Things I like here:
1. Lunch breaks from 1 PM - ?
2. Walled gardens
3. People ask, "are you happy to..." instead of "do you mind..." or "are you okay with..."
4. Bicycling!
5. Costa coffee
6. wine as way of an apology for late deliveries (thank you, Ocado man!)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
at christ church office
It certainly is much easier to go from a state of no activity to a state of lots of activity than vice versa. This week has been relaxing: quiet, even, without the holiday club to dictate the majority of hours in my day. I've been writing (¡qué sorpresa!), visiting kids I met during mission week, and getting things in order for my independent study. Even so, I have felt quite aimless, which was bound to happen, I guess. Plugging into established groups is never easy, but I will not be deterred!
This weekend, an open-air theatre on the South Bank is putting on a new intepretation of Federico Garcia Lorca's "Blood Wedding" that I plan to attend. It will be strange, having only read/watched on video another of his plays - "Yerma - but I am looking forward to it. Now, to figure out my bus route...
Actually, the buses aren't nearly as intimidating as they were a few years ago. Maybe it's because I've had to rely on them more; maybe it's because I've given up my pride in the area of not asking the bus driver for help - either way, I've made it to the west end and back a few times, and up to Angel (with unfortuntely no sighting of Banksy) with relatively few problems.
This past Monday was a 'Bank Holiday,' and so most people had the day off. After talking about how we loved walking around and seeing the sights on foot, Joanne suggested that we take a walk in the country on Monday, and so we did. We've been having fun calling it a 'pilgrimage' in the spirit of Chaucer because its eventual (and eventual it was!) destination was Canterbury. We took an 8:30 train to the tiny, absolutely picturesque English village of Chilham, and got our bearings from there. Oh, but Chilham was charming! If the little pub had been open, I would have been very tempted to enjoy the town for its beautiful tudor and georgian buildings, one main street (named, and I kid you not, The Street), and lovely setting. But alas, we had bigger goals, and the biggest was the 11 miles or so of our route to Canterbury.
We managed to get lost only slightly, but made it to Canterbury in perfect time for a cup of tea in this little Bohemian cafe and an Evensong at the Cathedral. We caught the train home from Canterbury west station and had a rather luxurious dinner spread of bread, cheese, dried apricots, pretzels, etc. It was a lovely day, despite our sore feet. There were five of us who went: Rod, Joanne, myself, and Dan and Sara, another couple from the States. It was so strange to be around Americans! I'd gotten quite unused to the accent from people besides myself...
If anyone reading this does end up coming to visit, make sure you prepare yourself for a scalding hot curry. I returned to the curry restaurant that Lisa-Raine had taken me to on my first day here, and boy! was it ridiculous. Good, but wow. Very hot. Hotter than any Mexican or Peruvian or Colombian food I've ever had, and I've had my fair share for this point in life, I think!
Sunday afternoon, Jen and I went out to shop the Spitalfields market and I must say, there's really nothing like a market day here. There were people heckling, everyone selling and buying, good and bad quality, warm food and cold food, stylish and just strange fashion, and no end of tourists. I was reminded of Neil Gaiman's 'Neverwhere' description of the Floating Market in Knightsbridge where one of the stands has a man calling out, "Lost property! None of your found goods here! Everything guaranteed properly lost!" At any rate, I found an interesting little dress and some brown leggings to experiment with this style, and we'll see if I'm still feeling good about them by the end of their trial run today.
I guess I'll conclude for now. My best to you all :)
This weekend, an open-air theatre on the South Bank is putting on a new intepretation of Federico Garcia Lorca's "Blood Wedding" that I plan to attend. It will be strange, having only read/watched on video another of his plays - "Yerma - but I am looking forward to it. Now, to figure out my bus route...
Actually, the buses aren't nearly as intimidating as they were a few years ago. Maybe it's because I've had to rely on them more; maybe it's because I've given up my pride in the area of not asking the bus driver for help - either way, I've made it to the west end and back a few times, and up to Angel (with unfortuntely no sighting of Banksy) with relatively few problems.
This past Monday was a 'Bank Holiday,' and so most people had the day off. After talking about how we loved walking around and seeing the sights on foot, Joanne suggested that we take a walk in the country on Monday, and so we did. We've been having fun calling it a 'pilgrimage' in the spirit of Chaucer because its eventual (and eventual it was!) destination was Canterbury. We took an 8:30 train to the tiny, absolutely picturesque English village of Chilham, and got our bearings from there. Oh, but Chilham was charming! If the little pub had been open, I would have been very tempted to enjoy the town for its beautiful tudor and georgian buildings, one main street (named, and I kid you not, The Street), and lovely setting. But alas, we had bigger goals, and the biggest was the 11 miles or so of our route to Canterbury.
We managed to get lost only slightly, but made it to Canterbury in perfect time for a cup of tea in this little Bohemian cafe and an Evensong at the Cathedral. We caught the train home from Canterbury west station and had a rather luxurious dinner spread of bread, cheese, dried apricots, pretzels, etc. It was a lovely day, despite our sore feet. There were five of us who went: Rod, Joanne, myself, and Dan and Sara, another couple from the States. It was so strange to be around Americans! I'd gotten quite unused to the accent from people besides myself...
If anyone reading this does end up coming to visit, make sure you prepare yourself for a scalding hot curry. I returned to the curry restaurant that Lisa-Raine had taken me to on my first day here, and boy! was it ridiculous. Good, but wow. Very hot. Hotter than any Mexican or Peruvian or Colombian food I've ever had, and I've had my fair share for this point in life, I think!
Sunday afternoon, Jen and I went out to shop the Spitalfields market and I must say, there's really nothing like a market day here. There were people heckling, everyone selling and buying, good and bad quality, warm food and cold food, stylish and just strange fashion, and no end of tourists. I was reminded of Neil Gaiman's 'Neverwhere' description of the Floating Market in Knightsbridge where one of the stands has a man calling out, "Lost property! None of your found goods here! Everything guaranteed properly lost!" At any rate, I found an interesting little dress and some brown leggings to experiment with this style, and we'll see if I'm still feeling good about them by the end of their trial run today.
I guess I'll conclude for now. My best to you all :)
Friday, August 22, 2008
The worms are coming!
Well, I have to confess that I definitely stole the title for this post from an article that I found here: http://www.tfl.co.uk/buses.asp - if you read it, you'll know what I mean.
I really hate riding bendy buses, though. They are just not as BAMF as double-deckers, or rather, 'Routemasters.'
Whew. Holiday Club is going very well - today is the last day, which is sad but tinged with relief. Tonight there's a barbecue at the vicarage (hahaha...hopefully not a Murder at the Vicarage) for everyone who was involved and it should be a good time.
Mission week has just gotten better each day, except perhaps in the team points competition, where my team, the Incredibles (superhero theme, remember), had an abysmal day yesterday and would have had only two points for the whole freaking day had not we gotten a few pity points from Robert (bless his heart).
But seriously, I am so glad to get the chance to connect with these kids. At girls' club in the evenings we have been doing a different craft every night, and last night we did mendi (henna) on our hands. Little Sayeda, who was on the Incredibles team for a few days, asked if she could do my hand and she did, albeit a bit sloppily and quite dark. Oh well. I think if I were too concerned about my appearance I would have changed it a long while ago into something far more bland.
That's one thing that being in London has really made me think about: how we perceive ourselves and one another. I perceive myself as a follower of Jesus, a bit brainy, overweight, slightly hyper-literate, twenty years old, an American, not high fashion, and sometimes lacking in common sense. What do people see in and about me, I wonder? What do I see in and about others? How do my snap judgments affect any sort of relationship we may have in the future? How do our habits complement or clash?
I guess London (or perhaps, a city) has brought this to the forefront because people are so much more colorful, expressive, and less concerned with keeping up with 'the norm' than they are in, say, Newaygo County Michigan. It really is inspiring - it makes me want to decide completely for myself how I dress, how I act, how I speak...instead of constantly thinking how I should.
This doesn't go without limitation, obviously, but it bears a good inner look. I have been blessed with a varied and diverse community to explore, as well!
Another thing that's been on my mind is (as cliche as this may sound) the voice of God. Being around a large Muslim community always puts one on one's guard as to what we attribute and do not attribute to God, but I am inclined to believe that God speaks much more than we give Him credit for.
For example, all this week, we have had a tent (a marquee) set up next to the flat that I'm staying at on Buxton Street. Any other structure left up for five days in such a public place would have been vandalized long ago, but ours has stood.
As the week has progressed, the boys' evening football has grown in number, and the guys running it have been able to share a bit about their lives with the boys, leading to some really great conversations.
Simply the fact that each day, a group of committed people come together to do what they can to provide a place for these kids to enjoy themselves, learn a little about Christianity, and stay out of trouble - it amazes me: the faith of these people.
What am I saying is: could not each of these phenomena - the protection of our tent, the willingness of the boys to listen, the commitment of young CCS attenders - be the voice of God in the ears of many? It may be easy to label as 'spiritualizing,' but even the most postmodern of individuals can be guilty of 'relgiousity' or 'spiritualism.' Why should those who claim to be Christ-followers neglect the same opportunity?
If you want to reply to this or tell me off, or just say hi, please write me an email. I'd love to hear from you all :)
Oh, and I think I'm going to start a pub name list...to add:
Woodin's Shades
The Nag's Head
And some interesting graffiti:
'The land of Free Dumb.'
I really hate riding bendy buses, though. They are just not as BAMF as double-deckers, or rather, 'Routemasters.'
Whew. Holiday Club is going very well - today is the last day, which is sad but tinged with relief. Tonight there's a barbecue at the vicarage (hahaha...hopefully not a Murder at the Vicarage) for everyone who was involved and it should be a good time.
Mission week has just gotten better each day, except perhaps in the team points competition, where my team, the Incredibles (superhero theme, remember), had an abysmal day yesterday and would have had only two points for the whole freaking day had not we gotten a few pity points from Robert (bless his heart).
But seriously, I am so glad to get the chance to connect with these kids. At girls' club in the evenings we have been doing a different craft every night, and last night we did mendi (henna) on our hands. Little Sayeda, who was on the Incredibles team for a few days, asked if she could do my hand and she did, albeit a bit sloppily and quite dark. Oh well. I think if I were too concerned about my appearance I would have changed it a long while ago into something far more bland.
That's one thing that being in London has really made me think about: how we perceive ourselves and one another. I perceive myself as a follower of Jesus, a bit brainy, overweight, slightly hyper-literate, twenty years old, an American, not high fashion, and sometimes lacking in common sense. What do people see in and about me, I wonder? What do I see in and about others? How do my snap judgments affect any sort of relationship we may have in the future? How do our habits complement or clash?
I guess London (or perhaps, a city) has brought this to the forefront because people are so much more colorful, expressive, and less concerned with keeping up with 'the norm' than they are in, say, Newaygo County Michigan. It really is inspiring - it makes me want to decide completely for myself how I dress, how I act, how I speak...instead of constantly thinking how I should.
This doesn't go without limitation, obviously, but it bears a good inner look. I have been blessed with a varied and diverse community to explore, as well!
Another thing that's been on my mind is (as cliche as this may sound) the voice of God. Being around a large Muslim community always puts one on one's guard as to what we attribute and do not attribute to God, but I am inclined to believe that God speaks much more than we give Him credit for.
For example, all this week, we have had a tent (a marquee) set up next to the flat that I'm staying at on Buxton Street. Any other structure left up for five days in such a public place would have been vandalized long ago, but ours has stood.
As the week has progressed, the boys' evening football has grown in number, and the guys running it have been able to share a bit about their lives with the boys, leading to some really great conversations.
Simply the fact that each day, a group of committed people come together to do what they can to provide a place for these kids to enjoy themselves, learn a little about Christianity, and stay out of trouble - it amazes me: the faith of these people.
What am I saying is: could not each of these phenomena - the protection of our tent, the willingness of the boys to listen, the commitment of young CCS attenders - be the voice of God in the ears of many? It may be easy to label as 'spiritualizing,' but even the most postmodern of individuals can be guilty of 'relgiousity' or 'spiritualism.' Why should those who claim to be Christ-followers neglect the same opportunity?
If you want to reply to this or tell me off, or just say hi, please write me an email. I'd love to hear from you all :)
Oh, and I think I'm going to start a pub name list...to add:
Woodin's Shades
The Nag's Head
And some interesting graffiti:
'The land of Free Dumb.'
Friday, August 15, 2008
Of Trolls, Bengalis, and the marquis de Carabas (er...Cornwallis)
Well. Hello, London! Where do I even start? I guess I could go chronologically, but not try to be too crazy-detailed.
Day 1 - lots of backups on the Circle Line, which meant LOTS of me lugging my horrible suitcases all over the underside of London. I am sore yet today, and I have to move again tomorrow! Why oh why did I pack so much? Bad life choices!
Anyways, after that was hanging out with Lisa-Raine at the church for a bit, meeting lots of people - Alice, Iseah, David, Tamsen, Julia...there were probably more but you all know how I am with names (and spelling of them). Lisa-Raine took me out for some excellent curry on Brick Lane, the heart of the Bengali neighborhood in the east end. It's got some great shopping, too, but I've not taken that much of it in yet. I went visiting some Bengali families with Alice, spreading the word about the Holiday Club at the Hanbury and Allen Gardens (which happens to be right next door to 35 Buxton Street, where I'm moving too tomorrow. Rod and Joanne, who own that flat, are out of town until next Wednesday so I'll have it to myself for a bit - won't that be a strange feeling!
Then I met Brent and Caroline Clark, absolutely lovely people who are putting me up until tomorrow. (who wouldn't be lovely with a last name like Clark!) I settled in with them and grabbed a bit of supper, before...
At night a bunch of ladies got together to get ready the crafts for the Holiday club - in the evening the older girls are doing handcrafts and the boys are playing football at Allen Gardens.
Day 2 - morning off (slept in till 10:30...shame shame!), got quite a bit lost & ended up walking round Liverpool station for quite some time before I found Brushfield Street and the office again. Late lunch with Alice and more visiting (adorable Bengali kids and their families!), then back to the Clarks' for the evening. Learning the delights of the no. 8 bus...oh joy!
Day 3 - tooled around the west end (Soho, Trafalgar Sq., St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Picadilly, British Museum), mostly just walking and looking for a few things for the Holiday Club. Then met Alice again who took me through Christ Church and then had plenty of errands/shopping to fill up my afternoon.
On the way to Bethnal Green (where I did a lot of shopping), I passed under a railway bridge on Vallance Street that had not a few shops set up quite snugly underneath it...how strange! A matress shop and a junk shop, I believe. It make me think of trolls, living there comfortably under the bridge :)
Once on Bethnal Green, I recognized my surroundings quite a bit, for the no. 8 bus goes quite a way down it. There's a pub on the corner of Vallance St. and Bethnal Green called the "Marquis of Cornwallis"...oh my, the pub names are so great here - I'd forgotten. Just down the street from that one was The Shakespeare, and in Spitalfields you've got the Ten Bells, and don't forget, by the Highbury & Islington tube station - the White Swan and the Famous Cock. Leave the boring names like the "Lion" and the "Crown" for the really touristy areas...you've got to have an imagination to be a pub-owner, or at least a pub-namer, anywhere else!
Well I believe that'll be it for now. I don't think I'll keep up this day-by-day thing, but it's nice to be able to process it all. Took a couple film pictures today, but will try to get the digital camera out soon. I'll post a link. Love you all!
Day 1 - lots of backups on the Circle Line, which meant LOTS of me lugging my horrible suitcases all over the underside of London. I am sore yet today, and I have to move again tomorrow! Why oh why did I pack so much? Bad life choices!
Anyways, after that was hanging out with Lisa-Raine at the church for a bit, meeting lots of people - Alice, Iseah, David, Tamsen, Julia...there were probably more but you all know how I am with names (and spelling of them). Lisa-Raine took me out for some excellent curry on Brick Lane, the heart of the Bengali neighborhood in the east end. It's got some great shopping, too, but I've not taken that much of it in yet. I went visiting some Bengali families with Alice, spreading the word about the Holiday Club at the Hanbury and Allen Gardens (which happens to be right next door to 35 Buxton Street, where I'm moving too tomorrow. Rod and Joanne, who own that flat, are out of town until next Wednesday so I'll have it to myself for a bit - won't that be a strange feeling!
Then I met Brent and Caroline Clark, absolutely lovely people who are putting me up until tomorrow. (who wouldn't be lovely with a last name like Clark!) I settled in with them and grabbed a bit of supper, before...
At night a bunch of ladies got together to get ready the crafts for the Holiday club - in the evening the older girls are doing handcrafts and the boys are playing football at Allen Gardens.
Day 2 - morning off (slept in till 10:30...shame shame!), got quite a bit lost & ended up walking round Liverpool station for quite some time before I found Brushfield Street and the office again. Late lunch with Alice and more visiting (adorable Bengali kids and their families!), then back to the Clarks' for the evening. Learning the delights of the no. 8 bus...oh joy!
Day 3 - tooled around the west end (Soho, Trafalgar Sq., St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Picadilly, British Museum), mostly just walking and looking for a few things for the Holiday Club. Then met Alice again who took me through Christ Church and then had plenty of errands/shopping to fill up my afternoon.
On the way to Bethnal Green (where I did a lot of shopping), I passed under a railway bridge on Vallance Street that had not a few shops set up quite snugly underneath it...how strange! A matress shop and a junk shop, I believe. It make me think of trolls, living there comfortably under the bridge :)
Once on Bethnal Green, I recognized my surroundings quite a bit, for the no. 8 bus goes quite a way down it. There's a pub on the corner of Vallance St. and Bethnal Green called the "Marquis of Cornwallis"...oh my, the pub names are so great here - I'd forgotten. Just down the street from that one was The Shakespeare, and in Spitalfields you've got the Ten Bells, and don't forget, by the Highbury & Islington tube station - the White Swan and the Famous Cock. Leave the boring names like the "Lion" and the "Crown" for the really touristy areas...you've got to have an imagination to be a pub-owner, or at least a pub-namer, anywhere else!
Well I believe that'll be it for now. I don't think I'll keep up this day-by-day thing, but it's nice to be able to process it all. Took a couple film pictures today, but will try to get the digital camera out soon. I'll post a link. Love you all!
Friday, August 8, 2008
mis direcciones
Ah, post #2. No, no excitement, just my addresses, if you so desire to send me awesome stuff/letters/anthrax. just kidding (on the anthrax. but please send me other stuff if you so desire!!)
13-15 August i will be staying with Brent and Caroline Clark
131 ParnellRoad
Bow, London E3 2JF
16-31 August i will be staying with Revd Rod and Joanne Green
Flat D35 Buxton Street
London E1 5EH
1 Sept - 9 Dec i will be staying with Dr Will and Hannah Spiring
186 Woodseer Street
London E1 5HQ
13-15 August i will be staying with Brent and Caroline Clark
131 ParnellRoad
Bow, London E3 2JF
16-31 August i will be staying with Revd Rod and Joanne Green
Flat D35 Buxton Street
London E1 5EH
1 Sept - 9 Dec i will be staying with Dr Will and Hannah Spiring
186 Woodseer Street
London E1 5HQ
Thursday, August 7, 2008
a rainy August morning in Michigan
Hello all! I guess if you're reading this it's probably because I've coerced you, begged you, or suggested it to you as a means of communication while I'm London this fall. In lieu of the mass email, which is perhaps a bit more reflective, I've decided to update this blog regularly with what's going on over here as it happens, and save the reflecting for later.
The title of the blog is from a Franz Ferdinand song, for lack of any original ideas floating around inside the brain of yours truly. 'Eleanor Put Your Boots On' is a song that tries to convince the titular Eleanor to jump off from several high points in New York City and ride the Jet Stream over the Atlantic...to where? To what? Well, I'll leave that up to you.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers whenever they come...and letters, emails, and long, ridiculous phone messages never hurt, either :) I'll be flying out next Tuesday, 12 August, so until then,
Que Dios les bendiga,
Erin
The title of the blog is from a Franz Ferdinand song, for lack of any original ideas floating around inside the brain of yours truly. 'Eleanor Put Your Boots On' is a song that tries to convince the titular Eleanor to jump off from several high points in New York City and ride the Jet Stream over the Atlantic...to where? To what? Well, I'll leave that up to you.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers whenever they come...and letters, emails, and long, ridiculous phone messages never hurt, either :) I'll be flying out next Tuesday, 12 August, so until then,
Que Dios les bendiga,
Erin
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