I had sent home with my parents back in May when they were out for a visit. Wishing I still had it as I need something to pack my bedding into yet. Perhaps I'll try one of those nifty vacuum bags my Mom left.

So everything is packed up and sitting in the hallway waiting to be carted away to the new place.

But,

The van I thought we had fell through, the back up car I thought we had also fell through. I emailed, texted and called a number of people but everyone seemed to be either out of town, already busy or (gasp) ignoring me. Because lets face it, helping someone move is not a fun job. It's hard on the body, involves going up and down stairs far too many times and lifting heavy boxes and bags.

But,

One friend, one REAL TRUE friend - M came as she said she would. She helped to pack up the kitchen and then the two of us grabbed as much as we could carry and traipsed the 5 blocks over by foot to the new place. TWICE.

But,

This still leaves the problem of the rest of the stuff. I might have 2, possibly 3 cars available tomorrow (Monday) but I really need a van or a truck otherwise we can't move over our mattresses. Without a mattress there will be nothing to sleep on.

We also have a few other large items that need to be carted over and I'd love to just be able to do this in one load. IF I can get a hold of a vehicle large enough to take it all.

I've left emails and voice messages with two local 'man with van' outfits but as today is Sunday I don't expect to hear from them until tomorrow. At this point I just hope and pray that one of them is available and that they aren't too expensive.

I HATE MOVING!

And so it goes

2008-01-06T21:42:00.000Z

The holidays are officially over. Monday means back to a full 5 days of work. And it's going to be busy. I wonder if I could afford to go to a 4 day work week. Hmmmmm.

The flat renovations are coming along and it's looking like next weekend might be the move in date. Or at least the begin to move in date. I'll need to start thinking about packing up my life one more time.

I'm trying to be a little more forceful with my photography and try to document more randomness. No idea if this experiment will result in anything artistic or not, but we'll see.

I'm also playing more with Black and White. I've often said that Black and White can cover a multitude of sins by the photographer. But also, when you see a picture blown up to 8 x 10, on a stark white matte, simple black frame..... Admit it, you think to yourself 'Hey, that's a nice picture' even if it's just of a trash can in a back alleyway. So I'll give it a go.

Check my Flickr page and tell me how I'm doing.

Forgive Me

2007-12-29T20:37:00.000Z

Forgive me Father

For I have sinned

It's been 2 years since my last MacDonald's

Maybe more

I can't remember for sure.
It wasn't my fault.
I was tempted.

I said no initially.
Even turned my nose up at the thought.
Made some comment about the horrible nutritional value.

But

Then someone said those two words ...

Hash browns

I LOVE those hash browns. I know I shouldn't. They're deep fried, oozing grease. Any resemblance to an actual potato is purely coincidental. I looked over at John who was taking the office orders and gave in. I asked if they did the meal deals like they did in Canada. My favorite was the sausage and egg McMuffin with cheese, hash browns and a coffee.

They do that here too

(drat)

So I had a MacDonald's breakfast. My first one in years I'm sure. And I'm embarrassed to admit I loved it.

The sausage had a slightly different flavour to it, almost seemed like a hint of anise spice perhaps and the cheese seemed tangier. The coffee? Well I forgot to mention to John that I take it black so it came back looking a little creamy but I drank it anyway.

I didn't need lunch (and I felt guilty) and by the time dinner rolled around I hooked up with my flat mate for a movie and we went to a pub for dinner. So what did I have?

Bangers and mash with onion gravy and a pint of Guinness.

It was a pork and potato kinda day I guess.

8:32 PM

2007-12-28T07:33:00.001Z

8:32PM

Thursday December 27th

It's pitch black outside

The ice cream truck has just made his second pass around the block.

This is a strange country.

Keeping The Tradition Alive

2007-12-26T10:43:00.001Z

Mention the vegetable 'Brussel Sprouts' to many people and they turn there nose up at you and make a face and say something along the lines of BLECH! But my thoughts on this reaction are one of wonder. As in, I wonder how your Mom prepared these little mini cabbages for you? Were they boiled within an inch of their life until they were a gray green mushy mass on your plate with nothing but butter and salt for seasoning?

That is just wrong.

Brussel Sprouts can be a tasty side dish. This is how my Mom has always prepared them and I say give this a try before you completely write off the vegetable.

Brussel Sprouts A La Mom

Trim your sprouts by removing damaged or bug infested outer leaves, cut a small slice off the bottom, and cut a small X in the bottom stem. This helps them to cook evenly so you don't end up with mushy leaves and hard centre cores.

Place sprouts in a steamer basket and steam until just barely tender - they should be 'tender crisp' to be perfect.

Rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking, and set aside in the pot until your sauce is done.

Sauce:

Chop bacon (that would be smoked streaky bacon here in the UK)

1 slice bacon for each 1 cup of sprouts
Brown bacon in fry pan on medium heat, until it starts to crisp up
Add 1/2 cup onion, diced finely
Stir onion and bacon until onion is translucent and bacon is nicely crisped but not burnt !!

Add 1/4 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons white sugar to the bacon and onions. Stir together until sugar has dissolved.

Toss sauce over sprouts, put pot back on burner
Add some fresh ground salt and black pepper to taste.
You can also add a bit more vinegar or sugar, depends on how strong the flavor of the sprouts are.

Once the sprouts have reheated and flavor is right - serve with a smile (Mom added that bit)

Now, after you've tasted this recipe and you still turn your nose up at brussel sprouts then you can always play this game.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

2007-12-25T10:42:00.000Z

'Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the flat
A wee creature was scurrying
Because we don't have a cat

Yes the little critter is back.

A while back when I returned from one of my business trips my flatmate had informed me she saw something brown, furry and moving one night in the lounge. That was months ago and I never saw it so I was starting to think perhaps she'd imagined it or something.

But...

On Sunday we were sitting in the lounge and we both heard it. A wee little scurry sound and we both looked at each other, then towards the corner we heard it. But couldn't see anything. Again I started to doubt and said, it must have been a leaf falling off the plant or something.

But...

Yesterday

Yes, the night before Christmas

B was in the kitchen when she saw something scurry out of the corner of her eye move from behind the fridge to behind the hob. Then a little later she saw it again, something moving, brown, furry and wee move from out behind the hob back to behind the fridge again. This time she stood a bit further back from the edge of the counter and waited and watched. Then she saw it, quite clearly this time scurrying on the floor along the length of the bottom cupboard back to behind the hob again.

We have a mouse.

It doesn't surprise me really. This place is so old I'm sure they have quite the network of paths all throughout the tenement. This week the temperature has really dropped outside, we even had frost on the ground Sunday morning. So I'm sure the wee little critters have moved in and up to try and keep warm. There must be access holes to the walls in behind the fridge and hob and that's how the little guy is moving around.

B the fastidiously clean person that she is got in the kitchen right away with the vacuum to make sure there is nothing for our friend to eat (our kitchen is usually very very clean, but you can never be too sure). And also hoping that the noise of the vacuum would scare him away.

I've still never seen him, but somehow it just seems a little appropriate to have a Christmas mouse this day in our flat.

But boxing day, he needs to go away back to where he came from.

Things To Do In York

2007-12-23T15:16:00.000Z

I apologize for the lateness of getting this posted. I've been drafting it for close to 2 months now and just can't seem to finish it. So enough already here it is in all it's incompleteness...

-----------------------------------

Continuing on with the October vacation. Took a 4 day mini-break and travelled to York, England. Pretty easy to get there via train, Glasgow to Edinburgh, then switch trains and it's a direct line to York.

We booked a B&B that was a convenient 15 min walk to the city centre. But to get there initially we grabbed a taxi from the train station as we had no idea where we were going. Got a great cabby who gave us some fabulous commentary as he drove us to our destination. Tips on what to see, which pub to check out etc.

Now I'm not going to go into a day by day detailed analysis of everything I did but I will highlight for you the things you really should see & do.

Under the 'To Do' list, have a cheap lunch by grabbing a Cornish Pasty and sit on a park bench to people watch. (notice how beautifully displayed it is, I should be able to sell this as a print ad or something).

The river Ouse runs through the town and you cross it as you walk towards the old town from the train station.

It really is such a cute little town, every block there's something picture worthy. Be it something as mundane and ordinary as a mailbox..

Or something as spectacular as the ruins of St Mary's Abbey .

Or something as quaint as a line of bicycles.

But the big draw is the York Minster.

When I was eating the above mentioned Cornish Pasty the church bells started ringing so I shot a wee video (the quality is horrid I know)

The weather wasn't all that great while we were there for our little city break. I think the sun came out the day we arrived and then again the day we left but cool cloudy days are good when you're on your feet all day.

A lovely, lovely town. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Winter

2007-12-09T15:32:00.001Z

Well there's no denying it now. Winter is upon us.

I picked the wrong day to forgo the long wool coat. I went on a little excursion out to Ikea yesterday with the idea that I'd then walk down to the Braehead shopping mall afterwards. When I had walked out the store to the darkness (it was only about 4:00) I was greeted by blowing wet snow.

Great.

The intention of getting to the mall was 1 - to be indoors, and 2 - to try and finish my Christmas shopping. But I was just not having any luck. I had my mental list written but couldn't find anything. Oh for The Bay or Zellers where I know where to find what I wanted in the store. I'm still not all that familiar with the shops here so that was a bit frustrating.

So after walking around the entire mall the first time I gave up on Christmas gifts as I wasn't able to locate anything on my list. So second tactic was to attempt to look for some boots. As you've heard me say before I have very small feet so finding shoes is almost impossible. But with a boot I can get away with something that is perhaps a bit on the larger size as I can wear some thick socks and then also as it surrounds your leg it won't fall off. But that was a bust as well. Seems most stores don't have anything under a size 4 when it comes to boots.

So spend the whole day out, got chilled to the bone and came home with nothing other than a box of light bulbs for one of the lamps in the lounge.

But it did get me out of the house.

Darkness

2007-12-06T20:27:00.001Z

Walking to work this morning the light was eerie. The sun had started to come up but it was the first morning where the street lights were still on, so is seemed strange.

It only took 2 blocks and they turned off and then it seemed normal again. But it once again reminds me I'm in a different part of the world. As I'm further north than Vancouver in the summer it's great as the days are soooooo long. But in the winter it's the opposite, the days just keep getting shorter and shorter and shorter. And it's not even the winter solstice yet.

Walking out of the office tonight I noticed that there is already a Christmas Tree behind the reception desk. Picking up some vegetables at the Sainsbury's store I heard Elvis crooning how he'll once again be having a Blue Christmas without me (so why doesn't he call?). B&Q has their live potted Christmas Trees for sale in the parking lot.

Last year this time I think I had more time to prepare for Christmas as I hadn't even started work at this point. Now I'm just so consumed with monthly statistical reports, training plans, reference manuals I just have no time or energy to think about writing Christmas cards, Amazon.ca or .co.uk wish lists and I realize I'm running out of time.

I know Christmas is NOT about gifts and materialism. But there is something about taking the time out to think about those you love and wanting to give them something just to remind them that you do care. It's not about how much money you spend, but (and I know this sounds cliche) but it's the thought you put into it. And that's what I feel bad about, I just don't seem to have the brain power enough at the end of the day to be able to do that. But I'm trying not to stress about it.

So if you're expecting a card or a gift from me, it might be a bit late.

Other thoughts. I was going through my flickr photos. There is this great tool where you can click on Archive and look at what pictures you took on a particular day. I looked up my shots taken on Dec 6, 2006. I hadn't started work yet so was still into my daily routine of just walking out the door and wandering the city.

This was the day I found the Science Centre and walked the River Clyde into City Centre. It was a beautiful sunny day, I watched a 3D Imax movie, got lots of exercise walking. It was a good day. Some day (soon) I hope to have the freedom and flexibility to have a day like that again.

A Macaroni Pie, 2 Sausage Rolls and a Haggis Pie

2007-12-03T20:49:00.000Z

Culture is a funny thing.

When you think of culture, what's the first thing that pops into your head?

Race?
Religion?
Dress?
Music?

How about lunch...

I frequent a sandwich shop called Greggs pretty much every day. It's cheap, quick and the food isn't half bad. I can get a spicy Chicken wrap and a cup of tomato soup for £2.64 which is good for the budget.

Today though I started thinking about those cultural differences when the guy in front of me ordered a macaroni pie, 2 sausage rolls and a haggis pie. The haggis reference is a given, but then there is the fact that this is a carb grease & pork product laden meal. Not a vegetable in sight. And did I mention the Iron Bru to wash that nutritious meal down with?

Other offerings that are common in the various sandwich shops are prawn cocktail sandwiches, i.e. small prawns swimming in mayonnaise in a roll. Tuna and mayo, chicken and mayo, cheese and mayo. In fact when I think of it pretty much every sandwich is swimming in mayonnaise, and don't forget the popular sprinkling of sweet corn, (I still don't understand that one).

There are TV commercials dedicated to the promotion of getting people to eat there 5 portions of fruit and veg per day. And no, chips don't count as a portion of veg. In a country where everything is either deep fried, greasy or covered in mayonaise I'm amazed I haven't gained 20 pounds.

Must be because I drink Guiness - it's good for you ;>)

Because It's Ladies Night

2007-11-25T22:15:00.000Z

Saturday was all about hangin' with the girls.

Early afternoon I met with a downstairs neighbour for a light lunch and coffee at a new Deli that opened up on Park Drive, Sonny & Vitos Deli Cafe. Then I hopped the underground to meet up for an afternoon at a Day Spa to get my hands and feet pampered with a manicure & pedicure.

I will be honest, the treatments themselves were not the best I've ever had, but the staff were so warm, friendly and very accommodating as there were 8 of us coming and going and making last minute changes.

After the spa, we then went to Mags house for tea, cakes and chocolate and the inevitable yak fest that happens when women get together. The lemon cupcakes were particularly yummy.

The evening ended with us moving to another house and en route we purchased some wine and Chinese Take-a-way. Once dinner was inhaled (we were all starving by this time) we moved into the lounge to watch the ultimate chick flick, An Affair To Remember.

I've never seen this movie before other than the small clip that was used in Sleepless in Seattle. I swear throughout the movie they couldn't decide whether Cary Grant's hair was to be gray or dark as it keeps switching back between various scenes (major continuity error there).

But it was a fun day all around, just hangin' out with the girls.

Some Dry White Toast, 4 Fried Chickens and a Coke

2007-11-10T11:20:00.000Z

My smile muscles hurt :>)

The Grosvenor Cinema on Friday and Saturday nights has what they call the Late Night Throwback. For a measly 3 pounds you can go to the 11:30 PM show and watch something from the past. Last nights' flick was something from my Top 10 List.

The Blues Brothers

Here's some trivia for you. This was the first movie our family watched on video. And I'm not talking VHS, but Beta. The movie was so long (over 2 hrs) it was on 2 tapes.

There is so much about this movie that I just love. The look, the sound, the car crashes. Has anyone ever managed to count up the total number of police cruisers that were demolished in the making of that iconic chase scene at the end?

But for me, it's all about the music.

The sound track is a who's who of the Blues scene and to this day, 27 yrs after it was released it still holds up.

James Brown
Aretha Franklin
John Lee Hooker
Ray Charles
Cab Calloway

Then there is the music that's playing in the background. Classic R&B all the way.

Well OK, the car chases are pretty cool too.

I was grinning from ear to ear all night and I couldn't hold it in anymore when Ray Charles started singing Twisting and I started dancing in my seat.

I am SUCH a geek.