Who writes this crap?

What are you looking at, there in the mirror? Oh, you? You're looking at you? What, you say? That should be obvious, what else would you be looking at in the mirror? Okay, right. So, what do you see? Do you see somebody who's grown up recently? Who has a better understanding of themselves and the world around them? It could very well be that that good looker looking back at you holds all that (and more) in their eyes.

- my horoscope for today (Yahoo! Horoscopes)...

Under A Tuscan Sun

I have finally put my suitcase away and I guess I am ready to start talking about my trip (if I talk about it then that means that it is over, and I wasn't really ready for that to happen...)

I had a wonderful time and met some really great people (I know I say this every time, but that's just the way it happens). This tour was a little more laid-back. We had more time in each city and the overall mood of the group was a bit more relaxed. There were 39 of us, of which 24 were married/serious couples. In the beginning I was a bit disappointed with the stats, but in the end I had more fun with some of the couples than with certain single people (we had a couple of real bitches in the group!). I won't bore you with a 12 day play-by-play... Here are the highlights:

ROME
Favorite: Big hugs from Kristin as she opened the hotel room door.
Tasted: I am not a huge fan of 'weird' meat, especially if it has tentacles, but I ate THE BEST squid dish at a restaurant around the corner from the hotel!! And the octopus wasn't too bad either.
Funny: I was twice forgotten. My car service 'forgot' to pick me up for Gatwick at 4:00am. The car never showed and no one answered when I called (repeatedly). Luckily I was able to find another service and made it with plenty of time to spare. In Rome, the same thing happened... I wasn't really in a rush and was really enjoying the beautiful weather, but after an hour or so I started to get worried. The first time I was a little panicked, but by the second time I just had to laugh.

SORRENTO
Favorite: The Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri. We took a motor boat to the Blue Grotto, then had to climb into a small rowboat. The opening was so small that we had to duck down so we wouldn't hit our heads, but inside (once your eyes adjusted to the darkness) it was beautiful!
Tasted: 1)Mozzarella/Tomato/Basil sandwich that was amazing! Mozzarella is made from buffalo's milk (rather than cow's milk) and there is such a difference in the taste!! Mmm! 2) This area is known for its lemons. They are the size of a child's football - seriously. So when they put this icy shot glass in front of me and said it was a liquor called Lemmoncello made from lemons, I thought I would love it. Can you say fire water!?! The creamy version is supposed to be nice, though.
Funny: We missed the ferry from the Isle of Capri back to Sorrento (We had beer to finish and thought we were closer to the dock than we were - there were about 10 of us). Whoops! We ran for it, but it was pulling away from the dock. It was easy enough to catch the next one and Kristin and I made friends with the over-50 tour group from England...

FLORENCE
Favorite: The Uffizi Gallery. I broke away from the group since I had seen Florence before and headed straight for the Uffizi and all of its Renaissance artMichelangelo Michealangelo exhibit that was fabulous. They had many of his machines and other inventions, not to mention his artwork. I was totally blown away!!
Tasted: Chianti from a winery in the region. Mmm!! tasty!
Funny: Our BIG night out. Three drunk American girls on the town. Oh - and Matt. Kristin and Jenny got kisses from Italian boys... I tried, but the guy's friend was drunk (I think the only english word he knew was 'tits') so he left. Oh well.

CINQUE TERRE
Favorite: Manarola, a beautiful little town in this national park. (See pictures below, even though they don't do it justice) We stayed the night in a town farther inland called LaSpezia where we went for a walk that evening to the pier. It was a nice night and we kept running into other tour members - it was a great night!
Tasted: Waiting for our boat, we grabbed a bite to eat in Porteverre. This area is known for its pesto so I ordered a pesto pizza for lunch - it was the BEST pizza I have ever tasted!!
Funny: Public toilets that are just holes infoot restsnd with footrests on either side. I couldn't bring myself to give it a try. Maybe... If it was clean... I didn't have to go THAT bad.

MILAN
Favorite: There wasn't a whole lot in Milan that caught my eye, but that night we played a card game that one of the Kiwi couples taught - it was fabulous!!
Tasted: My first taste of Nutella Gellato. Mmm!!
Funny: I have a ton of pictures from the roof of the huge cathedral, but Kristin and I got distracted and didn't actually make it insidesupposedurch (which was suposed to be amazing). Whoops!

VENICE
Favorite: This city is just fantastic!! There's nothing more I can say about it.
Tasted: My first espresso. I had to add sugar, but it was nice.
Funny: Anna was so excited about seeing Venice that as soon as we stepped outside of the train station, she had perma-grin.

ROME
Favorite: Seeing the Sistein Chapel. Pictures just can't do it justice... It was breathtaking!
Tasted: Zucchini pizza is quite tasty.
Funny: What were we thinking, trying to visit the Jewish Quarter on Passover (everything was closed)!?!

Already we've heard from a couple of people from LA (Thanks Jenny, Alfred & Andrea), so it looks like Kristin and I may have to make our way to the west coast... Damn. I guess there's more travelling in our future... :)

I Just Can't Help Myself

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"So, you're a cannibal."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

Snapshots of Italy

A courtyard of the Vatican Museum with St. Peter's in the background. (sculpture of the world in the foreground) 

The ruins of Pompeii, a city covered in 30 feet of ash when Mt. Vesivus errupted in 79 AD. 

A gondola ride in Venice 

The leaning tower of Pisa 

Manarola - A small town in the National Park, Cinque Terre. I fell in love with this area the moment I saw it...  

Online Quiz Fun

It's a bank holiday, so what better way to spend (or waste) your time than silly online quizzes... Here's what I've learnt about myself today...

You Belong in Barcelona

When it comes to Europe, you don't want to decide between culture and fun. You want art by day and a big party by night. Barcelona is ideal for you. You can check out some Picasso, eat some tapas, take a siesta, and then dance all night!

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Are a Traveler Soul

You're a thrill seeker who loves to be active and on the move You love to wander: between places, ideas, and people. A good communicator, you're a nonconformist and interested in the world. You are an explorer, a good storyteller, and a true dreamer. Because you're always on the move, you can be a bit fickle. It's difficult for you to make personal commitments. Don't be so quick to ignore emotional issues and problems. You're much more intuitive and psychic than you think. Souls you are most compatible with: Retrospective Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Your Lucky Underwear is Yellow

You're an extremely happy, laid back, fun soul. And your lucky yellow underwear can help you get even more out of life. In life, you rather play than work. You're apt to quit any task that doesn't nourish your creativity and inner child. Sometimes your drive for freedom hinders your quality of life. You find it impossible to do anything unpleasant. If you want to have responsibilities and still have fun, put on your yellow underpants. They'll help you make a party out of the most mundane tasks.

What Color Is Your Lucky Underwear?

You Are 27 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Ciao

Well, it's hard to believe but in 6 hours I will be boarding a plane for Rome. I am so excited that I can't sleep. Considering I have to get up in 3 hours, this is not good. I will try and post while I am in Italy, but no promises... Have a wonderful two weeks!!

Amsterdam

Who knew that GMT changed a week earlier than the US?!? Well, I am sure someone knew, but I didn't. So, when I woke up Sunday morning at (what I thought was) 6:45, stretched and smiled that we would have plenty of time, I was in for a rude awakening. Thank goodness my computer changes time automatically, otherwise we would have missed our flight entirely. I guess this is why I should have a British calendar hanging on my wall rather than an American one.

Anyway, with a start like that, you can expect the journey to the airport to be a bit hectic. Actually, it wasn't too bad. Laura is one of the most easy-going people I know, so between the two of us it was a "don't sweat it" "it'll work itself out" kind of morning. Once we were on the train, all we could do was sit, or crossword puzzles in our case. Things were a bit hairy when we reached the airport station. We pushed our way onto the shuttle with only 5 minutes before the check in counter closed, hopped off and ran inside. I was ready to start a Plan B, but Laura saw some people on the shuttle with us that were arguing with the ticket counter attendant (with a camera crew recording). The attendant let them jump to the front of the check in line, so we followed suite. The woman checked our passports and said, "Run!" So that's just what we did. "I feel like we're on The Amazing Race," Laura said at one point in the airport and that became our theme for the trip.

It was not a very smooth flight from London to Amsterdam. I kept expecting to see the plane go up on one side, like a Dukes of Hazzard-esque landing. But, we had made it to Amsterdam and that was all that really mattered.

We got our passports stamped and bought tickets for the train into the town. We bought first class tickets, thinking "why not live a little?" Who knew there was no first class on those trains!?! Finally, we made our way to the hostel which was right in the centre of the Red Light District. The room was not bad, two single beds and our own shower en suite. It was now around 3 o'clock and we wanted to explore and see the Van Gogh Museum. We found Dam Square and picked up some falafel for lunch. Then we just started to walk. At first it was really nice, neither of us were in a hurry and it was a lovely day. After a while we got a bit turned around. Let's just say that after an hour or two of walking (in the wrong direction) we would have definitely lost The Amazing Race! By this time the Van Gogh Museum was closed and we were both tired of walking, so we hopped a tram headed for Centraal Station (at least we knew where to go from there). Of course the tram system was a bit confusing, especially in a different language. I'm sure we should have paid somewhere along the way, but neither of us knew where. Whoops.

On our way back to familiar territory we passed a crowd of people around what looked like a sculpture garden. It turned out that this was a 3-D version of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." In the background of this picture is a statue of Rembrandt.

Eventually we made it back to the hostel, showered and hit the streets again, this time in search of food. Every guide book we read suggested that Amsterdam is a great place for Indonesian food, so who were we to argue? Of course, it took a little while to find a restaurant, but in the end it was well worth the wait.

Now, I won't go into much detail about the rest of the night. I had an absolute blast, despite the rain and creepy men wandering the streets. All I'll say is that it was definitely memorable - and yes, I remember ever detail.

We woke at 8:00 the next morning, made our way back to the train station and eventually made it back to the airport. This time we did not have any problems checking in and were back in England by 3:00. We had a few hours to relax before we were due in London at the Fortune Theatre to see "The Woman In Black."

If there is time to return to Amsterdam before I fly home, I'd definitely like to go. Next time I'd like to stay for a weekend, rather than just 24 hours. And I'd also invest in a better Tram Map so that I'd have a better chance of winning The Amazing Race...

Good Surprises

Bo sent a stack of Perpetual Groove CDs with Laura, including the show at The Visulite where we first saw them (October 2003). That is a night that I will never forget. We went because Laura had heard that they were good, but I don't think any of us had expected what we saw. I, for one, was completely blown away!! When Laura was here, we listened to the album, All This Everything. Since she's left, I have now made my way through two of the shows Bo sent (Visulite & Neighborhood Theatre) and am starting the Ziggy's show today. Bo is the king of good surprises (and Laura too)!

Whew!!

The last two weeks have been a blur. I haven't had much time to think, let alone type, but I will try and recap.

• The Ofsted inspection did not go very well. They observed 20 lessons that day and there were 4 unsatisfactory ones (that's 20% when more than 8% is unacceptable). I ended up with an Inspector in with my year 8s - I swear I have never seen them so good!!
• That Wednesday I got my hair cut, then went back Friday to get it colored. I am still adjusting to the shorter cut (I now have some fringe - bangs), but I like it lots!
• Laura arrived on Saturday. It was SO great to see her and spend time catching up. I always have such a good time with her!! We wandered around the city, did the pub-thing, went to the theatre, ate Indian and Sushi and fit in a trip to Amsterdam. It was a blast!!
• This Tuesday I had a county advisor in my classroom for another observation, this is a pilot program our department is developing and while exciting to be a part of, it was also a tough week to have more observations.
• I have been trying to get things together for my trip on Monday, so I have spent time last week and this one shopping, etc. I have a couple of things to return tomorrow, but otherwise I think I am ready to start putting it all in the suitcase.
• The kids have been NUTS this last half of the week!

So, that's been my last two weeks. It doesn't look like much here, but boy has it been busy!! I'll post more about Laura's visit and (hopefully) some pictures later this weekend.

Update

I've had the flat to myself these last two weeks. It's been quiet. It's been lonely. But I can't really say that it hasn't been interesting...

For Sale
The landlords have decided to sell the flat. There was a little drama in the beginning because they had listed the wrong dates for our lease and I panicked that I was going to be homeless for an extra month, but that was corrected and now we've had quite a bit of traffic through the place. We've had landlords and surveyors, they even had an Open House on Saturday. Everything seems to be happening so quickly. I'm sure it will slow down soon, the landlord just seems anxious to get things started. I am just happy that I can stick to my original plan and that I don't have to worry about a place to live for the month of July...

Firefly
I watched Serenity last weekend. One of the girls at work is into Buffy/Angel and has the Firefly series on DVD, so I have spent this weekend glued to the series. How did I miss this show when it was on a couple of years back??? I remember seeing one episode, but what about the rest? Was it on tv Tuesday nights, is that why I missed it - trivia? Anyway, watch the film (if you haven't already) and check out the series. Interesting and very creative.

A Saturday of Firsts
Well, maybe not 'firsts,' but 'in a long time' just doesn't have the same ring. I went into London for the first time in months. There was something I wanted to pick up and I wanted to be out of the flat for the Open House. It felt so good to be out and about again. I ended up just wandering the streets, eventually making my way to Oxford Street and window-shopped until the stores closed at 8. There is just such an energy that cities have - I've missed it.

Crushes are fun
That's all I am going to say about this one... For now, at least.

Countdowns
6 days until Laura arrives!! 12 days until the end of term!! 15 days until I leave to meet Kristin in Rome!! 144 days until my birthday!! And, 156 days until I come home!!

On that note... Night all... I am finally feeling tired enough to go to bed.

Too Much Energy...

Not the best thing to have at 11:00 on a Sunday night, especially with the week I have ahead of me... We have an Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education - the big inspection we had this time last year) visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not a full visit, just a mini one to check on our progress since last year. They want to see how we have improved our behaviour management throughout the school... Ha!! This week could be a very interesting one.

I haven't really said much about school this year, probably because I am struggling (and I don't often like to admit that). I can't really say it's just me, though. People all over the school are hanging by a thread, old and new alike... The kids are getting more and more daring with the stunts they pull and no matter how bad, punishment seems obsolete. There is very little consistency when it comes to managing behaviour and the kids are just as aware of this problem as the teachers - scary! It is bad enough that the unions are getting involved. And now HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectorate) wants to know what improvements we've made!?!

This is not the kind of week you want to have just two weeks before the end of term.

A book I can't seem to put down...

Years ago I used to love to watch Lonely Planet on the travel channel. I SO wanted to be that girl... The one that went to all of these amazing places and got to tell everyone about the cool things she saw and did there. She was relaxed and funny and truly looked like she loved her job.

As it turns out, that girl is Jennifer Cox and she has written a book: Around the World in 80 Dates. I have found myself laughing out loud on the train as I read about her adventure and I can't seem to put the book down, too curious if and when she will meet her soul mate...

Pancake Day 2006

This year I made my own... Well, sort of, I bought the ready-made batter, but I flipped them all by myself (and didn't end up with pancake on the ceiling, so that's good news).






Pancakes here are very thin (very crepe-like) and the Brits like to sprinkle them with lemon juice and sugar before rolling them up and munching away.

They taster really nice that way...

Happy Pancake Day!!

My kids crack me up... Did you know that the reason that we do not celebrate Pancake Day in America is because we eat pancakes every day? :)

Song of the Day

I can't seem to get The Shins' "Gone For Good" out of my head today. Of course, "Fighting In A Sack" is a catchy tune, too.

What song keeps playing over and over in your head today?

Moon River

One of my all-time favorite songs. Ever since I saw 'The In Crowd' * on HBO one day after school (middle school, that is), I have LOVED this song. 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' only made me LOVE the song even more. I can't explain, it just leaves me with a wonderful feeling inside. So, I did a search for the song in iTunes and found some real gems. There are at least 150 different versions of this wonderful song including artists such as REM, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Louis Armstrong.

* You know the film is 'class' when IMDB can't be bothered to include a poster.

On a side note, it's not as fun when you try "What A Wonderful World" or "Over The Rainbow." Each have at least 150 versions, but many are quite scary! "Over The Rainbow" has a Kathy Lee Gifford version, as well as a Kylie Minogue one. I'm just waiting for the David Hasselhoff version before I download... Ha!



I've been feeling a bit nostalgic this evening. This week's downloads: "Moon River," "What A Wonderful World," a few Eva Cassidy songs, Rickie Lee Jones's 'Traffic From Paradise' and "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. They've been playing Corinne's song a lot lately. It's catchy - a bit young, but I can't seem to keep it out of my head. Check it out for yourself.

I SO Want This Job!

Top Gear, this BBC show, amazes me every time I catch it! Now, I am not a gearhead, but you don't have to be in order to enjoy the mischief these guys get up to... I would love to have their job. Every week they get to do crazy things in beautiful cars...

This week's episode had an Olympics theme, so the boys raced a Jaguar and an Olympic speed skater on the ice rink... The Jaguar has only two-wheel-drive, so it was all over the ice and it gave little competition for the speed skater. Next, they took the Jaguar on a frozen lake in Norway. They made a huge track, full of twists and turns, and raced the Jaguar with a four-wheel-drive Range Rover. While the Jag was a much prettier car, it still could not handle the ice. Then they raced a Rally Car and a Bobsled. Finally, they used the Lillihammer ski jump and sent a Mini down the jump. They attached rockets to the rear for power, attached skis to the tires, created a huge snow drift at the bottom to stop the car... And launched the baby. It was definitely something to see.

And this is what the show is like on a regular basis. It's like an expensive version of Jackass, with grown men and without the pain. I'm hooked!! Check it out for yourself...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/downloads/ They have a couple of clips at the bottom of the page.

My favorite part of this week's show was the "hockey" match. They filled a snow-covered rink with Suzuki Swifts and had a huge inflatable puck. It was like watching bumper cars with a hockey puck in the middle!! Fabulous!!