It's now my 5th day of being in England - 6th day since the adventure began. Monday/Tuesday were travel days. I arrived 6am UK time on Tuesday, just me in a big airport. This was my first experience by myself in a large airport, travelling on a large plane. (I don't think that 14 seater plane I took to camp counts). But, here I was ready to go.
My house is a cute little townhouse that reminds me much of my days in first year at Brock University living in Village. The road is a long road filled with mini complexes of houses, much like the courts. 6 of us live in my house - 5 males and me. I've met 4 of 5, but only consistently see 2 of the 4 I've met. This house is interesting in that there is no living room, or really a common area. There is a kitchen, with a kitchen table, but it appears not to get used. So if you're not out and about you're hanging out in your room. My room is beige everything with a wardrobe, dresser, bedside table, bed and soon to be a desk. The bedding provided was nice chocolate brown. However, after spending more time than I'd like to in my room, I realized I needed some colour. I now have a pink and teal stripped comforter and on the hunt for some decorations. Most people know that I love pillows. The pillows here - a brick would be more comfortable. At least it would have some height to it. The pillows here are about the same width as a piece of paper.
My house location is good, but not great. It's in a beautiful area surrounding by parks and green and footpaths, but because of all the parks and green, those footpaths are needed to get to everywhere. There is nothing close. Town is at least a 45 minute walk. Each day I try to take a different route or find a short cut or get completely lost. But you better make sure you make a list and check it twice. Don't want to get home and realize you forgot to buy milk.
Town is one street filled with pubs, restaurants, pharmacies and grocery stores. At the end of the street is a Tesco and a mall. Tesco is the main supermarket and it is like Wal-Mart on drugs. Anything you need you will find there, but it is constantly insanely busy. There is one golden treasure in town - a milkshake shop. A shop completely designated to milkshakes of any flavour you could ever imagine. I have found my lemon drop replacement and already become a member. I kept it simple and had a Mars bar one, may have to try a fully loaded one next time!
My school is quite the building. Technically, it was supposed to be demolished this week, but the construction of the building fell behind and doesn't open until January. For the first semester we are in this building with holes in the ceilings, falling apart walls - a building that needs to be demolished. My classroom is a full computer lab with brand new computers (bought for the new building). Makes it an exciting opportunity to incorporate technology into lessons, but also makes it a challenge to teach. The gym of the school is incredible. Fully loaded fitness center, dance studio, nutrition counselling, full time personal trainers and a complete gymnastics arena (which were used a training facility during the Olympics). The staff that I met all appear to be quite young and rather new teachers. I think it should be an exciting place to work in! Monday and Tuesday are induction days and school begins on Wednesday!
Life here has so far been good. Been into London once for the day, and it was much like going to Toronto for the day, just seemed like a normal thing. The weather is crazy. One day is can be absolutely freezing and pouring rain and the next day you're sweating in shorts and t-shirt. My feet are blistered from walking at least 3 hours everyday. But absolutely loving it. Looking forward to next week and getting out and meeting more people.
I am now off to the Old Town for a day of photography, will post pictures soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment