This is a two week post because I haven't been near a computer to update for a while. I know you must all be missing your updates terribly... so I've written you a bumper one for the holidays! (what do you mean.. O dear!)
Lets see now,
Monday 17th was class. This was the first lecture of the new module on public speaking. You can tell I'm as enthused over this one as I was with elementary history. *cough*
Apparently my assignment is to prepare a 5 min speech on a topic of my choice and using the skills discussed in the 2 hr lecture, engage my audience. Hey, if they're interested they'll listen- what more can I do? I don't think talking for 5 mins will be too difficult for me somehow. :)
Tuesday evening was my office xmas party. I was a tad concerned as my usual partner in crime from england louise, was unable to attend - I was to be left to fend for myself amongst the americans! As it turned out all was well.. wierd ay?
The party was in Indian House just off wall street and the free champagne & canapes went down well. I received my secret santa present half way through the night and discovered it was the same as the present I had bought my secret santa - but not to be snuffed at - gift vouchers for Sephora are always good! The drinks, I mean night went on.. and Andy (the head partner) introduced me to some New Yorker lingo, so naturally I offered some choice geordie phrases in return. There's something very unique about a man who partners a law firm on Wall street shouting 'way aye man' repetitively whilst yielding a martini glass... ah..fun times.
Following the 'official' evening a few of us headed to the bar round the corner and I bumped into a bar man from Lancashire. Strange. Thus more free drinks because well, I knew he wasnt from London! (An achievement apparently). I took a cab home with Susan - one of the recently hired attorneys- who was a little worse for wear and she seemed to loose her credit card somewhere along the way which I discovered the next day. I got home around 2.30.
Wednesday I got to work on time althought it hurt quite a bit. The work folk seemed suprised I came in- it seems usual the intern never makes it in after the office party - so I was mildly pleased with myself. However over the course of the day I decided this had not been the greatest of moves and found it difficult not to fall asleep at my desk during the afternoon. I had planned to go kick boxing that evening - but upon returning home I saw my bed and just got in. Ah well.
Thursday night was taken up with preparations for the weekend, laundry and so on.. nothingmuch to report here.
Whilst Friday night I had to attend my second Art tour..how annoying- which meant sacraficing my friday night events! To be fair it wasnt too bad a tour. Suba, Elouise, Rich D, Sachit, and a few others where also there so we managed to pass the hour quite quickly. We were shown the famous Jackson Pollock painting - which most people consider a child could do and the Shark suspended in a tank. There were some other intriguing pieces which will feature in photo's i will post later - bet you cant wait!
Aftet the art tour the plan had been to venture to Alphabet city for a few drinks - althought the gallery is enormous and we seemed to loose about half of the potential drinkees amongst the art. My phone conveniently died just as this happened so I decided to hedge my bets and went for dinner with Suba and Elouise somewhere in the upper east side. Then headed home.
Saturday.
I should have flown to Milwaukee today. However having taken my 2 PATH trains, an NY transit train and an airtrain to Newark, then having checked in and sat in the boarding lounge I discovered my flight had been cancelled due to apparent bad weather. Although this I discovered from brooke who called me from Lake Mills and not from the airline who were being incredibly unhelpful. I queued again to speak to the airline who seemed somewhat rude and simply informed me that there were no alternatives and no I would not be having a refund - nice arnt they? I researched several other options and eventually parted with more cash having found an airline who were willing to help me and I booked a flight the following morning from laGurdia. Annoyed I went home.
Sunday morning at 5.30am I left my apartment and took a subway to 33rd then a cab to La Guardia. Interestingly this seemed much better orgnaised and I was on my plane and off reletively easily. I arrived in Pittsburg at 11am waited... the took another flight to chicago. The upside of this ridiculously long journey to Brookes' is that now technically I have seen chicago (from the inside of an airport). From there I took a bus to Madison where Brooke and Rob picked me up. We went for dinner in Lake Mills and had Mexican which was good - although we were the only ones in the restuarnt by the time we arrived. Following this I went back to brooke's and then to bed.
Monday was xmas eve. Today I took a proper look at Brookes' house - which is really nice. Her garden backs on to Lake Mills and she seemed to have a hot tub in her living room. Her family were also very friendly - I think in all I met mum, step-dad, craig (brother), cousin and girlfriend, Grandma, Brooke and Rob (who's not a family member per se, but was there the entire time and seems to have his own room). Brooke, Rob and I did some last minute shopping during the day - noticing Lake Mills has a drive through Liquor store- and then headed home for festivities.
Xmas Eve is the big day of presents and eating it seems (in Brooke's house atleast) and family arrived around 6pm for this. We ate Sweedish meatballs with lingenberries (dont ask me what these are)which were really good- and various cheeses, fish, sweedish bread, vegetables and rice pudding - not as a dessert. Strange, but good.
The came the presents. I accumulated a nice set of earrings and a necklace, a book on wisconsin (thank you brooke), chocolate, baileys -which shall be discussed later- a set of cards on walking tours in new york, a festively coloured bag (which I will corordinate with something tonight for my xmas spectacular show I am going to), some really nice Japanese smellies, and a T-shirt from Rob which will never be worn in public.
Following this we played an interesting family game of buzzword. This wasnt very easy if you wern't familiar with all american trivia such as washing detergent brand names and theme tunes from cartoons you'd never heard of. It was a team game so we gained some points. lets just leave it there.
At some point this ended. Grandma went home and Rob, Brooke and I went downstairs to the bar - yes she has a bar in her house - drank baileys (a whole bottle it seems - it wasnt THE huge one dont worry) and watched something on TV. Brooke fell asleep. Wierdly I didnt, which as you all know is unusual - but I was suffering from another of my hyper darkness moments - you either understand or you dont. Rob and I watched Tv and drank for a few more hours and ended up going to bed around 5.30 I think. Dont ask me how.
Xmas day I woke up around 12.30pm. This wasnt good as I had slept through my arranaged slot to call home at 10.30am my time , 4.30pm their time. I was given abuse from Ian fro this when I did call - although it was hard to make out so I'm not sure exactly what he said. Although I was acrtaully on the phone to home - I couldn't make out much more than the fact someone was talking. Occasionally I realised there had been a shift in accent and thus the speaker had changed - apologies for those who got limited responses to anything they asked during that phonecall. Xmas lunch was good- meat, veg and 'biscuits' AKA scones, followed by 'cookies' AKA biscuits. Then cards with Brookes' mum, Brooke and Rob, more drinks and off to bed.
Wednesday I had to pack. We went for brunch in a strange market in Milwukee where Brooke gave me a cheese shaped like Wisconsin. I know - I am attempting to seek help for her. We ate, then had to head to the airport. Unfortunately, I had left my Japanese smellies in my hand luggage and had to give them back to Brooke to get on the plane. :( I arrived back around 7pm to an empty flat, a pile of post including aforementioned 'xams' card from Sara RE: MSN conv. (thank you Sara). This gave me peace to scrap book my recent travels, I unpacked, met up with jen, laughed at wisconsin cheese, ate lasagne then went to bed. Strangely tired.
Today is Thursday, I am back at work, but would liked to have stayed longer. Tonight I have tickets with Hima to Xmas Spectacular in Radio City so its just as well the flight went this time. Its also my dad's birthday so I am saying 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'- although I know he doesnt read this someone should pass this message along. ok, I think thats everything. Hope you enjoyed reading and havent fallen asleep around the 4th paragraph :)
laters xx
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Busy Busy Week
Morning all,
I have had an incredibly busy week.
Monday was the knicks game. I left work and arranged to meet Rich + others ( I had no idea who 'others' were) outside Madison Square Garden. At 6.30 Rich appeared with no 'others.' He then informed me these were to be his RA Jay, Two of his work colleagues - which Rich now refers to as 'co-workers'... *o dear* and the wife of one of them. They appeared in dribs and drabs until around 7pm. Yes it was very cold. Did they care? no....
I felt obliged to indulge in Stadium tradition and had a very plastic looking (and tasting) hot dog, whilst both Rich and his RA went for the foot-longs. ewwww..... After that - it got much better. Turns out Rich's RA is quite a basketball fan so understood what was going on- thus I chose to sit next to him and questioned every tiny move for the entire game till he wanted to kill me.- I feel I learnt a lot. :)The game itself was entertaining. I say this as the Knicks (out supposed side) were useless and we had to take heart in the skillful thrashing the other team were giving us. Although towards the end, the knicks attempted to atleast score some points, this was a fairly feeble attempt and I seriously conmsidered crossing over to become a Dallas fan.... maybe?
Following this we headed home as it was gone 10.30pm when the game ended.
Tuesday night I had a quiet one, did laundry, went shopping, wrote xmas cards and the like.
Wednesday was kickboxing again. Apparently this boot camp man wasnt just having a crazy day last time - this is a consistent thing and the hour was incredibly knackering. I walked back from class with the ability to feel my pulse in my feet - a new sensation I dont really recommend.
Following this I decided to cook dinner and somehow- depite my amazing cullinary skills, (I blame the poor kitchen design personally)- I was able to set off both the apartment and buliding smoke detectors. Interestingly, as the apartment alarm goes off first, my first thought was to ventilate the space- so I opened the window and the door creating a through breeze- solving the problem of the horrendous screeching noise. However, this seems to simply blow the smoke into the hallway and set off the whole floor alarm, which is much more impressive. (yes I know, only me.....) This is less easy to solve and requires a man with a key. Promtly a man with a key appeared, asking where the fire was.- by which time I had removed my pan from the hob and all looked normal in my flat atleast :) Other Mountbattens from the opposite end of the hall came out to see what was making such a horribly loud noise but I denied all knowledge and the man with he key turned it off. Everyone was happy and I ate my dinner in peace. :)lol.
Thursday after work I found myself being dragged off my Hima to a bar in the lower east side of town to meet Dina, Vicky and some random girls from Columbia Uni. Turns out they met these girls at a Divali party back in Nov. They seemed nice enough, one knows an awful lot about bars and where to go in NY so I tapped for information and have noted some events later in the year. Then we went on to a club which was hosting a magazine launch - I kid you not- playgirl. Yes I didnt stay too long, wasnt really my cup of tea - But Hima and Dina seemed to enjoy the free gifts and er.. dancers.
Friday I went to court. This was v. good. I watched the head partner crucify a trembling attorney- twas very entertaining. Now and then he would turn round and wink at me as if to say 'wasn't that just brilliant' at which points I was supposed to look completly overwhelmed with the talent before me- I tried ok. I organised exhibits and papers etc so as not to simply have an entire day off work, although he took me for lunch which was nice and I got a free trip to Queens- where the supreme court is. Ah well, you win some...
Following this I met Rich D (not the same one as Monday) and went for a drink on 33rd (beer in flutes.. pricey, wont do it again) then headed to a little theatre not far from there where a very professional, beit small theatre group performed their interpretation of 'a chirstmas carol'. It was very good- altho as always american attempts at british accents are hillarious in the most serious of moments- especially on little boys- attempting to be poor- who are clearly rich- whose mothers have paid for them to learn to speak like a cockney... again as i said.. hillarious.
Following this Rich and I went to a bar on Bleaker street, then back to the apartments for wine, then off to bed.
Saturday I awoke to the oddest sound. It was like incredibly loud vacuuming- except we have wooden floor and dont own a vacuum. Upon investigation I discovered the noise was due to two men in boiler suits sucking what appeared to be a small lake from my apartment floor. My RA appeared and announced that she had blocked the toliet and in her wisdom had removed the the back pipe to unclog it. However this is not england and nothing works as you might think. Water simply poured out on to the floor, out into the hallway and it was half way across th living room when I woke up. Given the situation, Dina and I voted we would stay in bed and listen to xmas music until the problem was resolved and we would be able to wear wellies to leave the apartment. However, Jen appeared from down stairs - I had forgotten I had arranaged to go ice skating with her that morning- also it seemed the front door was wide open and randoms -i.e Jen, were simply walking in. So I shouted over the noise of the vacuuming machine and the two men in my p-j's that I would be round just as soon as I was able - so she took herself out for breakfast. I remained imprisoned behind the lake.
It was then that I noticed the dreaded smoke detector- that had caused me so much trouble earlier this week- had mysteriously fallen from the ceiling and was on the coffee table, a good 10ft away. Vik then came from his room and explained that he had decided it in the best interests of all those sleeping during the night that he had ripped it from the ceiling following a hamburger episode at 4am. I pointed out that the vacuuming men had kinda runined his thoughtful gesture but that it was well meant - ahem.
Bout an hour or so later the men left. I went round to jen's and we headed for the ice rink outside our building. This was great fun - no one (that we knew) fell over so all was well. This was followed by a nice wam starbucks, then we jumped on the train to Manhatten for carols in Washington square. Somehow we arrived way too early - so we went for a drink in a funny little bar named 'resovoir.' This had to have had the slowest waiter sevice evr- and we manged to go from early to too late and missed the carols! :( But we did meet an rather eccentric tour guide lady who insisted me take one of her pamphlets and told us in great detail the myths of the park and surrounding area. It was cold, so jen and I went back home and watched a nice xmas film instead. It was nice and simple.
Sunday I slept in. Then I went to meet Hima, who of course being Hima - had forgotten our plan and had double booked herself to go shopping with Rich D. grr... So I went with Jen to do some more xmas shopping and take pics of xmas-y stuff altho it was raining and cold so we didnt stay too long. After arriving back, Suba came round and Jen, Suba and I watched a film before going round to Suba's. Freakily her RA's brother came to stay and we were all very scared by the twiness - given they wern't twins. Time passed, and then I went back. the end.
Tonight I have my first 'public speaking' lecture wohoo... *cough*
I'll le t you know how that one goes!
x
I have had an incredibly busy week.
Monday was the knicks game. I left work and arranged to meet Rich + others ( I had no idea who 'others' were) outside Madison Square Garden. At 6.30 Rich appeared with no 'others.' He then informed me these were to be his RA Jay, Two of his work colleagues - which Rich now refers to as 'co-workers'... *o dear* and the wife of one of them. They appeared in dribs and drabs until around 7pm. Yes it was very cold. Did they care? no....
I felt obliged to indulge in Stadium tradition and had a very plastic looking (and tasting) hot dog, whilst both Rich and his RA went for the foot-longs. ewwww..... After that - it got much better. Turns out Rich's RA is quite a basketball fan so understood what was going on- thus I chose to sit next to him and questioned every tiny move for the entire game till he wanted to kill me.- I feel I learnt a lot. :)The game itself was entertaining. I say this as the Knicks (out supposed side) were useless and we had to take heart in the skillful thrashing the other team were giving us. Although towards the end, the knicks attempted to atleast score some points, this was a fairly feeble attempt and I seriously conmsidered crossing over to become a Dallas fan.... maybe?
Following this we headed home as it was gone 10.30pm when the game ended.
Tuesday night I had a quiet one, did laundry, went shopping, wrote xmas cards and the like.
Wednesday was kickboxing again. Apparently this boot camp man wasnt just having a crazy day last time - this is a consistent thing and the hour was incredibly knackering. I walked back from class with the ability to feel my pulse in my feet - a new sensation I dont really recommend.
Following this I decided to cook dinner and somehow- depite my amazing cullinary skills, (I blame the poor kitchen design personally)- I was able to set off both the apartment and buliding smoke detectors. Interestingly, as the apartment alarm goes off first, my first thought was to ventilate the space- so I opened the window and the door creating a through breeze- solving the problem of the horrendous screeching noise. However, this seems to simply blow the smoke into the hallway and set off the whole floor alarm, which is much more impressive. (yes I know, only me.....) This is less easy to solve and requires a man with a key. Promtly a man with a key appeared, asking where the fire was.- by which time I had removed my pan from the hob and all looked normal in my flat atleast :) Other Mountbattens from the opposite end of the hall came out to see what was making such a horribly loud noise but I denied all knowledge and the man with he key turned it off. Everyone was happy and I ate my dinner in peace. :)lol.
Thursday after work I found myself being dragged off my Hima to a bar in the lower east side of town to meet Dina, Vicky and some random girls from Columbia Uni. Turns out they met these girls at a Divali party back in Nov. They seemed nice enough, one knows an awful lot about bars and where to go in NY so I tapped for information and have noted some events later in the year. Then we went on to a club which was hosting a magazine launch - I kid you not- playgirl. Yes I didnt stay too long, wasnt really my cup of tea - But Hima and Dina seemed to enjoy the free gifts and er.. dancers.
Friday I went to court. This was v. good. I watched the head partner crucify a trembling attorney- twas very entertaining. Now and then he would turn round and wink at me as if to say 'wasn't that just brilliant' at which points I was supposed to look completly overwhelmed with the talent before me- I tried ok. I organised exhibits and papers etc so as not to simply have an entire day off work, although he took me for lunch which was nice and I got a free trip to Queens- where the supreme court is. Ah well, you win some...
Following this I met Rich D (not the same one as Monday) and went for a drink on 33rd (beer in flutes.. pricey, wont do it again) then headed to a little theatre not far from there where a very professional, beit small theatre group performed their interpretation of 'a chirstmas carol'. It was very good- altho as always american attempts at british accents are hillarious in the most serious of moments- especially on little boys- attempting to be poor- who are clearly rich- whose mothers have paid for them to learn to speak like a cockney... again as i said.. hillarious.
Following this Rich and I went to a bar on Bleaker street, then back to the apartments for wine, then off to bed.
Saturday I awoke to the oddest sound. It was like incredibly loud vacuuming- except we have wooden floor and dont own a vacuum. Upon investigation I discovered the noise was due to two men in boiler suits sucking what appeared to be a small lake from my apartment floor. My RA appeared and announced that she had blocked the toliet and in her wisdom had removed the the back pipe to unclog it. However this is not england and nothing works as you might think. Water simply poured out on to the floor, out into the hallway and it was half way across th living room when I woke up. Given the situation, Dina and I voted we would stay in bed and listen to xmas music until the problem was resolved and we would be able to wear wellies to leave the apartment. However, Jen appeared from down stairs - I had forgotten I had arranaged to go ice skating with her that morning- also it seemed the front door was wide open and randoms -i.e Jen, were simply walking in. So I shouted over the noise of the vacuuming machine and the two men in my p-j's that I would be round just as soon as I was able - so she took herself out for breakfast. I remained imprisoned behind the lake.
It was then that I noticed the dreaded smoke detector- that had caused me so much trouble earlier this week- had mysteriously fallen from the ceiling and was on the coffee table, a good 10ft away. Vik then came from his room and explained that he had decided it in the best interests of all those sleeping during the night that he had ripped it from the ceiling following a hamburger episode at 4am. I pointed out that the vacuuming men had kinda runined his thoughtful gesture but that it was well meant - ahem.
Bout an hour or so later the men left. I went round to jen's and we headed for the ice rink outside our building. This was great fun - no one (that we knew) fell over so all was well. This was followed by a nice wam starbucks, then we jumped on the train to Manhatten for carols in Washington square. Somehow we arrived way too early - so we went for a drink in a funny little bar named 'resovoir.' This had to have had the slowest waiter sevice evr- and we manged to go from early to too late and missed the carols! :( But we did meet an rather eccentric tour guide lady who insisted me take one of her pamphlets and told us in great detail the myths of the park and surrounding area. It was cold, so jen and I went back home and watched a nice xmas film instead. It was nice and simple.
Sunday I slept in. Then I went to meet Hima, who of course being Hima - had forgotten our plan and had double booked herself to go shopping with Rich D. grr... So I went with Jen to do some more xmas shopping and take pics of xmas-y stuff altho it was raining and cold so we didnt stay too long. After arriving back, Suba came round and Jen, Suba and I watched a film before going round to Suba's. Freakily her RA's brother came to stay and we were all very scared by the twiness - given they wern't twins. Time passed, and then I went back. the end.
Tonight I have my first 'public speaking' lecture wohoo... *cough*
I'll le t you know how that one goes!
x
Monday, December 10, 2007
The week we can forget
Monday night was class. We went over our role play for saturday as an ENTIRE group. Please note since -Alice has been ill, Jen was skiving, and Adam had a family emergency for the past month this was the first time the whole group had been present for a rehersal and the actual performance was at the end of the week!
However it went suprisingly well given the lack of research, practice or effort had gone into it.
Tuesday I had an RA induction meeting after work. This required me to squeeze into an aparmtent filled with around 50 people all wanting to take up the position of RA in january. I am doing it purely to alter the current situation in my flat where I am over run with constant indian parties and social gatherings with no notice. And because otherwise I may never have a full nights sleep- ah the joys of sharing a room!
Wednesday I went Kickboxing with Maz. Now as most of you know- I have done kick boxing before. However this is AMERICAN kick boxing. Think boxing come boot camp. There was an angry man shouting instructions - with a very complex accent- whilst jumping about and waving his arms like a monkey. He did take the time to allow me to punch him in the face - which I thought was friendly enough - then returned to his drills, push-ups and insane 'speed-bagging.' I felt better for it - i think. The walking home in the snow after an hours punhcing was er... a new experience.
Thursday I could feel every muscle in my body. I had a role play rehersal at Alice's apt after work. However this didnt actually go too well- Rich and I turned up on time (notice a trend here) Adam made it 45 mins late. Jen didnt. Apparently She had emailed Rich at work saying she wasnt going to come as she was going out for dinner with her friend. Rich was having none of this - As a result I received an angry phone call from Rich at work complaining about Jen and her 'flakiness.' It seems the programme organisers were informed and they called her up at work. Of course Jen wasnt at work as she had taken the day off to see her friend. Thus she was called in to discuss her behaviour. This was blown way out of proportion and Jen took this as meaning Rich had dobbed her in for skiving work and therefore refused to turn up to the practice and whined at Mountbatten. It seems her 'friend' was acrually her roomate who has been kicked off the programme for being too ill to work- nice arnt they? Thus Jen was a little peeeved. She did turn up evetually, however there was much tension in the air which wasnt even dispersed by Pizza, and then practice which lasted over 2 hours did very little to help the final performance. Following this I went to the pub with Rich to discuss the evenings happenings (and also to calm him down before eh killed someone) and bumped into Sachit and Paddy in the pub who bought us drinks. See it's not all bad :)
Friday I went to the MOMA after work to shop and because I felt like being more cultural than the usual drinking routine of friday nights in general. I bought some xmas stuff and generally looked about midtown. This was my only night by myself which was a welcomed change. However, when I got home - knackered and ready for a quiet night in- I discovered Vik Plus 5 friends in my living room 'practicing' their role -play for saturday, although I say this loosly as they had beer and the topic of conversation was quite off purpose most of the time, and Dina plus 4 friends making enchalatas (have I spelt that right?) in the kitchen. Given my apt has 1 kitchen, 1 living room, and my room- this didnt leave me a lot of options. I therefore retired to my room - so much for my TV night dreams.....
Saturday I had to be up at 7am in order to get to the role-play in Manhattan on time - weekend public transport the bain of my life...
The role play itself was fine - although I was deprived of an entire saturday morning in bed for a 20 min speal on alternative views surrounding abortion. The free dougnut hardly made for the lack of sleep I feel. Following this I did some more xmas shopping - which was successful I feel then headed home arounf 5pm to wrap and to have my TV time. I did actually get into my living room this time althought hits joy only lasted about an hour before the hoards of drunken idiots with whom I am forced to live returned and spilt JD everywhere. joy. I went to my room.I was going to go out on saturday however, it was cold and I thought it best to save my cash for things I will remember.
Sunday was not a good day. I went to Duane Reade and bought bread. yes I know- I've reached the point of telling you when I buy Bread. Spoke to Adam, Hima came round at some point and drank tea, then I went out with Jen and bought Chinese. - It wasnt very good - I didnt eat most of it. Then Jen and I went to Suba's and watched dirty dancing after much deliberation with Suba's RA who was trying to sway us into watching some horrible horror film which would simply have been horrible. We drank wine, ate tiny Twix's and glared at a screen. It was nice not to have drunken idiots falling everywhere whilst we were doing this. I left Suba's around 11pm and headed home.
Tonight I am going to the knicks game so hopefully this will be more exciting than my weekend has been - fingers crossed.
However it went suprisingly well given the lack of research, practice or effort had gone into it.
Tuesday I had an RA induction meeting after work. This required me to squeeze into an aparmtent filled with around 50 people all wanting to take up the position of RA in january. I am doing it purely to alter the current situation in my flat where I am over run with constant indian parties and social gatherings with no notice. And because otherwise I may never have a full nights sleep- ah the joys of sharing a room!
Wednesday I went Kickboxing with Maz. Now as most of you know- I have done kick boxing before. However this is AMERICAN kick boxing. Think boxing come boot camp. There was an angry man shouting instructions - with a very complex accent- whilst jumping about and waving his arms like a monkey. He did take the time to allow me to punch him in the face - which I thought was friendly enough - then returned to his drills, push-ups and insane 'speed-bagging.' I felt better for it - i think. The walking home in the snow after an hours punhcing was er... a new experience.
Thursday I could feel every muscle in my body. I had a role play rehersal at Alice's apt after work. However this didnt actually go too well- Rich and I turned up on time (notice a trend here) Adam made it 45 mins late. Jen didnt. Apparently She had emailed Rich at work saying she wasnt going to come as she was going out for dinner with her friend. Rich was having none of this - As a result I received an angry phone call from Rich at work complaining about Jen and her 'flakiness.' It seems the programme organisers were informed and they called her up at work. Of course Jen wasnt at work as she had taken the day off to see her friend. Thus she was called in to discuss her behaviour. This was blown way out of proportion and Jen took this as meaning Rich had dobbed her in for skiving work and therefore refused to turn up to the practice and whined at Mountbatten. It seems her 'friend' was acrually her roomate who has been kicked off the programme for being too ill to work- nice arnt they? Thus Jen was a little peeeved. She did turn up evetually, however there was much tension in the air which wasnt even dispersed by Pizza, and then practice which lasted over 2 hours did very little to help the final performance. Following this I went to the pub with Rich to discuss the evenings happenings (and also to calm him down before eh killed someone) and bumped into Sachit and Paddy in the pub who bought us drinks. See it's not all bad :)
Friday I went to the MOMA after work to shop and because I felt like being more cultural than the usual drinking routine of friday nights in general. I bought some xmas stuff and generally looked about midtown. This was my only night by myself which was a welcomed change. However, when I got home - knackered and ready for a quiet night in- I discovered Vik Plus 5 friends in my living room 'practicing' their role -play for saturday, although I say this loosly as they had beer and the topic of conversation was quite off purpose most of the time, and Dina plus 4 friends making enchalatas (have I spelt that right?) in the kitchen. Given my apt has 1 kitchen, 1 living room, and my room- this didnt leave me a lot of options. I therefore retired to my room - so much for my TV night dreams.....
Saturday I had to be up at 7am in order to get to the role-play in Manhattan on time - weekend public transport the bain of my life...
The role play itself was fine - although I was deprived of an entire saturday morning in bed for a 20 min speal on alternative views surrounding abortion. The free dougnut hardly made for the lack of sleep I feel. Following this I did some more xmas shopping - which was successful I feel then headed home arounf 5pm to wrap and to have my TV time. I did actually get into my living room this time althought hits joy only lasted about an hour before the hoards of drunken idiots with whom I am forced to live returned and spilt JD everywhere. joy. I went to my room.I was going to go out on saturday however, it was cold and I thought it best to save my cash for things I will remember.
Sunday was not a good day. I went to Duane Reade and bought bread. yes I know- I've reached the point of telling you when I buy Bread. Spoke to Adam, Hima came round at some point and drank tea, then I went out with Jen and bought Chinese. - It wasnt very good - I didnt eat most of it. Then Jen and I went to Suba's and watched dirty dancing after much deliberation with Suba's RA who was trying to sway us into watching some horrible horror film which would simply have been horrible. We drank wine, ate tiny Twix's and glared at a screen. It was nice not to have drunken idiots falling everywhere whilst we were doing this. I left Suba's around 11pm and headed home.
Tonight I am going to the knicks game so hopefully this will be more exciting than my weekend has been - fingers crossed.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Back to the big apple!
I realise the pic's look naff like this - its easier said than done. just enjoy as linear.
Sunday night I arrived back and fell asleep. Monday was spent correcting the time-difference through more sleep, followed by shopping, laundry etc.
Tuesday I had to go back to work- snore. It was nice I fed work folk malteasers and honoured them with british trash magazines - which they love- apparently they will pay good money for 'Hello'- me thinks I could be on to a winner here... lol.
After work- I did nothing - some days i find its imporatnt to do nothing. I went home and watched about 100 episodes of the OC then went to bed. - so productive day!
Wednesday was the tree lighting at the Rockerfeller Centre. This was almost a re-live of Halloween. Whole streets were closed, police left right and centre. Chaos. I didnt actually get close enough to see the tree as there was a carol concert complete with Natasha Bedingfield (i mean why?) around it- so I made do with the atmosphere of xmas chaos and fireworks - which could just be seen. After this I headed home - believe me that took more than a few hours.
Friday after work I met up with Jen at Macys and did some much-needed shopping- mainly for Jen. I bought some stuff- Jen bought killer boots- obv a sensible choice given the snow prediction for the weekend.... I said nothing. Following this Jen and I went back to my apt and did some good ol' DVD and wine hours- a fail safe.
Saturday I woke up late. Dina, Vik, Maz and Henry had all gone. I now know that Dina and Vik had left early to visit Washington - however Maz and Henry's whereabouts remain a mystery to me. Needless to say I was alone. Sob..
So I watched home alone 4 ( yes I know- this was just a random coincidence) and contemplated my weekend activites with rergard to the lack of people. I met Rich for lunch in the Mall- he was suffering from hangover munchies still- and then around 5pm I met up with Jen. We headed to 23rd where Jen knew of a fashion show courtesy of her friend at work AKA the photgrapher. Being in NY I felt we must do a little sex in the City sorta stuff- so dressed in my grey pinafore and homemade scarf (thankyou laura) I went along. The free wine was a major plus factor in this and the clothes were sooo nice. If I were paid a real wage I would be likey to frequent that place a great deal. I mean yes the majority of clothes were handmade ball dresses and jewellery but I'm positive occasions would be found for their wearing! Below the boutique where the show was being held - was a really cool little vintage clothing shop- bargains to be had here! Found loads of great 40's and 50's fashion, bow hats, 60's ball gowns, most things you had forgotten exsisted.. Will be going back there for some bargain re-living of the past - Jen was almost feeling the love too - ah well next time!
Following this we found a bar near 23rd called 'Rouge' - Somehow I did very well drinks v money here. I think the bartender was being kind. I left fairly early around 1.30am - but we had definately reached our limits. At some point Rich turned up- he may also have been responsible for the money-drink ratio. It is difficult to say. It remains a mystery.
Sunday I had a little headache so stayed in bed until I was absolutely sure it had gone. Then slept a little longer - better bed than knackered. Hima came round around 11am and Adam promtley called the second she arrived. So she she drank all my yorkshire tea and ate malteasers until I had checked in with the home folk. :) Around 1.30pm Hima and I made our way to 23rd (again)- it seemed to have randomly snowed overnight - so this was easier said than done. I note- The londoner that she is - Hima turned up in what I can only describe as blizzard wear. I mean a light sprinkling of snow.. Come on people - perspective! Anyway- it was coldish so I wore my new gloves (thankyou Lucy)and my bargain Boston coat - has to be seen to be believed. We queued for 40 mins in the cold before reaching the door to the tiniest art exhibition I have ever seen. Tiny as in builduing size. It was in a tall thin house around a corner off 10th Ave. - You wouldn'd find it unless you had Hima's google mapped out directions. The exhibition was by Banksy - love this guy- famous British graffitti artist- his work is v. amusing- some offensive -not to me that is- but up-standing members of the middle class british community for example (sorry mum). This includes 10 pound notes with princess dinas face in place of the queen and 'Banksy of england' across the top. You get the idea.
Following this Hima and I grabbed lunch at this BBQ place on 8th Ave before heading back around 5pm.
At 7pm I met, Jen, Rich and Alice in Dorians (the mountbat hang out) to discuss our role play for class on monday. This didnt go too well as there were a few other (drunk) mountbat's singing their heads off to the music on the TV- Dont you just love having a reputation as the most annoying people ever? We powered on through regardless and made some progress- hopefully this will pay off later tonight when we have to stand up and perfrom it- gulp.
I saw Dina this morning for the first time all weekend. Apparently she got back a little later than anticipated -around 2am from Washington- so I felt smuggly fresh and awake when the alarm went off at 6.30. :)
well must work now laters xx
Sunday night I arrived back and fell asleep. Monday was spent correcting the time-difference through more sleep, followed by shopping, laundry etc.
Tuesday I had to go back to work- snore. It was nice I fed work folk malteasers and honoured them with british trash magazines - which they love- apparently they will pay good money for 'Hello'- me thinks I could be on to a winner here... lol.
After work- I did nothing - some days i find its imporatnt to do nothing. I went home and watched about 100 episodes of the OC then went to bed. - so productive day!
Wednesday was the tree lighting at the Rockerfeller Centre. This was almost a re-live of Halloween. Whole streets were closed, police left right and centre. Chaos. I didnt actually get close enough to see the tree as there was a carol concert complete with Natasha Bedingfield (i mean why?) around it- so I made do with the atmosphere of xmas chaos and fireworks - which could just be seen. After this I headed home - believe me that took more than a few hours.
Friday after work I met up with Jen at Macys and did some much-needed shopping- mainly for Jen. I bought some stuff- Jen bought killer boots- obv a sensible choice given the snow prediction for the weekend.... I said nothing. Following this Jen and I went back to my apt and did some good ol' DVD and wine hours- a fail safe.
Saturday I woke up late. Dina, Vik, Maz and Henry had all gone. I now know that Dina and Vik had left early to visit Washington - however Maz and Henry's whereabouts remain a mystery to me. Needless to say I was alone. Sob..
So I watched home alone 4 ( yes I know- this was just a random coincidence) and contemplated my weekend activites with rergard to the lack of people. I met Rich for lunch in the Mall- he was suffering from hangover munchies still- and then around 5pm I met up with Jen. We headed to 23rd where Jen knew of a fashion show courtesy of her friend at work AKA the photgrapher. Being in NY I felt we must do a little sex in the City sorta stuff- so dressed in my grey pinafore and homemade scarf (thankyou laura) I went along. The free wine was a major plus factor in this and the clothes were sooo nice. If I were paid a real wage I would be likey to frequent that place a great deal. I mean yes the majority of clothes were handmade ball dresses and jewellery but I'm positive occasions would be found for their wearing! Below the boutique where the show was being held - was a really cool little vintage clothing shop- bargains to be had here! Found loads of great 40's and 50's fashion, bow hats, 60's ball gowns, most things you had forgotten exsisted.. Will be going back there for some bargain re-living of the past - Jen was almost feeling the love too - ah well next time!
Following this we found a bar near 23rd called 'Rouge' - Somehow I did very well drinks v money here. I think the bartender was being kind. I left fairly early around 1.30am - but we had definately reached our limits. At some point Rich turned up- he may also have been responsible for the money-drink ratio. It is difficult to say. It remains a mystery.
Sunday I had a little headache so stayed in bed until I was absolutely sure it had gone. Then slept a little longer - better bed than knackered. Hima came round around 11am and Adam promtley called the second she arrived. So she she drank all my yorkshire tea and ate malteasers until I had checked in with the home folk. :) Around 1.30pm Hima and I made our way to 23rd (again)- it seemed to have randomly snowed overnight - so this was easier said than done. I note- The londoner that she is - Hima turned up in what I can only describe as blizzard wear. I mean a light sprinkling of snow.. Come on people - perspective! Anyway- it was coldish so I wore my new gloves (thankyou Lucy)and my bargain Boston coat - has to be seen to be believed. We queued for 40 mins in the cold before reaching the door to the tiniest art exhibition I have ever seen. Tiny as in builduing size. It was in a tall thin house around a corner off 10th Ave. - You wouldn'd find it unless you had Hima's google mapped out directions. The exhibition was by Banksy - love this guy- famous British graffitti artist- his work is v. amusing- some offensive -not to me that is- but up-standing members of the middle class british community for example (sorry mum). This includes 10 pound notes with princess dinas face in place of the queen and 'Banksy of england' across the top. You get the idea.
Following this Hima and I grabbed lunch at this BBQ place on 8th Ave before heading back around 5pm.
At 7pm I met, Jen, Rich and Alice in Dorians (the mountbat hang out) to discuss our role play for class on monday. This didnt go too well as there were a few other (drunk) mountbat's singing their heads off to the music on the TV- Dont you just love having a reputation as the most annoying people ever? We powered on through regardless and made some progress- hopefully this will pay off later tonight when we have to stand up and perfrom it- gulp.
I saw Dina this morning for the first time all weekend. Apparently she got back a little later than anticipated -around 2am from Washington- so I felt smuggly fresh and awake when the alarm went off at 6.30. :)
well must work now laters xx
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Graduation
Ok- Hi all, I have already deleted this once by accident so apologies if its dull I used my best anecdotes previously...
So this week was graduation. It was busy. I left at 9pm of Wednesday night, arrived 8.30am thrusaday and the flight took 7 hours.. yes i know- doesnt make sense. go figure..
Jumped on a bus to st albans and was in starbucks by 11am! :) Met adam before his class, hit the shops for last min items, hair dressers, off to uni where i managed to freak out kevin who didnt know why I was there. Bumped into Rob, then met adam again and went got him to take suitcase to hotel- it was heavy ok!
Met parents around 5pm went for dinner, drank wine, received gifts went to bed. LONG day.
Friday was graduation. Went to Arena 10am, met Tom, Carly, Kerry, Rob and Will in line for Robe fitting. This phrase ahs no actaul meaning as the robe did anything but fit. I mean i go to the effort of measuring my head to be given a random mortar board that fell of at the slightest movement!
Following this went for coffee with parents and brother and low and behold found Tom, his mum and Carly sitting there. Of course my dad insists on talking to everyone so that was a lively debate. and who knew my mum used to be a librarian same as Toms? I drank my coffee and left them to it. We then had photo's at various angles of the cathedral with combinations of family members and met Brooke and her family doing the same.
Following this adam appeared had photo's taken before headihng off to i assume his lectures?
The ceremony was good- nobody tripped up,. or fell. and although it was a little nippy in the cathedral for all 3 hours of the ceremony I think the generally consensus was good.Including 'that speech' by Daniel Piggot which I later complimented Los on - he seemed slightly peeved shall we say...
Then there was tea and cake. My dad managed to track down los, and I ripped my shirt attempting to remove all 20 odd safety pins keeping my robe on.
Then came the pub. Drinks. Merriment. A camera lost. A red wine found.. you know how it goes.. many an interesting chat with brooke's family, a cab ride home....
Saturday I woke up with a headache. Was force fed a huge breakfast by parents and then abandoned as they went home. Adam picked me up from Hotel, and went back to his house- where I promply fell asleep. I know what great company I am. Having slept off my hangover- we went out for dinner in Newmarket and then met up with his friends in a cheesy pub where I kid you not - the spice girls were playing when I walked in. There was a strange man dancing in what I can only describe as 70's comeback revival style.. alone in the middle of the pub.
Sunday I slept too long. Had to get up v. quickly and fit everything I had been given into my suitcase before jumping in car to airport. Once there I had breakfast with adam and then jumped on my plane. This is the boring part I did nothing. Well I read about 14 magazines and fell asleep. I got in to JFK around 8pm and then spent a further 3 hours attempting to use NY public transport to get home. I mean seriouosly...i could have been half way back again by then!
I got back to find a new face in my apartment - apparently Maz's friend was staying over so I just went to sleep.
Yesterday I took the day off work to recover form jert lag and buiy food etc. I had class in the evening where my entire group (bar one) had been taken ill/suddenly gone home without notice and so this was a very unproductive class. I had food with Rich, Raj and Suba then headed home to recount my weekend to Dina and Vik before going to bed.
I am at work now and this has taken an uncannily long time to write due to my work load today. phew. enjoy x
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Pictures! Is this the Friends fountain?
Reindeer!
Empire State Building!
Bloomingdales 
Brooklyn Bridge
Rob-observe ice cream message from America
Monday, November 19, 2007
The week Sara came!
I have done so much stuff this week- I have no money now to do anything else- thus I am going home- (to graduate) on Wednesday wohoo!!
But back to this week!
Monday morning I made Sara leave the house with me jet-lag or no jet-lag at 7.45am to go to work. I left her in Wall Street photographing the stock exchange armed with a tiny map and wads of cash. I beleive from there she headed for the liberty island ferry to the statute of liberty and then on to the immigration museum on Ellis Island. She seems to have come across a restaurant called 'Paris' on her travels which her parents visited on a trip here - so she stayed there a while too. After work I met her and headed uptown to 51st street. However, I had to attend class so I left Sara in Starbucks for an hour or so. Class was ok w3e discussed the 'great american melting pot' theory and the fact it was all lies! I mean why make it up and then spend whole classes telling us why it's wrong!.....
After class we took the subway to 57th and 7th to the Brooklyn Diner but found Bloomingdales and Dylans (famous candy store) on the way and did some good 'ol window shopping before hjaving dinner. When we did eventually get dinner it was around 9.30pm. The foods was good but once again it was impossible to eat more than one course in that place!! DO not fear- We got Cheescake to go -otherwise I fear I may never get to try this legend I hear so much about!
Tuesday Sara headed up to midtown and took in some museums and central park whilst muggins here had to work. After work we met Jen in Bryant Park -who for some reason was chatting up a strange Italian Guy when we arrived - to go Ice Skating. Bearing in mind my back had been hurting for some unkown reason all day- and Sara had hurt her knee trying to walk hundreds of miles up and town Manhatten in only a few hours, clearly this was a good choice of evening entertainment....
The Ice Rink was v. busy but after only one major fall- which in my defense was Jen's fall and my arm was dragged down with her.. -I got my ice-feet and was fine. Jen however, (new skates, ice skating lessons and all)- didnt find it quite as simple. It was good, but so crowded and freezing cold might I add, that we didnt stay much more than an hour or so.
Walking back through Bryant Park to go home we came across a Fountain which I am sure features in the opening titles of friends.. so we took pictures of it and danced about a bit. well, you would to...
Wednesday, I'm not sure what Sara did whilst I was at work- but it may have been the Natural History Museum or the MoMAR.? In the evening I had booked a table at Cafe Wha?. SO, Sara, Jen, Rich, Hima, Mayur, Caroline and I met up there and had a few drinks. We announced to the band it was Sara's Birthday and managed to get some personal mentions and photo's with the band followed by a round of shots -which turned out not to be free- Grrr- but all in all had a really good night and I think Sara enjoyed herself too. Apart from the odd French man who insisted we meet up again in London next time we were both there - oh its all so transatlantic isnt it dahling...- I made a swift exit. end of.
Made it home around 3.30am. - yes it was a school night.
Thursday I woke up with the worst pain in my back- cant think it had anyting to do with having a bad back- going ice skating -and then drunk dancing till the wee hours the night before... anyway it hurt. I didnt go to work. Sara stayed in with me and later when I was feeling slightly better we went to the pictures so not to waste a whole day of Sara's trip- Saw IV - horrible- dont do it. Then we went to town and went up to the roof of the Empire State Building- which was THE most cold I think I have ever been. Dont get me wrong- the view was lovely- I could see my apartment and the Statute of Liberty at the same time! lol. Did some tourist souvenir shopping the went home as it was just so cold!
Friday Sara went to another museum I think. In the eveing we went to Christopher Street (the gay district) and had a few quiet drinks. I think by then we were both feeling the effects of late nights and early mornings and the weather. And having spent a good hour trying to persuade Jen to leave her nice warm room to come out drinking we didnt actually hit a bar until around 12.30am!
Saturday we headed to Bloomingdales to buy 'the little brown umbrella' for Sara's friend, some presents, and take pictures of everything remotley famous Sara came across. Then we took the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge -which I love- and walked across it only this time the freezing cold and poor visibility really did make the experience lovely ahem. Of course, nobody goes over the Brooklyn bridge without standing in line at Grimaldi's for 40 mins and shivers to get pizza.- what can I say its tradition! The pizza was good. We met a couple from Chicargo on a suprise weekend trip- to NY who seemed to be enjoying the 'wonderfully cold' weather.. I dont get these people I really don't...
Then we went for ice cream which seemed right despite the temparatures outside. Walking back over the brooklyn bridge was nice with the lights and the view all weather grumbles aside.
When we got back to Newport we rented the entire 10th season of friends in order to estblish the true identity of the fountain in the opening titles- hence the rest of the night was spent discovering...
Sunday was busy. Sara was up and packed by 10am. I was close by 10.30. After a mission and a half to JFK involving several unhelpful public transport workers, two trains, a bus and an airtrain we arrived at the airport in less than 3 hours woohoo!
After saying our goodbyes Sara jumped on her plane and I was left with the reverse mission which was made worse by the PATH train (the final part of the journey ) broke down in the only tunnel that takes me home- and I stood on a platform half way between manhatten and new jersey for a good hour. I got home at 6.30.
Please see previous complaints about transport on weekends in NY...grr.
Today is monday and I have slept off most of my weeks events now and am starting to get ready for my own flight on wednesday. Will let you know how it all goes xx
But back to this week!
Monday morning I made Sara leave the house with me jet-lag or no jet-lag at 7.45am to go to work. I left her in Wall Street photographing the stock exchange armed with a tiny map and wads of cash. I beleive from there she headed for the liberty island ferry to the statute of liberty and then on to the immigration museum on Ellis Island. She seems to have come across a restaurant called 'Paris' on her travels which her parents visited on a trip here - so she stayed there a while too. After work I met her and headed uptown to 51st street. However, I had to attend class so I left Sara in Starbucks for an hour or so. Class was ok w3e discussed the 'great american melting pot' theory and the fact it was all lies! I mean why make it up and then spend whole classes telling us why it's wrong!.....
After class we took the subway to 57th and 7th to the Brooklyn Diner but found Bloomingdales and Dylans (famous candy store) on the way and did some good 'ol window shopping before hjaving dinner. When we did eventually get dinner it was around 9.30pm. The foods was good but once again it was impossible to eat more than one course in that place!! DO not fear- We got Cheescake to go -otherwise I fear I may never get to try this legend I hear so much about!
Tuesday Sara headed up to midtown and took in some museums and central park whilst muggins here had to work. After work we met Jen in Bryant Park -who for some reason was chatting up a strange Italian Guy when we arrived - to go Ice Skating. Bearing in mind my back had been hurting for some unkown reason all day- and Sara had hurt her knee trying to walk hundreds of miles up and town Manhatten in only a few hours, clearly this was a good choice of evening entertainment....
The Ice Rink was v. busy but after only one major fall- which in my defense was Jen's fall and my arm was dragged down with her.. -I got my ice-feet and was fine. Jen however, (new skates, ice skating lessons and all)- didnt find it quite as simple. It was good, but so crowded and freezing cold might I add, that we didnt stay much more than an hour or so.
Walking back through Bryant Park to go home we came across a Fountain which I am sure features in the opening titles of friends.. so we took pictures of it and danced about a bit. well, you would to...
Wednesday, I'm not sure what Sara did whilst I was at work- but it may have been the Natural History Museum or the MoMAR.? In the evening I had booked a table at Cafe Wha?. SO, Sara, Jen, Rich, Hima, Mayur, Caroline and I met up there and had a few drinks. We announced to the band it was Sara's Birthday and managed to get some personal mentions and photo's with the band followed by a round of shots -which turned out not to be free- Grrr- but all in all had a really good night and I think Sara enjoyed herself too. Apart from the odd French man who insisted we meet up again in London next time we were both there - oh its all so transatlantic isnt it dahling...- I made a swift exit. end of.
Made it home around 3.30am. - yes it was a school night.
Thursday I woke up with the worst pain in my back- cant think it had anyting to do with having a bad back- going ice skating -and then drunk dancing till the wee hours the night before... anyway it hurt. I didnt go to work. Sara stayed in with me and later when I was feeling slightly better we went to the pictures so not to waste a whole day of Sara's trip- Saw IV - horrible- dont do it. Then we went to town and went up to the roof of the Empire State Building- which was THE most cold I think I have ever been. Dont get me wrong- the view was lovely- I could see my apartment and the Statute of Liberty at the same time! lol. Did some tourist souvenir shopping the went home as it was just so cold!
Friday Sara went to another museum I think. In the eveing we went to Christopher Street (the gay district) and had a few quiet drinks. I think by then we were both feeling the effects of late nights and early mornings and the weather. And having spent a good hour trying to persuade Jen to leave her nice warm room to come out drinking we didnt actually hit a bar until around 12.30am!
Saturday we headed to Bloomingdales to buy 'the little brown umbrella' for Sara's friend, some presents, and take pictures of everything remotley famous Sara came across. Then we took the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge -which I love- and walked across it only this time the freezing cold and poor visibility really did make the experience lovely ahem. Of course, nobody goes over the Brooklyn bridge without standing in line at Grimaldi's for 40 mins and shivers to get pizza.- what can I say its tradition! The pizza was good. We met a couple from Chicargo on a suprise weekend trip- to NY who seemed to be enjoying the 'wonderfully cold' weather.. I dont get these people I really don't...
Then we went for ice cream which seemed right despite the temparatures outside. Walking back over the brooklyn bridge was nice with the lights and the view all weather grumbles aside.
When we got back to Newport we rented the entire 10th season of friends in order to estblish the true identity of the fountain in the opening titles- hence the rest of the night was spent discovering...
Sunday was busy. Sara was up and packed by 10am. I was close by 10.30. After a mission and a half to JFK involving several unhelpful public transport workers, two trains, a bus and an airtrain we arrived at the airport in less than 3 hours woohoo!
After saying our goodbyes Sara jumped on her plane and I was left with the reverse mission which was made worse by the PATH train (the final part of the journey ) broke down in the only tunnel that takes me home- and I stood on a platform half way between manhatten and new jersey for a good hour. I got home at 6.30.
Please see previous complaints about transport on weekends in NY...grr.
Today is monday and I have slept off most of my weeks events now and am starting to get ready for my own flight on wednesday. Will let you know how it all goes xx
Monday, November 12, 2007
Busy Busy Busy
Hi all,
ok this week was busy.
Monday I did nothing much. - ok so I lied the rest was busy!
Tuesday after work I had class where I was thrilled by an enticing lecture on immigration and policy decisions throughout american history. WOOP...
Wednesday after work Rich and Alice came round to discuss what on earth we are going to do about our up and coming presentation on abortion issues - I of course am taking the role of an old man (ok so a judge on the deciding case in american law - Roe v Wade - look it up if you get bored enough lol.)Its a role play we have to do on a saturday can you believe it! As Adam (another group person) has had to go home indefinately, and Jen had too many social commitments to attend, the meeting didnt go too well. That and Vic, Duncan, Hima, Danesh, Maz and Henry turned up and began watching TV/building computers and generally not being very quiet didnt help much either! lol
Thursday after work I headed down to a bar just off Wall Street called Ulycsis (however its spelt) where Hima, Other Rich, Waz, Lisa and Lisa's friend from home were. Twas a good night only spent $8 which I was proud of given the number of drinks that got me :) After pizza on the way back with Hima and Rich I got home around 12.30 and went to bed. lol.
Friday - I had a hard time getting up for work. I mean hard. Like it was a HUGE effort. Following the AM hang over it was ok - altho I missed my art tour in the evening due to trains i tell you not me and my condition!!! I went anyway- late and bought evidence of my being there. lol. Then went home. in the rain. I didnt go out again after that.
Saturday was chores day. Not alot to say really- shopping, laudry you know the drill.
Sunday I woke up early (for a sunday) then went to pick up Sara fromt he airport whcih seemed to take up most of the day. When we got back we wnt for cuban food in Newport- where there was a super driendly waiter and Molito's and then went to bed- as bshe was knacked from the trip.
Tonight I have class.
bye x
ok this week was busy.
Monday I did nothing much. - ok so I lied the rest was busy!
Tuesday after work I had class where I was thrilled by an enticing lecture on immigration and policy decisions throughout american history. WOOP...
Wednesday after work Rich and Alice came round to discuss what on earth we are going to do about our up and coming presentation on abortion issues - I of course am taking the role of an old man (ok so a judge on the deciding case in american law - Roe v Wade - look it up if you get bored enough lol.)Its a role play we have to do on a saturday can you believe it! As Adam (another group person) has had to go home indefinately, and Jen had too many social commitments to attend, the meeting didnt go too well. That and Vic, Duncan, Hima, Danesh, Maz and Henry turned up and began watching TV/building computers and generally not being very quiet didnt help much either! lol
Thursday after work I headed down to a bar just off Wall Street called Ulycsis (however its spelt) where Hima, Other Rich, Waz, Lisa and Lisa's friend from home were. Twas a good night only spent $8 which I was proud of given the number of drinks that got me :) After pizza on the way back with Hima and Rich I got home around 12.30 and went to bed. lol.
Friday - I had a hard time getting up for work. I mean hard. Like it was a HUGE effort. Following the AM hang over it was ok - altho I missed my art tour in the evening due to trains i tell you not me and my condition!!! I went anyway- late and bought evidence of my being there. lol. Then went home. in the rain. I didnt go out again after that.
Saturday was chores day. Not alot to say really- shopping, laudry you know the drill.
Sunday I woke up early (for a sunday) then went to pick up Sara fromt he airport whcih seemed to take up most of the day. When we got back we wnt for cuban food in Newport- where there was a super driendly waiter and Molito's and then went to bed- as bshe was knacked from the trip.
Tonight I have class.
bye x
Monday, November 5, 2007
Parades, Dinners & Marathons
Hi all,
This week was v. busy- But had loads of fun.
Monday (obv this is not included in the previous statement) I had class, where we handed in our essays on racial history and politics in America, watched a video on black history, then went home - how dull.
Anyway - Tuesday I went book shopping on the way home as I really dont want my brain to stop functioning completley. And I was informed on my way out of work that we should dress up for work on wed! Talk about short notice!
Wednesday was halloween! I decided to play it safe and not go in full Bee atire to work - I dont know it just didnt seem like a good idea- apart from the copy boy who was dressed as a baseball (hilarious to see a baseball photocopying!!)- not many others were taking to the costume idea. Good plan with the dressing down thing... I wore cat ears and half-heartedly make-up'd for the occasion. Although they really do go all out here for Halloween. There was a huge candy bowl placed on the front desk by the partners for everyone in the office and in the afternoon hand-made Halloween cookies appeared and were offered around. However, I was disappointed that a woman at work thought she would need to take the time to explain what halloween was to me and what happened etc.. was I born yesterday? Then she denied all knowledge of Guy Fawkes!!! Upon explanation she compared it to the 4th july celebrations on account of there being fireworks....oh dear...
After work I headed to the legendary parade in the East Village. I have lots of photo's do not fear. This was truly the personification of outrageous. There were topless girls dressed as indians, drag queens, people on stilts, gold encrusted mini's with pimps hang out the side. You name it - it was there. Some people carried a Marque all the way through New York dressed as zombies...
Anyone can joinh in the parade all you need to do is be in costume - however I thought it would be more fun to watch! *cough*
Thursday I worked through lunch to leave early in order to get to the Pierre Hotel on 5th by 5pm. I was volunteering at the International Business Awards Dinner courtesy of Natalie (a mountbatten who works for an events company who were hosting the dinner). Hima, Caroline, Natalie, Pardeep and 2 other mountbattens I dont really know worked the event also. I was put on the VIP room - which suited me just fine. I meeted and greeted the VIP and showed them to their 'VIP reception area'. I just happened to meet the british ambassador, the head of diageo, several lawyer from various countries and the man who owns the Marriot hotel chain. Ah what it is to be connected.....lol.
Following this we headed into the ballroom where we enjoyed a three course dinner with wine and champagne, speeches and awards. All v. nice.
Following this I helped pack up etc. I received a bottle of wine for my troubles and gorgeous bouquet of flowers - which I 'borrowed' from the table display..they were going out anyway!
Had a really good night made new friends, ate well and all for free I tell you free free!!!
Friday I went to work slightly worse for wear - but awake! However, my the end of the day I was not so awake and the prospect of going out again didnt really appeal. So Dina and I stayed in with the my bottle of wine fromt the night before and a DVD. Twas good.
Saturday I headed to town. Went to Bloomingdales and then managed to get stuck there as there were no downtown trains running. After walking around 40 blocks I got the PATH home and found Vik's cousin in my flat and beer everywhere. Apparently we were having a house party in honour of Vik's birthday....?!
More people arrived + beer and thus craziness. Vik announced half way through that KFC chicken was not unlike the Holocaust... I mean... ???!!!!
Sunday Hima and I went to watch the Marathon in central Park, but after about half an hour got bored and found an amazing cupcake shop where we had pumpkin pie! This is wierd if you've never had it before... But you can get HUGE cakes in just about every colour!!!
Then we wandered randomly given you couldn't go anywhere directly as everything was corned off for the Marathon. Did some food shopping and then headed home. Watched a film with Vik in the house, scrap booked a litle then called it a night.
phew! ok I think thats everything.
Back to work now bye xx
Monday, October 29, 2007
Haloweeeeeeeeen!
Dont ask me why I have to have two seperate posts....
Tuesday after class went for drinks and really nice Japanese food with Caroline, Hima, Natalie adn Mayar near Times square.
Wednesday after work I spent some time looking around downtown at the shops which for some reason (even though I work there) I've never really done before. As a result, and due to the fact I was just wandering, I managed to confuse myself and spent a good hour or so trying to find the PATH station again to get home. although I did find a university on my travels....
Thursday I was in need of some rest as the weekend was likely to be a big one!
Friday night was Carolines 'official' birthday night out and we all went to a swanky bar in the meatpacking district, so swanky in fact you had to pay to sit down! Thus I spent all night on my feet but the free alcohol helped. lol.
Saturday
I bought a dress for the business awrds dinner I'm going to on Thursday. Ok so it was more than half my weekly money - but is beautiful and will also be my xmas/party/events LBD for the next few months atleast!
The evening was the big Halloween Mountbat fest at Rebel - Somewhere near 30th and 7th. Free entry and 1st drink just for being a Mounmtbat seemed to good to pass up- despit the silly costumes and lack of 'real' culture. lol.
Most people got into the fancy dress thing well. There was a lion, a tin man, and male japanese dorothy.. hundreds of cats, playboy bunnies and of course I was a bumble bee! (see pic below)
All in all it went quite well - I managed to get in even though I forgot my ID, and there were enough randoms there to make it not just a mountbatten fest!
Sunday. I got home from Saturday at around 6am - thus sunday didnt really happen.
Around 2pm I got up. made some phone calls, watched some TV.This was the extent of my day. Dina and I had take-out for dinner (arnt we exciting!) and went to bed.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Mass graves, hanging trees and Bumble Bees...
Hi all,
So this weekend was really busy.- except friday night where Dina, Sharon, Becca and I sat in front of TV and watched on demand all night of course.....
Saturday morning I was forced (by Mountbatten) to go on a walking tour of Grenwich village - which is a really quirky student area of Manhatten. There we were told the park in the centre of this area 'Washington Square Park' actually used to be a mass grave for Chorlera victims, and the mound at one end with a large tree is known as 'the hanging tree' the mound being reminents of those hung... Happy times ay? Then we went on to the famous 'Gay Street' - the name says it all- apparently, most of the speak easys are found around there and there seem to be hundreds of little jazz and music bars in this area.
Afternoon I took myself on a little walk up to Chelsea Piers where all the sports things are. There's a Skating rink, Bowling alley, Gym, Driving range and Swimming pool all on 3 piers... oh and a nice view over the Hudson.
The evening was going to be a quiet one in my head-but Hima had other plans - and I was dragged out to a costume house party in honour of sombody's work mates birthday.. I of course had to live up to the occasion so slipped on my fail-save bumble bee outfit and hit the town! [so to speak- *cough*] [Friday after work Hima met me and practically marched me to a costume shop on 14th to purchase a bumble bee outfit, do-boppers and all!] The party itself was fairly naff, and due to the fact Hima and Caoline wern't ready until almost 10.30 we arrived quite late. The free alcohol and silly outfits more than made up for this tho- and it was good just to chat and be able to hear each other on a night out!
Kick-out time came round quite fast due to out late arrival, so we went to another bar with some japanese friends of Rich's from Oklahoma. I have no idea what time it was when we left that one.
Sunday I went for brunch with Hima in Newport before meeting up with Rich, Mayur & Sachit to go to a theatre production. We thought it was going to be more of a big dance production as it was described as 'a hip-hop themed show' however it was in a cool little community theatre quite of the beaten track and performed in front a small audience. It was very good- political production, cast of only 10 members, based around the famous Hip-hop festival in Cuba and Racism around 9/11 period. Not at all what were we expecting but I would go again was very clever, both funny and serious with a message.
Following this we headed for some dinner and having walked through Chinatown and Little Italy - found a Malaysian place that did HUGE up-turned bowls of rice with various chicken/fish combinations. Was very good for the money and we shall be going there again. I had Thai Chicken nd coconut rice (yes I know I should have had Malaysian and not thai) - there were also some scary looking half dead fish in a tank by our table so we stayed clear of the fish choices...
Sunday night Will (my illusive housemate - who never seems to come home) - came home!
So i talked to him for abit, asked how the past fornight had been for him and then went to bed.
This week its halloween so expect more bumble bee stories.. xx
So this weekend was really busy.- except friday night where Dina, Sharon, Becca and I sat in front of TV and watched on demand all night of course.....
Saturday morning I was forced (by Mountbatten) to go on a walking tour of Grenwich village - which is a really quirky student area of Manhatten. There we were told the park in the centre of this area 'Washington Square Park' actually used to be a mass grave for Chorlera victims, and the mound at one end with a large tree is known as 'the hanging tree' the mound being reminents of those hung... Happy times ay? Then we went on to the famous 'Gay Street' - the name says it all- apparently, most of the speak easys are found around there and there seem to be hundreds of little jazz and music bars in this area.
Afternoon I took myself on a little walk up to Chelsea Piers where all the sports things are. There's a Skating rink, Bowling alley, Gym, Driving range and Swimming pool all on 3 piers... oh and a nice view over the Hudson.
The evening was going to be a quiet one in my head-but Hima had other plans - and I was dragged out to a costume house party in honour of sombody's work mates birthday.. I of course had to live up to the occasion so slipped on my fail-save bumble bee outfit and hit the town! [so to speak- *cough*] [Friday after work Hima met me and practically marched me to a costume shop on 14th to purchase a bumble bee outfit, do-boppers and all!] The party itself was fairly naff, and due to the fact Hima and Caoline wern't ready until almost 10.30 we arrived quite late. The free alcohol and silly outfits more than made up for this tho- and it was good just to chat and be able to hear each other on a night out!
Kick-out time came round quite fast due to out late arrival, so we went to another bar with some japanese friends of Rich's from Oklahoma. I have no idea what time it was when we left that one.
Sunday I went for brunch with Hima in Newport before meeting up with Rich, Mayur & Sachit to go to a theatre production. We thought it was going to be more of a big dance production as it was described as 'a hip-hop themed show' however it was in a cool little community theatre quite of the beaten track and performed in front a small audience. It was very good- political production, cast of only 10 members, based around the famous Hip-hop festival in Cuba and Racism around 9/11 period. Not at all what were we expecting but I would go again was very clever, both funny and serious with a message.
Following this we headed for some dinner and having walked through Chinatown and Little Italy - found a Malaysian place that did HUGE up-turned bowls of rice with various chicken/fish combinations. Was very good for the money and we shall be going there again. I had Thai Chicken nd coconut rice (yes I know I should have had Malaysian and not thai) - there were also some scary looking half dead fish in a tank by our table so we stayed clear of the fish choices...
Sunday night Will (my illusive housemate - who never seems to come home) - came home!
So i talked to him for abit, asked how the past fornight had been for him and then went to bed.
This week its halloween so expect more bumble bee stories.. xx
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Class, Nails, and live music!!!
I just had one of the best nights out - its thursday morning by the way- i went to a place called 'Cafe Wha'last night juat off Bleeker by McDougal street, free entry, free live music, table service... you gotta love it.
The band were really good played everything from soul, R'n'B, jazz to dance and cheezy old ballards was really good atmosphere. Drinks were pricey but given it was free entry etc.. i let it slide.
It was 2 of the interns birthdays so we -like a hundred of us- took over one end of the place - and its not exactly a huge- was amazing! Got back around 2.30 - i'm at work now but coffee has played a large part in making this possible.
Tuesday night Hima and I took a subway after work to 14th where we found a beauty bar where you buy a manicure and get a free drink! Kinda a bar come beauty salon!
altho it looked a lil suss so we had a drink then headed round the corner for nails.
Yes i know its hard to believe ( lucy has already questioned my whereabouts to the imposter currently posing as me) I had my nails done!
luckily I managed to keep them intact longer than Hima who destroyed them within a minute of getting out of the place!
Monday I had class where nothing much happened, I handed in my assignment, and discussed US foreign policy woo. I have been assigned a role-play assignment on the topic of the abortion debate. I thought for a moment I would actually have to take time out of my life to go and do some research.. but luckily I signed up a website that sends me links to events in the city and low and behold there's an abortion debate being held next tuesday due to a sudden change in the law... what luck!
So I cheated...
tonight I need to shop and buy a new phone. but friday should be a good one
tell you later xxx
The band were really good played everything from soul, R'n'B, jazz to dance and cheezy old ballards was really good atmosphere. Drinks were pricey but given it was free entry etc.. i let it slide.
It was 2 of the interns birthdays so we -like a hundred of us- took over one end of the place - and its not exactly a huge- was amazing! Got back around 2.30 - i'm at work now but coffee has played a large part in making this possible.
Tuesday night Hima and I took a subway after work to 14th where we found a beauty bar where you buy a manicure and get a free drink! Kinda a bar come beauty salon!
altho it looked a lil suss so we had a drink then headed round the corner for nails.
Yes i know its hard to believe ( lucy has already questioned my whereabouts to the imposter currently posing as me) I had my nails done!
luckily I managed to keep them intact longer than Hima who destroyed them within a minute of getting out of the place!
Monday I had class where nothing much happened, I handed in my assignment, and discussed US foreign policy woo. I have been assigned a role-play assignment on the topic of the abortion debate. I thought for a moment I would actually have to take time out of my life to go and do some research.. but luckily I signed up a website that sends me links to events in the city and low and behold there's an abortion debate being held next tuesday due to a sudden change in the law... what luck!
So I cheated...
tonight I need to shop and buy a new phone. but friday should be a good one
tell you later xxx
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
update!!
Hi all again,
Sorry its a bit late this post- have just been sooo busy!
Lets see now- what have been up to...lol.
oh yes, Tuesday I saw 'The Kingdom' at the pics (no doubt it'll be out sometime soon over there) was v political but was good focused on america ruling the world blah blah etc- lots of blood and gore mind not for the faint hearted!
Thursday night I spent locked in a lecture room learning about American Foreign Policy! yay.. *cough* - but went for pizza after class with the girlies so wasnt too bad.
Friday night I stayed late at work to actually do some class work and then went home only to find nobody was there!
As it was friday, I had to do something - so I went into Manhatten with Hima and her housemates to a Shisha bar which was cool- makes a difference from clubs all the time. stayed there till bout 3am then - and this seems to be a regular thing with Hima- we went to Diner in the middle of the night! Yes you can get waiter service, bagels, and full english breakfasts at any time in NY there is no end to the madness......
Saturday was all about sleep. At 1pm I decided it was time for action and dragged myself to the sofa where i watched all 3.5 hrs of Legally Blonde the musical on braodway- yes they dont really get the idea, if you show it on tv nobody will pay to go to the actual show! - oh well - their loss....
When I did actually try and leave the apt I discovered the lock on the door was broken and I couldn't get out! After several attempts to resolve the poblem with knives, hair pins, brute force etc.. we thought we would have to get outsiders. However, my phone is broken and we didn't have a number for the doorman, so after much collaberation, Dina managed to call her friend from another building (who was intently watching the Rugby)to come over and alert the doorman, who laughed at him and then after showing him the problem, he got another guy to come and kick down the door! yes it is all about carefully does it here.....
So after having a new lock fitted to the door I left the house about 6pm!
Sunday I went to Doriens for lunch with Jen and developed my (what seems like hundreds..) of pictures of bridges, stautes, random nights out... etc. So Obv Sunday was spent decorating my room oh and sleeping. I briefly shopped also. apologies for the lack of exciting things to tell you here...
Monday I had class- I had to hand in a organisational chart of my company, 2 page learning contract, 1500 word personal develpment journal, and an essay on last weeks foreign policy lecture... i'm quite sure you couldnt care less so I'll leave out all the incredible details!
Today is tuesday, tonight I'm meeting Hima, we're gong to get our nails done and then its probably home to cook dinner... altho plans are looking up for the weekend! Will let you know...
xx
Sorry its a bit late this post- have just been sooo busy!
Lets see now- what have been up to...lol.
oh yes, Tuesday I saw 'The Kingdom' at the pics (no doubt it'll be out sometime soon over there) was v political but was good focused on america ruling the world blah blah etc- lots of blood and gore mind not for the faint hearted!
Thursday night I spent locked in a lecture room learning about American Foreign Policy! yay.. *cough* - but went for pizza after class with the girlies so wasnt too bad.
Friday night I stayed late at work to actually do some class work and then went home only to find nobody was there!
As it was friday, I had to do something - so I went into Manhatten with Hima and her housemates to a Shisha bar which was cool- makes a difference from clubs all the time. stayed there till bout 3am then - and this seems to be a regular thing with Hima- we went to Diner in the middle of the night! Yes you can get waiter service, bagels, and full english breakfasts at any time in NY there is no end to the madness......
Saturday was all about sleep. At 1pm I decided it was time for action and dragged myself to the sofa where i watched all 3.5 hrs of Legally Blonde the musical on braodway- yes they dont really get the idea, if you show it on tv nobody will pay to go to the actual show! - oh well - their loss....
When I did actually try and leave the apt I discovered the lock on the door was broken and I couldn't get out! After several attempts to resolve the poblem with knives, hair pins, brute force etc.. we thought we would have to get outsiders. However, my phone is broken and we didn't have a number for the doorman, so after much collaberation, Dina managed to call her friend from another building (who was intently watching the Rugby)to come over and alert the doorman, who laughed at him and then after showing him the problem, he got another guy to come and kick down the door! yes it is all about carefully does it here.....
So after having a new lock fitted to the door I left the house about 6pm!
Sunday I went to Doriens for lunch with Jen and developed my (what seems like hundreds..) of pictures of bridges, stautes, random nights out... etc. So Obv Sunday was spent decorating my room oh and sleeping. I briefly shopped also. apologies for the lack of exciting things to tell you here...
Monday I had class- I had to hand in a organisational chart of my company, 2 page learning contract, 1500 word personal develpment journal, and an essay on last weeks foreign policy lecture... i'm quite sure you couldnt care less so I'll leave out all the incredible details!
Today is tuesday, tonight I'm meeting Hima, we're gong to get our nails done and then its probably home to cook dinner... altho plans are looking up for the weekend! Will let you know...
xx
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Boston Experience: The Twenty Dollar Weekend.
OK, before I get all carried away with Boston talk - I'll just give you a run through of my week.
This week Louise (the other intern who works with me) took off and went to London for a week, so I have been covering her work too - meaning an extra hour on my day and two loads of stuff to do! - ergo- I haven't been up to as much stuff extra-curricularwise as I have been sleeping.
Monday after work however I had class which was on the foundation of the constitution, founding fathers etc. etc... mainly we discussed how tired we all were and how why the subways dont have proper sign-posting!! Class finished at 8 and by time I had caught the PATH home, eaten, showered etc it was time for bed. (crazy party girl me you know..)
Tuesday I went shopping with Rich for food. Although Rich seemed to manage to turn the trip into some kind of night out and got a girls number and arranged drinks whilst I was trawling the aisles!
Thursday the drinks took place - which of course meant we -Jen, Steph, Russel, Rich and I - were all required to attend - although I'm not sure this gang of followers helped Rich ands his girl much..lol. We were told Hoboken was the area of choice and since I'd never been before it seemed like a good idea. Hoboken is much more of an American town than Manhatten or New Jersey. All the bars are in a string on one road and felt alot more down to earth. Steph and Rich managed to win a deck chair (somehow) before Jen & I arrived.. thus Rich was made to carry the thing around all night whilst we laughed at him. We ended up at quite a cool little roof-top bar where the girl from the supermarket was with some friends and Rich ran off with her( deckchair and all....). So the girls (& Russel) just made the most of the view and cheap vodka :)
Friday was difficult. Dina and I both woke up late.. -cant think this had anything to do with cheap vodka the night before.. - but I made it just in time for work. Had v. busy day - lots of meetings and phonecalls, plus trying to arrange weekend plans at same time. (ok so I know that this just added to the busy-ness..lol)
Now for the good stuff!
THE WEEKEND!!!
Saturday started at 5.30am. Hima, Richard (a different one),Pete & I caught the Chinatown bus to Manhatten. Whilst on the bus we found a guy who was a US Mountbatten who had lived in London for a year- so he was v. keen to tell us all about Boston -his home town- and what there was to see. After 4 hours with this boy it seemed we had more idea what we were goin to do post- bus. We followed the 'freedom trail' which is a red line painted around city touring the historial land marks and ending up in the city park where we stopped for lunch.
I refer now to the title of this post when I explain 'the twenty dollar weekend'. Curtesy of the silly people at Citibank- I was left without funds this weekend and had but twenty Dollars in my purse, but I decided to tour Boston anyway without going bankrupt if possible. I managed quite well, we ate cheaply and the bus was pre-booked so I managed to do just about survive, although I did have to pass up on some rather fantastic Boston memorabillia in order to do this.
The city itself is fairly small and we had seen most of the landmarks by the end of the day. We got back about midnight as there was no-one around in my flat when I got back I just went straight to bed.
Sunday I thought should be a lie in. I went for brunch in the afternoon with Hima and then spent the day in central park reading a book I found in my flat. It was good to slow down for a little while- but then we met Suba in the park, and were forced -yes forced- to get ice cream and run about the Rockerfeller Center with her.
Today is Columbus Day - meaning I am just about the only person who had to work today. grr..
most of my office are taking the day off also so all should be quiet if going to plan.
And I think that brings you all up to date. Sorry for the lack of pictures I promise there will be more soon.
Feedback please.
xxx
This week Louise (the other intern who works with me) took off and went to London for a week, so I have been covering her work too - meaning an extra hour on my day and two loads of stuff to do! - ergo- I haven't been up to as much stuff extra-curricularwise as I have been sleeping.
Monday after work however I had class which was on the foundation of the constitution, founding fathers etc. etc... mainly we discussed how tired we all were and how why the subways dont have proper sign-posting!! Class finished at 8 and by time I had caught the PATH home, eaten, showered etc it was time for bed. (crazy party girl me you know..)
Tuesday I went shopping with Rich for food. Although Rich seemed to manage to turn the trip into some kind of night out and got a girls number and arranged drinks whilst I was trawling the aisles!
Thursday the drinks took place - which of course meant we -Jen, Steph, Russel, Rich and I - were all required to attend - although I'm not sure this gang of followers helped Rich ands his girl much..lol. We were told Hoboken was the area of choice and since I'd never been before it seemed like a good idea. Hoboken is much more of an American town than Manhatten or New Jersey. All the bars are in a string on one road and felt alot more down to earth. Steph and Rich managed to win a deck chair (somehow) before Jen & I arrived.. thus Rich was made to carry the thing around all night whilst we laughed at him. We ended up at quite a cool little roof-top bar where the girl from the supermarket was with some friends and Rich ran off with her( deckchair and all....). So the girls (& Russel) just made the most of the view and cheap vodka :)
Friday was difficult. Dina and I both woke up late.. -cant think this had anything to do with cheap vodka the night before.. - but I made it just in time for work. Had v. busy day - lots of meetings and phonecalls, plus trying to arrange weekend plans at same time. (ok so I know that this just added to the busy-ness..lol)
Now for the good stuff!
THE WEEKEND!!!
Saturday started at 5.30am. Hima, Richard (a different one),Pete & I caught the Chinatown bus to Manhatten. Whilst on the bus we found a guy who was a US Mountbatten who had lived in London for a year- so he was v. keen to tell us all about Boston -his home town- and what there was to see. After 4 hours with this boy it seemed we had more idea what we were goin to do post- bus. We followed the 'freedom trail' which is a red line painted around city touring the historial land marks and ending up in the city park where we stopped for lunch.
I refer now to the title of this post when I explain 'the twenty dollar weekend'. Curtesy of the silly people at Citibank- I was left without funds this weekend and had but twenty Dollars in my purse, but I decided to tour Boston anyway without going bankrupt if possible. I managed quite well, we ate cheaply and the bus was pre-booked so I managed to do just about survive, although I did have to pass up on some rather fantastic Boston memorabillia in order to do this.
The city itself is fairly small and we had seen most of the landmarks by the end of the day. We got back about midnight as there was no-one around in my flat when I got back I just went straight to bed.
Sunday I thought should be a lie in. I went for brunch in the afternoon with Hima and then spent the day in central park reading a book I found in my flat. It was good to slow down for a little while- but then we met Suba in the park, and were forced -yes forced- to get ice cream and run about the Rockerfeller Center with her.
Today is Columbus Day - meaning I am just about the only person who had to work today. grr..
most of my office are taking the day off also so all should be quiet if going to plan.
And I think that brings you all up to date. Sorry for the lack of pictures I promise there will be more soon.
Feedback please.
xxx
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Weekend!
This could not have come sooner- work is getting tiring and we are all in need of some sleep. Therefore Friday night we went out. lol.
Started off in a bar called Madame X in the Lower East Side- but this was full of Mountbat's strangely, so we (Jen, Hima, Rich & me) went to another bar slightly less central to find some actual americans!
This was called Piano's and was a lot more fun. Plays live music on friday nights - altho it was too crowded to see anything- it was good listening :)
managed to spend a good part of the night in this bar and rolled in at 4am - i dont really kno how... 1 bar... plus drinks.....??!!
Saturday I got my lie in at last! I surfaced about 1pm lol. went to get food with Dina, at Duane Reade and then stayed in and had a girly afternoon. Dina and some of the guys went out to an Asian night in the evening - but given I was kancked from night before (dina didnt go out friday) and in the white minority, i decided to stay in and sleep horah!
Sunday- suprise suprise, Dina would not budge until after lunch time from night before - so I took myself out for brunch to Brooklyn Diner -as recommended my Adam- had amazing food (which I was in need of as a break from all the plastic tasting junk). Then I headed down to Battery Park where a man (realising i was english) told me the one thing the royal family needed was a black member. And he, would be the one to make that happen.. apparently Princess Anne was the person of choice.... enough said!
I met Jen in the Park and then hopped on the Ferry to Staten Island to do the touristy thing to photograph and buy postcards of a huge statue that i can see from work anyway.lol. - Do it once - dont bother again. I did get some good pics up-close tho- and the view of Manhatten was worth the money.
Ellis island is yet to visit as it was too late in the day- but i plan to go soon and visit the immigration museum there.
In the evening Jen and I got takeaway and then took the Path train home.
Back to work now typing this up - but watch this space for the next update! ( i know you cant wait!)
Started off in a bar called Madame X in the Lower East Side- but this was full of Mountbat's strangely, so we (Jen, Hima, Rich & me) went to another bar slightly less central to find some actual americans!
This was called Piano's and was a lot more fun. Plays live music on friday nights - altho it was too crowded to see anything- it was good listening :)
managed to spend a good part of the night in this bar and rolled in at 4am - i dont really kno how... 1 bar... plus drinks.....??!!
Saturday I got my lie in at last! I surfaced about 1pm lol. went to get food with Dina, at Duane Reade and then stayed in and had a girly afternoon. Dina and some of the guys went out to an Asian night in the evening - but given I was kancked from night before (dina didnt go out friday) and in the white minority, i decided to stay in and sleep horah!
Sunday- suprise suprise, Dina would not budge until after lunch time from night before - so I took myself out for brunch to Brooklyn Diner -as recommended my Adam- had amazing food (which I was in need of as a break from all the plastic tasting junk). Then I headed down to Battery Park where a man (realising i was english) told me the one thing the royal family needed was a black member. And he, would be the one to make that happen.. apparently Princess Anne was the person of choice.... enough said!
I met Jen in the Park and then hopped on the Ferry to Staten Island to do the touristy thing to photograph and buy postcards of a huge statue that i can see from work anyway.lol. - Do it once - dont bother again. I did get some good pics up-close tho- and the view of Manhatten was worth the money.
Ellis island is yet to visit as it was too late in the day- but i plan to go soon and visit the immigration museum there.
In the evening Jen and I got takeaway and then took the Path train home.
Back to work now typing this up - but watch this space for the next update! ( i know you cant wait!)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Jen's birthday!!
Thursday night was Jen's birthday!
We headed to Dorien's (mountbat local) for drinks - it started well- until Jen got a bit drunk and thereby a bit snap-happy with the camera she bouoght herself with birthday funds....
(jen's the bright red drunk girl centre left..)
next to her is Dina - my roomate
and far right is Suba - who lived with me for first week in the Wolcott.
This was the beginning, it got gradually worse......
Monday, September 24, 2007
First weekend in New Jersey!
Hi all,
Where do I start with this weekend...
I had the most amazing time- saw so many things- got a sun tan- talked politics with a couple from California....
Friday night I spent with Jen, Suba, Baz and 2 other guys (but i really cant remeber their names...) went to a bar called Kuss - there were complimentary shiesha pipes with drinks and a random DJ we met on the way got us in for free and bought us the first round of cocktails...(you kno when things just work out nicely..)
Then we headed for another bar that a really tall policeman told us was amazing so we tried it... wierdest place ive ever been -after the complimentary shiesha pipes of course- we saw a guy in an england shirt so asked him whereabouts he was from- turned out he was from norway and spoke with a long island accent! FAKE!
We decided he was a bit wierd so left him to his own and headed for the dance floor where the americans were going crazy for the cheesy dance moves. Jen, Baz and I (having had nothing to eat and filled with cocktails) decided to 'blend in' and tried out some of our own 'classic' moves. The worst part was.. the americans loved it and thought we were amazingly good... god knows why... they all joined in with us so we managed to high-jack the dance floor and lead the way in some kind of crazy 70's revival night....
Saturday was less embarrassing. spent the day in the Mall nearby apartments- so many places to shop in new york its unthinkable not to go atleast once a week. Shopping's really cheap here and luckily for Jen we found a claire's so she could buy a scary sleeping mask with cats eyes on it to terrify her roomates..(lets just not go there..)
The evening I decided maybe another night on the town was not the best idea so opted for a bottle of wine and a DVD in the apt. My TV is permanently pink tinged so the chick-flick we found was truly amazingly pink and fluffy- maybe u had to be there for that one.
Sunday Jen and I hit the subway again and went to the Gugenheim - (really crazy circular art gallery by central park) It was showing mainly Picasso pieces and some rather stranger contemporary pieces. I know none of you think i'm much of an art fan- but I did enjoy this one. (and no it wasnt just because jen got me in for free with her pass from CITIgroup!) This is one to go back to aswell as the exhibition changes again for winter.
After that we took a walk around the lake in central park - the weather has been really warm all weekend and I managed to tan quite nicely just walking about.
After the park we decided it was to time to eat so headed for the sub-way to Brooklyn Bridge. The view from this bridge is amazing! I took a whole role of film on this bridge from every angle.. (Pics to follow..)
I have seen it before as my work building looks out onto the bridge but this was so much better!
We found a Pizza place called Grimaldi's where I kid you not, a 40 min queue outside is normal (and we were told we came at a quiet time!). The pizza was worth the wait however, and we met two couples in line from California and Ohio who were v keen to kno our views on the world, europe, the Euro, politics and the english legal system! -It was a sunday... they never rest!
Then we were told by the Californian couple (who obviously frequent this pizza place alot...??) that the true american experience would not be complete without a trip to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Shack round the corner. Again- a 30 min queue was average. But again- the Ice cream was the best you could have and you can stand and look out to the manhatten shoreline from a veranda right outside the shack,- the best view I have seen. However even at 9pm the temperature was in the 70's and you dont get long to eat it before it runs away!
In the dark the lights from the tower blocks and the bridge over the water were really spectacular- a sight worth seeing!
Walking back over the bridge at night was different again and you could see all the way out to sea and the Statue of liberty glowing down river - can you see why I used a whole film?- really brilliant day - went home exhausted and straight to bed- must be up 6.30 for monday morning!
H xx
Where do I start with this weekend...
I had the most amazing time- saw so many things- got a sun tan- talked politics with a couple from California....
Friday night I spent with Jen, Suba, Baz and 2 other guys (but i really cant remeber their names...) went to a bar called Kuss - there were complimentary shiesha pipes with drinks and a random DJ we met on the way got us in for free and bought us the first round of cocktails...(you kno when things just work out nicely..)
Then we headed for another bar that a really tall policeman told us was amazing so we tried it... wierdest place ive ever been -after the complimentary shiesha pipes of course- we saw a guy in an england shirt so asked him whereabouts he was from- turned out he was from norway and spoke with a long island accent! FAKE!
We decided he was a bit wierd so left him to his own and headed for the dance floor where the americans were going crazy for the cheesy dance moves. Jen, Baz and I (having had nothing to eat and filled with cocktails) decided to 'blend in' and tried out some of our own 'classic' moves. The worst part was.. the americans loved it and thought we were amazingly good... god knows why... they all joined in with us so we managed to high-jack the dance floor and lead the way in some kind of crazy 70's revival night....
Saturday was less embarrassing. spent the day in the Mall nearby apartments- so many places to shop in new york its unthinkable not to go atleast once a week. Shopping's really cheap here and luckily for Jen we found a claire's so she could buy a scary sleeping mask with cats eyes on it to terrify her roomates..(lets just not go there..)
The evening I decided maybe another night on the town was not the best idea so opted for a bottle of wine and a DVD in the apt. My TV is permanently pink tinged so the chick-flick we found was truly amazingly pink and fluffy- maybe u had to be there for that one.
Sunday Jen and I hit the subway again and went to the Gugenheim - (really crazy circular art gallery by central park) It was showing mainly Picasso pieces and some rather stranger contemporary pieces. I know none of you think i'm much of an art fan- but I did enjoy this one. (and no it wasnt just because jen got me in for free with her pass from CITIgroup!) This is one to go back to aswell as the exhibition changes again for winter.
After that we took a walk around the lake in central park - the weather has been really warm all weekend and I managed to tan quite nicely just walking about.
After the park we decided it was to time to eat so headed for the sub-way to Brooklyn Bridge. The view from this bridge is amazing! I took a whole role of film on this bridge from every angle.. (Pics to follow..)
I have seen it before as my work building looks out onto the bridge but this was so much better!
We found a Pizza place called Grimaldi's where I kid you not, a 40 min queue outside is normal (and we were told we came at a quiet time!). The pizza was worth the wait however, and we met two couples in line from California and Ohio who were v keen to kno our views on the world, europe, the Euro, politics and the english legal system! -It was a sunday... they never rest!
Then we were told by the Californian couple (who obviously frequent this pizza place alot...??) that the true american experience would not be complete without a trip to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Shack round the corner. Again- a 30 min queue was average. But again- the Ice cream was the best you could have and you can stand and look out to the manhatten shoreline from a veranda right outside the shack,- the best view I have seen. However even at 9pm the temperature was in the 70's and you dont get long to eat it before it runs away!
In the dark the lights from the tower blocks and the bridge over the water were really spectacular- a sight worth seeing!
Walking back over the bridge at night was different again and you could see all the way out to sea and the Statue of liberty glowing down river - can you see why I used a whole film?- really brilliant day - went home exhausted and straight to bed- must be up 6.30 for monday morning!
H xx
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Yankees Game!
Hi,
Its wednesday today and I'm at work - really tired this morning after seeing the Yankees play last night. (free tickets from work - did i mention I love my job?!) Although it was a mission involving 4 different subways and a 20-block walk we did eventually find the stadium. The Game was really exciting- i've never seen so many people in one place at the same time before- but we did have to stand at the seventh inning to sing 'god bless america' - well wot do you expect?
Also, I was on lunch yesterday and was stopped by a tv reporter and camera man and asked my views on the lastest interest rate hike on wall street - There's no getting away from them believe me i tried....
Tonight is going to be less exciting as I have to go shopping - well its been almost a week + half and i'm yet to cook anything for myself.
The bank have quite helpfully screwed up my new bank account so I have two accounts instead of one which is nice of them - fingers crossed they dont notice for a while! :)
xx
Its wednesday today and I'm at work - really tired this morning after seeing the Yankees play last night. (free tickets from work - did i mention I love my job?!) Although it was a mission involving 4 different subways and a 20-block walk we did eventually find the stadium. The Game was really exciting- i've never seen so many people in one place at the same time before- but we did have to stand at the seventh inning to sing 'god bless america' - well wot do you expect?
Also, I was on lunch yesterday and was stopped by a tv reporter and camera man and asked my views on the lastest interest rate hike on wall street - There's no getting away from them believe me i tried....
Tonight is going to be less exciting as I have to go shopping - well its been almost a week + half and i'm yet to cook anything for myself.
The bank have quite helpfully screwed up my new bank account so I have two accounts instead of one which is nice of them - fingers crossed they dont notice for a while! :)
xx
Monday, September 17, 2007
Monday Sep 17th
Hey again,
Today i start the first proper week of work. The job is really good- on the 10th floor on Wall Street - which is a really nice area.
Im working with another intern who is really helpful mainly doing paralegal and finance work.
Mornings I work reception and answer phones (many dialectual problems seem to have emereged already with this so its always interesting in the mornings) Who knew the # key was called 'pound'!!!??
Afternoons I help out whoever with various legal work and i have my own corrospondence so they will just have to accept non-american spellings!
Moved into the apartments yesterday (sunday) and finally met my room mates properly- who i'm sure in time i will accept other than in the capacity of drunks...
The apartments are lovely they look over on to manhatten ( as they are in New Jersey - which is just across the Hudson)
I'm starting class tonight so I just need to work out how to get from work to the microsoft head office which i'm told is quite tricky as it is in midtown and suring rush hour... possibly some map reading might be needed here....
Other than this all is good, I've managed to find food with nutrients in, and have just about mastered the grid system- all I need now is money
H xx
Today i start the first proper week of work. The job is really good- on the 10th floor on Wall Street - which is a really nice area.
Im working with another intern who is really helpful mainly doing paralegal and finance work.
Mornings I work reception and answer phones (many dialectual problems seem to have emereged already with this so its always interesting in the mornings) Who knew the # key was called 'pound'!!!??
Afternoons I help out whoever with various legal work and i have my own corrospondence so they will just have to accept non-american spellings!
Moved into the apartments yesterday (sunday) and finally met my room mates properly- who i'm sure in time i will accept other than in the capacity of drunks...
The apartments are lovely they look over on to manhatten ( as they are in New Jersey - which is just across the Hudson)
I'm starting class tonight so I just need to work out how to get from work to the microsoft head office which i'm told is quite tricky as it is in midtown and suring rush hour... possibly some map reading might be needed here....
Other than this all is good, I've managed to find food with nutrients in, and have just about mastered the grid system- all I need now is money
H xx
Friday, September 14, 2007
Hi!
Hey everyone!
Welcome to my blog, the first post of many i hope!
Here I will let you all in on my New York adventure (and ultimately save time telling you all individually) lol.
Dont worry I will try and make the posts more exciting than this one.. but I'm new give me time!
ok well its 5.11pm and i'm still at work writing to you all so i'm off out - watch this space for the next one!
H xx
Welcome to my blog, the first post of many i hope!
Here I will let you all in on my New York adventure (and ultimately save time telling you all individually) lol.
Dont worry I will try and make the posts more exciting than this one.. but I'm new give me time!
ok well its 5.11pm and i'm still at work writing to you all so i'm off out - watch this space for the next one!
H xx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
