When Neal arrived home on Friday morning after leaving me on my own for 11 days, we knew we only had the weekend to get everything in order so that we can both leave on Tuesday morning and start ship-hopping for the next month. We have been running around non-stop until yesterday when we took a moment to exhale. We slowed down enough to spend the day with my future in-laws on The Isle of Wight, which is the Norman Rockwell-esque community that Neal and his Brother, Chris, grew up in.
You have to take a ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to The Isle of Wight and it was a very pleasant 40-minute journey ... we slept the entire time. As soon as we cleared the ferry, Neal pulls over and it's my turn to drive. It's time to see if those driving lessons paid off. Unbelievably, I was driving like I've been driving in the UK my whole life, that is, of course, after I realized I was driving in the wrong lane. But, once I got that straight, I was driving like a pro. Neal had to admit that the lessons were worth every dime, and he seemed quite impressed with my newly acquired driving skills. We drove over to his dad's house in a town called Shanklin, and the first order of business was to have a cup of tea. I love how the men of England can talk of having tea while sitting in a garden without the fear of having their man-hood questioned! Then we had a little pre-lunch stroll to the seaside cliffs and for the end of October, the weather has been quite mild and we were blessed to have a beautifully sunny day.
The seaside was great. Then it was off to meet Barbara, the neighbor of over 40 years, at The Conservative Club. This is a social club for one of the UK's political parties of which Neal's dad is a member. We each had a traditional Sunday roast. Mine was lamb and besides getting a great upper-body workout trying to cut the lamb, my meal was great. The meal also came with Yorkshire Pudding. Now, the name gives you the idea that it is a dessert and that it should be thick and creamy. NOT. It's bread made of flour and egg. It tastes amazing, especially if you cover it in gravy ... well, let's face it, everything tastes better covered in either gravy, bacon or cheese.
After lunch and great conversation, we went by Barbara's to see her new bungalow. After 40 plus years of being the O'Connell's neighbor, she has moved across the Island to a smaller place. For a little old lady, she's got pretty awesome taste. Her home was still in that "just moved in" state, but her furniture was classic and extroadinary. The type of craftmanship that you just can't find these days. I'm looking forward to visiting her again when everything is in place.
From there we headed to a special church service that was remembering those who had passed on. Neal's mom passed earlier this year and we were invited to honor her memory. Neal's brother Chris, joined us and it was a very nice service. Then it was back to Neal's dad's house for more tea and a sweet.
We ended our awesome day on the Isle of Wight with Neal´s brother´s family. Of course we started the visit with more tea and a little adult conversation, before Millie & Ellis joined us to update us on the goings on of the UK teenager. Millie´s a little dancing queen and Ellis is a brainiac! Millie and I are definitely kindred spirits both having a flair for the dramatic, though I think Millie´s got me beat by a mile. If there´s not an Oscar in that girl´s future, I´d be very surprised! After we got caught up on each other´s lives, it was off to the pub for dinner. The kid´s talked me into a cheeseburger with bacon (really, it didn´t take that much convincing) and it was soooooo good. I had to keep an eye on Millie who was keeping her eye on my pint. She wanted to know if it was as refreshing as the commercials say it is, and I convinced her to take my word for it, it was!!
Finally, we made the mad dash back to the docks to catch the 10p ferry home to Waterlooville. It was a pleasant 40-minute journey, we slept the entire time!
Glo.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
My Weekend in London - Day Two
I can’t think of a better way to have started my second day in London than a wake-up call from Neal. We had a lovely chat ... Neal was heading off on his own adventure to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. So far I hadn't seen my host, Johnny Jay. I got the key from his doorman when I arrived on Friday, and returned home pretty late after “Sister Act.”
So my plan for Saturday was to do very “English” things, so I started out by having a traditional English breakfast at a pub just down the street from Johnny’s flat. So this traditional English breakfast is quite a feast consisting of barely toasted toast, hash browns, baked beans, sausages (not those skinny ones we get in the states), bacon, a fried egg, 1 mushroom, and a strangely prepared slice of tomato. As difficult as it was, I managed to eat the entire breakfast except for the strangely prepared tomato.
Then it was off to The Tube station to head to the West End to pick up my ticket to see the matinee of “Billy Elliott.” This was a much less complicated Tube ride than Friday’s. I only had to transfer trains once. I arrived at Victoria Station and found my way to The Victoria Palace Theatre with no problem. After getting my ticket, I decided to take a stroll. Again, I walked until I actually heard my left knee cursing me out. By that time I had wandered to what I dubbed “Designer Row” in the Chelsea/Knight’s Bridge area. There they were, Versace, Gucci, Prada and many, many more. I was pretty sure I would be arrested by the fashion police if I actually made eye contact with anyone so I kept my head down looking at my no-name Wal-Mart trainers in utter shame. Once I lifted my head, I was at the famed Hyde Park. Just as I was going to walk into the park’s gates I stole a little glace at my watch. To much surprise and horror, it was 1:30p and “Billy Elliott” started at 2:30p and I had absolutely no idea where I was in relation to the theater.
I am blessed with a good sense of direction and was pretty sure I was headed in the right direction to get back to Victoria Palace, but I couldn’t chance walking. Thankfully, there’s a Tube station practically on every corner so I headed for the nearest one and like a pro, found my way to Victoria Station just in time to hit the pub and have a pint before the show. Whoa, that was very Bri’ish! Oh Lord, I’m already dropping my “T’s”!
After downing a pint of Strongbow and a bag of crisps (that’s chips in American), I found my seat and waited anxiously for the show to start. So, where “Sister Act” was all glitz and glamour, “Billy Elliott” was all grime and grit! “Sister Act,” overtly American, “Billy Elliott,” very British. There was so much of the dialogue that I just didn’t get. By the second day in London I had gotten cheap so I didn’t buy a program so I don’t know the actor’s name who played Billy, but he was pretty fabulous. A pint-sized triple threat. He sang, he danced, he acted and did it all with ease! The show did feel long and had some political moments involving Margaret Thatcher that I could have lived without, but overall, I enjoyed the show. I’m not sure if having ice cream during intermission is a traditional British thing to do, but I did have the spoonful of ice cream that cost me 3 pounds (about $4.50), and it was good!
I thought I would return to the same pub that I went to before the show to have fish ‘n chips, but it seems everyone who left the theatre had that same idea, so Plan B was to head back to Putney and have dinner near Johnny’s place. So my final traditional British task was to eat of meal of fish ‘n chips. I went to The Boat House, had another pint, and had the most wonderful meal, except for the “mashed peas” they served with the fish ‘n chips. Hey, I like sweet peas so I figured I’d like mushy peas … NOT! Me no likey.
Thankfully, I only had to walk a couple steps to Johnny’s building, ‘cause I was stuffed like a pig, and my legs were about to revolt. It was only about 7:00 p when I got home and still no Johnny sighting. I decided to read the book I’ve been trying to finish since last Thanksgiving until Johnny came home. By about 7:30p I was sound asleep and the book was still unfinished. I finally woke up about 10:30p to wash up for bed, and then I passed out again ‘til morning.
Sunday morning I was feeling all of my 43 years and finally, a Johnny sighting. He was heading off to a meeting, but he had a few minutes for coffee and the reader’s digest version of the Neal & Glo engagement story!
Finally, about mid-day I was on a train headed out of London and back to reality. My weekend was exhausting, stimulating, inspiring, fun and definitely an adventure. My next adventure starts in a week when I will begin a month of ship-hoping with Neal.
Stay tuned …
So my plan for Saturday was to do very “English” things, so I started out by having a traditional English breakfast at a pub just down the street from Johnny’s flat. So this traditional English breakfast is quite a feast consisting of barely toasted toast, hash browns, baked beans, sausages (not those skinny ones we get in the states), bacon, a fried egg, 1 mushroom, and a strangely prepared slice of tomato. As difficult as it was, I managed to eat the entire breakfast except for the strangely prepared tomato.
Then it was off to The Tube station to head to the West End to pick up my ticket to see the matinee of “Billy Elliott.” This was a much less complicated Tube ride than Friday’s. I only had to transfer trains once. I arrived at Victoria Station and found my way to The Victoria Palace Theatre with no problem. After getting my ticket, I decided to take a stroll. Again, I walked until I actually heard my left knee cursing me out. By that time I had wandered to what I dubbed “Designer Row” in the Chelsea/Knight’s Bridge area. There they were, Versace, Gucci, Prada and many, many more. I was pretty sure I would be arrested by the fashion police if I actually made eye contact with anyone so I kept my head down looking at my no-name Wal-Mart trainers in utter shame. Once I lifted my head, I was at the famed Hyde Park. Just as I was going to walk into the park’s gates I stole a little glace at my watch. To much surprise and horror, it was 1:30p and “Billy Elliott” started at 2:30p and I had absolutely no idea where I was in relation to the theater.I am blessed with a good sense of direction and was pretty sure I was headed in the right direction to get back to Victoria Palace, but I couldn’t chance walking. Thankfully, there’s a Tube station practically on every corner so I headed for the nearest one and like a pro, found my way to Victoria Station just in time to hit the pub and have a pint before the show. Whoa, that was very Bri’ish! Oh Lord, I’m already dropping my “T’s”!
After downing a pint of Strongbow and a bag of crisps (that’s chips in American), I found my seat and waited anxiously for the show to start. So, where “Sister Act” was all glitz and glamour, “Billy Elliott” was all grime and grit! “Sister Act,” overtly American, “Billy Elliott,” very British. There was so much of the dialogue that I just didn’t get. By the second day in London I had gotten cheap so I didn’t buy a program so I don’t know the actor’s name who played Billy, but he was pretty fabulous. A pint-sized triple threat. He sang, he danced, he acted and did it all with ease! The show did feel long and had some political moments involving Margaret Thatcher that I could have lived without, but overall, I enjoyed the show. I’m not sure if having ice cream during intermission is a traditional British thing to do, but I did have the spoonful of ice cream that cost me 3 pounds (about $4.50), and it was good!
I thought I would return to the same pub that I went to before the show to have fish ‘n chips, but it seems everyone who left the theatre had that same idea, so Plan B was to head back to Putney and have dinner near Johnny’s place. So my final traditional British task was to eat of meal of fish ‘n chips. I went to The Boat House, had another pint, and had the most wonderful meal, except for the “mashed peas” they served with the fish ‘n chips. Hey, I like sweet peas so I figured I’d like mushy peas … NOT! Me no likey.
Thankfully, I only had to walk a couple steps to Johnny’s building, ‘cause I was stuffed like a pig, and my legs were about to revolt. It was only about 7:00 p when I got home and still no Johnny sighting. I decided to read the book I’ve been trying to finish since last Thanksgiving until Johnny came home. By about 7:30p I was sound asleep and the book was still unfinished. I finally woke up about 10:30p to wash up for bed, and then I passed out again ‘til morning.
Sunday morning I was feeling all of my 43 years and finally, a Johnny sighting. He was heading off to a meeting, but he had a few minutes for coffee and the reader’s digest version of the Neal & Glo engagement story!
Finally, about mid-day I was on a train headed out of London and back to reality. My weekend was exhausting, stimulating, inspiring, fun and definitely an adventure. My next adventure starts in a week when I will begin a month of ship-hoping with Neal.
Stay tuned …
Monday, October 19, 2009
My Weekend in London - Day One
I woke up Friday morning ready for my adventure running around London on my own. The first challenge, however, was getting there.
Taxis, Trains & The Tube …
It’s amazing how a simple thing like phoning a taxi can seem so daunting when you’re in a foreign country. So, I nervously call “Andi Cabs” and with the timidity blaring through my American accent, I manage to order the taxi and it arrived right on time!
I had a fantastic cab driver. We laughed and cracked jokes all the way to the train station, which was great ‘cause it kept my mind of my next scary task … buying a train ticket. I made Neal walk me through what I needed to say and he swore there would be a person at a ticket booth from whom I could buy my ticket. There was a booth, but no person. Then I spot them … these very complicated looking automated ticket machines. Let’s face it, none of us enjoy looking like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we certainly don’t want to look foolish. There I am staring at the machine, experiencing a private summer from the heat of looking foolish, and I have no idea what to do.
Taxis, Trains & The Tube …
It’s amazing how a simple thing like phoning a taxi can seem so daunting when you’re in a foreign country. So, I nervously call “Andi Cabs” and with the timidity blaring through my American accent, I manage to order the taxi and it arrived right on time!
I had a fantastic cab driver. We laughed and cracked jokes all the way to the train station, which was great ‘cause it kept my mind of my next scary task … buying a train ticket. I made Neal walk me through what I needed to say and he swore there would be a person at a ticket booth from whom I could buy my ticket. There was a booth, but no person. Then I spot them … these very complicated looking automated ticket machines. Let’s face it, none of us enjoy looking like we don’t know what we’re doing, and we certainly don’t want to look foolish. There I am staring at the machine, experiencing a private summer from the heat of looking foolish, and I have no idea what to do.
Finally, someone takes pity on me and walks me through pushing the right buttons and then out pops a ticket and I’m good to go … or at least I thought I was. As soon as I turn to walk onto the platform I’m confronted with gates that are closed and I again have no idea what to do. Then I remembered all the other trains I’ve successfully boarded around Europe and most of them you have to run your ticket through a slot in order for the gate to open onto the platform. So I ever so coolly look for this slot, and bingo, there is one and I’m now safely on the platform.
I was already ready for a pint and I hadn’t left the train station yet. The train ride was great. The London exit is called “Waterloo,” and needless to say I couldn’t get that tune out of my head. You know the one, ‘cause it’s now going through your head. Sorry.
Neal had arranged for me to stay at his friend Johnny Jay’s place in the Putney area of London, so once I got to the Waterloo station I had to follow Johnny’s instructions to get to his flat. Listen at me sounding all British! Thanks to great directions, I arrived at Johnny’s flat, aka, the lap of luxury, with no problem. This place was fabulous. Here’s the view from my bedroom window … nice huh? As difficult as it was, I managed to pull myself away from the lap of luxury and head off to The Tube to find my way to the London Palladium to pick up my tickets for the 7:30p show of “Sister Act.”I guess navigating your way through the subway system is a lot like riding a bike ‘cause in no time at all I was figuring out where I needed to connect to different lines in order to make my way to my destination. My stop was “Oxford Circus” and up to this point, moving through the train system was just as ordinary as walking around Milwaukee. A manageable amount of people, no big deal. Then, I found my way out of the station onto Oxford Circus and the word circus could not have been more fitting. I couldn’t believe the amount of people. I sometimes like to listen to what I call “conversation fragments” and one fragment that rang through to me just as I was trying to cross the street without getting killed was … “I hate London.” I couldn’t help but laugh cause at that very moment, I was completely enamored with it! I instantly picked up my walking pace to keep with the flow of traffic and before long I was knocking people over right along with the rest of them!
I found the theatre and picked up my ticket, then headed off to do some shopping. Turns out I was in the perfect area for that. Amazingly, I managed to not spend any money. Okay, I did spend some, but only in LUSH where they sell homemade cosmetics, soaps, etc.
I walked my legs off ‘til about 6p when I finally crashed at a Starbucks for a pick-me-up before the show. The people-watching was fantastic. The Café Mocha gave me just the boost I needed and at 7p I headed to the theatre. On my way inside, there was a huge group of “Nuns” preparing to go in as well. I tried to resist, but to know avail. I had to have a picture with them.
I took my seat next to Barbara and Helen from Liverpool (home of the Beatles) and as soon as the curtain rose on Sister Act it was ON! The show was fabulous. The set was extremely high-tech with moving parts and pieces flying in and stuff dropping into the floor … really cool. The star of the show, Patina Miller, who I’m pretty sure is my cousin, was too amazing for words. She commanded the stage from start to finish! Another highlight was Ako Mitchell who played Eddie the cop. He had some “steal-the-show” moments. And, I can’t forget Sister Mary Patrick (the hyper, high note singing one), played by Claire Greenway. She was as good as the actress who played the character in the movie, if not better!
The show let out about 10:30p and the streets were still heaving with people. I’m not sure how this happened, but I found myself in line at McDonald’s ordering a Big Mac meal. It’s probably been 2 years since I’ve had a Big Mac, but for some reason that seemed like the perfect late night meal to have after seeing such an awesome show … and it was!!!
So, with my stomach sufficiently stuffed, I navigated my way back through The Tube and found my way home to rest my weary self and wake up refreshed for day two of my London adventure … more on that tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Survived My First Driving Lesson
Roundabouts, piece of cake!!! So I survived my first driving lesson and it was definitely easier learning from a complete stranger than trying to be taught by Neal. My lesson was a great start to the day and then I headed off on the bus to Portsmouth. What a sense of accomplishment to find my way there and back without getting lost.
My first stop was a shopping/dining/living area called Gunwharf Quay. I've been there before with Neal, but was so excited to have found it on my own. They had lots of sales on at the shops, but I didn't buy anything, even though there was a red dress that I can't stop thinking about. After having lunch, I walked through Portsmouth to a shopping center called The Cascades. I was doing my wifely duty of exchanging a gift that Neal bought for his best friend's son.
I was headed home just as the kids were getting out of school and all I could think about was Harry Potter! LOL! All the kids looked like extras from the movie with their little ties on and crisp white shirts. They were just missing those black robes and wands! I also have to mentioned the two ladies who sat just behind me on the bus ... from the smell of them, I think they spent the afternoon in the local pub ... LOL! Definitely a liquid lunch.
Well, that's it for today. I'll have another installment after my London weekend. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliott" or "Sister Act" in the Westend. I saw an advert for "Sister Act" today and it looks fabulous. My friend Evan says he saw "Billy Elliott" and loved it. What's your vote?
'Til Next time ...
Glo.
My first stop was a shopping/dining/living area called Gunwharf Quay. I've been there before with Neal, but was so excited to have found it on my own. They had lots of sales on at the shops, but I didn't buy anything, even though there was a red dress that I can't stop thinking about. After having lunch, I walked through Portsmouth to a shopping center called The Cascades. I was doing my wifely duty of exchanging a gift that Neal bought for his best friend's son.
I was headed home just as the kids were getting out of school and all I could think about was Harry Potter! LOL! All the kids looked like extras from the movie with their little ties on and crisp white shirts. They were just missing those black robes and wands! I also have to mentioned the two ladies who sat just behind me on the bus ... from the smell of them, I think they spent the afternoon in the local pub ... LOL! Definitely a liquid lunch.
Well, that's it for today. I'll have another installment after my London weekend. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliott" or "Sister Act" in the Westend. I saw an advert for "Sister Act" today and it looks fabulous. My friend Evan says he saw "Billy Elliott" and loved it. What's your vote?
'Til Next time ...
Glo.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
First Day of Exploring on my Own!
Last night was my first night in my UK home and let me just say that I'm not used to the house noises. I probably sat up in bed 12 times thinking someone was coming up the stairs ... it didn't help that I watched a documentary about Jack the Ripper right before I went to bed. Yeah, I just couldn't make myself stop watching it. Hopefully tonight will be a bit better.
I have to pause here and tell you about the amazing sunset I'm seeing just outside my kitchen window. Pink, purple, yellow, and some patches of blue are filling the sky right now. Awesome!
Anyway, I decided to venture outside today and take a look around my new neighborhood. I'm not driving yet (I have driving lessons set up for Wednesday and Thursday), so I had to to explore on foot. I live in Waterlooville which is a very small town south of London. The city center is more like a strip mall so there's not much to it. I did, however, manage to spend a fair amount of money.
The weather today was beautiful and I really enjoyed my wander around town. I found a grocery store that sold baked-chicken flavored potato chips (crisps as they're called over here). I tried them and they are frickin awesome!!!
After my driving lesson tomorrow, I may venture onto a city bus into Portsmouth which is the nearest big town. To be honest, the only place I really want to go is Asda's which is the UK's version of Wal-Mart! It's not nearly as big as what we have in the states, but it will do. I want to do some decorating while Neal's away and I know I can find what I want at Asda's. If my lessons go well, I may venture there on Thursday. Neal bought a GPS for me, so I'll hopefully get to put it to use.
I'm headed to London over the weekend and my plan is the do some shopping (of course), have some fish 'n chips, and see a show in the West End. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliot."
I'll let you know how my lesson goes tomorrow!
Cheerio!
Glo.
I have to pause here and tell you about the amazing sunset I'm seeing just outside my kitchen window. Pink, purple, yellow, and some patches of blue are filling the sky right now. Awesome!
Anyway, I decided to venture outside today and take a look around my new neighborhood. I'm not driving yet (I have driving lessons set up for Wednesday and Thursday), so I had to to explore on foot. I live in Waterlooville which is a very small town south of London. The city center is more like a strip mall so there's not much to it. I did, however, manage to spend a fair amount of money.
The weather today was beautiful and I really enjoyed my wander around town. I found a grocery store that sold baked-chicken flavored potato chips (crisps as they're called over here). I tried them and they are frickin awesome!!!
After my driving lesson tomorrow, I may venture onto a city bus into Portsmouth which is the nearest big town. To be honest, the only place I really want to go is Asda's which is the UK's version of Wal-Mart! It's not nearly as big as what we have in the states, but it will do. I want to do some decorating while Neal's away and I know I can find what I want at Asda's. If my lessons go well, I may venture there on Thursday. Neal bought a GPS for me, so I'll hopefully get to put it to use.
I'm headed to London over the weekend and my plan is the do some shopping (of course), have some fish 'n chips, and see a show in the West End. I'm thinking about seeing "Billy Elliot."
I'll let you know how my lesson goes tomorrow!
Cheerio!
Glo.
Greetings from the UK!
If you haven’t heard by now, I’m getting married. FINALLY … LOL! I was engaged to Neal Austin on June 29th and I seem to have been caught up in a whirlwind that is still spinning quite fast! Since June 29th I have finished recording my CD, quit my day job, performed my last gig of the year, and temporarily moved to England. See what I mean about the whirlwind?
I have decided to blog my adventures while in the UK and wanted to invite you to come along on for the ride. All future blog entries will be available by subscription only. If you would like to subscribe to my blog so that you are automatically alerted when I’ve made a new entry, please click the subscribe button.
I’m on hiatus from performing ‘til the beginning of next year, however, I am still adding the finishing touches to my CD which is now scheduled for March, 2010 release. We are in the mixdown/mastering phase and it’s going great. Please stay tuned for additional information on my CD release.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
I have decided to blog my adventures while in the UK and wanted to invite you to come along on for the ride. All future blog entries will be available by subscription only. If you would like to subscribe to my blog so that you are automatically alerted when I’ve made a new entry, please click the subscribe button.
I’m on hiatus from performing ‘til the beginning of next year, however, I am still adding the finishing touches to my CD which is now scheduled for March, 2010 release. We are in the mixdown/mastering phase and it’s going great. Please stay tuned for additional information on my CD release.
Thank you so much for your continued support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
