seventh week in London

Hi again. Its Sat 23 Feb ( an early start today at 8 am ) and time to update our blog. Yet again it is a cloudy and grey overcast day as I write. June has now been here almost 2 weeks and is enjoying the place.

Last Saturday after finishing the blog we headed off to Inner London at around midday after stocking up our Oyster cards and getting some money. Stopped off at the London Bridge exit on the underground and cruised by the Borough markets before walking along the banks of the Thames ( Bankside ) and checking out the Golden Hinde ( Francis Drakes ship )

The exhibition was closed but we saw his ship and cruised further to the Shakespeare Globe ( reconstructed shakespeare theatre of old times ) which was a truly fascinating and absorbing experience seeing the exhibition of Shakesepeare's era, the clothes for his plays and how the Globe was reconstructed before booking a tour at 1.30 pm of the Globe theatre, which meant we had to flag the rugby trip I had planned. Once the tour was completed we cruised along the Thames taking a few photos before heading back to Greenwich.

Yet again there were delays and a change of route was needed and onto special Buses before we arrived back at our unit and a cuppa tea. We decided to go to a movie in Greenwich ( The Bucket List ) at 8 pm to round out our day.

Sunday was our changing of the Guards day. The day dawned a sunny one ( yeah ) and it sure bought people out n about so off we went to see some Royal stuff. It was an early start arriving at St James park at 9.30 am and then at 10 am we checked out the horse guards at Whitehall and snapped a few photos before we walked up to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards at 11.30 am outside her majestry's residence. These events are normally on alternative days but both were on today so that was good.

We next checked out Hyde Park ( a large Royal park ) which meant more walking and seeing some statues along the way and stopping off for a coffee at the Lido ( a small cafe in the park ) where we happened upon Richard Read and his partner. ( Richard is from New Plymouth. He's been here 15 yrs and is the son of Norm Read the famous walker )

We had a good ol chat for an hour or so before continuing on to see Dianna's memorial fountain ( where water flows both sides in an architectual design ) before deciding that we would cruise back and see if we could book into a tour of London which we'd seen cruising around earlier. We got on the underground to save our weary legs and went to Green park and booked a tour at 4 pm. By now it was starting to get cold ( and I mean cold ) but we still sat on the upper deck for this 2 and a half hour tour of London by Bus.

A great tour seeing all the main parts of London and we will do this again I reckon. Our hands and face were quite cold as we departed for home having decided that we'd seen enough for one day and a cuppa tea was what was needed to warm us up and some tucker along the way at Victoria Station. It was Sunday evening so it was time to relax.

Monday - Friday ( 18 Feb - 22 Feb ) has been a regular teaching week for me which we decided was to be a chill out week for us. My classess are going well and my students are, I believe learning. I am pleased with their progress. They seem happy enough and I am getting good rapport and seeing some smiling faces which is great.

I wanted June to see some of the outlying suburbs for orientation purposes ( Bus routes ) since Greenwich is not really a shopping area so after school one day we had a look at Charlton and their shopping centres as well as Lewisham but were not tempted to purchase. June has been out to see a nursing home in Blackheath and filled out an appl form. I did some rugby coaching at Blackheath on Tues evening. June has had a good look around Greenwich, has seen my classroom where I work, had lunch in our cafetaria and we also visited the 02 Millenium Dome in North Greenwich and saw the movie National Treasure. Last night ( Friday ) we saw another movie in Greenwich ( There will be Blood ) Today we will be out n about around London.

The weather will dictate what we do but it should be another weekend with new adventures and experiences. Will probably see Blackheath play footie this afternoon and more of London on Sunday. The photos. Well I am still unable to report as yet that June can have access to the computers for downloading some of our photos to this blog but I am still working on that issue.

Thats it for now. Cheers until next time. cya Kevin and June.

Sixth week in London

Hi again. Another busy week and it marked the arrival of June. Yeah she is now a resident Londoner though at this stage unable to access the College computers so there will be a small delay before I can swing this deal for her as well. She has gone back to the room while I put this together.

Sunday 10th Feb saw June arrive at midday and after a coffee at the airport we headed back to Greenwich. I have to say that it took over 2 hours for me to get to Heathrow due to train services being suspended at various routes along the way. We were able to get the Heathrow express to Paddington on our return journey at no charge due to these delays which saved some time.

I check via cell ph now each time a trip is planned espec on weekends to check on what routes to take. An Oyster card was purchased at Heathrow for June and then the homeward journey began. We stopped off at a quaint wee pub in Greenwich and watched the 2nd half of rugby match ( Eng v Italy ) before a quick walk through Greenwich Market and then on to our 188 bus for the final leg to Bellerbys College and our Unit. Its a nice walk from the train station if you're in no hurry so we usually have a choice. A Bus or a pleasant walk.

A good nights sleep was required and we just talked away and re configured the Unit to cater for another inhabitant.

Monday it was back to work for me and a regular teaching day with a trip to our bank in Greenwich at luncthtime to bank some money and more orientation for June. After work we freshened up then it was onto Piccadilly Circus getting to the Comedy Store at opening time ( 6.30 pm ) for a bite to eat followed by a great show. There were 13 stand up comedians and some great laughs. We had a quick look around Piccadilly Circus before back on the trains and home around midnight.

Tuesday was work again up till 12.30 am then it was a 5 day midterm break ( incl weekend ) which saw us travel to Lille ( Northern France ) for 2 nights. June had changed some money into euro so we were ready to see France.

Took the Eurostar from St Pancras at 2.50 pm ( Tues ) arriving in Lille at 4.30 pm local time. We quickly got ourself oriented and found our Hotel ( Hotel de la Treille ) in the Old section of Lille ( Tourist zone of course ) then we were out for a walk and eventually a nice Dinner at an Italian reataurant ( Orange Expression ) dining on Pasta and Pizza. We just walked around the coblestone streets and marvelled at the beauty of this place. Our hotel had never had any NZ ers stay there before. We were their first.

Wednesday ( after breakfast of Croissants, yoghurt, cornflakes, fruit and a good ol cup of tea ) saw us see the sights of Lille ( Old and new areas ) and capture as much as we could on film which will appear at some stage I imagine on this blog ( Just watch this space folks ) Some real old buildings ( 1500 - 1800 century stuff) We took a bus tour of an hour and then did our own exploring. Some real old classical buildings, superb architecture and a relaxed and easy going lifestyle. Lille is near Belgium.

It was an enjoyable day and after freshening up we just had to visit the Aux Moules ( a well known specialist restaurant serving Mussles and chips since 1930) Lille is known for this so it was only natural to be a part of this traditional meal delight. Plenty of other Diners were doing the same. We had a good feed straight from a pot of mussels and a side dish of chips which was neat. The mussels are smaller than NZ but it was still a nice meal ( with some onions and veges within the bowl as well )

We explored some more around the city and even had a Fosters beer in ' The Australian Pub ' before retiring on weary legs for the evening. Expensive though. A pint of beer cost me 6 euro.

It was more of the same ( exploring this neat city ) on Thurs making sure we saw the Art museum ( 2nd largest in all of France ) with some great art and sculptures and all the attractions one should visit incl a small lunchtime treat at La Patisseire de Meert ( a famous landmark where President De Gaulle used to eat these crepes ) so we did the same. We were tempted to purchase clothing but the prices were too high and there are cheaper alternatives here in England so resisted that and did some window shopping before our returnward journey at 9 .30 pm.

We had just enjoyed a marvellous 2 night stay in this quaint city of 220000 citizens where 30% are students at the University and where its population is youthful. By the time we got back to London and onto Greenwich it was past midnight so some sleep was required.

Friday was a day I had planned for June to see the sights of Greenwich which we did. It was a real overcast and cold / windy day but most of our sighseeing was indoors so it worked out well. We had a good look at the Royal Navy College and saw the Painted Room and Chapel. The amazing buildings were once the home for Navy training ( Now used by Univ of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music ) as well as seeing the Queens House and the National Maritime Museusm ( amazing place ) with so much history and things to see of a maritime theme.

We were all day on our feet and totally absorbed by all this stuff that we didnt have enough time to visit Greenwich park and the Observatory which will await another day because we needed to get back to our unit in time to freshen up /get into our best gear and get to Westminster Pier for our London Showboat evening river cruise along the Thames. This was a 4 course meal and seeing the sights of London at night as well as an hour of a cabaret singer /contemporary music incl Abba with some dancing which was a real buzz. ( 7 pm - 10.30 pm ) Good value.

A great evening and just picture this for a moment. An Abba song ( foot tapping stuff ) with me and June on the dance floor as we cruise under The Tower Bridge on our return journey up the Thames. Magical stuff. An American couple said to us they liked our dancing so that made our evening. A quick walk over Westminster bridge and a glance up at Big Ben and Parliament House at night before back on the Jubilee line and home to Greenwich yet again around midnight.

Today we are planning to see some sights at Tower Bridge before heading off to see Harlequins v Worcester at the stoop which is beside Twickenham. ( I need some rugger occassionally y'see ) before some evening sightseeing at various places with Sunday being a day of more sights ( Changing of Guard I hope ) and other which is all planned to take most of the day / evening. I have planned these trips for this first week for June and all is going well.

We have taken some photos so hopefully some of these will eventually appear on this blog. Thats about it for now. I must away and get out n about We have sights and things to do. cya for now.

Life at Bellerbys College

Bellerbys College is a private Senior College educating foreign students in similar subjects to what we have in NZ. There are about 300 students here at Bellerbys College and also housed in the same building and sharing facilities is Embassy College ( A private college for teaching English to foreign students. ) I have no idea of how many are enrolled at Embassy.

It operates like a small University with a library ( open at specific hours incl weekends ) a cafetaria open 7 days and plenty of support staff ( security people, cleaners, administrators, and so on. We take the roll each class but there is less emphasis on attendance than in a High school which sees some 25% of students absent on any given day from all classes.

The administartors have told me this and are not too concerned as such. They have paid and so be it. Students also can turn up late so at times you have these disruptions. You can only teach to those who turn up and thats what I do. They have to catch up in their own time.

There are no bells, no staff meetings, no Dept meetings, no lunch duties, no uniform, no discipline issues, no sport after lessons, no parent evenings, we all wear an ID label ( I wear mine on my trousers ) and we use this for our subsidised lunch and in fact any meals we wish to have. We top up this card on a regular basis and it is used for any money transactions here. It is a cashless environment. Students wear all kinds of fashion ( and the girls, well thats something else. There are some real stunners here ) My classes are of the average variety which is probably just as well. It would be too much of a distraction. We had a fire drill the other day. All assembled took the roll and that was that.

Alot of the students ( but not all ) live on site in the dorms where I do as well. (I am in G Block 6th Floor Rm 6 ) There are stairs or lifts available. There is a laundrette at £ 2 a wash and £1 for drying. The cafetaria doubles as common room where you can watch TV. All students are issued with text books that they own ( no returns ) and the classes ( smaller than NPBHS ) have about 15 chairs and a whiteboard. Not all classes have projector use. ( Mine does not so its not an option as such ) All class materials are freely available. No charge out per Dept. Use as you wish.

Classes are 3 hours or 2 hours duration depeding on morning / afternoon slots and you have breaks when you wish. Classes begin at 9.15 am. Lunch is 12.30 - 1.30 pm and afternoon runs from 1.30 - 4.45 pm. I get to the work room by 8.30 am and check emails use computers, do any photocopying and then off to class.

My classes are. Mon 9.15 - 12.30 am Business Studies ( A Level )
1.30 - 3.30 pm Accounting ( 5 ) A level

Tues 9.15 -12.30 am Foundation Accounting

Wed 9.15 -12.30 am MQP Finance and Accounting
1.30 - 4.45 pm Foundation Accounting

Thurs 9.15-12.30 am Accounting ( 6 ) A level
1.30 - 3.30 pm Business Studies ( A level )

Friday 9.15 -12.30 am Accounting ( 5 ) A level
2.45 - 4.45 pm Accounting ( 6 ) A level

As you can see I have 25 hrs teaching out of 30 hrs available.

The MQP is an undergraduate program where I decide what to teach for Post grads who wish to know about the world of accounting and finance before joining the workforce. It is quite flexible but I have been given some guidelines as to content. ( 10 week course then some new students ) Exam in March

The Business studies is pretty straight forward and is at A level. I have to teach em Marketing ( Unit 1 ) and Accounting / Finance ( unit 2 ) 1 and half hour exam in June

Foundation Accounting is a 1 term course ( 10 weeks ) in a really concentrated program which is quite exacting cause you have to reach a reasonable level in a short time for a 3 hr exam. ( Exam in March )

Acounting (5 ) A level is a course for students doing 5 terms rather than 6 terms ( ie They started in January ) I am teaching Unit 1. They have a 3 hr exam in June

Accounting ( 6 ) A level is for those who started in Sept and Unit 1 has already been covered. I am teaching Unit 2. They have a 3 hr exam in June

Often students will go to cafetaria or library or outdoors for a smoke in the break times. I'd say about 25 - 30 % of students smoke.

The morning break is normally taken at 10.30 - 11 am and in the aftyernoon you can give a 15 min break or go straight through and release em early. As such students are coming and going at all times around the building and you see em in the cafetaria in the library, at the bus stop just ouside the college waiting to go somewhere or back at their dorm. Their classes have free time as well structured into their program. Not all have a full program. It is fairly flexible.

The staffroom is more a work room. We all have a space alloted and access to 2 photocopiers and about 15 shared laptops which need to be charged after each use ( no mouse ) We use them all the time in our breaks and before school usually. It is quite a close environment where we all share stories and so on, make our own morning tea and get ready for our classes. we sit beside each other in rows. The building has all the normal stuff. Classrooms ( 33 ) on 2 levels and mine is 206 ( level 2 ) I can if I am lazy use a lift but we all mostly walk up the stairs and there are toilets / administrators offices and so on the ground floor and all teaching is on levels 1 or 2

You have to wear your ID at all times and the building is open 24/7 with security staff and reception area personnel on deck at all times. The library has about 3o computers or more.

There is a student program of events that are arranged for students for sights and things to do as well.

Buses stop off just outside the college ( small and out of sight from the road ) 2 stories and accom blocks ) A supermarket across the road and 10 - 15 min walk if you wish to Greenwich village or take the bus if in a hurry.

Thats it. You are now aware of my working environment. Cheers until next time.

5th week in London

Hi again. It is Saturday 9th Feb ( I have been here 5 weeks now ) Almost a local. The sun is shining ( well thats not quite right. It is somewhere up there ) and I notice some blue sky. I will get out n about soon.

It is great to hear that there are some people out there who actually look at our site. Make comments if you wish. You may have noticed there's a photo now so hopefully once June arrives ( tomorrow ) we can begin to show some photos. This may well become her task ( a delegation I suppose )

This week has been much like the others work wise ( Mon - Frid ) but last Sat was a buzz. I went and watched the opening 2 matches in the 6 Nations on TV at Battersea RFC in Earslfield ( near Clapham Jctn ) which was a noisy regular footie club crowd ( a few Welsh supporters as well ) but it became somewhat quiet when it became obvious that Wales was going to win.

I was dropped off later at Clapham Junction by my host and stayed around the area to soak up the atmosphere post game as the place was crowded as match followers made their way back thru Clapham Junction ( Twickers isnt too far from Clapham Junction ) so all the trains cruise through here. Met up with some Welsh supporters who as you can imagine were rapt and emptied their wallets for a beer or two with me. This was in the Falcon Pub ( supposedly the longest bar in the World ( it is like a running track.) It winds its way along and around through other areas and I took a walk around it stopping along the way as one does.

I also met up with some youger Welsh folk who showed me a couple of other bars and we had a good time. ( one of these fellows was an events manager for Welsh rugby ) so he is looking at securing a couple tickets for me and June for the Welsh v France match in Cardiff. Am crossing my fingers on this. He has been in touch so we will see.

Sunday was spent mostly looking at web sites for airline deals ( Easy Jet and Ryannair ) and other stuff ( Time out and TNT magazine for whats on in london ) for when June arrives and household chores ( washing clothes ) catching up with emails and reading over of some accounting stuff.

I cruised into Greenwich village on Wed and watched the England v Switzerland football match, topped up my oyster card / checked out whats on at the movies and Pier cruises. The opportunity was there to go to the footie match at Wembly but I put in my request too late and missed out.

Thursday was a real buzz. I went to watch We will Rock you ( a musical with Queen music ) at 7.30 pm which was simply brilliant at Tottenham court ( Dominion theatre ) Secured a ticket for £ 20 ( regular £ 55 ) through our student body here who have events for the students at student Group rates so I can see June and I hooking into this for future shows. The graphics / lighting/ set simply blew me away. I was foot tapping all night and it was a superb show. The singing was primo.

Last night ( Frid ) I was invited to a few beers for a birthday bash for one of the staff here. It was at the Queen Mary ship/ bar at Embankment beside the Thames. I had been there before so knew how to get there. The trains had a problen with the doors so there were delays which you kinda get used to but it can be interesting to observe how some pommies react to it all. The trains are a people watchers dream, you can observe so much about human nature cause you are so cramped up and its an experience in itself just travelling on the trains. It is still a novelty for me so I guess I am not phased by it all.

Being a teacher here means writing reports and its that time now. I will get onto this today cause they have to be completed by Tues cause June and I have an excursion to Lille ( Northern France ) planned which departs on Tues after my classes are finished for the day.

Am enjoying the teaching / establishing some rapport with my classes now, they call me Kevin, say gidday when they see me so its all good. I will write about life at Bellerbys College in a separate blog for those who are interested in how things are different from our good ol NPBHS.

Well thats it for now. cheers cya.

Junes Final Morning

Hi guys,

Last photo NZ, Paul, Mum & I.
Getting that suitcase to weigh 20kg has been trouble, on top of learning how to add photos to my blog - but i think i am almost there...1hr till take off, will miss you all but am excited about the adventures to come!

Fourth week in London

Hi again. Sat morning 2 Feb and yes today there is some sun shining ( just a little though ) The 6 Nations start today. Ireland v Italy and Eng v Wales. ( No club rugby on this weekend. ) I will see both I hope on TV at Battersea RFC with a Londoner who is friends with Keith Roberts ( Ex PE mate of mine who grew up here and now on contract in Japan as a trainer with a rugby club ) Will figure out how to get there soon so another adventure is likely but its all part of the fun.

Well I've done my stint as a BBC Radio reporter for now and it worked out well. It was at Rosslyn Park ( in Barnes near Richmond ) I got there in plenty of time. did some research and talked to a few people and set up the gear ( It had arrived on the Mounts Bay team bus. ( 6 hr trip.) Their HQ is at Penzance (Lands End) and its a surfing area so I would like to go there at some stage later in the year )

Did a test run or two with the gear and was ready for the match. It was a good match won 27 -17 by Mounts v Rosslyn Park ( Mounts are the top team in Southern Div 3 league ) The program takes in several sideline comments from various matches ( other reporters ) and this was one of them ( there were 2 others as well as a live match commentary from another match somewhere in the Cornwall area.

The program runs for about 3 hours ( 2 pm - 5 pm ) easily done when games are at staggered kick off times and we cross now to...... to give an update and so on. I interviewed the captain and their wing who scored 3 tries after the match ( pre recorded ) to air later on their Cornwall rugby show. It was a neat experience and I have been added to their list when games are in London again. This is a Cornwall BBC station and their top side was playing in London that week. I met up with the Mounts team players and management, had a few beers and then started the homeward journey this time doing some more exploring checking out the sights of London at night ( Leicester square, Charing Cross and surrounding areas before getting back to my unit in Greenwich. Quite an experience.

On Sunday I decided to stay with the rugby theme and since Saracens were playing Bath at Watford ( 2 top sides in Heineken cup ) this was on my radar so away I went ( 1.30 pm game ) It was a good match won by Saracens ( Sarries as they call em and with flags and banners everywhere it was another unique experience. ( I factored in 1 and half hours travel time and it took all of that. )

I was lucky enough to get into the members stand ( where all the players gather, with speeches and free food for all ) and talked with Census Johnson as well. Ex Taranaki prop playing for Saracens. He played well and has slimmed down alot and looked pretty quick at times around the track.

I was probably the only non member in this area but was shouted a beer or two and met up with some locals as well. Didnt get to meet up with the new Taranaki coach who is coaching at Saracens cause he didnt turn up at the afters but it was still an enjoyable outing. Chris Jack and Glen Jackson play for Saracens. Chris Jack was back in NZ for awhile but Jackson played. Managed a few words with him after the game as well. A local told me that Jack has signed for 3 yrs and is buying a house in Watford.

To get from Watford station to the ground ( also used as a football venue ) a taxi is required. They are all waiting for you at the station and the park ) otherwise its more walking. This cost me £ 5 but I shared the return journey with a Bath supporter I met.

That was my weekend. All focused on Rugby. It gets me out and about and I enjoy that.

Teaching this week has been good. I am starting to use past exam papers now which is good for specific question awareness which these student thrive on and it helps me too with the content and how they examine. There are differences in terms and formats so I am learning all this and staying at least one step ahead of my classes all the time.

No rugby coaching stint at Blackheath this Tues cause there are no club fixtures this Sat due to Eng v Wales this afternoon at Twickers. Would love to see this game live but even regular supporters have told me it is so difficult ( Often tickets are balloted as well ) so will see on TV this afternoon.

Went out to Charlton on Thurs to Asda ( a large supermarket / clothing store cause they had advertised suits for £ 15. This I had to see but yeah all sold by the time I arrived. Bought some undies ( 3 pairs for £3 ) and 6 pairs sox for £ 3 ) and a £ 3 toaster. This was my £ 3 day eh and I can now have toast again. Some good deals so long as you know where to go.

Had a few beers on Friday with a couple of teachers at the Union in Greenwich and that rounded off my week. Am establishing good rapport with my classes now and humour is beginning to show with the students and things I say. I have 3 boy students from Turkey and 2 of these are what can I say cheeky types and real casual and an occassion caused me to say ' What do you Turkish rebels think about all this now.' That created some laughter and rapport.

Thats about it for now. Its time to get ready for my trip to Battersea RFC. Cheers. see ya all next time.