nerd blog post #130
So Marie left on Sunday and it was a bummer to see her go. She was a real friend to me and I already miss our chats. So now the only volunteers are Latoya and I. Latoya and I get along just fine. She drove Marie mad, but I understand her a bit better, I think, because her attitude is a little like mine was some years ago. Latoya has a big group of friends in Amsterdam that she text messages morning to night, and a boyfriend that she talks about incessantly. This is the longest time she's been away from her family and the longest she hasn't seen friends. If she's alone for five seconds, she's bored. No lie. I remember what I was like as a teenager. I would spend all my time with my friends, and if I was at home, I was on the phone with them. If my parents grounded me (a frequent event), I would be bored within minutes, unable to entertain myself whatsoever. My dad suggested finding a hobby, but I HAD a hobby, and it was hanging with my friends. Duh. This is what Latoya is like, and this is why I can empathize with her boredom. I actually think she's quite brave coming this far on her own for her school placement, and she has a confidence with the horses that I envy. I learn a lot from her and enjoy working with her.
I had hoped that by now I would be able to say that I was wrong about Gemma, that really she's a sweetheart and we have become close friends. Unfortunately, though, Gemma's type is one I have not often encountered. In fact, I can think of only one person who reminds me of Gemma. She came in the form of an eight year old girl, and I babysat her about ten years ago. Her name was Lindsay and I was sure she had a red, pointed tail underneath her pristine, pink, party dress.
Luckily, I have been able to predict when the storm begins to brew, and have mostly stayed out of the way of Gemma's wrath. We have had three small disagreements, but have managed to exist together at the farm in an okay way. I guess the way I see it is that I'm a volunteer, an adult, and someone happy to work and work hard. But WWOOFing is an exchange, and there is a certain mandate that comes with it, and when I'm really upset with how I have been treated or when I think the work demanded of me is not of my responsability, I will put my foot down. Gemma doesn't like this, but I am not a slave. I don't want to get into it too much, because there is a lot that I like about being here. And I know that if I were to write it all out I'd have a small army at the farm ready to pick me up, with torches and spears like in Beauty and the Beast. I'm obvi Beauty.
One great thing about the work is that Gemma has assigned to me two projects that I enjoy very much. The first was announced about a week ago, and that it was that I was to "build a sheet lane," which I eventually discovered was to construct a road out of the manure of the horses that I clean after. The road will be about 500 metres, but first I had to weed it and turn the soil, a big project in itself. Everyday Sheet Lane is growing longer, and when it's finished, I'll lay down a second layer. It looks good and it's nice to have something to be proud of.
The second project announced was harder to decipher, and ended in Gemma yelling in frustration. She instructed me to, "paint ze couch." Which couch? "Ze couch in stock room!" I returned from the enormous stock room to tell her that I had searched everywhere and could not find the couch. She stormed off to the stock room and I followed, and she pointed furiously to a small carriage/cart, "Here! Paint zis! Paint Piri-piri's COUCH!" Oooohhhhhhh COACH. And so my second project began, first scraping and sanding, and now the first coats of the couch that Piri-piri will be trained to pull. I enjoy this job as well, because I do it on my own and, like Sheet Lane, can see the progress daily.
The other chores continue as well, which means my day has been stretched to about 3:30 on most days, and usually later. I have eight horsie stalls to clean, the barn to sweep, I ride Jacto, clean the outside paddocks, clean the houses, do laundry, clean the vehicules, oil the leather of the horse equipment, feed the horses, and do any other job I am given. Latoya mostly works with training the horses, which leaves the dirty work for me, but I like it so don't mind. Gemma sits on a chair in the shade and drinks coffee and gives orders. I take my first break at 11am, which is when I change from my jeans and t-shirt into my afternoon wear. I keep my half boot on, of course, but then wear a bikini. Latoya has taken to doing the same, and it keeps us cooler and works the tan. Gemma doesn't care what we wear, so it works out well. I also have Queen's-style coveralls when I work on Piri-piri's couch. I am notorious for painting myself more than the thing to be painted.
Since I arrived over two weeks ago, there have only been four afternoons where I have stayed on the farm. This is where Gemma shines. She likes the company, and so invites us to wherever she is going in the afternoon. Often it's to Alcochete where we split up. Latoya and I go on the internet, or to the beach, or have a coffee. I have also visited four or five nearby towns. We return around 8pm, when Latoya and I feed the horses, relax a bit, and wait for the late dinner. I try and go to bed between 10 and 10:30.
We have had two special outings, and have another one tomorrow night, but I will nerd blog about them latron. Today is my day off and decided to spend it in Alcochete. I had business at the post office, am now in the library, and then will head to the beach. Gemma drove me to town on the way to a meeting, but I'll find my own way home. She charges 10 Euros for pick up if they're not on her way, and she'd have to make a special trip for me. For financial reasons, and mostly out of principal (10 E is far more than it costs, and it's my only day off in a week, do a favour!), so I will walk the 12 kms back to the farm. But I am very happy for a day off to enjoy this little town!
I am healthy and happy and enjoying my time here. I love this country and the farm is beautiful and it's nice to be without electricity and living simply. I will be happy and ready to meet Steve in Vienna on the 19th of October!
Hope this finds you all well.
Much love,
Hincks.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Chapter 121: Lisboa4Life
nerd blog post #130
4Life, or at least 4aDay. It was my day off yesterday, and was much needed! I awoke at the same time as usual, as my room is also the kitchen/bathroom/dining room, but I was happy to be up then as I always wanted to walk down the road and see the sun rise over Lisbon. A few hours later, I was off to Lisbon for the day. I take a bus from a round-about that Gemma drops us off at, to a train station in Lisbon where I can catch the metro. It only has three lines so is very easy to navigate. I had a wonderful day. It was nice to be on my own and able to walk around. I found, though, that after seven straight days of physical labour, my muscles were pretty tired... Still, I hiked up to a castle atop a small mountain and had a spectacular view. I ate my micmic lunch up there before making my way down. Then, I roamed the streets, walking up and down the cobblestone and staying out of the historic centre which is full of tourists. Finally, my love of postcards got the better of me and I entered the centre, which is very beautiful, and had a coffee while writing. I also saw the port, some famous statue, and enjoyed my micmic dindins while watching boats near the harbour. I was there about eight hours, and it was great. It was, however, the hottest day we have had here so far, reaching almost 40º! Today is also hot at 36º and the week will continue like this. I love it.
Other notable points:
-Gemma has three little kittens that she is planning on breeding. They are super cute and very small and playful. The other day, I went into my room because there were meows coming from within. I entered to find the smallest of the three, Latina, all wrapped up in a fly strip! It was pretty hilarious, but impossible to get off of her. Now, days later, she is still sticky all over her fur... We tried washing her and even cutting some of her fur, but she is a sticky mess.
-There was a mother and foal in the field and the mother was really skinny and needed to come to the farm to eat more and not walk around so much so she can gain weight. It's amazing how the behaviour of the stallions has changed since she arrived. When she walks past, she doesn't give them a second glance, but they go absolutely crazy. They neigh, stomp their feet and even go up on their hind legs. And Malagetta just walks on by..... Piri-piri, who doesn't even reach my waist (a mini-Shetland) is the most in love, though he could never stand a chance. He thinks he's the biggest stallion of all - what a complex.
-Marie leaves on Sunday and I will be very sad to see her go. We have become very close and talk a lot, and her being here balances out the three of us nicely. I will certainly miss her and hope we stay in touch. I will also miss the French. I miss Paris quite a bit while I'm here... The beauty of the city and how good I felt there, but speaking French with Marie brought me a little closer to it, so it's a shame I'll lose that.
-On Tuesday we went on a boat ride on the River Tejo. it was an hour and half and took us from the port in Alcochete to right near Lisbon. It was a beautiful, Portuguese-style sail boat and it was filled with locals from Alcochete. They played nice music on it and I enjoyed the trip very much.
That's it for today! Hope this finds you all well.
Much love,
Hincks.
4Life, or at least 4aDay. It was my day off yesterday, and was much needed! I awoke at the same time as usual, as my room is also the kitchen/bathroom/dining room, but I was happy to be up then as I always wanted to walk down the road and see the sun rise over Lisbon. A few hours later, I was off to Lisbon for the day. I take a bus from a round-about that Gemma drops us off at, to a train station in Lisbon where I can catch the metro. It only has three lines so is very easy to navigate. I had a wonderful day. It was nice to be on my own and able to walk around. I found, though, that after seven straight days of physical labour, my muscles were pretty tired... Still, I hiked up to a castle atop a small mountain and had a spectacular view. I ate my micmic lunch up there before making my way down. Then, I roamed the streets, walking up and down the cobblestone and staying out of the historic centre which is full of tourists. Finally, my love of postcards got the better of me and I entered the centre, which is very beautiful, and had a coffee while writing. I also saw the port, some famous statue, and enjoyed my micmic dindins while watching boats near the harbour. I was there about eight hours, and it was great. It was, however, the hottest day we have had here so far, reaching almost 40º! Today is also hot at 36º and the week will continue like this. I love it.
Other notable points:
-Gemma has three little kittens that she is planning on breeding. They are super cute and very small and playful. The other day, I went into my room because there were meows coming from within. I entered to find the smallest of the three, Latina, all wrapped up in a fly strip! It was pretty hilarious, but impossible to get off of her. Now, days later, she is still sticky all over her fur... We tried washing her and even cutting some of her fur, but she is a sticky mess.
-There was a mother and foal in the field and the mother was really skinny and needed to come to the farm to eat more and not walk around so much so she can gain weight. It's amazing how the behaviour of the stallions has changed since she arrived. When she walks past, she doesn't give them a second glance, but they go absolutely crazy. They neigh, stomp their feet and even go up on their hind legs. And Malagetta just walks on by..... Piri-piri, who doesn't even reach my waist (a mini-Shetland) is the most in love, though he could never stand a chance. He thinks he's the biggest stallion of all - what a complex.
-Marie leaves on Sunday and I will be very sad to see her go. We have become very close and talk a lot, and her being here balances out the three of us nicely. I will certainly miss her and hope we stay in touch. I will also miss the French. I miss Paris quite a bit while I'm here... The beauty of the city and how good I felt there, but speaking French with Marie brought me a little closer to it, so it's a shame I'll lose that.
-On Tuesday we went on a boat ride on the River Tejo. it was an hour and half and took us from the port in Alcochete to right near Lisbon. It was a beautiful, Portuguese-style sail boat and it was filled with locals from Alcochete. They played nice music on it and I enjoyed the trip very much.
That's it for today! Hope this finds you all well.
Much love,
Hincks.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Chapter 120: Introoooduuuucing......
nerd blog post #125
So I'm here in Portugal, and would like to introduce you to a few special things... And so, INTROOODUUCING.....
...The Farm
Which is located 30 kms from Lisbon. The closest town is only 12 kms away, but 8 of them are on a dirt road. From outside of the farm, I can see the River Tejo, and across from it, Lisbon. The view is spectacular from everywhere. At night, I lay on a lawn chair and watch for shooting stars. The sky is so clear and the milky way is brighter than I can ever remember seeing it. It's beautiful. The houses are Portuguese style and I stay in the worker's kitchen/bathroom/living room area, on a raised bed. I sleep under a mosquito net. At the farm are 4 stallions and 3 mares. The other mares are 2 kms down the road in a large field and we walk there every day to feed the mother. It really is picturesque. There is no electricity, which is fairly easy to get used to as long as you remember where your pjs and morning clothes are! We have wind up lanterns and candles which help. We wash our clothes by hand have no fridge and the hot water is scarce so we can only shower for 3 minutes ... every 3 days. No joke. It's gross. Luckily I have never been one for showering so I don't mind so much.
...The Critters
Flies and mosquitos are everywhere, which is super annoying. I have also seen snakes and large beetles and massive spiders and little lizards. More interesting are wild rabbits and hares, foxes, storks (in big nests!) and, my favourite, hundreds and hundreds of pink flamingoes. In the early evening, they fly across the pink sunset, which is quite the sight.
...Latoya
From Amsterdam, she is the twenty year old epitome of a horsie girl. Her daddy bought her one (which she named Pacific Ocean) a few years ago. She is here with a placement through her horsie school. She knows a lot about horses and has been my teacher in the classical riding seat. I ride every day and she's a good teacher. She has a tongue ring, wears a lot of pink, has a heart and star tattoo, and loves the beach and boys. I like her - she is a constant source of entertainment.
...Marie
The typical WOOFer. She is also younger, studies agriculture in university in her hometown of Brussels, speaks 4 languages and has spent a year volunteering in Central America. We get along really well. She is down to earth and interesting. We speak in French, which is great for me, and we have become quite close very quickly. I'm very glad she's there with me. She makes it a lot more fun.
...Gemma
Is Dutch but fell in love with Lusitano horses years ago and has no plans to return to the Netherlands. She is a strong woman and I admire her independence and determination. She is also, unfortunately, very difficult to work for and be around. I am still trying to figure out how to be there and feel peace with her, but it's become a little bit hard. Nonetheless, I am enjoying the work.
...The Work
Is great. I do a lot of different things and have learned a great deal. We work from 7am-2pm which is a very healthy schedule. It's above 30º by 11am or so, so starting early is ideal. I muck out stalls, feed the horses, groom them and do cleaning. We also clean the insides of the houses and do yard work and are painting some things this week. Part of the work is also riding the horses to train them. I enjoy this part a lot! I used to think that the question as to whether or not I know how to ride a horse translated to whether or not I was afraid of riding, or whether or not I would fall off. So I would say that yes, I could ride. Turns out, there's a whole sport to it, and I am learning from square one. I love it, though. It's a full body work out and it makes me more comfortable with the horses.
...The Play
On our free time, we usually get into bikinis right away and lie in the sun. I read and write and chat with the girls. Sometimes we have outings to the beach or the shopping centre. Tomorrow we have a boat ride! On Wednesday is my day off and I'll go to Lisbon.
And that's all I have time for today! Hope you're all well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
So I'm here in Portugal, and would like to introduce you to a few special things... And so, INTROOODUUCING.....
...The Farm
Which is located 30 kms from Lisbon. The closest town is only 12 kms away, but 8 of them are on a dirt road. From outside of the farm, I can see the River Tejo, and across from it, Lisbon. The view is spectacular from everywhere. At night, I lay on a lawn chair and watch for shooting stars. The sky is so clear and the milky way is brighter than I can ever remember seeing it. It's beautiful. The houses are Portuguese style and I stay in the worker's kitchen/bathroom/living room area, on a raised bed. I sleep under a mosquito net. At the farm are 4 stallions and 3 mares. The other mares are 2 kms down the road in a large field and we walk there every day to feed the mother. It really is picturesque. There is no electricity, which is fairly easy to get used to as long as you remember where your pjs and morning clothes are! We have wind up lanterns and candles which help. We wash our clothes by hand have no fridge and the hot water is scarce so we can only shower for 3 minutes ... every 3 days. No joke. It's gross. Luckily I have never been one for showering so I don't mind so much.
...The Critters
Flies and mosquitos are everywhere, which is super annoying. I have also seen snakes and large beetles and massive spiders and little lizards. More interesting are wild rabbits and hares, foxes, storks (in big nests!) and, my favourite, hundreds and hundreds of pink flamingoes. In the early evening, they fly across the pink sunset, which is quite the sight.
...Latoya
From Amsterdam, she is the twenty year old epitome of a horsie girl. Her daddy bought her one (which she named Pacific Ocean) a few years ago. She is here with a placement through her horsie school. She knows a lot about horses and has been my teacher in the classical riding seat. I ride every day and she's a good teacher. She has a tongue ring, wears a lot of pink, has a heart and star tattoo, and loves the beach and boys. I like her - she is a constant source of entertainment.
...Marie
The typical WOOFer. She is also younger, studies agriculture in university in her hometown of Brussels, speaks 4 languages and has spent a year volunteering in Central America. We get along really well. She is down to earth and interesting. We speak in French, which is great for me, and we have become quite close very quickly. I'm very glad she's there with me. She makes it a lot more fun.
...Gemma
Is Dutch but fell in love with Lusitano horses years ago and has no plans to return to the Netherlands. She is a strong woman and I admire her independence and determination. She is also, unfortunately, very difficult to work for and be around. I am still trying to figure out how to be there and feel peace with her, but it's become a little bit hard. Nonetheless, I am enjoying the work.
...The Work
Is great. I do a lot of different things and have learned a great deal. We work from 7am-2pm which is a very healthy schedule. It's above 30º by 11am or so, so starting early is ideal. I muck out stalls, feed the horses, groom them and do cleaning. We also clean the insides of the houses and do yard work and are painting some things this week. Part of the work is also riding the horses to train them. I enjoy this part a lot! I used to think that the question as to whether or not I know how to ride a horse translated to whether or not I was afraid of riding, or whether or not I would fall off. So I would say that yes, I could ride. Turns out, there's a whole sport to it, and I am learning from square one. I love it, though. It's a full body work out and it makes me more comfortable with the horses.
...The Play
On our free time, we usually get into bikinis right away and lie in the sun. I read and write and chat with the girls. Sometimes we have outings to the beach or the shopping centre. Tomorrow we have a boat ride! On Wednesday is my day off and I'll go to Lisbon.
And that's all I have time for today! Hope you're all well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Chapter 119: Doctor's Orders
nerd blog post #130
I wish I had all the time in the world to nerd blog about the trip to Leamington and Birmingham, but I am on a library compy and will have to be brief...
The Royal Leamington Spa is a wonderful little town and Doctor proved to be, once again, the perfect host. I was there for four nights and could have stayed forever... We ate well (piri-piri and roly polys and micmics - all faves!) and drank well and saw the highlights of the town. We also went to the park twice and enjoyed the last of Britain's summer. Doctor has a nice set of friends from his program there and we saw them quite a bit. We went to a part at Bec's, to a local pub, and to a club that was having a silent disco. I had never been to one before, but you get a set of headphones at the door and have a choice between two channels of fun songs. Very fun. You can also control the volume level or turn them off if you want to talk to your friend. I had one of the best nights in a long time that night and danced my face off. Another fun thing we did was visit Doctor's gym, which is like a night club. Fancy lighting, smooth music and great deco, this place makes you feel more like you're hanging with celebs than exercising. I loved it. But, as always, the highlight was being with my pal. We talk and talk and never tire of each other. I was in need of good company and Doc is the best at being a friend. So I was grateful for such a nice visit. To read more deets, head to his blog: doctorwithoutborders.blogspot.com. He has a better synopsis of our time!
On Sunday, we headed to Birmingham together. USheila and UDoug met us at the train station and we checked out an arts festival downtown before heading to their place for a most delicious lamb dindins! Doc had a sleepy ovary there and we had a leisurely morning eating breakie and drinking cafe before going to the city centre to buy half boot. It was sad saying goodbye to Doctor. I was nervous about leaving for Portugal and this time apart will be longer than usual, so it was sad.
It was so nice being with US and UD again. They remind me of my parents, so it's nice spending time with them. I am always grateful for their hospitality, and for Claire's comfy bed!
Yesterday, I had a very long travel day, including 4 buses, 1 metro, 1 train and a flight. Twelve hours in total before I was on the farm. There is a lot to report, but my time is running out, so I'll just make a list of some key things:
1. There is a horse named Piri-piri. He's a mini-Shetland stallion, so comes up to my waist. He's SO funny and small!
2. There are three other stallions, all Lusitano. And six mares and a foal.
3. There are two other woofers, Gemma (g pronounced like gum) and myself. All girls, all nice. Gemma is actually Dutch and speaks to me in Dutch. One of the other girls is Dutch too and the third is from Belgian. She speaks Dutch as well but her mother tongue is French so we speak in French. Quite the mix!
4. We work from 7am-2pm and then have the day off until feeding at 8pm.
5. No electricity! No fridge, no bathroom light, spooky halloween nighttime!
6. Today I brushed the horses and cleaned their hooves and cleaned their poop and prepped some wood for painting. And some other things I forget.
7. At 2pm I put on my bikini and read in the sun. This will be a daily activity, I am sure of that!
That's all for now... I think I'll enjoy the month. There's a lot I can learn and the work felt good and the people are nice. I'll learn to ride properly, which is cool. I hope this finds you all well!
Much love,
Hincks.
PS - I don't know how often I'll be online, but I am guessing about twice a week or so. Sorry if I am slower than normal to write back, but Piri-piri is counting on me. In case of emergency, call my cellie. It's off mostly (because I can't charge it at the farm) but I will turn it on at least once a day. The number is the same: 33 6 32 01 23 16.
I wish I had all the time in the world to nerd blog about the trip to Leamington and Birmingham, but I am on a library compy and will have to be brief...
The Royal Leamington Spa is a wonderful little town and Doctor proved to be, once again, the perfect host. I was there for four nights and could have stayed forever... We ate well (piri-piri and roly polys and micmics - all faves!) and drank well and saw the highlights of the town. We also went to the park twice and enjoyed the last of Britain's summer. Doctor has a nice set of friends from his program there and we saw them quite a bit. We went to a part at Bec's, to a local pub, and to a club that was having a silent disco. I had never been to one before, but you get a set of headphones at the door and have a choice between two channels of fun songs. Very fun. You can also control the volume level or turn them off if you want to talk to your friend. I had one of the best nights in a long time that night and danced my face off. Another fun thing we did was visit Doctor's gym, which is like a night club. Fancy lighting, smooth music and great deco, this place makes you feel more like you're hanging with celebs than exercising. I loved it. But, as always, the highlight was being with my pal. We talk and talk and never tire of each other. I was in need of good company and Doc is the best at being a friend. So I was grateful for such a nice visit. To read more deets, head to his blog: doctorwithoutborders.blogspot.com. He has a better synopsis of our time!
On Sunday, we headed to Birmingham together. USheila and UDoug met us at the train station and we checked out an arts festival downtown before heading to their place for a most delicious lamb dindins! Doc had a sleepy ovary there and we had a leisurely morning eating breakie and drinking cafe before going to the city centre to buy half boot. It was sad saying goodbye to Doctor. I was nervous about leaving for Portugal and this time apart will be longer than usual, so it was sad.
It was so nice being with US and UD again. They remind me of my parents, so it's nice spending time with them. I am always grateful for their hospitality, and for Claire's comfy bed!
Yesterday, I had a very long travel day, including 4 buses, 1 metro, 1 train and a flight. Twelve hours in total before I was on the farm. There is a lot to report, but my time is running out, so I'll just make a list of some key things:
1. There is a horse named Piri-piri. He's a mini-Shetland stallion, so comes up to my waist. He's SO funny and small!
2. There are three other stallions, all Lusitano. And six mares and a foal.
3. There are two other woofers, Gemma (g pronounced like gum) and myself. All girls, all nice. Gemma is actually Dutch and speaks to me in Dutch. One of the other girls is Dutch too and the third is from Belgian. She speaks Dutch as well but her mother tongue is French so we speak in French. Quite the mix!
4. We work from 7am-2pm and then have the day off until feeding at 8pm.
5. No electricity! No fridge, no bathroom light, spooky halloween nighttime!
6. Today I brushed the horses and cleaned their hooves and cleaned their poop and prepped some wood for painting. And some other things I forget.
7. At 2pm I put on my bikini and read in the sun. This will be a daily activity, I am sure of that!
That's all for now... I think I'll enjoy the month. There's a lot I can learn and the work felt good and the people are nice. I'll learn to ride properly, which is cool. I hope this finds you all well!
Much love,
Hincks.
PS - I don't know how often I'll be online, but I am guessing about twice a week or so. Sorry if I am slower than normal to write back, but Piri-piri is counting on me. In case of emergency, call my cellie. It's off mostly (because I can't charge it at the farm) but I will turn it on at least once a day. The number is the same: 33 6 32 01 23 16.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Chapter 118: Dedicated to RtC
nerd blog post #130
I am in the Royal Leamington Spa! It is wonderful to be in such a nice apartment, enjoying time with Doctor. But this nerd blog post is about London, so I'll discuss the Spa latron....
I returned to London on Saturday night and took the metro to meet Raffi and his uncle at a pub near the Globe. We had a pint and it was nice to see U. Greg again. When he left, Raff and I headed to another pub and then home.
He had Sunday off and it was nice to spend the whole day together in London. We had planned to visit a couple of markets and then Rose Bakery London-stylez, but all were closed by the time we got there late afternoon! So instead, we walked and walked. We spent time in Green Park where Raffi practiced his clown juggling and we also went to Tower Bridge and that area. For dinner, we went to the same Chinese place from a few nights prior where a delicious and massive meal is under 6 pounds.
Monday was the day of his show and while he rehearsed in the morning, I met Doc at London Bridge and our first stop was to pick up his big suitcase which was being stored at church. His friend is the rector there and it was in the vestry. We got the special, secret code so he could get it later instead of lugging it around. So then we went for coffee and sat there chatting so long that lunchtime crept up and we ate there.
At 130pm, we met Talia and Alex at the Globe and got our free tickets to the show. We stood in the pit thing, right up by the stage and under the sky. It was magical being there. Not only is the space beautiful, but it's also so historic. And to see Raffi on stage gave me such pride. The whole show was really great. They had music and singing and the monologues were top-notch. Raffi's stage presence is captivating and his movement training at clown school shone through. I am so glad I saw it and it was great to have friends there to share the experience with. After the show, we ate delicious cake and drank cafe in the Globe's fancy restaurant. Then we all attended to business and so split up for a few hours. When we reconnected (just Tal, Alex, Doc and I), we went for Chinese (yup, same place!) and then met Raffi and the other actors at a pub. It was an amazing day and evening - one of the most memorable in a long time.
Tuesday was also a wonderful day. Raffi and I spent the afternoon at Camden Market, which no one told me about before! It is a jewel in the city and maybe the world. I looooved it. Stalls upon stalls of amazing and affordable cool things. I can't really explain how much I loved this neighbourhood, but I will never visit London again without paying a visit to this place. We had lunch there and then walked along the river for a long time, accompanied by a very nice swan that we named and talked to. We also visited Regent's Park but the zoo was closed and I didn't spot any animals from the fence.. Instead, we walked until the sun went down and then had a really nice fancy dindins at a buffet Thai veggie restaurant. It was nice.
The hours to follow, and the next morning, were very hard. I had debated not nerd blogging about this, but it feels strange to not include that Raffi and I decided to say a final goodbye on Wednesday, as he headed off to LA and then back to Paris, and I continued my travels. It's a more complex and personal story than I can write about right now. I do hope that he has a wonderful visit with his family and a successful year 2 of clown school. Writing of our adventures in The Hinckster will be missed, and I award 503 points to the man who made my time in France as beautiful as it was, and made Paris the city that I fell in love with over and over again. His companionship was one of a kind, and cherished deeply.
After the goodbye, I made my way to the train station and came as quickly as possible to a most supportive Doctor. I knew he'd have the right prescription! He met me with a bouquet of flowers (the first in years!) and we came back to his apartment, chatting and laughing the whole way.
More on this land soon... I hope this finds you all well!
Much love,
Hincks.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Chapter 117: Treats and Suites
nerd blog post #128
After an uncomplicated voyage from France, I arrived in England. I must say that this time, the travelling was much easier. I moved four times in France, so not only do I travel relatively lightly, but I have mastered the art of packing and carrying luggage. This being said, I have also decided that charity is necessary so I don't get too worn out. And so, when at the bottom of a large metro staircase, I wait until Prince/Princess Charming offers a hand. I just stand there, suitcases on the ground, looking up, and wait. It usually takes less than 30 seconds. The philanthropist stops, offers a hand, I act slightly surprised and accept, giving the heavier of the suitcases if the helper seems strong, and the lighter one if it's a woman or a wimpy man. And like that, I make it to my destination without any stress, pain or frustration.
I spent two nights in London, which was great. Because one of the fellows from the Globe was denied entry into the UK, there was an extra room in the hotel. Raffi spoke to the people in charge and they switched the name for me! So I had my own room with free soap and coffee and a special card to have buffet breakies! What a treat.
Another treat I had were Marmite crisps. I saw them in the store and bought them, the first bag of chips I have bought in a long, long time. But the combo of Marmite and chips seemed too delicious to ignore. They were delicious. I smelled like Marmite for the rest of the day, but didn't care because the treat was so good.
The biggest treat, though, was probably seeing Sister Act in the West End. Raffi did his undergrad training with the woman who played the lead, and she got us great tickets. We sat in the Royal Circle, front and centre! The best seats in the house. His friend, Patina, is the first to play Whoopi's character in this new musical that just opened in June. So she is famous now, her poster on buses and buildings, and it was cool to meet her after and have seen her in the show. It was a fun time. Musicals aren't my fave genre, but I love this movie and it was quite the spectacle to see!
On Thursday, I took an incredibly comfy coach bus to Birminghamandcheese to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Sheila. It has been a great visit. I love coming here - it's relaxing and we can talk about Canada and there are always treats around. Yesterday, I met AS downtown for lunch and then we window shopped in a few stores and then checked out a really neat market. We bought some fruits and veg and then browsed a bookstore before meeting UD and coming home. We had delicious take-away fish and chips for dindins and then AS's sister and family (from Feckinham Palace) came for a visit. It was nice to see them, though it feels as though it was just last week I was at their place in the country! The time has flown, and it continues to surprise me... Today, UD and I are going to the main street to look for half boot and something he needs, and then AS and I are going to a Garden Show to see the biggest carrots in the land! I head back to London tonight.
My vacay has started off well. I miss Paris, but it's nice to be with people here who know me and to relax a little bit. It's rainy and cool here, but I don't mind being inside before I head to the farm, where the temperatures are soaring in the 30s these days! Hope this finds you well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
After an uncomplicated voyage from France, I arrived in England. I must say that this time, the travelling was much easier. I moved four times in France, so not only do I travel relatively lightly, but I have mastered the art of packing and carrying luggage. This being said, I have also decided that charity is necessary so I don't get too worn out. And so, when at the bottom of a large metro staircase, I wait until Prince/Princess Charming offers a hand. I just stand there, suitcases on the ground, looking up, and wait. It usually takes less than 30 seconds. The philanthropist stops, offers a hand, I act slightly surprised and accept, giving the heavier of the suitcases if the helper seems strong, and the lighter one if it's a woman or a wimpy man. And like that, I make it to my destination without any stress, pain or frustration.
I spent two nights in London, which was great. Because one of the fellows from the Globe was denied entry into the UK, there was an extra room in the hotel. Raffi spoke to the people in charge and they switched the name for me! So I had my own room with free soap and coffee and a special card to have buffet breakies! What a treat.
Another treat I had were Marmite crisps. I saw them in the store and bought them, the first bag of chips I have bought in a long, long time. But the combo of Marmite and chips seemed too delicious to ignore. They were delicious. I smelled like Marmite for the rest of the day, but didn't care because the treat was so good.
The biggest treat, though, was probably seeing Sister Act in the West End. Raffi did his undergrad training with the woman who played the lead, and she got us great tickets. We sat in the Royal Circle, front and centre! The best seats in the house. His friend, Patina, is the first to play Whoopi's character in this new musical that just opened in June. So she is famous now, her poster on buses and buildings, and it was cool to meet her after and have seen her in the show. It was a fun time. Musicals aren't my fave genre, but I love this movie and it was quite the spectacle to see!
On Thursday, I took an incredibly comfy coach bus to Birminghamandcheese to see Uncle Doug and Aunt Sheila. It has been a great visit. I love coming here - it's relaxing and we can talk about Canada and there are always treats around. Yesterday, I met AS downtown for lunch and then we window shopped in a few stores and then checked out a really neat market. We bought some fruits and veg and then browsed a bookstore before meeting UD and coming home. We had delicious take-away fish and chips for dindins and then AS's sister and family (from Feckinham Palace) came for a visit. It was nice to see them, though it feels as though it was just last week I was at their place in the country! The time has flown, and it continues to surprise me... Today, UD and I are going to the main street to look for half boot and something he needs, and then AS and I are going to a Garden Show to see the biggest carrots in the land! I head back to London tonight.
My vacay has started off well. I miss Paris, but it's nice to be with people here who know me and to relax a little bit. It's rainy and cool here, but I don't mind being inside before I head to the farm, where the temperatures are soaring in the 30s these days! Hope this finds you well.
Signing off,
Hincks.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Chapter 116: Farewell to France
nerd blog post #125
It has been exactly one year since I arrived in France, and I leave tonight. I can't believe it's gone by so quickly and that I'm actually leaving. I have no idea when I'll be back or if I'll ever spend so long here again, and it's a sad goodbye I'm saying to a place I really love.
The last few days here were hectic, but very good. I worked a lot at Rose Bakery and the pub, and enjoyed the busy lifestyle of hopping from one to the other, utterly exhausted but happy for the work.
My last shift at the pub was Saturday night, and I was so surprised that most of the staff came by to wish me well. They bought me shots and Taylor gave me a big bag of baked goods - cookies, brownies, banana bread.. I didn't know what to even do with it all so I've been sharing! It was amazing to have them all there, and it wasn't really until then that I felt as though I had made a wee mark at that place and was appreciated. The owner also came down and thanked me for my time and gave me a small cash bonus. He said there will always be a job for me there. It was nice to hear. So the last shift was a bit of a sad one.
Sunday I worked the last shift at Rose Bakery. As I'd only been there for six shifts, there was obviously no party for me. But it was still good, and I got Gel a job there so she worked her first shift. It was fun working with her.
On Sunday night I went out with Gel and her roomies. They are such nice French peeps and it has been a pleasure getting to spend time with them this Summer. One of them is moving to Montreal in January and will come and visit Toronto in February, which is great. We went to a mojito bar in Montmartre and I had the best mojitos I've ever had! The couple who owns the place are super nice and from Madagascar, and I wish I'd been there before. I said a sad goodbye to the roommates at the end of the night.
Yesterday, I went to the Musee d'Orsay since I hadn't yet been. I also did some packing and cleaning and getting ready. I felt pretty bummed out all day. I will miss this city a lot. It's different than when I left Toronto because there was no doubt in my mind that I'd be there again, and live there again. But I might never live in Paris again, and it will never be like it was for me this year.
I went to the pub around 9pm to meet Gel. When I arrived, there was a whole slew of friends there to surprise me on my last night. I was shocked! I had chicken wings and beer and a really great time. I will miss more than just the clowns. I have a great group of people at the pub and beyond that were so great to me this Summer, and were ready to send me off with all of their best wishes. I said goodbyes and rode bikes home with Gel.
Today, I move out of my room and then will have the afternoon to do last minute things. I'll also meet Gel and Taylor for a coffee and say goodbye to them. A friend of Raffi and Viktor's who works at the bakery offered to help me with my bags. Remembering the struggles of a year ago, and knowing Raffi can't meet me in London, I accepted. So I'll leave the same way I came, from the Paris Gare du Nord station to London St Pancras.
What a year it has been! I don't really have the perspective to write anything thoughtful. All I know is that I'm very sorry to leave and will miss so much about this land.
With love,
Hincks.
It has been exactly one year since I arrived in France, and I leave tonight. I can't believe it's gone by so quickly and that I'm actually leaving. I have no idea when I'll be back or if I'll ever spend so long here again, and it's a sad goodbye I'm saying to a place I really love.
The last few days here were hectic, but very good. I worked a lot at Rose Bakery and the pub, and enjoyed the busy lifestyle of hopping from one to the other, utterly exhausted but happy for the work.
My last shift at the pub was Saturday night, and I was so surprised that most of the staff came by to wish me well. They bought me shots and Taylor gave me a big bag of baked goods - cookies, brownies, banana bread.. I didn't know what to even do with it all so I've been sharing! It was amazing to have them all there, and it wasn't really until then that I felt as though I had made a wee mark at that place and was appreciated. The owner also came down and thanked me for my time and gave me a small cash bonus. He said there will always be a job for me there. It was nice to hear. So the last shift was a bit of a sad one.
Sunday I worked the last shift at Rose Bakery. As I'd only been there for six shifts, there was obviously no party for me. But it was still good, and I got Gel a job there so she worked her first shift. It was fun working with her.
On Sunday night I went out with Gel and her roomies. They are such nice French peeps and it has been a pleasure getting to spend time with them this Summer. One of them is moving to Montreal in January and will come and visit Toronto in February, which is great. We went to a mojito bar in Montmartre and I had the best mojitos I've ever had! The couple who owns the place are super nice and from Madagascar, and I wish I'd been there before. I said a sad goodbye to the roommates at the end of the night.
Yesterday, I went to the Musee d'Orsay since I hadn't yet been. I also did some packing and cleaning and getting ready. I felt pretty bummed out all day. I will miss this city a lot. It's different than when I left Toronto because there was no doubt in my mind that I'd be there again, and live there again. But I might never live in Paris again, and it will never be like it was for me this year.
I went to the pub around 9pm to meet Gel. When I arrived, there was a whole slew of friends there to surprise me on my last night. I was shocked! I had chicken wings and beer and a really great time. I will miss more than just the clowns. I have a great group of people at the pub and beyond that were so great to me this Summer, and were ready to send me off with all of their best wishes. I said goodbyes and rode bikes home with Gel.
Today, I move out of my room and then will have the afternoon to do last minute things. I'll also meet Gel and Taylor for a coffee and say goodbye to them. A friend of Raffi and Viktor's who works at the bakery offered to help me with my bags. Remembering the struggles of a year ago, and knowing Raffi can't meet me in London, I accepted. So I'll leave the same way I came, from the Paris Gare du Nord station to London St Pancras.
What a year it has been! I don't really have the perspective to write anything thoughtful. All I know is that I'm very sorry to leave and will miss so much about this land.
With love,
Hincks.
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