tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441797023676966042024-02-19T17:37:06.667-08:00The World Is A Book...To roam the roads of lands remote/To travel is to live (Hans Christian Andersen)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-39385973769310822312014-07-14T15:24:00.001-07:002014-07-14T15:26:08.249-07:00A New Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi everyone,<br />
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I know it's been a bit quiet on this blog...it's been a crazy time, in every sense of the word.<br />
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I've decided, after 4 years, it's time to start afresh with a new blog.<br />
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If you want to read up on my TEFL adventure in Barcelona, and various poems I write along the way, you can find the new blog, <a href="http://pasturesnuevos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">PASTURES NUEVOS</a>, right here.<br />
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By no means am I throwing 'The World Is A Book' away; there are far too many treasured memories within it for that. I'm just putting this old treasure chest under the bed for now, letting it collect dust, ready to uncover and enjoy its vintage value at a later date.<br />
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xxx</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-29049055871974779352014-04-24T15:09:00.003-07:002014-04-30T01:55:51.971-07:00Beers, Bitterballen, And Meeting Another 'Jenever' In Amsterdam...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let's face it- even if you have never been to Amsterdam, you feel like you have been already. You can picture the infamous Red Light district and smell the countless coffee shops. Yes, both of these are a unique and exciting part of Amsterdam- but somehow it's never quite emphasised just how quaint and beautiful the city itself is.<br />
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I should probably backtrack and give all this a little context! With four days off over Easter weekend, we decided to head to a city we've both been talking about for a little while. With a flight time of around 35 minutes from posh, built-for-businessmen London City Airport to Amsterdam Schipol, we felt like we were there in no time at all!<br />
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Now, I know everyone knows that Amsterdam has a lot of canals, but I feel this point needs to be reiterated somewhat. Amsterdam has a LOT of canals- if you are not walking one block away from a canal, you have probably somehow wandered out of the city. Somehow, even though we were a little disorganised with our accommodation, we ended up in a canal house on Herengracht- on the top floor. These canal houses- ours included- look like they haven't aged in around 100 years. Narrow, pastel coloured buildings, with kooky roof shapes...and the hidden danger of the stairs within. Not only are those stairs steep, but the ceilings above are low- considering the Dutch people are know for their tall height, this is quite a surprising architectural decision. Our particular stairs had a silver handle on the way down, otherwise you would probably end up sliding down the stairs as you tried to limbo under the low ceilings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNgq9Fsy-PDICnZUh_yE0fE_Ko8KhqE5hyif3vSiP1uKUl5QBz_DVLikf3uQgYK01WrEfIVaKtA6FuXP7Nyr-7E7AQxRCz519tSas0JcOqindPlVJbO6e1LsG6kGYhjV4RAevP4-eONE/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNgq9Fsy-PDICnZUh_yE0fE_Ko8KhqE5hyif3vSiP1uKUl5QBz_DVLikf3uQgYK01WrEfIVaKtA6FuXP7Nyr-7E7AQxRCz519tSas0JcOqindPlVJbO6e1LsG6kGYhjV4RAevP4-eONE/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Hotel Hegra is definitely a great place to stay location wise- 10 minutes from the main station, Amsterdam Centraal (only 15 minutes to the airport! Amazing!), 10 minutes to Anne Frank's house (more on that later), and 10 minutes to the one and only Red Light District. As soon as we entered our hotel, we were told a strict rule about the latter: 'No photographs. I tried when I was a tourist...the polict chased after me'. Of course, this was enough to deter us, hence the lack of photos...but I will certainly describe it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk17hs6eCBOCRdf5SE0NiMuBYWxtCh8ncSJplGFBw1Qr8qOyv6qM0Otie3aXDR5MRATGpCuCcxaMxvVA3PBtBUhCT1pRW_x7UXJIkRzDoLQ169IJTbfKrIGd7i2VCUEbvP2EeN6ArmIY/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk17hs6eCBOCRdf5SE0NiMuBYWxtCh8ncSJplGFBw1Qr8qOyv6qM0Otie3aXDR5MRATGpCuCcxaMxvVA3PBtBUhCT1pRW_x7UXJIkRzDoLQ169IJTbfKrIGd7i2VCUEbvP2EeN6ArmIY/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Patrick and I were relaxing in the pub 'De Berkeede Suster', drinking home-brewed wheat beer (quite popular in Amsterdam, it would seem), and enjoying <i>bitterballen</i> (round beef croquettes), when we had our first experience with the Amsterdam Red Light world. There was a commotion outside; we're still not sure exactly what went on, but it ended with lots of men being handcuffed and led into a police van, two sheepish looking 'Red Light' ladies, and the pub next door being closed at 6pm in the evening. As we left our pub and walked down a little side-street, we suddenly realised- you can be in the Red Light District, and not even realise it! It soon becomes clear, obviously, when you are surrounding by ladies behind windows in ever y direction- some beckoning, some opening and closing their door temptingly...and some texting. Once we turned on the main strip, the atmosphere was something else. There was an air about the place that everybody knew they shouldn't be looking, but that anything was allowed that night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitterballen</td></tr>
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You can't talk about Amsterdam without talking about the bikes. It's true what they say- everybody rides a bike here. I would agree that Amsterdam is a 'bike-friendly' city- but this also makes it a little scary for pedestrians. Crossing the street was no minor feat- with trams, cars, buses, bikes and fellow pedestrians to contend with, you really have to have more self-awareness about you than I usually do when crossing a road. As a Londoner, we tend to take pedestrian crossing signals with a pinch of salt- but in Amsterdam, you really do need to wait until all possible modes of transport have crossed your path! In case you are wondering, we did not rent bikes while we were there- this is probably down to me, as I am a nervous bike rider at the best of times, and we saw several bike crashes on our first day there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ossenworst!</td></tr>
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We really were lucky enough to have gorgeous weather while we were there- the perfect weather to sit by the river, with the sun sparkling off its surface, and enjoy a wide selection of Dutch beers, deep fried cheese straws, and <i>ossenworst</i> (raw minced sausage). A few more unexpected food discoveries here as well- everyone loves eating fries in a cone paper cup, Indonesian food is popular here, pancakes are also pretty damn tasty here, and croissants with any mild, delicious Dutch cheese is actually the best way to start your day. We visited a few cheese factories, and its fair to say that the Dutch, whether its Edam, Emmental or Gouda, know how to make a cheese to please the masses.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immense pancakes- ham and cheese on my side, apple and bacon with maple syrup for Patrick (ever the Canadian!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indonesian feast!</td></tr>
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As we're on the topic of food and drink, let me quickly discuss the Amsterdam liquor that we tried- jenever. My pronunciation of it was not quite correct- as one barman told me, it is 'jeneVER, not like the girl's name.' Funny I should try to pronounce it like that (!). On a mid-afternoon where the wheat beer and hot weather were making us a tad sleepy, jenever was the perfect pick-me-up (as well as an escape from the crazy carnival atmosphere of Dam Square). A juniper-based drink, the tulip-shaped glass is filled with jenever to the brim; the only way to avoid spillage is to place the drink on the bar, bend over and slurp it up. It's definitely an acquired taste, but there are many varieties to choose from- bitter, sweet, whatever flavour you would like. No city visit is complete without trying at least one random local liquor!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De Drie Fleschjes- The Three Brothers pub, just off Dam Square</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zhmIuwjdGXlfe8OICjqOOejbLSgTi-wJAHPpwHYzvS-6XHgAl7UbIqJshbGf3Nls6qeQj40yxaIU0qUWC0fvJmmuCi8Akf75MI5sO9aZa73BpopP76teulY407tBgdyvJ7Ky23ZDIGU/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zhmIuwjdGXlfe8OICjqOOejbLSgTi-wJAHPpwHYzvS-6XHgAl7UbIqJshbGf3Nls6qeQj40yxaIU0qUWC0fvJmmuCi8Akf75MI5sO9aZa73BpopP76teulY407tBgdyvJ7Ky23ZDIGU/s1600/IMG_0934.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>The Anne Frank House- a part of Amsterdam that you literally cannot miss, as it is right in the middle of the city. You can see it coming a mile off as well, with the two-hour queue outside. We chose to go on the rainy day- good decision for the museum itself, bad choice for the queuing. Thanks to a generous bystander with her umbrella, and my Kindle version of Anne Frank's Diary, the queue actually went pretty quickly. I know this is a crazy thing to say, but I wish Anne could see the amount of people inspired by her story; every day we were there, the queue just never died down. The house itself was haunting- all the rooms were empty, with photos of what they would have looked like in the war years. This was Otto Frank's decision, to reflect the emptiness left in many people's lives after the Holocaust. After reading Anne's diary in the queue, it was great to see the rooms that became her life for two whole years. For me, the most moving part was at the end, when her diary was there on show- it just brought it home, more so than ever, that this girl really lived this story she told, and that she was so dedicated to her writing. It was so humbling to be in this house, and to hear the quarter hour bells that rang, just as Anne described them...we were all witnessing a part of history, as well as an important reason to prevent such cruelty in the future.<br />
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I've rambled on a fair bit about Amsterdam, but I'll finish on what I think makes Amsterdam so special. It's not the Red Light District- not directly, anyway. It's not the bikes. It's not the canals, the kooky canal houses, the jenever. It's the idea behind them all- that unique Amsterdam psyche, whereby the simple pleasures in life rule over modern technology. Don't be fooled. Holland's capital city is certainly keeping the pace with the mod-cons of everyday life- but its main beauty is not caring what anybody else in the world thinks. It may not be a typical capital city in many respects, but it doesn't care- it's simple and it has its own rules. You'll leave Amsterdam having breathed in that attitude- and that is almost as beautiful as the city itself.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-54965512270711476852014-03-24T16:10:00.000-07:002014-04-24T15:15:38.832-07:00Guinness, Temple Bar, and Other Dublin Cliches...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been meaning to go to Dublin for the past, I don't know, 10 years...but somehow have always headed somewhere else instead. Well, no more, I told myself at the end of last year...and what better time to go, than combining a certain somebody's birthday, and St. Paddy's Day? </div>
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It was certainly an enlightening week. Here are just a few of the things I learned in those four days.</div>
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<b>- Dublin is quite a small city. </b>Always a pleasant shock for a Londoner when you can walk everywhere downtown. Moving on from one obvious fact to the next...</div>
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<b>- Temple Bar wasn't just a really, really popular bar...but an actual STREET</b>. Who knew? Everyone but us, apparently, as we wandered down Temple Bar, looking for Temple Bar, and ending up in a sticky-floored crazy place filled with over-excited Americans. And as for St. Paddy's Day...absolutely mental. Floppy green hats everywhere (including on my head), people singing and dancing on the street...your average St. Paddy's Day, really, but on an amplified scale.</div>
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- <b>Bruxelle's on Harry Street does literally the best breakfast in Dublin</b>. We only went in there for a pastry or something- and got SO much more. It was simple- over-easy egg, sausage, bacon, toast. Coffees the first time we went, and- because we were hardened Dubliners by then- Guinnesses the next. I don't know what made is so special, but I'd highly recommend it. It would have made a great hangover cure after Patrick's birthday, had we not opted for room service.</div>
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- <b>Palace Bar is full of very interesting characters</b>. This was probably one of our favourite pubs- great natural lighting from the skylight, pictures on the wall denoting its history, and- to top it all off- its own whiskey. We revisited on St Paddy's Day, and met a very interesting Englishman- a self confessed 'idiot' who showed us his checklist of 30 must-visit Dublin pubs. He claimed he was halfway through the list; I reckon he was a little further on, considering he wandered into the lady's toilets, and promised us a dance later in the evening. Shame we didn't stay to see that dance!</div>
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- <b>There are quite a few Irish beers beyond Guinness, </b>as we discovered at the Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival. Some of the more eye-catching brand included the charmingly named Galway Hooker (a reference to fishing, I'm sure), Metalman (for the harder man), Trouble Brewing (well, at least they're honest) and White Gypsy.</div>
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- <b>All the signs in Dublin are written in Irish and English</b>. Just a small thing, but something I wasn't really expecting, for some reason. Something everyone else probably already knew, just like the 'Temple-bar-is-a-street-not-just-a-bar' fact.</div>
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- <b>Ireland are quite good at rugby</b>. Heading to O Neills' pub to watch the Ireland vs. Italy rugby match- pretty important game, apparently. As Irishmen and women hollered at the screen, I tucked into a delicious shepherds' pie topped with a pig-in-blanket...awesome. At the beginning, I wanted Ireland to win so there would be a good atmosphere- then changed my mind halfway when I realised I was English, and that my home country would win if Ireland lost. I only cheered a little bit when Italy got close to winning- I did value my life, after all. Saying all that, I'm glad Ireland won in the end- it was far more pleasant having happy, singing Irishmen around us.</div>
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- <b>There's good seafood to be had in Dublin</b>. The seafood tower we had at SMS, a random fish restaurant that serves fish-and-chips out the back, but quite fancy fish dishes (wine only. darling) at the front. I took the waiter's recommendation of the roasted beets, and was very glad I did...mmm mmm MMM! </div>
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- <b>The Guinness factory...is filled with every tourist in Dublin.</b> Here comes the obligatory mention of Dublin's number 1 attraction, as voted on Trip Advisor. Don't get me wrong, it was great- the steak and Guinness stew there was particularly good- but it was a little bit of a conveyor-belt, shuffling along and catching glimpses of information before feeling guilt-tripped into moving on. We did choose to go the day before St. Paddy's Day, so it was our own fault, I suppose. Tip for those planning to go- do NOT join the big queue on the left. Buy your tickets online, and you can pretty much skip all the crowds...it's a pretty neat trick! Patrick got quite a fetching jersey to take away, as well.</div>
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- <b>Jameson and Ginger is a great alternative when you've had enough Guinness</b>...as discovered at Temple Bar's 'The Auld Dubliner'. Staying out later than we had in a long time (we're getting older now), singing along to the live music at the Auld Dubliner. I seem to remember getting very excited when U2 came on- U2 was pretty much the soundtrack of the whole trip.</div>
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- <b>Howth is a charming little seaside town close to Dublin</b>, only around 30 minutes away by train. A nice getaway when you're becoming too much of a regular in your favourite Dublin boozers.</div>
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<b>- Guinness is quite delicious</b>. Enough said.</div>
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You see? It wasn't all about the drinking and partying...we learned things too! Mostly about drinking, but still. I'm glad we got to see the Paddy's Day madness, but I'm quite keen to see a quieter side of Dublin too...although something tells me that may not exist.</div>
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Next adventure for us- Amsterdam!</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-28542299643226052362014-03-07T09:29:00.002-08:002014-03-07T09:30:08.953-08:00A Little Indulgent Reflection...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you'll excuse me everybody, I am just going to allow myself a little self-indulgent reflection on the last five years. Deep, I know- but I have to do it sometimes, or I'm worried that a lot of memories will get lost. I know I'll always have this faithful blog to remind me of the good times, but still...sometimes you need to see it written out in front of you.<br />
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<b>Five years ago...I was bookselling at Waterstones, saving for my first big trip to Australia.</b><br />
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<b>Four years ago...I was waitressing in Melbourne, saving for my first big trip to Asia.</b><br />
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<b>Three years ago...I was riding on the back of a motorbike in Vietnam.</b><br />
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<b>Two years ago...I was teaching primary school children in Fiji.</b><br />
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<b>One year ago...I was about to start a new career entirely as a travel agent with Flight Centre.</b><br />
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....and here I am now.<br />
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When I look at the black-and-white facts in front of me, it's clear to me that this is not what I expected five years ago. Any 'five-year-plans' I had made were blown out of the water after meeting Patrick, and staying in Australia a while.<br />
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Just because I've become less of a 'planner' about my everyday life, it doesn't mean that I have lost sight of my ultimate plan. That goal of mine- to get novel/poems of mine published- is still such a burning desire, and actually burns brighter every day. This has been my dream since I was five years old- cheesy, but true. I will get there- I <i>have</i> to get there- I just need to be patient and persistent. Oh, and I actually need to write some more.<br />
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I guess what I'm trying to say- to myself, as much as everybody else- is that aiming for dreams is good (make sure <a href="http://jenmarysmithtravels.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/poem-about-dreams.html" target="_blank">the Dream Snatcher</a> does not take them away), but also plans should be flexible. Life is about two things- being happy, and being challenged everyday. Often these things go hand in hand, but it is important to remember that this is what life should be about. We should never feel like we are in a rut, going along just because we feel like we have to. We need to do exactly what we want to do (without hurting anybody along the way, of course)- or at least start on the path of doing so, if we can't get there yet. See the positive side in every 'obstacle' in your life- you may see it as a stepping stone in five years time.<br />
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Right, that's enough deep thought for me. Time for a cider on this sunny Friday afternoon!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-81916204871660463462014-02-09T08:48:00.000-08:002014-02-09T08:54:47.363-08:00My Love-Hate Relationship With London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I must confess, as a Londoner born and bred (well, sort of), I tend to have a love-hate relationship with my home city. Some days when I commuted, when I looked around at all the depressed faces on a Monday morning, getting tetchy about jumping the queues for the tube or stopping for a second on the escalator, London pressed down on me and brought any other worries bubbling to the fore.</div>
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I've always battled with trying not to let this taint my love for everything that London offers. Opportunities, history, music, theatre, art, shopping, sports, markets- just pure, unadulterated VARIETY. I truly believe that you can never be bored in London. Granted, with little money your options are limited- but there are still dozens of activities to keep you occupied, if you are open to a little 'wandering'. </div>
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On that note, I have realised that I am happiest in London when I am simply wandering around (or running), and simply soaking up its ambience. The best way to see this is to pretend you are a tourist...to keep seeing London through fresh eyes.</div>
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I want to celebrate the five best things about our new part of London- Southwark. This area was never really on our radar, and I was worried it was going to be a bit too 'corporate' and soulless...but that could not be further from the truth!</div>
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<li class="li1">THE OLD VIC (AND YOUNG VIC)- On an eventless Saturday night, a partially inebriated Patrick and I decided to go and see a play at one of London's oldest and most famous theatres. With 1 minute before the performance was due to begin, we also managed to get half price stall seats! We went to see an updated version of 'Fortune's Fool', a Russian play written in 1848 by the Russian playwright Turgenev. In the first half of this play, we are introduced to a newly wed aristocratic couple who return to the wife's inherited country estate, and learn of an old gentleman who has lived there for 30 years. After a shocking ending to the first half, the second half sees a more touching ambience, as all the characters try to cope with the unexpected news they have just heard- as well as cope with the odious next-door-neighbour. A great impromptu evening, and a lovely theatre!</li>
<li class="li1">THE RING- When we wandered in here, we just thought this was a cool local pub with American feel about it. All the boxing photos around just seemed to be a nice touch; it was only when we read up about it that we realised the birth place of modern boxing was in the site opposite, where Southwark underground station now stands. As well as pretty unique history, this pub probably does some of the best hot dogs in town- and some pretty decent nacho's too (even Patrick thinks so!)</li>
<li class="li1">MESON DON FELIPE- a great tapas restaurant that looks very understated from the outside, but is bustling almost every day of the week inside</li>
<li class="li1">MAD HATTER HOTEL- Ever since Patrick sampled a steak-and-guinness pie in Melbourne, he has beem finding for a similarly-perfect meat pie here- and sadly has not found any that compared. The pub attached to this hotel- which actually feels more like a hotel attached to a pub, with the well-established feel of the drinking joint- always seems quieter than the other pubs around, so is a great place to retreat after a long and stressful day!</li>
<li class="li1">BLACKFRIARS WINE BAR- Situated under one of the bridge archways, this is not your average pretentious city bar; it is locally owned, and does great pizzas and nachos!</li>
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We've only been here a few weeks, so hopefully there is much more to discover. We may have seen an ugly side to this city this week, with the miserable weather and tube strikes- but I am determined to keep feeling the love for London.</div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-68363065909513545622014-01-12T05:42:00.000-08:002014-01-12T05:42:57.842-08:00REVIEW- GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, as normal, I am a little late on the bandwagon...<i>Gone Girl</i> was the top-selling paperback while I was working for Waterstones back in 2012. With this one, I had heard such wildly mixed reviews, from 'I hated the book so much that I threw it across the room in disgust' to 'You won't be able to put it down!', that I just had to get my own opinion on this psychological thriller.<br />
<br />
Nick and Amy, a beautiful all-American couple, are getting ready to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. However, it all goes horribly wrong when Nick arrives home to find his wife missing. As the police delve deeper into the case, and the reader also gets access to Amy's detailed diary, it seems not all was right with this seemingly idyllic marriage. As a result, Nick soon turns from being the pitied husband to main suspect. We follow him as he is quickly swept into a whirlwind of accusation, desperately trying to claw himself out and prove his innocence. <br />
<br />
Here I would like to open a debate- can you enjoy a book if you do not like either of the protagonists? I always assumed not- how can you invest personal interest if you do not care about what happens to them? However, Flynn has changed my mind- neither Nick nor Amy are likeable, but they are both hugely charismatic. They were not characters that solely lived and breathed on the pages; they seemed to have lingering thoughts and secrets way beyond this story. <br />
<br />
For me, the last line of a book can make or break a book; the final impression is everything. Flynn did not disappoint with the last chapter here- chillingly unexpected. After finishing, I joined online debates about the ending- opinion seemed very mixed, and my own thoughts actually evolved upon reflection. I love endings that linger in my mind, as I wonder how else it could have ended, ultimately understanding that the author's chosen ending is more brilliant than any normal, anticipated finale.<br />
<br />
Psychological thrillers are not usually my thing- but this one was cleverly written, without being too obvious about it. Halfway through, I thought I had the story all wrapped up...how wrong could I have been?</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-48497858856793931722014-01-08T15:13:00.000-08:002014-01-08T15:13:00.460-08:00The Adventures of Sophie And Mr. Cheval<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOFq8hq3rXKfelBwXOq_fmmknU9mPe6M4dwFOq9otbB_rm9xQlSUO2oi7qnDe6vKQKZmihgbHWo2sg-BznuRXCx7SGEJPSgiYbGe14qRU9VqyEGBLYtI4zzrcS4kgPJhH2q3MoFVEE3A/s1600/purple+horse+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOFq8hq3rXKfelBwXOq_fmmknU9mPe6M4dwFOq9otbB_rm9xQlSUO2oi7qnDe6vKQKZmihgbHWo2sg-BznuRXCx7SGEJPSgiYbGe14qRU9VqyEGBLYtI4zzrcS4kgPJhH2q3MoFVEE3A/s200/purple+horse+2.jpg" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh681Bl-nvhDtD5dMHyBiJb_2kxZaaE65_UZIDuwSHHEPR7gCu5w_h-6dzrNv3Ts1QifumLu9s33sCyoysL7rF1k4LpCyxDicVQyYiu8L8SaZPlIXuInHulnbarPGmVpY4ynrca34hSO1c/s1600/purple+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh681Bl-nvhDtD5dMHyBiJb_2kxZaaE65_UZIDuwSHHEPR7gCu5w_h-6dzrNv3Ts1QifumLu9s33sCyoysL7rF1k4LpCyxDicVQyYiu8L8SaZPlIXuInHulnbarPGmVpY4ynrca34hSO1c/s200/purple+horse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Inspired by and dedicated to Sophie Martz</i></span><br />
<br />
One day, Sophie Marie's best pal,<br />
The purple horse Mr. Cheval,<br />
Came up to Sophie feeling glum-<br />
'What's the matter, my old chum?'<br />
Said Sophie- poor Mr Cheval sighed,<br />
Opened his mouth- and then he cried.<br />
This confused Sophie Marie-<br />
'Mr. Cheval, what can it be?'<br />
Her friend opened his mouth once more,<br />
Pointed to it, then cried like before.<br />
'Mr Cheval, have you lost your 'neigh'?<br />
Oh- if you had, you wouldn't say!'<br />
Mr. Cheval quickly shook his head,<br />
Tried to 'neigh'- a BAAAA came out instead! <br />
'Oh NO!' said Sophie, 'just like a sheep!<br />
Just like the ones that help me sleep!<br />
Poor Mr. Cheval, what can we do?<br />
Just WHO can help a horse like you?'<br />
Her purple friend made no reply<br />
And looked again like he may cry<br />
Before Sophie said 'I have an idea!<br />
I have a friend who's very dear-<br />
The wisest bird I've ever known-<br />
I wonder to which tree he's flown?'<br />
Can YOU guess, just WHO, just WHO-<br />
Young Sophie took Mr. Cheval to?<br />
That's right! The wise Mr Hibou,<br />
An owl who loved 'Peekaboo'-<br />
Though he was smart and funny and kind<br />
He was always so hard to find!<br />
But Sophie knew that Mr Hibou<br />
Would at least have the SLIGHTEST clue<br />
What happened to Mr. Cheval's neigh<br />
And help him find it in some way!<br />
'I think I know where he may be,<br />
Mr Cheval, please come with me!'<br />
So off they went to Arbre Wood-<br />
Luckily, Sophie was quite good<br />
At playing the game 'Peekaboo!'<br />
As soon as they heard 'WHO WHO, WHO WHO',<br />
They knew Mr. Hibou was near<br />
'Is that my friend SOPHIE I hear?'<br />
Mr. Hibou came swooping down<br />
And landed right on Sophie's crown.<br />
'There you are, Mr. Hibou,<br />
Oh, we are very glad to see you!<br />
We found out earlier on today<br />
That Mr. Cheval has lost his neigh<br />
And now BAAAS like a sheep- but why?'<br />
Mr. Cheval began to cry<br />
'Poor purple horse!' said Mr. Hibou<br />
'This is so strange- at half past two<br />
Mr. Mouton came to visit me,<br />
The sheep was as sad as could be<br />
When I asked 'Why are you sad today?'<br />
He opened his mouth and replied 'NEEEEIGH!<br />
It seems you each have the other's voice-<br />
That leaves us with no other choice<br />
We must go to Mr Mouton right now<br />
And swap back- though I'm not sure how!'<br />
'Let's go!' said Sophie, 'It's getting late<br />
And Maman serves dinner at eight!'<br />
So the owl, the horse and Sophie Marie<br />
Walked (and flew) for a field or three,<br />
Sophie cried Mr. Mouton's name,<br />
But all these sheep looked just the same-<br />
Then, Sophie Marie heard a NEEEEEIGH<br />
As a black sheep came their way!<br />
'Mr Mouton!' said Mr. Hibou,<br />
'This horse must swap voices with you-<br />
Though we're not too sure how, of course...'<br />
'Neeigh?' said the sheep, 'Baaa!' said the horse.<br />
Mr Hibou said, 'It's not quite clear...'<br />
Sophie said 'I have an idea!<br />
Let each one sing their own song,<br />
Mr. Hibou, let's sing along!<br />
Let's start with Mr. Mouton's ditty-<br />
'Baa Baa Black Sheep'- it's very pretty!<br />
Mr. Cheval, wait for the next tune<br />
Or you'll be BAAA-ing until next June!'<br />
So Sophie, the sheep and Mr. Sibou<br />
Sang the song- you can sing too!<br />
<br />
<i>'Baa Baa Black Sheep,</i><br />
<i>Have you any wool?</i><br />
<i>Yes sir, yes sir,</i><br />
<i>Three bags full, </i><br />
<i>One for the master</i><br />
<i>One for the dame,</i><br />
<i>And one for the little boy</i><br />
<i>Who lives down the lane!'</i><br />
<br />
Now, Mr Cheval, it's time for you,<br />
I know the song that we should do-<br />
Old Macdonald is a great song-<br />
Let's sing it now (pssst, sing along!)<br />
<br />
<i>'Old Macdonald had a farm,</i><br />
<i>E-i-e-i-o,</i><br />
<i>And on that farm he had a horse</i><br />
<i>E-i-e-i-o,</i><br />
<i>With a NEIGH NEIGH here</i><br />
<i>And a NEIGH NEIGH there,</i><br />
<i>Here a NEIGH,</i><br />
<i>There a NEIGH,</i><br />
<i>Everywhere a NEIGH NEIGH,</i><br />
<i>Old Macdonald had a farm,</i><br />
<i>E-i-e-i-o!'</i><br />
<br />
Once each animal had sung their song,<br />
They waitedā¦and it was not long<br />
Before Mr. Cheval gave a great 'NEEEIGH'<br />
And Mr Mouton's 'BAAAd'- hooray!<br />
'Well done, Sophie!' said Mr Hibou,<br />
'What would have down without you?'<br />
'We're a team, Mr Hibou!<br />
Time for a game of 'Peekaboo!'<br />
So, the four of them played all day-<br />
Mr. Cheval was so happy to 'neigh',<br />
They'd made a new friend in Mr. Mouton-<br />
It just shows how much is fixed by song.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-88556835960888474892014-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:002014-01-05T05:30:00.528-08:00My 2014, As Spoken by Stephen Fry...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My New Year's Resolution this year is going to be...to not set resolutions. Sound crazy? I'll let the ever-inspirational and wise Stephen Fry explain. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.openculture.com/2010/05/stephen_fry_what_i_wish_i_had_known_when_i_was_18.html" target="_blank">Stephen Fry: What I Wish I Had Known When I Was 18. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Let's see how a plan-aholic such as myself can cope with this. I'm already itching to write a list of goals...</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0Europe51.399205653553778 -2.460937531.618279653553778 -43.7695315 71.180131653553786 38.8476565tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-59197834754941296502014-01-03T03:51:00.001-08:002014-01-03T05:42:51.970-08:00A Hot-Tubbin', Boot-Campin', Hockey-Watchin' Christmas in Phoenix...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2014 already, hey? How quickly did that creep up on us?! I suppose that's because Santa brought me TWO Christmas Days this year, Smith-style and Martz-style...I must have been a good girl in 2013!</div>
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My Christmas week in Phoenix seemed to fly by- but I certainly made the most of it, packing it full with...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Exercise!</span></div>
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I went to my first U.S exercise class...and nearly died. In a good way! This would be an amazing class, if I had any shred of fitness!! This was closely followed by my first Christmas Day boot camp, courtesy of Miss Natalie Martz. No ordinary boot camp for us; there was an American segment (football lunges), a Canadian segment (maple tree squats), and of course a Christmas segment. In the latter, I particularly enjoyed the 'turkey dance''s sound effects- wish I had taken a video! Creative exercise is definitely the best kind!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Enjoying the hot tub!</span></div>
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Pretty much every waking moment (when I wasn't eating or becoming increasingly disturbed by <i>Gone Girl</i>) was spent in here. Literally, what could be better than relaxing in a steaming hot tub, squinting in the sunshine and looking out to the wild, cactus-filled Arizona desert?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Eating!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We may have started the holiday with no wings at Toronto Airport (Patrick was not a happy Canadian bunny), but we soon made up for it with countless treats in the next week. Spanish tapas, two seafood towers (promptly demolished!), EPIC steak, cabbage rolls, bacon brussel sprouts, Jamie Oliver's orange and proscuitto Christmas salad, Patrick's ol' fave Italian sausage spaghetti...I should probably stop there, this is turning into a shopping list. Oh, and Patrick got his wing-fix at the golf club! There, I've finished now. Wait- quick mention to Sabine's delicious rum cake...I literally could have eaten the whole thing. And the campfire smores, of course. (The reason I'm embarking on no-carbs January suddenly becomes clear!)</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Endless fun with Sophie!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last time I saw this lovely little girl was when she was born...suffice to say, she's grown a tad in the last year and a half. She's a smart cookie who loves to climb pretty much everything, and has a particular fondness for 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' (don't we all?). Her 'Peekaboo' skills are also impeccable! I'm looking forward to her own personal nursery rhyme concert next time we meet!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Exciting sports...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">...both played and watched! The boys took part in a four-day golfing tournament- it was team B and P Martz against team A Martz-Gilmore, with the former taking the trophy (of $50). Then there was our ping-pong tournament, where Mr. Evan Gilmore got his own back on Patrick with a 21-18 win. I have to mention the close call between Colleen and Danielle (Sabine's mum) as well- 21-18, pretty impressive! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was much better at being a spectator, howling with the fans (literally howling) at the Phoenix Coyotes- San Jose Sharks hockey match. Our buddies Boedker and Erkman-Larsson were playing (<a href="http://jenmarysmithtravels.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/o-canada-our-home-and-hockey-land.html" target="_blank">who we met a few years ago</a>)- I almost didn't recognise the latter without a box on his head! With a hot pretzel in one hand, and a Coors Light in the other, this was probably one of my most American moments. North American sporting events have a very different atmosphere to football (soccer) matches- presents thrown into the crowd in every ad break, both teams' fans dispersed randomly in the crowd. Watching the spectacle around me, as well as the game, is part of the excitement!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">************* </span></span></div>
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So, I was very lucky to be invited to such a lovely place- thanks again Bob and Colleen for such a fabulous week, and for everybody who I celebrated with along the way! I didn't take too many photos, but the few I took are below (plus one I stole from Sabine)...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalie, Sophie, Sabine, moi and Caroline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood tower!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the Phoenix- Toronto plane.</td></tr>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-16436383973332085712013-12-06T13:13:00.000-08:002013-12-06T13:14:50.570-08:00'Tis The Season To Get Reading....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Christmas is not just a time to devour turkey, chocolate, and pretty much everything- I love the time it gives you to get stuck into a book. Recently, I've rediscovered my love of reading- but have been too lax in my reviewing. In no particular order, here are my 4 top reads for the festive season...<br />
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AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED- KHALED HOSSEINI<br />
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Following up two brilliant books like 'The Kite Runner' and 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' was always going to be a challenge- but Hosseini has certainly managed it with this touching novel. A love story of multiple dimensions- a servant with his master's wife, a master with an unexpected love interest- and between a brother and his long-lost sister, you'll find yourself yearning for reunions of all sorts. Hosseini really does have a beautiful story-telling manner- the way the stories all subtly intertwine brings a gratifying unity to the novel. One that you will slowly fall in love with!<br />
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THE DIVERGENT TRILOGY- VERONICA ROTH<br />
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I'm counting these all as one because- trust me- you'll have to read one after the other. If you loved Hunger Games, you won't be able to resist these; Tris, the female protagonist of these novels is just as inspirational, strong and likable as Katniss. The worlds that these two girls inhabit are very different indeed.<br />
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In the Divergent novels, a world exists where everybody is born into a 'Faction'. These factions each champion a favourable quality in society- bravery, selflessness, truth, kindness and knowledge. When the faction members turn sixteen, they have to decide whether to stay in the faction they were born into- or to move to one more suitable, and risk losing touch with their family forever. Tris is one such teenager- and the decision she makes does not only impact her life, but ultimately the whole system. I can't say anymore without spoiling anything- just read these books, become emotionally invested in Tris and the world around her, and you will be unable to forget these books in a hurry.<br />
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THE FAULT IN OUR STARS- JOHN GREEN<br />
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When I worked at Waterstones, everybody was raving about this teenage book- so typically, in my stubborn fashion, I left it well alone until a year later. I read this book straight after the Divergent series; in hindsight, nothing was ever going to compare to that. Sixteen-year-old Hazel was certainly a great narrator, providing a fresh outlook on teenage cancer. Gus, Hazel's love interest from the cancer support group she attends, is a fanciable hunk with a difference- handsome, sporty, yet with an atypically quirky wit. <br />
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Comedy interspersed with tragedy is always an especially poignant combination; though a few conversations within the novel felt a little forced, on the whole the characters interacted with each other very naturally. Green may not have a particularly distinctive writing style, but he does come up with some beauties of lines, like when Hazel describes how she "fell in love the way [she] fell asleep- slowly, then all at once." With such linguistic gems, and a conclusion that you will not see coming, this book is definitely worth a read.<br />
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THE UNIVERSE VERSUS ALEX WOODS- GAVIN EXTENCE<br />
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I always love discovering debut novels- it's great reading something from a completely fresh perspective. With this novel, that certainly applies to the author himself, and his protagonist- the quirky, smart, socially awkward Alex Woods. We meet Alex as he is about to drive back into the UK after a trip to Europe...and just happens to have a heap of a marijuana in the glove compartment. Oh, and an urn on the passenger seat. The reader, and of course the police, are quick to make assumptions about this strange boy who seems too cool and calm, and certainly not having an 'epileptic seisure' like he claims. In an attempt to explain himself, Alex starts telling his own story, from the pinnacle moment his life took a strange turn. I won't spoil the surprise; all I will say is that it is, quite literally, out of this world...<br />
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This story is by no means just about Alex- the wonderfully cranky Mr. Peterson will endear himself to you, whether you start off liking him or not. His and Alex's unlikely friendship is one that brings out the best in them both, and takes them both to places neither of them imagined. Alex's mother is also a kooky delight, as is edgy Ellie.<br />
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Outer space, a moody pensioner, an underdog becoming the hero of his own story, and ultimately a serious moral question; Extence's writing hits all sorts of notes, together making a harmony of a novel.<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-37863402643469896742013-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:002013-10-26T02:25:12.795-07:00A Little Adventure Up North...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since Patrick has graced these British shores, we haven't had a chance to explore<b> </b>much of my home country. So, on a whim last weekend, we decided to go up North, all the way to a little country pub near Newcastle. A quick shameful fact- also happens to be the furthest North that this little southern lass has ever been in the UK!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Stepping out at Newcastle station, we quickly hopped onto the train to Riding Mill; within minutes, we were out of the industrial city and into lush green countryside. Being the city dwellers that we are, we were naive enough to assume that taxis would be at the other end- but luckily, the cosy 'Wellington' pub came to the rescue and called us a cab to the village of Newton.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As soon as we walked into the Duke of Wellington (that Duke must have really made an impression around here), we were made to feel right at home. Stone walls, countryside views, and rooms just above the pub- just what we had been looking for. Our room felt very homey, with soft-mattresses beds and wooden beams (that would later have white smears- more on that in a sec)...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We didn't stay in our room for long, as we happened to have arrived on one of the most exciting nights on the Welly's calendar- race night! The very friendly Dave soon rushed up to us and explained the drill (in a strong Geordie accent, so we took from it what we could)- they would play around 8 races, and we could bet/buy horses in each race. Getting into the spirit of things, we did both...and lost the first two races. Only lost Ā£2, but still...it hurt. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Before we were tempted to lose any more money, we headed back upstairs to chill out and plan our country walk the next day. As I lay back on my bed, I felt truly at one with the countryside around me; the birds were chirping so loudly, it was as though they were in the room. I closed my eyes to bask in the sounds, as the chirping was getting louder and louder...I looked up at the wooden beams, and- you guessed it- a little birdie was staring back at us. He was literally pooping himself with fear as we tried for at least half an hour to get him out. That little birdie wasn't the only one flapping about all over th place by the end of it...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">By pure coincidence, we had chosen a pub slap bang in the middle of Hadrian's Wall country. Here's a quick history lesson- Hadrian's Wall was built 2000 years ago by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and in its glory days, stretched from coast to coast. Today, only a few sections remain. It is NOT the wall that separates England and Scotland, as I have assumed for around 20 years. I blame the movie Braveheart...did it feature in Braveheart? Not sure, but I'm blaming it anyway.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, moving on...we fancied a bit of a country walk on Saturday, so decided to see some wall remnants at the aptly named Heddon-on-the-Wall. Google told us it would take 3 hours- Google told us wrong. After four hours of following the lovely (if muddy) Hadrian's Wall path, we finally found ourselves in Heddon...with no sign of the wall, as yet. There was a sign of two pubs, though, so we headed to the Swan for a quick pint and sandwich, as you do. We did eventually see the wall (in a random place behind someone's house!) and, luckily, it was actually a pretty impressive stretch. So, after half an hour of walking up and down and pretending we were Roman emperors, we started the long walk back. Ha, only kidding- we got a taxi, like the lazy sods that we are.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I loved the style of Geordie taxi drivers- always 5 minutes early, efficient, not stingy (telling us to only pay Ā£10 when our fare was Ā£11.50), and not hugely chatty (as miserable as that makes me sound!) Saying that, when we caught a cab to Corbridge the next morning, we were given some sound advice by the local sights.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">'This is the nearest pub, then down there is another good one, and you'll find another just around the corner to the right'.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We obviously have that look about us.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, we followed local advice, and Patrick found his perfect pub- a real, roaring fire, mahogany walls, and armchairs straight out of a 19th century smoking parlour. As well as a fair few country pubs buzzing with merry locals, Corbridge also had some Roman ruins of its own- the remnants of a fort where, back in the day, they kept all the tools used for building the wall. As Patrick mentioned on the day, our own ancestors could have been there 2000 years ago- who knows?</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Before I move onto the pictures, a swift mention of the delicious food at the Duke of Wellington; over the weekend, we had ham hock terrine (Patrick's favourite), pan fried pheasant breast, slow cooked lamb, smoked haddock risotto, and a black pudding scotch egg. All washed down by some local Northern ales. That's before I even mentioned the included breakfast- now, I'm a big fan of breakfasts on the best of days, but even the Welli's Northumberland breakfast beat me!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, a lovely little jaunt up North- lovely food, living history, cosy pubs, tasty ales and peaceful countryside. Essentially, a taste of the best of Britain (yes, even the food).</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Enjoy the pics!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-11431460418161897312013-10-05T15:20:00.002-07:002013-10-05T15:20:45.443-07:00A Very Nice Weekend...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...OK, OK, you're probably sick of the Nice puns by now- it's not very Nice of me to keep on about it.<br />
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Ever keen to gate-crash holidays whenever we can, we jumped at the chance to go and visit Colleen Bob, Reid, Lori, Sean and Trish in Nice, at the end of their fantastic European jaunt.<br />
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With the evenings drawing in back home, we could not have asked for more beautiful weather. I thought we wouldn't be lying on a beach now until next summer, but we sunned ourselves alongside the beautiful (albeit over-sunned) people of Nice. Mojitos, the occasional dip in the extra-salty Mediterranean (after negotiating the painfully pebbly beach)...a pretty awesome way to spend a Saturday. We saw a very different side to the beach on Sunday, when we got to witness triathletes bravely diving into the sea.<br />
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Just behind the hotel, the streets were mainly composed of estate agents offering properties for a cool 1 million Euros, fashion shops for dogs (for those who want to see their pup with sunglasses and Tuxedo, like a doggy James Bond), and a fair few pizzerias. When we wandered down the street a little, and you soon hit the elusive "old town". Every European city seems to have one of these tucked away somewhere; however, down one of the main narrow lanes, we found something very unique to Nice- a newsagent/bar crossbreed. There's nothing like watching the world go bar while sipping a local tipple...and trying your luck with a local scratchcard (and failing miserably). <br />
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A very short, sweet, much-needed weekend away. Thanks again to all the crew for welcoming us with open arms to your gorgeous villa, and your holiday in general- you certainly showed us how to party!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the villa.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGjlZYxD6pPk-wMNFWOQvAvtj9yOcED3D1H-SP7KnsRIjgJd35EGL25e9w1JnhgTsht6vvXPu5-t-Su1D3Zy5omYsugniC3IaT4No3igfh6e_Z-oXDgNzPV2acXea4xK_p63VcHDAZWSh/s1600/1235159_10100159694345284_1376637852_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGjlZYxD6pPk-wMNFWOQvAvtj9yOcED3D1H-SP7KnsRIjgJd35EGL25e9w1JnhgTsht6vvXPu5-t-Su1D3Zy5omYsugniC3IaT4No3igfh6e_Z-oXDgNzPV2acXea4xK_p63VcHDAZWSh/s320/1235159_10100159694345284_1376637852_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'tabac' bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12In8q9tHuK9us2DRG64Tu3ogAVoIFHlvRcTxj8ZWCvXI76-UVwUcXbTl7iA6DQki6gjsU-WnFGVlvlYlrATUcH164QgxjZyMTRu1g_w24j5TkghYew-nmbHcNMEbzZRiyU3Qegn80OEF/s1600/1236996_10100159693312354_611340279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12In8q9tHuK9us2DRG64Tu3ogAVoIFHlvRcTxj8ZWCvXI76-UVwUcXbTl7iA6DQki6gjsU-WnFGVlvlYlrATUcH164QgxjZyMTRu1g_w24j5TkghYew-nmbHcNMEbzZRiyU3Qegn80OEF/s320/1236996_10100159693312354_611340279_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ByL4mYliQB0QACPrEivAiERaLKNaLcChGOgMsReesl4IQRTbFNmhdd-YUtjbP8Qg8GkOF2cdVESk_Hg9UZadLOTYQxs0-EGGzEJjAkgwKqCxw2D6tja6SVZY3JcOBXlnmZmFMtrjoV5/s1600/1374822_10100159694190594_1976796901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ByL4mYliQB0QACPrEivAiERaLKNaLcChGOgMsReesl4IQRTbFNmhdd-YUtjbP8Qg8GkOF2cdVESk_Hg9UZadLOTYQxs0-EGGzEJjAkgwKqCxw2D6tja6SVZY3JcOBXlnmZmFMtrjoV5/s320/1374822_10100159694190594_1976796901_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the world go by at the 'tabac' bar</td></tr>
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</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-92180867329707492992013-09-29T02:07:00.002-07:002013-09-29T02:08:59.526-07:00Apologies, I've Been Blogging Elsewhere...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sorry for the lack of posting here- usual excuses apply. I hadn't given up writing altogether in the last month- I've actually been given the opportunity to write for the Round the World Experts blog. See the links below! Hopefully this will be a regular thing...although there's no way I'm going to abandon good ol' 'The World Is A Book'. Too many memories stored in here...<br />
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<a href="http://blogs-1a.fclmedia.com/round-the-world-stories/2013/08/28/5-reasons-to-visit-western-australia/" target="_blank">Five Reasons to Visit Western Australia</a><br />
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<a href="http://blogs-1a.fclmedia.com/round-the-world-stories/2013/09/23/awesome-alternative-activities-new-zealand/" target="_blank">Awesome Alternative Adventures in New Zealand</a><br />
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Stay tuned for some very Nice adventures...<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-49162208306480233372013-08-06T15:11:00.000-07:002013-08-06T15:11:24.425-07:00Long Bike Rides And Summer Nights in Scandinavia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So my friends, it's been a while since I've spilled my thoughts, dreams and adventures into this blog...adjusting to office life has drained me more than I though. Poor excuses as usual- let me just get on with detailing our latest jaunt to the far Scandinavian North. Half pilgrimage to the hometown of Patrick's ancestors, half curiosity about a different kind of Europe, this trip was always going to be rich with experiences. If only we had been rich with money...<br />
Yes, we always knew Norway and Sweden were always going to be a little pricier than other destinations- but it somehow still came as a shock to pay <span class="st">Ā£</span>10 for a pint. Luckily, living in London had prepared us a little for extortionate prices- so we quickly adjusted, and just drank those beers a little slower than usual.<br />
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Oslo was first up on our little itinerary, where we got to sample one of Norway's culinary delights- massive baskets of peel-and-eat shrimp by the seafront. Sadly, we didn't get to try the squeezy caviar...but the grilled elk was pretty tasty at the Grand Cafe, once a favourite haunt of the playwright Henrik Ibsen. Serene, simple, subtle, yet proud of its artistic ancestors such as Munch and Ibsen himself, Oslo was a great starting point to a busy week. <br />
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Next, the scenic train ride from Oslo to Bergen, with fantastic views...even better with a glass of wine in the buffet car, away from the shouting tourists in our carriage. Beautiful mountains, acres of pine forests, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls passed us all the way to Bergen- the gateway to Norway's famous fjords.<br />
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Then it was time for....drumroll please...Jen's Next Biking Saga! Well, it's time I got a little better at this biking thing- the last two times in <a href="http://jenmarysmithtravels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/fake-chinese-gangsters-and-faltering.html?q=biking+china" target="_blank">China</a> and <a href="http://jenmarysmithtravels.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/part-22-dolphin-spotting-and-becoming.html?q=biking+china" target="_blank">Laos</a> were a little shaky, to say the least! What better way to refine my skills than with a 25km bike ride along Hardanger-fjord? A little tougher than we thought- the hills at the beginning and end made us feel particularly out of shape! I'm not going to lie- at one point towards the end, I was seriously doubting my ability to make it. My fear of riding downhill and speeding up too much did little to help my speed of completion, to say the least. But the ride inbetween, with the lovely fjord views, quaint red houses, with very few souls on the roads- glorious. Not to mention the cherry orchards, with little cherry huts outside to pick biking snacks from- guarded only by a box, a price and a whole lot of trust.<br />
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Bergen itself was a great little city- even if the weather was a little wet. We treated ourselves to yet more shrimps at the 100-year-old fish market, and even a little king crab too. The night was finished off nicely with a visit to the fantastic old <i>Bryggen</i> area- even better, we managed to shelter from the rain in a cosy dark-wooden pub, where we got to here not one, but two of Bergen's finest singing talents. The one girl may have looked about 14, but she had a voice like butter- greatly enjoyed by all, especially by the random Swedish man who came in from the street just to sway his arms in appreciation. <br />
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Next, we headed by plane to the town of Patrick's anestors- lovely Lulea, way up in the North East of Sweden. We wanted to toast our arrival here with <i>aquavit- </i>a traditional Scandinavian spirit made with carraway seeds-<i> </i> but unfortunately had to give it up at security. As soon as we landed in Lulea, with its population of 46,000, Operation 'Search for Bergmans' began.<br />
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We began by wandering the city, looking for doppelgangers...this did not prove fruitful. Next, we used our knowledge that Patrick's great-uncle was president of Lulea's rotary club; we discovered that this same club regularly met in the hotel next to ours! When we went to inquire, we'd sadly just missed the club members having lunch, so we reverted to Plan B- a trip to the charming village of Gammalstad. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Gammalstad is the best preserved church village in Sweden- who knows, maybe some Bergmans once walked in our footsteps? Magarita's restaurant served some pretty good char and reindeer too- and some impressive (though eternally creepy) elk taxidermy upstairs. Gammelstad is still a functioning village, and we got to experience modern village life with an old car show held outside the church. History of all sorts here to take in!<br />
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The fun didn't stop there in Lulea. After a venture into our hotel's English pub (which had more alcohol choice than many pubs in England), we saw that a boat that had looked sleepy by day, docked in the harbour, was now pumping by night- a Wednesday night at that. Wanted to see what the fuss was all about, we sneeked a peek- and got our first glimpse into the Swedish party scene. What made this 'club' unique was the mini casinos in every corner, surrounded by tipsy party-goers wanting to take their chances. It was only in Stockholm that we realised this was a regular Swedish club feature- but more on that later...<br />
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<br />
Back to Lulea. During our whole time there, we probably saw half an hour of
dark- if you can call it that. When we came out of the boat club at 1.30am, it
was the darkest the night was going to get- the equivalent to the first twinges
of twilight. One hour later, it was light again- as in mid-morning light, not
sun-rise light. A very surreal experience- I now understand why those Lulea
residents were keen to party on a summertime weekday. I can't imagine what it is like here at night-time- a wintertime visit is definitely in order, I think, just to appreciate the beauty of this long summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
After a nasty shock where we got to Lulea's train station and discovered we were actually getting a bus (logical after booking on a train website?!), we ended up in Sundsvall. Just a brief stop here, to soak up the atmosphere of Patrick's other ancestral town. This little coastal town once suffered from one of Sweden's largest fires (loving the superlatives right now- obviously inspired by Attenborough on 'Frozen Planet', our chosen holiday-transit-watching). Anyway, after all the characteristic wooden buildings were destroyed, stone buildings were built in their place; it was lovely to walk through here in the sunshine, with the strong sparkling walls sparkling 'hej hej' (prounced 'hey hey!', hello) at us.<br />
<br />
And so, last but by no means least, we have the capital of Scandinavia...Stockholm. I had no idea Stockholm was surrounded by so much water- peeking down the narrow labyrinth of lanes in Gamma Stan (Old Town), there was always a tease of the harbour in the distance. Here, I decided to try 'herrings' Swedish style- in mustard, in horseradish sauce, picked, just with a sprig of dill- I get the impression there is no limit to the number of ways the Swedish eat their treasured <i><span class="st">strƶmming</span></i>. On a more colourful note, we got to see the vibrant blue of the Royal Guard's uniform outside the Royal Palace, as well as experiencing the rainbow of colours in Stockholm's very own Gay Pride Parade- Patrick's second of the year!<br />
<br />
We had to party Swedish style while visiting its capital, so we decided to dance with Stockholm's finest in one of the city's shiny clubs. Of course, we stuck out like a sore thumb- but it was fun to observe how the Swedes groove- and obviously show them how Brits and Canadians strut their stuff...<br />
<br />
Wanting to make the most of our short trip, on our last day we decided to venture out to Fjordgarden, one of Stockholm's 24,000 surrounding islands, and apparently the 'royal family's playground'. No royal-spotting here, just plain ol' chilling- oh, and a quick dip in the freezing sea. Where there's a body of water, there's gotta be a bit of swimming (shark and croc infested waters excepted). <br />
<br />
Norway, Sweden...you may have bled me dry financially, but your seafood, unique daylight hours, and your charming cities made every <i>krona</i> worth it. I'll take away a curiosity of herrings, a fondness for saying 'hej hej!' cheerily as you Swedes do, and ever so slightly improved biking skills. Takk!<br />
<br />
(Excuse the random assortment of photos- these are from my phone and camera, and I quite like them all scattered like this in a random order!)<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled elk at the Grand Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Oslo to Bergen train...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsuSkJF_iiFuHPTkaGj5fWWlQUYLGv-NBuTjlD8JTni27aiP81iLZbfHytHDaSQArxtRhwZVAt466xH5g5GWMy9ywmBpoOmkvRDlD-zRCz2fng5CE2QnE6sOBLsZAhhi9rwxCI2HoWysj/s1600/20130728_204822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsuSkJF_iiFuHPTkaGj5fWWlQUYLGv-NBuTjlD8JTni27aiP81iLZbfHytHDaSQArxtRhwZVAt466xH5g5GWMy9ywmBpoOmkvRDlD-zRCz2fng5CE2QnE6sOBLsZAhhi9rwxCI2HoWysj/s320/20130728_204822.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norway's meatballs with lingonberry jam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY_XdbS1TFo3Z9qxR-B940hgrFKLX0erGZgrbW29rggZ0DLDzA-26a4jh0S0oacztpansGodAkiTgK7Ogw0uf2MM58ExUyK6yccXZI69qf7afOZrtAFerEpWD1x9CC2CutDleTtguqPY0/s1600/20130729_152359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisY_XdbS1TFo3Z9qxR-B940hgrFKLX0erGZgrbW29rggZ0DLDzA-26a4jh0S0oacztpansGodAkiTgK7Ogw0uf2MM58ExUyK6yccXZI69qf7afOZrtAFerEpWD1x9CC2CutDleTtguqPY0/s320/20130729_152359.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helmet mark- reckon it was a bit tight...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz5KRq71q-wEjhd1803RDzqyqpolmvhZjwgl-isDR7PRpnnQs0rXM3Qs8uJRSD4GdqFijoT2l6Md1KrkB4wIyfPqf7mREBCU3kmGgc6suRd-clwev5FnEItEAKz1PskG198TX4NWuK6_V/s1600/20130729_170559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkz5KRq71q-wEjhd1803RDzqyqpolmvhZjwgl-isDR7PRpnnQs0rXM3Qs8uJRSD4GdqFijoT2l6Md1KrkB4wIyfPqf7mREBCU3kmGgc6suRd-clwev5FnEItEAKz1PskG198TX4NWuK6_V/s320/20130729_170559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The village of 'Herand', where we finished our bike ride...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96N85xjHGGrTiNJNJVqDt5jj1UrqK-0A_KXtiT0x9eWpIXmkdV0KV3k5BXqx0k82mPDBXUU0pHZH5X-xn_XyccC0uL9U3_8sHcus7anVvt6SHI1dIHPoNqadv4jJR0Ept5Y3wsNurx_RC/s1600/20130801_213613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96N85xjHGGrTiNJNJVqDt5jj1UrqK-0A_KXtiT0x9eWpIXmkdV0KV3k5BXqx0k82mPDBXUU0pHZH5X-xn_XyccC0uL9U3_8sHcus7anVvt6SHI1dIHPoNqadv4jJR0Ept5Y3wsNurx_RC/s320/20130801_213613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsvall...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBB0nfXgq7hJYJOuKhE7Cw2BLltFwBUAveEEDSgwd1oOL0lBRdFpZoroT8PzvCkhZpysXrh44AdGu18fw7pQ2EZgv9wOCr3YWngrrJLR1zdeQIXYasfyDdNI7X324KcEGtSmFsl_svHgL/s1600/20130802_115724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBB0nfXgq7hJYJOuKhE7Cw2BLltFwBUAveEEDSgwd1oOL0lBRdFpZoroT8PzvCkhZpysXrh44AdGu18fw7pQ2EZgv9wOCr3YWngrrJLR1zdeQIXYasfyDdNI7X324KcEGtSmFsl_svHgL/s320/20130802_115724.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsvall in the sunhine...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Saluhall'- Stockholm's own food market</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O3bAR9G0NPZpb7kQunv1Qpw8dMLvQVtP0DuqFPcKqRXz3FADGBmqzTGyAUqrB3SUjap1qMZNFVIhayyM4W42HAr3TXYyEEhPVFAwz_4XbOELk_U4KvJGsISkyeKl3uV1xPZMC3_yJt14/s1600/DSCN1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O3bAR9G0NPZpb7kQunv1Qpw8dMLvQVtP0DuqFPcKqRXz3FADGBmqzTGyAUqrB3SUjap1qMZNFVIhayyM4W42HAr3TXYyEEhPVFAwz_4XbOELk_U4KvJGsISkyeKl3uV1xPZMC3_yJt14/s320/DSCN1485.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cherry hut on the road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood at Bergen's fish market...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsobhkCOmEtHbJoObMtv9imHsmU6FrXEwcU7qLMNJTt15VZv_GTSgoT0szLrkr9n0UTaqgqJmT3biQZISAfRGQg2FnY9defN9MjLjxsbIgPMH4ywOO9YnaKwqEC96dQFVbGMPqNTDUgAj/s1600/DSCN1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsobhkCOmEtHbJoObMtv9imHsmU6FrXEwcU7qLMNJTt15VZv_GTSgoT0szLrkr9n0UTaqgqJmT3biQZISAfRGQg2FnY9defN9MjLjxsbIgPMH4ywOO9YnaKwqEC96dQFVbGMPqNTDUgAj/s320/DSCN1513.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He shoots...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYzFLuBAO2CtIQo5aF6Dh5zECGiyfjGxEXP_JCYe4ElaMewZFemJSyIAkTUsZcGVk8qwBrST_hF18WE4_cdg1bNeRBSgCH0ZQ3XOSn3HtxZilvpNiDP5IAIEfFxdPI2wZlW-0JlBv7mkx/s1600/DSCN1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYzFLuBAO2CtIQo5aF6Dh5zECGiyfjGxEXP_JCYe4ElaMewZFemJSyIAkTUsZcGVk8qwBrST_hF18WE4_cdg1bNeRBSgCH0ZQ3XOSn3HtxZilvpNiDP5IAIEfFxdPI2wZlW-0JlBv7mkx/s320/DSCN1514.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...he scores!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lulea at 2am...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...without flash!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beer/cider/sour apple thing...that was delicious! (I'm selling it well...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bit nippy!</td></tr>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-8667629719188150382013-07-08T15:47:00.001-07:002013-07-08T15:47:09.379-07:00Making History: Jumpin' Mick Flash And A Scottish Pro...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On this blog, I know I've been slack-<br />
But two great Britons brought me back.<br />
Jumpin' Mick Flash, singing with his Stones-<br />
Very much still on their rock-n-roll thrones.<br />
Such timeless, ageless energy-<br />
When I'm his age, I hope that's me,<br />
At the sun's peak until sunset-<br />
A buzzing vibe I won't forget. <br />
The other Briton is a Scot <br />
Who fought his way to one more shot<br />
At winning a British tennis crown-<br />
Now Murray's the talk of the town!<br />
77 years us Brits have waited<br />
Then waited some more, and anticipated<br />
Maybe a British winner this year-<br />
Hurrah for Andy, let's all cheer!<br />
Before I get so carried away,<br />
There's one more thing I'd like to say-<br />
With sporting and music history made,<br />
This weekend's glory cannot fade. <br />
<br />
<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-58053561031851392662013-06-02T13:26:00.000-07:002013-06-03T03:01:00.754-07:00Sangria, Sidra, Spanish Sausage And (Some) Sun...Porque Me Gusta Barcelona Y Madrid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After spending the last few months talking about other people's trips for 9 hours a day, it was bliss to actually be stepping on a plane myself for a quick getaway. Before now, Barcelona has somehow eluded me- when Patrick told me about his invitation to a wedding in Madrid, I couldn't resist a little detour to the Catalan capital.</div>
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I wasn't sure how our hostel in Barcelona was going to be- everything else was out of our price range. But we could not have asked for anything more- right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, a vibrant, winding labyrinth of streets with cafes and shops tucked away here, there and everywhere. You feel like while the main road beside it, Las Ramblas, has become more built up and commercial, the Gothic Quarter has clung onto its charm, so you feel like you could be rambling along these streets at any moment in history. </div>
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We only spent three days there, but we packed a bit of everything in- cafe culture, beach chilling, and admiring the architecture. Even though we ended up in Barcelona's 'Catedral' by accident ("I don't think this is the Sagrada Familia- it's definitely already built"), the view from the top was great- especially with the intended destination, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, staring at us in the distance.</div>
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So, what's the fuss about this Sagrada Familia, and why did we wander into the wrong cathedral in our quest for it? Well, the famous Spanish architect Gaudi started building his cathedral in 1882, and it's still being built- less than a quarter of the building was complete at the time of his death in 1926. Always exciting to a part of living and breathing history! Soaring pillars and stained-glass windows on the inside, then walking out and admiring the intricate designs on the outside...I look forward to seeing how this epic project will evolve within our lifetime.</div>
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Anyway, as much as I loved glimpsing Spanish history, let's talk FOOD. I thought I had the main highlights of Spanish cuisine sussed- paella, tortilla, jamon, and sangria. Then I discovered 'sidra'- Spanish cider- too exciting for a fervent cider lover! Though similar in taste to British scrumpy (a dangerously strong cider around 6-8%), the way it was poured was very unique and distinctly Spanish.</div>
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My love for Madrid was a slow-burner...at first, we thought it was unfriendlier and more commercial than the bustling backstreets of Barcelona. Then we had another fantastic find- Calle Cava Baja, and its surrounding streets. Tapas bar after tapas bar- one with garlic mushrooms and a piano man, another with 'boquerones' (marinated anchovies) on tomato bread, one with fall-apart meatballs- all with many delicious sangrias.</div>
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When Patrick was off creating havoc with the boys on Andrew's stag party, I went glimpsing a small chaos of my own- the wacky, wonderful pieces of Salvador Dali. I just went to the Reina Sofia during the day- as I always do when I'm by myself in a new city- and was told by one of the staff 'Dali's exhibition is sold out during the day- but free after 7.' So I had a quick wander, settled down with a sangria for a few hours, then joined the long, long queue to see the work of an artist who pretty much defines 'surreal'. I loved seeing so many people lining up for an art exhibition like it is a rock concert- long may it continue.</div>
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All this chit-chat about the cities, and I haven't even started talking about the wedding! When we finally made it (!!) it was such a fantastic night- eating until we couldn't eat any more, dancing until we couldn't dance...OK, that didn't happen, we danced until 5am, and still wanted to dance some more! Congrats again Andrew and Karol- great to meet you, and you sure know how to throw a party!</div>
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Other high points in a nutshell...drinking in a bar over the Real Madrid stadium, eating oysters in the Mercado San Miguel, sitting in the sun after eating delicious chicken at sidraria 'Casa Mingo'. Me gusta...no, I LOVE<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 38px;">EspaƱa!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling out in a Barcelona plaza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering around the Gothic Quarter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up on the cathedral's roof.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Sagrada Familia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercado San Miguel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plaza Mayor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnb_kDvcTL8DZzzOuPXbgKwE9hGHLCt6EgiSQVXJ6mas8iTVrxRbvSuGxBMjos2nDkZKg6HkBjEGxDu7DbEUcEAw6g5ECkXBWe9QYszxnpTxZ47e8xH-ziiqD_bc0YbdXRF8Qu9hZ0C3a/s1600/DSCN1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnb_kDvcTL8DZzzOuPXbgKwE9hGHLCt6EgiSQVXJ6mas8iTVrxRbvSuGxBMjos2nDkZKg6HkBjEGxDu7DbEUcEAw6g5ECkXBWe9QYszxnpTxZ47e8xH-ziiqD_bc0YbdXRF8Qu9hZ0C3a/s320/DSCN1447.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Palace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the tapas bars down Calle Cava Baja.</td></tr>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-72977478981863825752013-05-19T01:48:00.001-07:002013-05-19T01:54:01.830-07:00Una habitaciĆ³n con vistas......or, as us English-speaking folk would say, a room with a view.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5epkzwkuFm-HmxMtsVTPM62H3E65_-galf5ZPCWrE89h0aT2HS9U6Vg9RR8jxGAa6VwHFC8nLRohDOarB8FiM_T_5QJJe_lIntzSLYybz_oIc66DITimqzOfZyHZUk6AiqN433AkBFT1A/s640/blogger-image--2022274174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5epkzwkuFm-HmxMtsVTPM62H3E65_-galf5ZPCWrE89h0aT2HS9U6Vg9RR8jxGAa6VwHFC8nLRohDOarB8FiM_T_5QJJe_lIntzSLYybz_oIc66DITimqzOfZyHZUk6AiqN433AkBFT1A/s640/blogger-image--2022274174.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyr1YhSQ0YfTx2W1_ccFISnBFNkAbIyq_YyLqEmgvDm24UG9fvYF-0sPpXhPLHHD8GjoHvNfQdCl0DDgSX0k7PRgrJUPh-WEY6_WLuHQkdlB3VSzIlNJSukqT-3Sy82BS1gsnRuOETIuG/s640/blogger-image--2018377867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyr1YhSQ0YfTx2W1_ccFISnBFNkAbIyq_YyLqEmgvDm24UG9fvYF-0sPpXhPLHHD8GjoHvNfQdCl0DDgSX0k7PRgrJUPh-WEY6_WLuHQkdlB3VSzIlNJSukqT-3Sy82BS1gsnRuOETIuG/s640/blogger-image--2018377867.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Been here less than 12 hours, and already loving Barcelona! Will regale our Spanish tales next week...</div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-43028544284228938462013-05-04T06:10:00.001-07:002013-05-04T06:16:47.847-07:00The Kick Up The .... That I Need<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-58580998076186641282013-04-13T10:31:00.000-07:002013-04-13T10:31:20.051-07:00REVIEW: THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST- Mohsin Hamid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I guess after you've worked at a bookshop, you're going to have a lot of books on your to-read list. This one, however, has lasted the test of time- a book that I would pick up, read its blurb, and say 'Must read that sometime' at least once a week. During what has probably been the most hectic two weeks of my life, I decided to finally give this a go during all those commuting rush-hours- and fittingly, I rushed through it.<br />
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First of all, the writing style completely won me over. It is essentially a conversation, in the city of , between a city native, Changez, and a nameless American man- except the latter never directly speaks within the novel. Changez just lets us know his presence: 'Excuse me, sir, but may I be of assistance? Ah, I seem to have alarmed you.' It feels like me we are taking the part of the American man, and Changez is speaking directly to us- a great technique used by Hamid to make his lead character a solid, sympathy-inducing character.<br />
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While it is a conversation, Changez turns it more into a monologue, recounting his time spent in New York, both as a student at Princeton, and a graduate at valuation firm Underwood Samson. At first, it seems everything goes swimmingly for him in the States- he's the top novice at his firm, he becomes infatuated with a gorgeous, charismatic American girl, he is able to help out his family back home financially. However, after 9/11, every aspect of Changez's world begins to unravel, as he begins to reject his new New Yorker self, instead asserting his Pakistani self and becoming wrapped up in the imminent atrocities in his homeland.<br />
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Just like every person in the book that meets Changez, any reader will become instantly charmed by his impeccable manner, his humble intelligence, and his genuine kindness. Arguably, the other characters are not completely fleshed out, but then again that is staying true to the nature of a monologue- it's all about the person speaking. The only character really delved into is the troubled Erica, as Changez seems to be unable to forget her.<br />
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Both cleverly and beautifully written with an intriguing ending, I'm definitely a converted Mohsin Hamid fan. If you want something unique, yet easy to relate to, give this book a go- I bet even the slowest reader will whizz through it in a week.<br />
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One more thing- the intelligent writing extends to the title. You will see the word 'fundamental' in a whole new light...<br />
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-46492261218032758212013-04-04T14:52:00.003-07:002013-04-04T15:00:00.966-07:00Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...oh I do like to be beside the sea! (Now sure that song translates across the pond: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-0BprqQQf8" target="_blank">here it is</a> in case you're wondering what I'm on about!)<br />
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Anyway, Patrick had his first taster of the British seaside over the Easter weekend. Arcades on the pier (with Patrick as the arcade- basketball king), the lamest Haunted House ride ever (although I was terrified throughout), rainbows on pub doors, freshly made doughnuts, fish and chips by the sea, the Lanes....Patrick well and truly experienced everything Brighton had to offer.<br />
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Here are a few wind-swept photo offerings from the pier, taken in the tiny window when the sun made a rare appearance. Stay tuned for our next Great British Adventure- here's hoping our winter turns into Spring soon! Fed up of the cold now!
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-54754078659378243152013-04-03T15:30:00.001-07:002013-04-03T15:30:44.270-07:00I Know I've Disappeared From Here...<p dir=ltr>...I'm just feeling a little queer.<br>
My head feels like its going to explode<br>
As I try to fit the mother load<br>
Of new job info into my brain-<br>
At the mo, I feel a little insane. <br>
I must learn, press on and rise above<br>
The challenges, and instead love<br>
Helping people plan great trips<br>
And embrace all the minor blips.<br>
Please bear with me- I'll write more soon,<br>
When I feel less of a buffoon!</p>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-4301907855826140792013-03-10T13:37:00.004-07:002013-03-10T13:37:48.372-07:00The Next Chapter Begins...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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...as I start my new job tomorrow as a Travel Consultant with this company. How do I feel starting completely afresh? Nervous, excited, curious- all those cliches. It might not feel like it right now, but feeling all those stereotypical emotions is good. If it's frightening...if it's challenging...then that means I'm moving forward. I'm always fearful of becoming trapped in a rut; this is just a more intense fear right now. When my stomach is flipping every which way tomorrow morning, I've just got to remember this quotation from Albert Einstein:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new'.</span></b></div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-25229108011274259632013-03-10T13:20:00.002-07:002013-03-10T13:20:34.157-07:00REVIEW: Capital- John Lanchester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Good old Waterstones Book Club- it has come up trumps again. It's been a while since I read a genuinely funny, easy-going book in the vein of Nick Hornby; I've decided that I need more comedic novels in my life. Also, while reading is an escape, it's also occasionally satisfying to delve into familiar territory. Every Londoner will appreciate the truth of Lanchester's observations; every non-Londoner will gain an uncanny insight into this multi-cultural, multi-faceted city.<br />
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<i>Capital </i>is actually a collection of short stories, all linked by living on the affluent Pepys Road, located by an undisclosed London Common. Not only that, but they are also brought together by a strange, harrassing postcard with the words 'We Want What You Have': especially ironic, considering every recipient seem dissatisfied with their lives. This element of 'mystery', as all the characters deal with this random intrusion in their own ways- while they are trying to deal with their own everyday issues- will instantly connect you to these characters, and keep you hooked until the very last page. The true beauty of the novel has to be the sheer range of characters that live on Pepys Road: from a city banker, to an elderly widow, to Pakistani newsagents...and then all the characters that they are linked to: a Polish builder, a Banksy-esque artist, a Hungarian nanny...the reader is treated into a humorous, yet realistic insight into every Londoner imaginable.<br />
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Effortlessly funny writing is hard to find- and it can be found in abundance in this novel. You will leave this book with a sense of London's incredible diversity- while realising that, apart from personal problems, a country in turmoil is a country united. </div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-59596846373469398552013-02-19T12:26:00.000-08:002013-02-19T12:26:10.035-08:00Rediscovering London #3: The Havelock Tavern, Shepherds Bush<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've discovered yet another local beauty of a pub. Tucked away in the residential area of Brook Green, Hammersmith, this boozer holds a precious secret within its blue-tiled walls- not only does it have a good atmosphere, but exquisite food as well. The menu change twice daily, and only comes out 15 minutes before food service begins. The laid-back bar staff (who never seem fazed by how busy it gets) know why most of the locals are there, and pass out food menus without even asking. <br />
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Some of our food highlights from our past 3 visits (can you tell we like this place?) include: wild sea bass with ratalle potatoes, roasted duck breast with kimchi cabbage, coriander and chilli, mussel and smoked bacon chowder to name but a few. That's before we even mention the daily oysters available- the oysters with chorizo were especially delicious. Did I mention the free home-made bread- and you all know how much I looooove bread! And, to top it all off- it's affordable! Good food at a good price- you don't find that very often in London...<br />
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Anyway, this is a great place to laze away a Sunday- or an even better place for an impromptu weekday treat. Be warned, get here around 6.30pm if you can- it may seem deceptively quiet, but as soon as food service starts, the locals will start pouring in. Also, another tip- the Bird in Hand across the road may look like a more traditional pub on the outside- but, bizarrely, it is actually an Italian restaurant! The Havelock Tavern is by far the better choice- and, to be honest, we've yet to find a better choice in the area.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-644179702367696604.post-24055331892218939052013-02-16T01:22:00.000-08:002013-02-16T02:20:41.020-08:00REVIEW: QUIET- Susan Cain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cC1JfD61EIUhXTtFE_bBY5-M6fQfQrICk3vOt67tpmVeUUBBxTHPHWCt0sOOWf1Ic29WgxFkv5_I2awUN5z4jLXBrc1gUUHiqnZxhXQSMKIxGbR4aQx5qslQjekYuw1YEHj9XKI-V-4x/s1600/quiet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cC1JfD61EIUhXTtFE_bBY5-M6fQfQrICk3vOt67tpmVeUUBBxTHPHWCt0sOOWf1Ic29WgxFkv5_I2awUN5z4jLXBrc1gUUHiqnZxhXQSMKIxGbR4aQx5qslQjekYuw1YEHj9XKI-V-4x/s320/quiet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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You may rememeber, ten months ago, <a href="http://jenmarysmithtravels.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/introspective-thoughts-on-introverts.html" target="_blank">I wrote an article on introversion</a>, based on an article written by Susan Cain. I had never been so deeply affected by an article, and her renewed definitions of 'shyness' and 'introversion' truly made a difference in how I view both my own personality, my loved ones' personas, and the world around me. Cut to January 2013: at Waterstones, they started to promote eight particular titles as part of their 'Waterstones Book Club'; one of those books is called 'Quiet' by Susan Cain. Somehow it had escaped my attention that the article I had read ten months ago was actually an excerpt from a book. Not only that, but a fantastically selling book, probably the best-selling out of the eight Book Club books- turns out lots of people are interested in learning how a quiet person can use such quietness to their advantage in both life and work, rather than changing their whole persona. As soon as I could, I borrowed a free copy from my manager, devoured it every second I could, and literally did not shut up about how much I loved it the whole time I was reading it- just ask Patrick. Kind of ironic, given the title.<br />
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So, why did I love it so much? Well, it helps that the author is a brilliant, thoughtful writer who is extremely easy to empathize with. Although she is emphasizing the unique qualities that can make introverts great business leaders and society contributors, she never claims that it is 'better' to be an introvert- just that you needn't think you are at a disadvantage if you are on the quieter side. She has certainly done wide and extensive research, to ensure she is not putting forward a biased perspective. The studies that she looks at, as she explores the nature/nurture debates surrounding introversion, are truly fascinating, and will make you want to tell little anecdotes to everybody around you- or maybe that's just me. <br />
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You may be wondering: 'if Cain is such an introvert, how can she go around promoting this book?' That is actually something she brings up in the book- often, when an introvert feels passionately about a subject, they can often forget themselves and take on a more extroverted self in order to achieve the end result. I can certainly identify with this; I may have been terrified when I was leading those creative writing workshops in Fiji, or giving that creative writing talk to the kids at the International School, but once I was up there, my love for creative writing helped me to override my fear of looking stupid in front of an audience (yes, even the kids- ESPECIALLY the kids!). It's actually made me realize how much I love teaching kids creative writing- a path I would certainly like to pursue in the future. <br />
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Even if you know that you are an out-and-out extrovert, don't immediately put this book aside- everybody, from bosses to parents to friends, can gain from learning how introverts handle social situations- and that their dislike of large parties does not make them 'anti-social', but just sensitive to overstimulation. There are not many people that are one extreme or the other: a fact that Cain emphasizes throughout the book. Considering this glorious ambiguity, even extroverts may recognize introverted qualities within themselves that they had never thought they had before. <br />
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As you've probably gathered by now, I absolutely LOVED this book- I have been recommending this book left, right and centre, not that it needs the promotion. Just like the introverts it speaks about, the book is quietly drawing people towards it by offering them a unique, previously unsung insight into the world around them. Cain handled the subject beautifully and sensitively, never judging or assuming, and certainly left this mostly high-reactive introvert (with some extroverted qualities) feeling empowered, and ready to live life in a way that will promote my best assets. I'll leave you with this quote:<br />
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'The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamp-lit desk.'Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570459214429030920noreply@blogger.com0