Originally Posted June 6, 2011
Part 2
It has been two fantastic months of summer since my semester finished in April. I have written about the first two weeks, but have yet to write updates on the other month and a half. I knew I wanted to experience as much as I could of London before I went back to Canada and make the most of my time left. I feel like I did just that.
Before I get into this I need to comment on a previous blog that has become a topic of much confusion. I have received a number of questions in regards to my incident with the night walkers in Venice. I would like to settle the issue by stating that it was a joke, and that it did not actually happen. The story I told was actually lyrics from a popular hip hop song entitled “What Would You Do”. But I do not blame you for the mix up being that I so frequently speak in rhyme and am often mistaken for a member of City High.
Back to summer…It started out with some extremely un-London weather. Sunny and in the mid 20’s for two straight weeks…in April. My friends and I took full advantage and enjoyed some beautiful days in the park. After having just gotten back from traveling, my flatmate sprang an invite for a trip to Oxford, his hometown. I had been hoping to do some traveling around the UK, so an hour later we found ourselves on the train, ciders in hand. He and his wonderful girlfriend grew up in Oxford, so we stayed at her place for the night and I lucked out with two great tour guides. The city is not at all like the image that goes along with it. There is so much more to it than just the university, which is actually a collection of colleges instead of one main campus, who knew?…probably some of you. Gorgeous buildings, streets, parks, trails, gardens, campus’s, delicious burgers, great coffee, The Great Hall where Harry Potter was filmed. All in all, a great spontaneous trip.
Post-Oxford began a downward spiral of lacking excitement. I started the process of handing out resumes in the hopes of finding some work for my last couple months in London, but did not have any early successes. I had a couple fun nights out, including a visit from a couple of friends from Oakville who were visiting London. It was great catching up and we were happy to have gotten the chance to get together. O, and the Royal Wedding happened. So after about a week or so of handing out resumes, I eventually got interviews at a couple coffee shops. Though employers are understandably weary of hiring people only for the summer, I was given a trial shift at a café close to my flat. All went well and I was hired as London’s newest barista. Little did I know I was, out of a 20 person staff, the only person who spoke English as a first language. It was the united nations of coffee making. Unfortunately I did not negotiate English lessons into my contract, but I made a few deals and have learned some Italian in exchange. Ciao. I really have a passion for coffee, so it was great to learn so much about it and the science that goes into the entire process. And I am proud to say that after much teachings I can now pour latte art. Feels very cool doing it and will hopefully be useful experience to get me a café job in the future. The weirdest part of the job was waking up at 5am to get to a 6am opening shift and being able to talk live to people in Canada who were still up watching basketball games. I would eat my PBJ every morning and watch post-game news conferences. I have finished working now, but the money earned was really helpful in allowing me to stay in London longer.
Some highlights of summer:
– An Australian Film Festival and an International Documentary Film Festival took place a couple blocks away from me, so I was able to attend those and catch a couple films. Also an event called Tropfest, which is a massive festival in Australia, but poorly replicated in London. In Australia it is a huge outdoor event where they screen short films and hand out awards based on crowd reaction. Whereas London had us sitting in a cinema and awkwardly clapping to ones we liked. But it was free, so it was aweeesome.
– While playing basketball at the school’s gym, I was recruited to play on the University team…. played it cool when it happened, but totally something I had dreamed would happen someday.
– Went bouldering, which is rock climbing, but the highest walls are maybe around 10 feet and there are no harnesses or ropes. My flatmate is big into climbing, so I tagged along with him and his friends and had a great time. A throwback to my membership in Western University’s Rock Climbing Club where my roommate and I were the self-titled “Primetime Scalars”.
– Cold War Kids concert. They are an indie-rock band from the US that I am a big fan of. They put on a fantastic show and I’m really glad I got to go. I dragged my British friend along and I am still not sure if he liked it.
– West Ham United v Sunderland football match. Arguably one of the most English things one can do, and it was always at the top of my list of things I had to do. Ended up with a seat 4 rows from field level for only 20 pounds. Believe it or not but a game that had over 38,000 fans was considered low attendance. It was incredible witnessing the passion the English have for football. Having watched a film called “Green Street Hooligans” many a time, I was familiar with a lot of the chants in support of West Ham, so my singing, mixed with a new West Ham scarf, ridded me of any labels as a tourist (I hope). The security was unbelievable. Easily over 100 policeman. There were at least 50 who’s sole purpose was to create a barrier around the away supporters. Even though the two teams were not of the best quality this year it was still better than any football in Canada, so I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m forever blowing bubbles.
– Just sitting in cafes or pubs relaxing with a drink, and enjoying the city with friends.
– Bus tour to the Stonehendge and Bath. The Stonehendge was something I knew I had to do before I left. Although a tad underwhelming, it is still quite incredible to witness. And even though it was a crummy day outside, the rain and clouds helped add to the mystique of the unknown history of the Stonehenge. The bus tour included an afternoon in Bath, which is a beautiful city. All of the buildings, new and old, are made from the same ‘Bath Stone’ inspired by the guy who built the city. The city is famous for the Roman Baths, which are preserved natural hot springs. Time constraints didn’t allow me to partake, but maybe next time. Had a Kangaroo burger for lunch, believe it, and a lovely little day trip.
– Watched the Champions League final in an English pub
– Fleet Foxes concert at the Hammersmith Apollo. They are my favourite band, so I was extremely happy I got to see them, let alone that I got to see them in London, England. Again, my British friend grudgingly attended and again, not sure if he liked it.
– Brighton. For only 5 pounds return, 3 of my flatmates and I went to a lovely beach town on the south coast of the UK. It was a gorgeous, sunny, and hot day. Perfect beach weather. Spent the day hanging out, swimming, losing Frisbees…you know who you are…drinking beers. There is a massive pier along the coast and at the very end of it is a fun fair/amusement park. We walked around for a bit and rode the roller coaster, which was quite an experience when the drops made it seem like you were falling into the water. Dinner at a pub and then back to London.
– Lunch with family friends who were visiting the city for business and then stumbling upon the Taste of Spain festival. Regent Street was shut down and there was lots going on. They had the World Champion basketball trophy on display as well as the World Cup trophy, both of which Spain currently holds, so it was really cool seeing those in person. Did a bit of walking around the city, and great to see more familiar faces from Canada.
And this brings us to present day. My time in London is very close to its conclusion. I have less than two weeks left before I fly back to Canada. Although it sounds like a short amount of time I have a lot left to do. There are things I still hope to cross of my London to-do list, but something happened before I could get to it. A certain feeling was awoken. A certain, longing. Alas, my newest adventure is set to take place in less than 24 hours. In a weeks time I will have experienced much and I look forward to sharing it with you. But until then my destination shall remain a mystery…adiós.
No Regrets.
Pete