The Biggest City in the World...

How many times can you say you've travelled as a group of 4 all from different countries? I just spent a week in Dublin with Kamila (UK), Jacqui (Aus), and Dan (NZ). We were a very international group, said the Spanish employee at the Guiness factory. Dublin, we observed is a nice city, not very picturesque, but clean, spread out, not too busy, and full of very friendly and young people. Lots of shops, pubs, bridges, restaurants. We spent the first few days just walking around the city, eating in the pubs, watching 6 nations rugby in pubs packed full of both irish and french fans. Very relaxing and fun.

Of course, the entire city revolves around Guiness and the Guiness brewery.

We felt the obligation to visit the brewery which proved to be quite educational and interesting.

And of course, we felt obligated to indulge in the free pint offered to all visitors which you drink at the top of the 7 storey factory overlooking Dublin.

Dan and Kamila left us on our own for the last two days, so Jacqui and I jumped on a train to check out the coastal towns near Dublin. It's where all the really cool (or really old) people go to hang out for a nice day.

It was a beautiful day and we basically just hopped on and off in these little town, of course grabbing a bite at every stop, and taking a bunch of pictures.

Although not a busy, or action packed holiday, we had a great time meeting Irish people, trying the Guiness, and soaking in a new city and a new place. Now it's back to work tomorrow! Another six weeks before term break! Here goes....

And Four Days Later...

If you can't make it out, the words written in the snow say....'Happy Snow Day'. This was written by four young, good looking and very excited teachers this past Thursday. At 6:30 I was awakened by a phone call from Jacqui informing me that indeed, we did not have to go to work today. Fighting the urge to return to bed like a good little Canadian who knows how snow days work...I jumped out of bed, eager to please this naive Aussie who had never really experienced snow. Skeptical at first, Jacqui was pleasantly surprised and we all had a fantastic day. Much different than the spring picnic we had on Sunday, but a fantatsic day. We literally ran through the streets waving to everyone and wishing them a happy snow day, went 'sledging' in the park on make-shift toboggons, walked into the city, and stopped by the pub for a winter warming pint. Below are some pics. I know some of you will be laughing at the amount of snow that it took to create sheer havoc and chaos in Birmingham. Oh...and yes, today, Friday was also a snow day. Decided the night before, in anticipation of the entire city coming to a halt due to the 'severe' winter weather. This proved true as today the buses didn't run...the roundabouts were blocked for hours, everyone packed themselves into the shops and pubs. It is very interesting to see how the Brits do winter and snow. I still have the giggles when I picture people trudging through the streets wearing wellies and carrying umbrellas.





The two-day snow crisis has now meant that I am officially on half-term break. Tomorrow we pack and head to Dublin for 5 days. See you on the flip side.

A Convenient Truth?

Sooo...this weekend was full of adventures. I met polkaroo. I also realized that people outside of Ontario will have no clue what I'm talking about seeing as Polkaroo is a TV personality only seen on TVO. In any case, my good friend Brian Garden (have a great trip in S. America!) has this friend named Amos, who he talks about constantly (like, constantly). I have now renamed Amos polkaroo because of the fact that until yesterday, he was only a name in stories and tales, rather than an actually existing person that I had met. Polkaroo has recently moved to England so we thought we should probably meet seeing as we are both good friends of Brian. A friend of a Garden is a friend of mine right? Cool. So Amos and I had a fantastic day in London. Below are pics we took during the day, ya know, random shots...the proof that we met the muffin man, the proof of the show we saw, ya know....



Oh ya, the last train from London to Birmingham for those who care is at 9:50. When did we arrive at the station? 9:53. Umm...now what. It turned out there was a train going to where Amos lives, so we just crashed there and I came back this morning. Not what I had expected, but not as stressful as I thought it might be.


I also thought I should post on the happening of today as well. Yep, below is us playing Uno as usual on a Sunday afternoon, but wait...is that the sun? yes. yes it is. On Feb 4, in Birmingham. We took advantage of this rare occurance to hang out in the rays, watch the dogs run around, and eat some sweets. Much different than many of you are experience in Canadia (I mean Canada...the Brits are wearing off on me). I'm buying into this global warning thing. I really think that it's for real. and i've been thinking about it alot. On a day like today, in a country experiencing the warmest winter in 90 years, it's hard to ignore the 'cold' hard facts. But a beautiful day despite/inspite/because of these facts.

A great afternoon followed by prayer/praise church meeting which was as great. I'm knackered now, so off to bed I shall go. Last week before the long awaited half term where I will be heading to Dublin for a few days. Oh..and I still really miss everyone. I hear bits and pieces here and there about what everyone's up too...and wish that sometimes I could be a part...