Santorini and Crete

Town of Oia, Santorini

View of the Town of Thira, Santorini

I have already been to Santorini once before, but I was convinced to go again with two beautiful Australians, and I'm so glad I did. Santorini was the highlight of my European travels two years ago, but I only had one day there which was obviously not enough time to see everything. This time, I managed to relax a lot more and see things I didn't even know existed on the island.

Red Sand Beach, Santorini

We rented ATVs one day and drove around orienting ourselves about the island. Another day, we went into the capital, Thira, and walked around the shops, had coffee, took photos and ate free samples of wine and olives. We visited both the red sand and the black sand beaches, and sailed around the smaller surrounding islands, climbed the Caldera and watched the sunset.

View of Sunset from Oia, Santorini

Coffee Shop in Thira, Santorini

Ever since I went to Santorini two years ago, I've been obsessed with the idea of going back to Greece and seeing the island of Crete. Luckily, I managed to convince both of my friends to join me there, and we caught the 4am ferry to Heraklion.

Crete is a very different island from the rest of the Cyclades not only because of it's size (it is much bigger) but because of it's history. The Minoan civilization is the oldest known civilization in Europe, and they resided on Crete. The interesting thing about them is that their destruction was the creation of the island of Santorini... when the volcano erupted creating the island, the Minoans were wiped out.

One Rock Beach, Near Plakias, Crete

I really enjoyed staying on Crete, but I feel like I didn't quite see everything I wanted to see. It is a big island and it is difficult getting around, especially on public transport because their road systems are awful. It is also a very mountainous island, and the roads weave in and about them.

We stayed on the south side of the island for 5 days on Plakias beach, and then myself and one of the two girls I had been travelling with headed North to stay in Rethimno for another 5 days. The Aussie friend we left behind had met a nice boy and wanted to stay in Plakias with him for a few extra days.

River Walk, Plakias, Crete

Plakias was beautiful, but other than going to the beach and climbing up the river bed, there wasn't that much to actually do there. So when we got to Rethimno we were eager to begin seeing everything Crete had to offer.

Samarian Gorge, Crete

Minoan Ruins, Crete

Matala Beach, Crete

Matala Beach was one of my favourite places. There were neolithic caves carved out of the sandstone on this beautiful beach, and in the 1960s they were inhabited by hippies. Stevie Nicks even lived there at one point and wrote a song about it!

Our adventures continue to the island of Rhodes, where we needed to wait for two nights in order to catch a ferry across to Fethiye, Turkey.

Corfu

Croatia was amazing, but getting from there to Greece was one of the most complicated things I’ve ever had to do. If you look at the two countries on the map, they are quite close, and originally I thought I wouldn’t have a problem getting to Corfu from Split. It’s just down the Adriatic after all.

I was wrong. No buses, trains or ferries go there.

After a lot of research I discovered that the cheapest way (and easiest, if you’ll believe it) was to take an overnight ferry to Italy, and then another overnight ferry to Igoumenitsa in Greece, and then another ferry from there to the island of Corfu. Two days later when I finally arrived I was (needless to say) exceptionally grumpy and tired as hell, and to boot I had no place to stay. The first thing I did was sit and have a coffee. Once I could feel the caffeine pulsing through my veins I managed to locate an internet café so I could find a hostel to stay at and how to get there. Luckily, I chose well, and Spiros, the owner of the hostel, came and picked my up in his beat-up old van at the dock and took me home.

My first impression of the hostel was not good, I admit. I had only seen couples around the place so far, and as a single traveller having a hostel full of couples basically means you’ll be doing everything alone and going to bed early. Granted, I’ve met some really cool couples who socialize and party with everyone, but the general rule is that they keep to themselves. On top of the couple thing, midway through my shower I noticed I was not alone. There was a massive, 4-inch long grasshopper in there with me. I got out of there pretty fast, and if anyone was around they would have witnessed quite the scene: Me, naked and soapy, running for my life out of the stall. After that, I decided a siesta was in order.

Things greatly improved when I awoke and met a girl named Lisa, from Melbourne. She assured me that the hostel was wonderful and that most people were, in fact, single travellers who loved to party. She was right, and as it happens, that hostel in Corfu became by far the best hostel I’ve ever stayed at. Magdalena cooked everyone in the hostel two authentic, organic Greek meals a day for free. Everyone ate together which meant we all got to know each other very well, and dinner was always followed by several drinks. The hostel itself is situated in the side of a rock-face, overlooking a perfect beach. This beach was virtually unknown by tourists, so it was quiet and clean. This also meant that there was still quite a bit of greenery and natural growth on the island so it felt very lush. On our daily hikes, we would pluck wild figs from the trees and eat them along with peaches and almonds and pomegranates and grapes. There was wild Thyme, rosemary and bay leaves growing everywhere, and some of the olive trees have been growing on the island for hundreds of years. There was also a nude beach near by, that was had clay-mud layered underneath the sand and we would make trips down to it and rube the clay all over ourselves and make our skin lovely and soft. I was lucky to have stayed there and I really felt that the hostel enabled me to experience the real Corfu and what it had to offer.

The day after I got there I met another lovely girl named Emma, and her, Lisa and I got on quite well and decided to continue travelling together after Corfu. They were both planning on going to Santorini, and I had already been, but they convinced me to go along and continue our adventures together!

Sail Croatia Adventures

Here is another installment peeps, but I am too tired to recount all the stories from the craziness which was my Croatian sailing tour, so I'm going to make a photographic blog. Here are some highlights with some brief commentary thrown in for good measure.

Omis

Spent our first night here. We were meant to stay in Makarska, which is supposed to be a big party city, but it was really windy that day so the Captain altered our route. It was a very pretty town, quite small and very few tourists. Went into town for dinner and drinks that night.

Mljet

Another sleepy town with a gorgeous National Park. We had dinner on the boat this night and plenty of drinks, after which I escorted a few people from our boat onto my friends boat. I had met this French guy in Split a few days before, and he was doing the same tour but on the super deluxe boat. So we had some drinks there, talked to some people, almost got kicked off a few times. Also, I had a marriage proposal from an Aussie named Andy.

Dubrovnik

One of the prettiest cities I've ever seen, although very crowded with tourists. This city was almost destroyed in the war not too long ago, but has been built back up to the point where you would almost never know. This was a hot day and I decided to take off on my own rather than stick with the group and I had a nice walk through the old town, stopping for some gelato. Lots of Italian influence in food in Croatia, as Italy is right across the Adriatic and they get a lot of Italian tourists. Later we had a fancy dinner by the ocean and drank too much wine.

Hvar

Posh, posh, posh. Yachts as far as the eye can see, and the most expensive island of them all. Gorgeous sunset, went out for dinner then went to a club that night in a old church. A few of us hooked up with some people from other boats and went to another place for cocktails. We didn't make it home until 5am, and the boat left at 6am so not very much sleep that night! However, we all napped on the top deck which helped our hang over and our tan.

Brac

This beach is one of the coolest I've seen. These small pebbles jut out into a peninsula shaped beach with turquoise waters. We had to swim out here from the boat as we were anchored just off the shore (you can see one of the other tour boats in the distance.) Laying out on these soft stones in the sun was like having a hot stone massage, and didn't hurt your feet to walk on. Just before this, we swam to a small island that you could only get to by water taxi. On it, we stumbled upon a gorgeous restaurant and bar with lounge couches and white, airy curtains just off the beach. Totally unexpected, it was amazing.

After the tour, we docked in Split and the next day I was on a night ferry to Ancona and then Igoumenitsa in Greece! Next installment: Corfu.

Yes, OK, I have had a fair few angry notes from people because I haven't updated this thing in a while. To be fair, I didn't even realize anyone actually read it. So here I am in Corfu, Greece staring at a computer screen rather than staring at the gorgeous sunset... but I'm sure none of you care that much about pulling me away from fun vacation time. However, you should.

Anyways, what have I been up to?August 10th was my first official day travelling alone. Mel and Amber left me alone at the airport hotel in London and I woke up in a slight panic at my situation. However, I took several deep breaths and thought about what I had to do one step at a time. 1) Shower. 2) Brush teeth. 3) Pack bag. 4) Find a hostel for two nites in London. 5) Figure out how to get to the tube.

So I found a nice, cheap hostel in Shepard's Bush and managed to get there unscathed. In my first five minutes I met a nice Aussie girl who invited me to the pub, so I left my bags and went out. Turns out Shepard's Bush is a sub-culture of Aussies and Kiwi's, and all that night I met tonnes of amazing travellers living at the hostel and working in London.

After that first night, I felt confident about travelling alone. The backpacker culture is amazing when it comes to meeting new people and doing interesting things together. People are usually in the same boat as you, or were at some point in their travels, and are quick to adopt you into their group.On the morning of the 12th, I left at 4am in order to catch my flight to Pula. Everything was fine, until I got to Pula town and tried to find my hostel... turns out one of the street names in the directions to get there didn’t exist, and I ended up wandering around in a town where no one spoke English. I managed to find the creepiest person in Pula to ask for directions. He didn’t know where the hostel was, or the street name but he still offered to drive me there in his car. I was a bit concerned about getting kidnapped at that point... he was very insistent about driving me there, so I just pretended I was meeting my boyfriend and ran off (with a heavy backpack in 35 degrees, mind you.) An hour later, I managed to find the hostel, sweating like I have never sweat before and relieved as all hell. Until I realized that no one was there, and all the lights were turned off. A little weird for for 2 0`clock in the afternoon at a youth hostel, yes?

I waited for an hour and no one showed up, so I made an executive decision to take the night train to Split that night instead of the next. I picked myself up out of my puddle of sweat and carried on right back to the bus station, where I started. Had to wait five hours for the bus. Arrived in Split at 6am with no arrangements for accommodation and no idea what to do with myself.

Luckily I found a place and it was niiiiiice! Air conditioned, plasma screen TV, free internet. Met some more amazing people and we went out the next three nights before I was due to leave on my sail Croatia tour.

Ok, Ive been sitting here for way too long, I will leave the rest of my stories for later. Heading to watch the Corfu sunset...

Wish you were here.

Can You Tell I'm Excited?

Goodbye Scotland

Jenna and I both woke up with homesickness this morning. I dreamt last night I was sleeping in my bed at home, and when I heard foot steps outside my door I could have sworn they were my mothers.

When I opened my eyes, I wasn't at home of course, and I had an overwhelming feeling of disappointment. This feeling will pass, as I've learned that my homesickness comes and goes. This time, it's probably the result of knowing I'll be leaving Edinburgh soon, and I'll have to say goodbye to Jenna who's the only real family I've had here. I've finally settled into this place and gotten to know the people, and now I'm leaving it behind me. I was surprised at how I've grown to love this city. It was a slow growing affection that has blossomed into true love. Many people I know love this city too, but not like I do. I will miss my beautiful flat, my friends and even the shit weather. I'll miss having to duck every time a double-decker drives past my window while I'm changing. I'll miss having to hide food from the mice. I'll even miss my shit job (but I'm sure I'll get over that quickly enough.) I haven't been a backpacker for the first leg of my trip which is how I planned it, but it was a very different experience from what I expected. I thought I'd make so many friends, meet handsome and exotic men, party all the time, jet set on the weekends to Spain or Portugal or where ever the wind blew me. Instead I've learned that I don't need any of that. It may sound silly, but this trip so far as mostly taught me that as long as I take it all in, what ever it may be, I'll be fine. The bad and the good; it's all part of the journey. I've been lonely and tired and bored and rejected, but it was all worth it. The bad bits make the good bits that much better.

So I'm taking off in a few weeks on the next leg of my journey, alone. I'm scared of course, mostly that I'll be lonely. But I've decided to revel in the solitude. I get to do whatever I want, all the time. If I want to take a ferry to this or that island, I can. If I want to park myself in Istanbul or Crete or Dubrovnik for a few weeks, there's nothing holding me back. I'm going to see and do things most people will never ever get to see and do. And when I get lonely and tired, which I will, I'll still take it in and live it. Just live through the pain. It wouldn't be the same experience without it.

Things

1) My mom and brother are coming to visit me in only three weeks! And, we're going to see Radiohead in concert together in Glasgow: I don't think it's possible for me to be more excited about this.

2) Remind me never to give out my number while I'm working. Ever.

3) Jenna is in good ol' Ontario for the next couple of weeks for a wedding, so if you're around make sure you harass her. And I have a new roomie while she is gone, named Mickaela. This girl is way cooler than me: Very English Mod type of style, a dancer and she likes to party. I don't think I could have asked for a better person to take Jenna's place! (Although, of course no one can really take her place.)

4) Amber and Melissa have booked their flights to come see me!! It's really happening! Croatia wont know whats coming...

5) I like my new job, but unfortunately it has caused me to loose all hope in the human race. I'm about to rant, so brace yourself... When I'm on the other side of that bar, suddenly people treat me like the floor they walk upon. You'd think as the provider of the alcohol they so desperately want to consume they'd be a tad more grateful, friendly and considerate, but no. Somehow they are a higher calibre of person than me, and treat me as such. Just a note to any of you who've never been a server, be gracious and tip well. Its a hard job and we're not slaves to your every want and need. Don't be a prick... OK, I'm finished now, phew!!

6) That is all. Love you.

SIIIIICK, but still a Work Horse

I've been a good girl and haven't spent any money for the past month except on rent, food and coffee (and not even that much on coffee because I get it free from work, yay!) So hopefully my savings will flourish and I'll be able to travel for longer before I have to start working again. I'm only taking time off at the end of this month when my parents come to visit, then I'm working straight until Amber and Melissa arrive in August and we go to Croatia. So I will be there and also in Turkey and Greece for August/September and maybe October (depends on the Sterling situation) and I will be doing most of this leg of the trip alone (ahhhhhhhh!!) I'm quite nervous, but also very very excited to be going at it by myself. However, if anyone so desires to join me on my adventures, just ask! I would love some company, even if it's just for a week or two. I'm already meeting up with a few people along the way, but I'd be ecstatic to see your beautiful, shining Canadian faces!

Wetherspoons Woman

I am a work horse.

So yes I'm alive, just working alllllll the time so I don't have time to talk to you people I am very very busy. This week I'm working 60 hours. I haven't worked this much since I was a slave to JUMP. Remember JUMP? Ohhh, I'm old.

They even tried to get me in there today, on my day off, they called twice offering two different shifts I could do, as if giving me options would make working seem more appealing. "Ooo, you'd give me a 11am-7pm OR a 6pm-2am? Thank you, I'm so excited about choosing when to work on my weekend" Also, a glass exploded in my hand yesterday and I bled profusely while my friend looked for bandages for so long, and the poor girl almost fainted at the sight of so much blood. I'm usually OK with that sort of stuff, but I felt light-headed afterwards, I think I just lost more blood than I thought. And I continued to work with a giant bandage on my thumb that is actually an eye patch because they never did find any gauze. The good thing was that customers took pity on me and I made about $10 in tips in 45 minutes, when I usually make no tips.

Jenna is in Barcelona. I hate Jenna. Although, I am going to Croatia, Turkey and Greece for August and September without her, so she can feel free to hate me then.

Hello Sunshine

I am employed!!

The funny thing is, I was never technically unemployed because I never technically quit. I just haven't shown up for the past few days, and no one is ever in the office so my calls have gone unanswered. And no one has bothered to call me back. That place was awesome.

But I am now working at a way better place for more pay, more and better hours and it's right down the street from my apartment. I am stupidly happy today. And it's another sunny one, so everyone watch out I'm perky.

Here are some pictures from my trip to Bristol, Woodbury and Cornwall...

Updates:

1) I'm quitting the nightclub job. Actually, I've pretty much already quit because I didn't show up for work the other day. They are the most disorganized people I've ever worked for, and they treat me and their customers like chopped liver. I already have two job interviews lined up this week, so I'm sure I'll recover from this loss... I wore my success dress yesterday when I was handing out resumes. I attribute my luck to that. Good things always happen to me in the success dress.

2) I just returned from a lovely mini-holiday down in the South of England. I stayed with my second cousins, and my first cousins from Canada also happened to be visiting. It was so nice to be around family for awhile and to see familiar faces. Why doesn't anyone else come to visit me? You jerks.

3) The weather has been improving and it seems like it's happened very suddenly. The sun is shining, there are no clouds today and the days keep getting longer and longer. The only downside is that Scottish men like to walk around on the streets with their shirts tucked into their back pockets, as if taking off their shirt is no biggy. They are skinny and very white, and it's not a pretty sight... It's not that warm, guys.

Who knew that working until 5am four nights a week would kill your social life and your immune system?

Jenna's big bro is here! This means we get to be tourists again. Living here we tend to feel too much like we live here and we don't actually get out and see the sights. We took a tour of the underground city that's been built over, we've seen the castle (again), we're hiking Aurthur's seat and doing the Camera Obscura tomorrow and Calton hill today. We're also going to tour around St. Andrew's on Sunday; Steve wants to see the golf course and I might go visit my cousin who goes to school there. Busy busy busy.

Happy Twenty-Fourth Jenna!

Jenna had a Scottish birthday on Thursday, Happy Birthday Jenna!!

We went to a Jazz bar and listened to live music and drank too much, it was wonderful. We had about a dozen people crammed into our apartment and we ate and drank and sang and drank. Did I mention we got drunk?

An update on the mouse front: We killed one in a trap the other day, and Jenna proceeded to almost cry because we were now murderers. I, however, am ecstatic about the death of the dirty little mongrel. I thought the whole escapade was over, but that same night I saw another little mousy-face peek it's head out from a little hole in the wall and look at me like, "Hey, what's up? You live here? ME TOO!" I screamed and jumped on my bed like a little girl, because that's what I do, and now I can't sleep at night. And when I do sleep, mice haunt my dreams.

Anyways, everything is still well. I am looking forward to seeing my cousins soon and for the weather to get warmer. I hope you're all well, and I'll soon be sending out postcards to those of you whose addresses I have. Miss you all!

This Blog Was Written for Emily L.

Look! I'm writing a blog, WEEEEE!!

The reason, Miss. Emily L., that I don't write every day is because I save up all the good stuff to tell everyone at the same time so my life seems more interesting. Now that I've blown my cover, here are the not very exciting updates since yesterday;

1) At work last night, I was at the swanky upstairs bar of the club opposed to the main bar, which is medium-exciting. It's called the White Room and, shockingly, everything is decorated in white. It looks pretty cool when the lights are dimmed, actually, but it's a bitch to clean after all the drunk people leave. The owner of the club was there that night to party too, so we (and by "we" I mean "not me") gave him the VIP treatment including champagne for his daughters 23rd birthday. There were also at least 3 fights right in front of the bar, and one girl peed on my manager. Also, one guy stopped by to order a drink as he had two bouncers pulling him out of the club for punching a girl in the face. Have I mentioned how classy drunk people are, lately? I LOVE YOU DRUNK PEOPLE!!

2) I'm booking a flight to see my family in Exeter at the end of the month, thank the good lord. I need a vacation from my vacation.

3) I haven't seen much of Jenna lately... ask her why.

4) Em, what I mean by "cheating" is that, if I came home, what would be the point of having left in the first place? I'd just have to leave all over again, and it was hard enough the first time. Although, the alternative is seeing your gorgeous face again... My life is so hard.

Still alive. Working a lot. Missing you.

Would you go home to visit if someone offered to pay your way? I don't think I want to. As much as I miss everyone, it would be too hard to leave again. And I would feel like I was cheating. What do you think?

Emily: Bartender Extraordinare!

Mmmm. Jenna and I are at a lovely new Internet place, very busy with delicious coffee.

I had my first shift on Saturday at the nightclub and I really didn't get any training at all. I was basically thrown to the wolves on the busiest bar night of the week. The club is huge; two floors with two bars and about ten bartenders serving at all times. There are also a number of floor staff who do bottle service and that sort of thing. So after not being trained, within fifteen minutes of my arrival customers started pouring in, asking me for drinks from left, right and centre. I was put on a busted till, and didn't know where to find anything to boot.

But I actually started to get into a steady flow of serving drinks, rejecting numbers from drunken eighteen-year-olds, taking money, giving change. It was quite fun, actually, and I enjoyed working under pressure. I think the main thing is that everyone who goes out to a club wants to have fun, so I didn't have too many problems with belligerent customers. What I did have a problem with was understanding what on earth people were asking me for. The Scottish accent is not an easy one to understand on a good day, let alone in a noisy bar with a drunken slur attached to it.

I must say, my first bartending shift ever went fairly well! Except for one little slip-up, by taking a shot bought for me right in front of the head bartender. No one told me I'm not allowed to drink on the job! (Next time I'll be sure no one's looking.) (Kidding.)

Woot.

I have a job, wooot!

I have a bank account, wooooot!

I’m going to see my favourite band in concert in Glasgow, woooooooot!

It’s a gorgeous day, everything is coming together and I am happy. Even the construction workers cursing outside my window at 9am can’t bring me down. I just shout back in my sleep (though they can’t hear me over the hammering.) We’ve met so many nice people lately, we’ve gone salsa dancing with them and we’ve gone walking with them. I love that Jenna has all this time off so we can hang out, do stuff, eat hummus and pretzels. And we laugh, oh man. I couldn’t have done this trip with anyone else.

Are black currants hallucinogenic?

Outrageous.

Life is goooood.

Our New Roomate

I’m sorry we haven’t written in awhile, but are very busy and important people. I’ll give you the updates:

1) My foot is still being a jerk and still hurts. I called my insurance company to see what’s covered in my travel plan and they said x-rays and visits to the GP are cool, so that’s what I’m gonna do I think. Go to a clinic and get a referral of some sort. I owe this advice to my brilliant cousin Rowenna.

2) Jenna’s working hard at her job, which she hates. But her boss loves her because she is perfect and gorgeous and is pretty much allowing her to choose her own schedule. Anyone else have a hint of jealous rage? …Just me then?

3) I’m still unemployed, but I want a job because money is somehow being siphoned out of my account… who’s doing that?!?! I’m sending out tonnes of CVs every day and have had a few interviews, but no luck thus far.

4) Funny story of the day: Last night while trying to sleep, I hear a rustling in the corner of my room. Sitting straight up in bed, I squint in the dark and what do I see? A mouse. Yes, an arrogant little shit who causes me to scream, and my scream causes him to run straight under my bed. I freeze in terror, unsure of what to do… do I leave my room? What if the moment my foot hits the carpet he decided to run out at me? So I call out at Jenna to come in and save me. I call again, nothing. “Jenna you had better get in here RIGHT NOW! HELP ME!!!!” She’s clearly in a coma, so I call her cell phone three times, all the while frozen in the dark, petrified of the stow away under my bed. Finally, after no reply, I leap to the floor and run for the door, leaving my bedroom light on, hoping that will keep mousey from exiting from his hiding spot. I jump under the covers with Jenna, who is surprisingly calm after hearing we have a new roommate and we try to fall asleep with the intention of setting up mousetraps in the morning. Just as we’re starting to doze off, we hear more rustling. The bold little guy is now in Jenna’s room, and proceeds to run under her bed at the sound of our screams. Jenna leaves and returns with a Tupperware container, confident that she will catch him. Her attempts fail, and we relocate back to my room around 2:30am and finally get to sleep. We still haven’t caught him, but once I set up the 1000000 mousetraps I’m buying, I’m sure he will be no more.

5) That is all I can think of for now. I miss you all! Don't forget to update me on your lives too, I feel like this is a very onesided relationship ;)

So, I begin this blog with a cafeinated head and a warm heart. Mom and dad are here at last. As we sit in our worn beige train seats I have two thoughts...
Thought one: This is the most ghetto train I've been on yet...why would they choose this yucky colour of beige with this not-so-contrasting brown. The view is pretty though and the sunlight on my keyboard reminds me that there are more important things to notice than the internal scenery of a London bound train.
Thought two: MOM AND DAD ARE HERE!

And yes, they certainly are here and I couldn't be happier.

When I went to the airport bus stop on Waverly Bridge I felt completely numb with anticipation. Although my pulse was racing and my adrenaline was singing "holy sh*t, holy sh*t, holy sh*t, my mind was completely blank. In my ..."calm" state I somehow managed to find myself on the top level of the double-decker bus right at the front. By the time I reached the airport I had both of my cute new Primark sneakers elevated on the front window and my stomach was rolling with
excited nerves.

Inner Dialoque
"All right, here we go. Now where the heck do I go...? oh, okay, ...Arrivals. That makes sense. Right.
Where are they?? Oh god, did I miss them? Maybe I will grab a coffee...no a juice. Coffee would send me flying right now.
...hmm, maybe I'm in the wrong spot. Oh sh*t, what if I'm in the wrong spot and they've been waiting here this whole time I've been wandering about like a loonie gulping down my smoothie.
I promised myself that I would loose my blonde tendancies when my highlights started to grow out...
I see dad's hair! Is that them down there?"

~Flashback~ I was in a mall and couldn't see mom, dad or steve anywhere...I was young so I did the most logical thing I could do. I looked for dad. I could always spot dad out in a crowd~We've always had this sort of unearthly connection.
I guess some things never change, no matter how old you get and that is a something that makes me quite happy actually.

I'm moving a little faster now..."I wish those friggin people would get out of my way so I could see something for goodness sake! Okay, Jenna chill out...just keep walking."
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, "keep going. Is that mom?! She's picking something up...oh turn around so I can see your faces. It's gotta be them. Is it them.
"Oh my god...it's them I think."

My pace quickens...it's hard to be completely sure because their backs are to me...
Dads hair, moms hair.

I'm running now.
This next moment is my favourite moment I've had this entire trip.
Dad looks up and sees me. Mom looks up and sees me.
And I see them.
I feel my home wrapping tight arms around me.

Now a train and sunlight. But the thing that warms me the most is having home away from home sitting right next to me in these worn beige train seats.
Home really is where the heart is.
Steve...I can't wait to have you here.

Jenna's Parents are Here!

Jenna’s parents are here visiting, yayy! It was so nice to see some friendly faces from home; I was starting to feel very detached.

They arrived on Saturday evening and we ordered a very delicious take-away dinner of Thai, mmm curry. They stayed over at our flat that night, and checked into their hotel the next afternoon. I haven’t seen their suite yet, but apparently it’s very swanky and Jenna and I have plans to utilize the hot tub and pool area as much as we can... I’m sorry, am I making all you cold Canadians jealous? How are the snow drifts doing back home? (Can you hear me laughing at your expense?)

The next day we walked around and showed the parentals some of the sights. Jenna did most of the showing because unfortunately my foot is acting up again; I couldn’t do much. I’m actually considering going to see a doctor about it. I’m really starting to get frustrated. But anyways, that night we had a marvellous dinner at Biblos of Salmon and more curry after which Jenna and her parents headed off to bed (and I stopped at the hostel to watch a movie with the peeps.)

Today is a rainy depressing day, so I think Jenn, Zeev and Alan are coming over to watch a movie. Stay warm my loves! Miss you.

Happy 21st Danny Boy!

On Saturday Jenna, Steph and I took the train into Glasgow to go shopping. Primark is the greatest store ever, its three floors and we only spent five hours there. I didn't even see everything in those five hours, but I definitely made a dint in my wallet.

That night, even though we were exhausted, we went out with Amy and Marco to a bar on Cowgate where we ran into a few of our other friends. It was fun, but never have I felt more like a piece of meat than I did at that bar. So we left early, and on the way home some guy tried to grab Jenna inappropriately while she was at the bank machine, so I had to slap him in the face. Also, we witnessed some naked, gay wrestling, but I won’t get into that… it was an interesting night to say the least!

Today is our friend Daniels birthday so we’re having people over to our place (surprised?)Happy b-day, you crazy Aussie!

My foot is all better! You can all look forward to no more stupid foot posts.

Jenna is away for work in Aberdeen this week and I am all alone, so I’m having people over to the house almost every day because I get lonely. Last night we had a maple salmon dinner party with haggis samosas and broccoli. And tonight I’m making a roasted chicken with veggies and potatoes (hopefully). Hopefully because I don’t have a roasting pan and don’t know where to get one which might pose a slight problem for the chicken bit of the dinner. I need to stop writing about food; I’m even boring myself writing this.

I had a job interview yesterday for a bar on Cowgate, apparently very popular with students and backpackers because of their ridiculously cheap drinks. The lady interviewing me loved me and said I pretty much have the job if I want it, but she hasn’t contacted me yet which is suspicious. I’ve been wrong before about these things, so I’m trying not to get my hopes up. I’m in no rush to get a job anyways.

Jenna and I are going to go into Glasgow on the weekend to see the sights (and to shop.) I only have one word to express my excitement... Primark. Oh, ya.

Foot Update

It's getting better, but it's taking fucking forever. It's been a week already and it still hurts, the little shit. Can you tell I'm bitter? Although it hasn't stopped me from partying at all...

Also, I applied for a few jobs today. Very exciting stuff. I'll keep you posted.

F*** YOU FOOT!

I don’t know how, but I’ve managed to seriously injure my foot. I think its ligament damage of some sort. I’ve been a good girl and stayed indoors doing absolutely nothing for the past two days with my foot elevated and iced, but still it’s swollen and so so sore. And I’m extremely bored. The worst part is there’s no crazy story to go along with this mysterious injury. I think I’ve just been walking around too much. Booooring.

But on a happier note, our first potluck Sunday went very well! It was, by pure fluke, an entirely vegetarian meal, and entirely delicious. And the best part is everyone brought way too much food, so much of it was left in our fridge for lunch the next day. Also, everyone was very impressed with the calibre of beauty that is our apartment, so it was another ego boost in that department. It’s on again for next Sunday, but we’re having a different batch of people over. One of Jenna’s co-workers birthdays is coming up, so we’re having her and a few others over for a little soiree. We’ve also decided to go clubbing on Friday and Saturday, so it’ll be a lively weekend. So long as my foot gets better (the little bastard, ruining my fun.) We’re also cooking our friend Daniel dinner tonight, the lucky lad. Some sort of pasta, I think. I don’t know why we insist on holding all these dinner parties when the kitchen is the smallest room in our apartment.

I’ve decided to hold off on the job search until next week, at least until my foot feels better. I can’t be attempting to limp around Edinburgh for interviews, or it’ll never heal. So for now I’ll just lock myself in our apartment… alone… with my stupid foot. Don’t be surprised if I start talking to it, as it’s my only company during the day.

Ta for now.

A note on life, despite mono-tired hands and head.

Okie-dokie, now that I have convinced you all that I had mono (very believable lying ability) I shall progress to write a blog.
We have the best flat to exist as far as we know; and might I add, we know quite a lot really so we must be right. In addition to our flat (will post pictures soon) I have found myself quite the job if I may say so myself. It's great money and raises awarness about various charities and helps thousands of people in need on a daily basis. -feeling good about this one-.
So, I have completely developed my Irish accent, despite the fact that we are in Edinburgh. Very annoying/embarrasing for Emily I think, but sadly it has seemed to become my inner voice and is an unescapable condition that I fear I will be faced with for some time. Sorry Em!
hmmm, what next...
Today the sun is shinning yet again. Emily and I are spending a huge amount of time on our computers in our conveniently located wi-fi cafe, which if you ask me, is the perfect way to climb Arthur's seat (as initially planned). It is such a beautiful view from this black leather chair and my laptop is keeping my legs warm which is a lovely little addition to our hike. I'm almost breaking a sweat.
Later this evenning Emily and I are having our first pot-luck which we are quite excited about really. I foresee a happy night ahead. I must note as well...I am still true to my somewhat obsessive side ...I worry "I hope the pasta people use whole wheat instead of white...What if they don't? Is it rude not to eat it, or should I just put piles of food on my plate in attempt to tricking them into not noticing that I resisted their deliciously evil dish of simple carbs?"
There we go. I admit that this seems like a silly type of thing to be brewing about, but that's just the way it is and I've accepted this and my Irish-inner-voice-condition as part of my identity. I fear that this lassie will never change.
Lots of love to everyone and I miss you all loads.
...I should really get some rest though, before my hands start to cramp up.
Curry potatos and Salad here we come.

Alright...So, I haven't written in a long time, but I had mono. I hate mono really. It sucks and it makes it totally impossible to type, because your fingers get really sore. I think it is from all the exhaustion really. You honestly feel like the smallest, but most valuable :) task most definately impossible. I was so sad to be away from the adventures blog, but I am certainly glad that I am feeling better. Rest is always the best cure for anything.
xo

JENNA IS A LIAR

*See above.

Happy Early V-Day

Happy Valentines Day to everyone I love and miss back home. I can’t believe it’s been three weeks already since we left. I was alright up until now, but I’m really starting to miss everyone. Don’t lose touch people (or else)!

Jenna and I are all moved into our new apartment and we’re settling in. After a very interesting trip to Ikea yesterday (which involved lugging the heaviest desk in the world home on the bus and almost peeing ourselves more than once) we’ve almost got it looking like we want it. I still need to visit the poster store and get some prints for the walls, but other than that we’re in!

Jenna has a job already too, which she’s very excited about, so it’s as if everything is kind of falling into place. I’m going to start job searching within the next few days, so I’ll let you know how that goes.

House-warming party will be tomorrow night, and then karaoke. Messy times ahead.

Miss you all.

Emily... Are You the Blow Job Girl?

So, we didn’t get kicked out, but I am now the butt of every blow job joke ever made.

We have an apartment!!! We are so stupidly excited about it. We’re going to see if we can move in by tomorrow after we sign the lease, because Jenna keeps waking up with bug bites and we have a female stalker at our hostel. She’s a bit leech-y [not the fruit, the cling-on. (Not the alien, the slimy, blood-sucking one who lives in ponds.)]

Anyways, YAY! We’re throwing a massive house-warming party, the pictures are going to be amazing, I can already tell. This apartment is gigantic! I didn’t even like it at first because it was so large; I thought we didn’t need so much room. It seemed less cozy with such an excess of space, but Jenna and I will warm it up. We’ve already got decorating plans and I’ll post pictures soon.

Love and miss you all. Don’t forget to send me an e-mail every once in awhile.

Emily is Pretty and Likes to Blow Men

Miss. Jenna, write something! This is turning into my personal interpretation of everything that happens.

All is well; We're still in Edinburgh, still apartment searching, still partying. Our day consists of sitting in the internet cafe next to our hostel all afternoon e-mailing potential landlords, and all night we socialize. Our hostel is great here, there's always something to do and people are so friendly, although I may have been threatened today of getting kick out. Here's a funny story...

Jenna and I went to bed early last night and in the middle of the night (3:36am to be exact) all I hear in a very loud Manchester accent is "Jenna! Cheese! Psssst, Jenna. Jenna, Cheese!"

I open my sleepy eyes and in our room trying to awaken Jenna in a drunken state is one of our friends (who we met earlier that day.) He wanted a midnight snack of cheese and apparently he knew Jenna and purchased some Brie recently.

So after much badgering, Jenna (laughing hysterically the whole time) got up to feed the poor, hungry lad. She returned with him fifteen minutes later and tried to go back to sleep, but Manchester guy sat himself down on my bed and proceeded to discuss how disappointed he was with the quality of Jenna's cheese. "It twas more cream than cheese. I prefer a nice smoked cheddar." We kept shhhing him because he was being very loud and there were several other people asleep in our room, but he informed us that he was unable to whisper. He just didn't know how. And he also proceeded to tell us how happy it would make him if we all could wake up early and shower at the same time the next morning. Not "together" but in separate stalls... I guess so we can talk? A bonding thing perhaps? He thought it would be really fun (but we didn't so don't worry, mom.)

Finally he left and Jenna and I were left in stitches. We thought this whole fiasco was the funniest thing that had happened in a long time. Jenna peeked downed from her bunk and told me that while they were in the kitchen eating cheese, Manchester guy said he really liked me and wanted to write something nice about me on the fridge with a dry-erase marker. He wrote "Emily likes to blow men." Then he decided that that wasn't so nice after all, and scratched out "likes to blow men" and instead wrote "is pretty." Turns out it was a permanent marker, and after trying to clean the graffiti off for awhile they gave up and decided the world should know that I'm pretty and like to blow men. This is the reason for me almost getting kicked out of the hostel today. The guy at the front desk this morning (who thinks he runs the place) asked me if I knew who wrote on the fridge, and I said no. I don't want people getting kicked out for a silly, drunken mistake. But he then informed me that he would have to kick me out if I didn't tell him. At this point I flipped and started yelling and asked him what grounds he had to kick me out. I didn't do anything, after all.

It was all very dramatic.

After the shouting match I came to have a coffee, and here I am, so I still don't really know my fate. I'm sure I'll be fine, up until this point I'm pretty sure the front desk Nazi was trying to sleep with me. And I'm also pretty sure he knows who wrote on the fridge now, after all that. Word gets around fast.

Anyways, there's the story of the guy from Manchester and the cheese. I'll let you know if we get kicked out of the hostel! Cheers!

Edinburgh

So we've been staying out in the country for the past four days with no internet, hence why we've been MIA. But it was really fun and very relaxing... turns out Darlington wasn't as close to Edinburgh as I originally thought and we weren't actually staying there, we were staying in this teeny village called Ingleton with a lovely lady named Hilary and her dog Spice. This lady was the most kind and generous person I've ever met. I'm convinced generousity doesn't exisit that way in Canada because I didn't know anyone could be so accommodating. Jenna and I had our own rooms in her house, our own bathroom and she cooked for us, let us do laundry, made us tea and took us out to the towns to see old castles and villages. It was a really nice break from the hustle of London, and I never felt so relaxed in my life than when I was sitting by the fire with Jenna and Hilary with a cup of tea.

Not only is this woman kind, but she is interesting. She told the most amazing stories, and would have Jenna and I totally captivated one minute and in stiches the next. Her son is a talent scout for EMI records, a real high up, and he was also in the band who wrote "Come on Eileen." Another story was about her dog which she adopted. Spice used to be a laborador retriever for the Queen's gamekeeper, and was aparently one of her favourite animals. The Queen mother used to ask for her, apparently.

So now we're in Edinburgh! We've already had several leads on apatments, so we're working away on that front. No hurry though, we've booked a hostel for a week and we're content just being here. Will post again soon :)

Woven

When we were purchasing our tickets at Waterloo station in London, our ticket porter told us a story about an American couple that put Jenna and I both in stitches on the floor. This is a true story.

An American couple was standing in cue at a busy London station on one of the hottest days of the summer. The line was long and people were hot and bothered and waiting for their tickets, and this loud, boisterous woman was demanding of everyone’s attention.

“In Kentucky, the summers are waaaaay worse than this. Oh my gawd, I almost died of heat stroke this one time…” And as she blathered on about nothing important her silly, skinny husband stood in the background looking quite bored with his life. She was clearly the one who took charge of everything in their marriage and this little man just went along for the ride.
When they stepped up to the porter, he asked her where she would like to go.

“Woven, please, it’s in Scotland.”

The porter proceeded to click away on his computer, and came up with nothing. “Are you sure this is the correct name?” He asked.

“Yes, of course, I’ve booked a hotel and everything.” At which point she exploded at the thought that a ticket wouldn’t just appear magically in her hands. She proceeded to angrily accuse the entire British civilization of not knowing anything. “I just knew when I came here that you people wouldn’t understand us! Why does this have to be soooo difficult, oh my GAWD!” In an attempt to calm her down and prevent any fights from breaking out between her and the other twenty Brits standing in line listening to this conversation, the porter asked her to pull out her hotel reservation. Maybe there is a phone number they could call and ask where the nearest station is?

She proceeded to begrudgingly retrieve a sweater from her handbag and showed the tag to the porter. The tag read: Woven in Scotland.

The entire cue proceeded to erupt in laughter, and the porter had to explain the error. Her husband snuck out of the cue unnoticed, clearly embarrassed, while the woman turned a bright shade of scarlet and gathered her things while she stormed out.

Monday

Lots to catch up on! Monday was a big day...

I went to the SWAP office and discussed living arrangements, jobs, etc. Edinburgh is for sure in our plans now, and we couldn't be more excited! We're going to head up there tomorrow, and stay in Darlington for a few days with Jenna's friend Hilary while we try and find an apartment downtown. Darlington just a train ride away from Edinburgh. I honestly, couldn't be more excited to leave London. It's a lovely city, but it reminds me a lot of Toronto in the sense that it's not really England. Just the way that Toronto isn't a real example of what Canada is. There are surprisingly few English people in London, and I'd really like to be some place... smaller. London is so big. I'm ready to leave now.

After SWAP stuff, I met up with Jenna and our new friend Bill from Singapore and we walked to the Tate Modern Museum for a look around. It was amazing being in the presence of works by Picasso and Monet. I'm definitely more inclined towards modern art as opposed to more traditional works like the displays in La Louvre. I find modern art more diverse and more interesting and I can take more away from it. It affects in more emotionally, I suppose. We spent over two hours walking through the Tate, it was incredible. And free! (We like free things.)

Jenna wasn't feeling well, but I rounded up the troops and we started drinking pretty much immediately after we got back from the Tate. We gathered quite a few people, maybe twelve or so and played drinking games and just partied in the hostel. I met my New Zealand friend Matt, and we had some fun times (also some scandalous times, but I wont get into any details. *wink* )

Our favourite new friend is named Sean, an Irishman, probably in his sixties and a regular at our hostel pub. He was plastered drunk when he stumbled in last night. His gimmick is a toy, plush monkey which he sends flying at people via sling shot. Jenna's pictures are HILarious. Sean had us in stitches, not only because he swore like a sailor banshee, but because in between shooting the monkey at us when we least expected it he would serenade all the pretty girls with old Irish love songs. I believe Jenna has some video evidence of Sean's outrageousness. Which she will post shortly.

Love you all and miss you! We'll be writing next from Scotland!

We are tired. Next on the EAJE...
Emily's scandalous evening...
Jenna's typical dance class...in Greenwich
Sean and the Flying Monkey
The mysterious noises from bed #1
The currytastic delicious amazing stupidly good and satisfying dinner...
and then the chocolate.
Goodnight.
xo

Sunday

We managed to sleep in again this morning... last night we went to a pub in Piccadilly's and had far too many tequila shots bought for us. Therefore, today we still feel like we've been run over by several hundred Buffaloes.

We actually took the flight up the Eye today, as opposed to standing and staring at it like we have up until now. I was so proud of Jenna conquering her fear of heights! After we got off she stated very clearly, "Yeah, that wasn't scary at all." Almost as if she was disappointed that it wasn't... sorry you can't be on Oprah like you wanted, sweetie.

Afterwards, we had lunch, then went our separate ways. I saw Buckingham Palace, and a mini-changing of the guards. Then took a lovely walk through St. James park and saw St. James Palace, Horse Guards and Admiralty Arch before walking into Trafalgar Square to watch the sun set. It was the first day I toured around alone, so it was a bit intimidating getting lost for a bit but it was an awesome day.

We're making tonight a low-key night in order to recover from the last few days. Tomorrow I'm going to see about an apartment and a job... funds are going faster than I expected and we're already getting sick of living out of our suitcases and would like to settle somewhere soon-ish. I'll keep you posted ;)

By the way~ The time that our blog says we post is not the actual time for us at all. It is actually about 8pm, but this entry may state otherwise :).

So yes, I must agree with Emily...my body feels like it has been trampled by a herd of buffalos. Last night was a good night. We did meet some really nice guys and it was very refreshing that they weren't creepy perves trying to hit on us all night. My initial thoughts of the evenning were as follows..
" hmmm, I don't know if I have enough energy to go to a club tonight. That means I will have to shower and look presentable...well, maybe I will just wash my hair, but I definately don't want to shave my legs. It's damp and cold anyway and the extra protection from the London air might nice. Shaving is highly overrated anyways. Okay fine, maybe I will shave, but I will definately not moisturize because that will take way too long and I'm feeling dreary already... that feels better/love hot showers. Alright, made a decision~I will go out tonight, but I will not partake in the drinking games. I am way too cheap a drunk to pre-drink and plus, I need a little alone time before exposing my enthusiastic and bar hopping diva side. oh my god...I'm getting old. ... .... Holy frig, it freezing outside~are we there yet and were the heck is Em? ... ...Thank god, finally we found this place. It's dark/trippy in here and the bass is pumped so loudly that I can feel my stomach dancing too...alright, enough of that~time to sit and chill out, and people watch."

So there we go. As evident by my display of inner thoughts, the night was a success, despite the fact that I woke up with dry skin on my legs and a little tired. Most of the time spent at the club was sitting and watching. People are a little more wild here than they are in Toronto clubs and the bouncers let people have wayyyy more to drink than they do back at home. Luckily I did not wake up with much of a hangover at all. (thank-you limit that tells me "ONLY 3 DRINKS+FOOD). I miss Jimmy.
Today was awsome! We slept in and then headed over to Piccadilly's and wandered around. I bought some postcards and we took some funny photos of the two of us dressed up in English soldier hats. Dinner tonight consisted of a chicken and sweet corn soup from China Town and a few glasses of water. Tasty and warm.
Warm like my tea, which will soon be going cold...gotta run
Mental note to self~must work out, sleep, relax and take my vitamins tomorrow.
Until then..

I somehow convinced myself, before this trip, that I was fairly fit and in shape. However, now that I have my aching body screaming at me I believe otherwise. All this walking and lugging suitcases up and down stairs has taken a severe toll on us already, and we are very very sore!

Yesterday, we met some nice Aussie boys which was a huge relief for both of us, because so far we hadn't met anyone super friendly. A lot of the people staying at our Hostel are couples who are nice, but keep to themselves. Thank God for Rochan, Ryan, Tom and Kep. We agreed to exchange drinking games later that night, and Jenna and I headed off for the day.

We wanted to see more of the sites, so we took the tube up to Buckingham Palace and walked around. We saw Westminster Abby, Westminster Church and the Parliament buildings again, taking some wicked photos which will be posted soon. It was such a nice day too, the sun was out and it was fairly warm. We spent most of the day walking around, so when we got home we decided to get a head start on drinking, and forego dinner.

The Aussies introduced us to Hockey Quarters (and as a Canadian I obviously have a natural affinity for hockey... I did rather well at this game), and we played for a few hours before we went out. We went to Ministry of Sound which is one of the hottest clubs in London. Awesome music, and several different levels and many rooms to get lost in! I had such an amazing night dancing and getting to know the Aussies, but definitely paid for it the next day. Unfortunately our new friends had to catch a flight to Lisbon this morning, and we missed them because we slept until 2pm! Our bodies we very angry with us...

So we had a late start on our day today and decided to make it more low-key. We headed up to Piccadilly's Circus and wandered through all the little shops and explored. We made it up to Chinatown and had a nice dinner before we came back to our hostel. We're planning on going back tonight and enjoying a pint, and hopefully we'll meet some more awesome people!

So, yesterday is a complete blur...the post flight/border syndrom. In attempt to encourage our energy to show itself to us, Em and I decided to do celebratory shots. So, we walked out of our cute little hostile, down Lambeth walk and right towards a pub conveniently located about five minutes up the street. ... ... we walk up to a dark green pub, through the cigarette cloud of Joyce, an elderly woman with a smile consisting of two, somewhat random and rotten bottom teeth. We stepped inside and found we were 2 of only five people. No one was talking. Instead, it was scattered fans of pub television (sports) and one young women who I think would say, if silence could speak..."My kids are finally at their dad's house and all I want to do is absolutely nothing...with my wine." She sat near the door like it was a quick escape if she were to let herself accept the truly dodgy nature of the bar. "What am I doing? This place is too dirty for a cute young thing like myself...I should go have a bath and a cup of tea."
"Two shots of Tequila please!", Em and I said somewhat similtaneously.
"You don't have that...okay, what do you have, or what do you recommend"
...
"You don't know...hmmm, okay, well maybe we will try this"
1-2-3 Southern comfort down the "hatchet" as we should now call it.
"See you later Joyce"

I'm tired now...will write more later. It should be mentioned, however, that we saw Joyce again today and waved excited "HI!"... She had absolutely no clue who we were. Perhaps she was blinded by the smoke cloud around her head from her routine cigarette, or maybe it is time to come to terms with the fact that perhaps Emily and I, foreign cute accents and all, are not as memorable as we may strive to be...even when we may have been the only four new footprints that bar has dusted, or not dusted in a long time.

I wonder if it is possible to balance a cigarette between two bottom teeth.

We Have Arrived!

Yes, we're safe and in London, finally after a long almost fourteen hours of traveling. From Toronto we had a connecting flight at JFK and from there took Air India (weird, I know) and after delays and weird creepy men watching us sleep we arrived! We did get held up at customs for a bit though, Jenna didn't have some documents she needed with her and we thought we might not be allowed into the country, but it all worked out.

Once we took the tube from the airport and found our hostel, we ate and walked around just to explore the area where we would be living for the next week. Turns out we are a ten minutes walk away from the London Eye and the Parliament buildings (including Big Ben) so we wondered around for a few hours and took lots of pictures. No crazy stories yet, we have only been here for a few hours, but we'll definitely keep you posted.