New Blog

It is the end of an era. With my European Adventure coming to a close I only thought it would be apporiate to start a new blog. Christie, Stef and I had the most amazing time aboard. However, we must be growing up. Girl time has grown into growing up and moving along in life. So the new adventure begins in Canada with my boyfriend James.

www.albertabrummie.blogspot.com

Christmas With the Boorers

Another Christmas away from home. When your away...it really doesnt feel like Christmas, regardless you still dont want to spend it alone. Luckly, James (my boyfriend) family invited me to Birmingham to spend Christmas with them. Getting just enough time off work, I was looking forward to spending Christmas with someones family. Stef and Trisha were spending it with their friends and boyfriends in Brighton. Having dinner at a friends house and going for a drink the night before.

I had to work 6am till 4pm on Christmas eve then run to the train station to make it to Birmingham that night. Travelling on Christmas eve is quiet and expensive...that ticket was a small fortune...but worth it. I got to Birmingham late that night and his Dad and James picked me up at the station. The whole family was there and we spent the evening chatting. With five sisters, James, and his parents its a full house. But fun, there is always someone to hang out or chat to.

Christmas morning we had breakfast and opened presents. With so many people in the family, plus grandparents and boyfriends...Ive never seen so many presents under the tree! It was crazy!

His family got me some lovely gifts and made me feel right at home. They knew it was hard for me to be away from my family and wanted me to feel welcome!

The Boorer's celebrate christmas like most families...we spent a wonderful day chilling playing games and chatting. That night Pam make the most fantasitc feast I've ever seen. It was superb.

That night we played Cranium, the game I bought the family. It was great fun...especially with so many people. I even got James dad to do a charade of a beaver, which was so funny I almost wee'd myself.

However, issues came up with the fact that its a Canadian version of Cranium. We were doing the group activity of drawing. Your partner draws it out and your to guess what it is. There was much hushed whisper as to what it was...everyone seemed confused. I was one of the people guessing....time up no one knew got the drawing. The card....Tube Top. I burst into laughter as I explained its a type of shirt. I looked at the drawings of steel tubes with an arrow pointing to the top and laughed harder. A bit awkward cause no one else was laughing but I thought it was hillarious!

Spending time with the Boorers is like the perfect family, with six kids you would expect fights or tension of some sort....but they all get along brillantly...its amazing. It an absolute blast spending time with them!

Of course it was a short Christmas for me. I had to return back to work the next day. But although its sad that It was another Christmas away from home, at least I had the Boorers to ease the pain.

Remeber Remeber the Fifth of November

Alas, winter is here. Probably a different kind of winter then our friends back home are experiencing. No snow, no wind, no minus unbearable....just cloudy gloomy rain. Im not sure what is worse. I am personally more cold then I have ever been in Canada, but I suppose there are some external factors to consider.



I dont have a car, I walk to work...from work....out to shop...buy food...go out....basically I spend alot of time outside. Also, the buildings are old here. They are not meant to be heated. There is always some sort of draft, and the spots by the fire place are always taken. So Ive taken to wearing layers and warming by the radiator. So much for the saying " But your from Canada, you must be used to the warmth!?"



Well, thats my moan for this blog. Moving on....things have been pretty uneventful here to be honest. Alot of working, and just chillin. Halloween was beyond Stef and I this year. Couldn't be bothered to dress up and go clubbing with people seven years our junior. So instead, we stayed in with our boyfriends...craved pumpkins...and handed out some candy. That and we had to work anyways....ya....thats our excuse.



Thankfully, we had bonfire night to look forward to. A British custom held dearer to the English then any Halloween. All through November and the end of October, Bonfire nights are held around the country. There are different reasons for each small village to have there bonfire nights. There are societys, parades, marches, fires and best of all, fireworks. The biggest one happens to be held in Lewes. Which happens to be a 20 min bus ride from Brighton.



Our British blokes brought up the idea awhile ago...convincing us it will be a night to remeebr. So we booked off the day, got our tickets and went. Lewes bonfire night is held of Novermber 5, or Guy Fawkes night. Basically Guy Fawkes is a bloke from the 17th century, who tried to burn down parliment. He caused a great stir in the people, they hated him. The english wanted him dead....and Pope Paul the 5th burnt him at the stake. Since that fateful day, a bonfire is held on the same day each year...where people make stick figures of Guy Fawkes and throw him in the bonfire. Sounds morbid? It kinda is..



Stef and Jake came into town early and had a lovely breakfast at James. I cooked and I didnt burn down the house. The fact it was edible impressies me. Then we headed into Lewes. Lewes is one of my favorite places to be. A small medieval town stuck in time. It has charming little streets, independent shops and a quiant feel. I love it.



However, on this day it was filled with people. Every year up to 60,000 people come on this night. As well, all the shops were boarding up wood around there windows...what were we in for?

We spent the day at a small little pub right by the canal...the weather was beautiful...more then we could have asked for. Later Trish, Taylor and their friend James showed up. We spent the day enjoying the town and having some food. Then the parade began. Down the main street were tons for lit torches, people in period costume...it reminded me of the riot scene in Beauty and the Beast.

Then came the banners, "God Save the Queen", "Let Guy Die" and " Burn the Pope". Right...ok?



Then there were the controversal floats, like Angela Merkel making the Nazi salute....Im guessing political correctness is not there strong point. Then came the burning tar barrels they threw in the canaal. Im not entirely sure what all of this meant...but it was fun to watch.

Everywhere you went....there was fire and fireworks.....you would be just standing there and all of a sudden someone would throw a pop cracker at your foot. It was terrifying. Nosie and fire everywhere...it was quite an experience.

Then it was time for the final event. We headed out to the field to watch the bonfire. This was no fire with everyone standing around...this was a show. A large wooden statue of Guy Fawkes was blown up, then on a near by statue was a man playing Pope Paul the 5th...with everyone telling him to burn while they throw fire crackers at him....and the statue was aflame. The "Pope" was inside with a microphone egging them on. I dont know why he wasnt hurt...it was mental.



After the explosions came my favorite part...the firewoks. I have never seen such impressive fireworks in my life. They were out of control. I can not even explain how beautiful they were. And they went on for a full 30min. I couldnt believe it.

Overall, it was a great experience shared with amazing people. It was better then any Halloween spent in the clubs. And Im so glad we had the chance to experience such a morbid, weird, authentic, interesting British tradition.

Times They Are A Changing

The Last Photo

Apoligies are first at hand, it has been far to long since Ive paid attention to the blog. While this summer was fairly uneventful, rainy, cold and a dream crusher for our images of spending long days on the beach....September brought a tidal wave of changes. As many of you know, Brighton hasnt excatly been a stable settlement for us. Many moves in a short amount of time. With the lease being up at the end of August, and no chance of easily just going month by month....desicions had to be made. Trisha and Taylor decided to move out into a place of their own. While sad to see them move out, its better for them.

They found a lovely studio flat not far down the road from us in Hove. New furniture, gorgous modern kitchen and a bathroom that doesnt leak....makes our place look even more like a dump. They've settled in wonderfully and are really enjoying the privacy. Can't blame them, in a small 3 bedroom flat with five people you dont get much for privacy.

Since Christie came back from her visit from Canada...she was struggling with when excatly to move back home. Originally it was some time before Christmas, but as she settled back into Brighton life, it proved Christmas was far to long to wait. Canada's charm had pulled on her heart strings and was calling her home. October 6th would be the date we would bid farewell to Christie.

So that leaves me and Stef. What to do? We threw around the idea of moving into a smaller flat, but Stef and I tend to be social butterflies....hardly spending much time at all at home. Its more of a storage place and roof over our heads ( well, sometimes...will devuldge into that later).So, we decided to rent out the two rooms so we can stay in the place. After some skillfull gumtree ads, we found Rachel. British girl going to the music school down the road....shes lovely. 18 years old, first time out of home and the sweetest thing. Having her move in reminds me of the feelings I had first moving out. Excitment, nervousness, freedom, and an overall feeling of feart if you will actually be able to handle this. Shes doing great, and we really enjoy having her in the house.

Next up is Adam. Also a British student, hes an intelligent literary type who just loves to be around others. He is def the guy you want at the party. He is intrigued about all those around him, full of funny antedotes, and makes you feel welcome with his charm. He is an absolute thrill to be around.

So we've traded in the Canadians for the Brits...so far so good. Me and stef are still sharing a room....but like I said, we dont spend much time there...and were pretty used to it by now.

So with rooms sorted, we had one last thing to deal with. A final holiday for Christie, and a welll needed vacation for all of us that were so pail we were transparent. Trisha and Christie found a cheap holiday to Greece. Which was ideal, for Stef major place to go while backpacking was Greece. Unfortunatly at the time, there was alot of civil unrest...so we put it on the back burner. It was an all inclusive holiday to Corfu Greece booked for the end of September....convintly happening to fall of my birthday. Life sucks, I know.

So now a holiday was in place. Next for me, Jobs. I had been searching for a new job for sometime. Giraffe was slow...shitty pay...and horrible. Im used to being broke...but I couldnt get by on this job. After some networking...I got a job at the resturant across the road. Bill's. Better hours, with tips....glorious tips. Still shit tips for the average Canadian...but at least now I can be broke and get by. Plus with the holiday pay from Giraffe I was able to pay for the Greece vacation...Thank You Lord!

You always forget how hard it is starting new jobs. Being the new girl. You dont know anyone, your always doing something wrong, and you dont know a soul. They are all really nice, and the work is hard but satisfying. But you get the crap hours, crap section, and no friends. O well, its already improving...and hopefully in the next couple of months I will be in my element once more. For the next while....Im the New Girl. yuk.

Us girls, all dressed up

So finally with the stress of life over for awhile, (till the next problem that arisies) its time for celebration! Stef is first up for the quarter century birthday. 25. Dear Lord, 25. Its this one that really hits a girl. You think back to where you thought you would be at 25, what you thought you would be doing at 25, what you thought you were look like at 25. 18 was never the year I turn into an adult. It was 25.

Stef and Jake

Living our lives as we had, its easy to believe that we dont really consider ourselves adults. Whilst the majority of our school mates are married with kids....were sharing a room in a crappy apartment, in a shitty minimum wage job, no responsiblity but paying rent, spending our last penny on travelling whenever it arises.

Before your 25, you tell yourself...Im in my early 20's, living the life, Ive got lots of time to sort myself out. Somehow, 25 doesnt seem like the 20's. Its that mark you hit when you feel society is assessing your life choices. What you've acomplished and whether your just going to bum around being a waitress for the rest of your life. I know Im acting like Im a 35 year old spinster living at home with gambling debts, no boyfriend and losing my hair....but its as if the fear of it hits you at 25. Dramatic....but the feeling lingers none the less. This year...I'm starting to feel....Old.

Settling into our old age, Stef decided she wanted a quiet get together.... pedicaures with just us girls inthe day then dinner and a couple of drinks at the pub. Didn't happen. Anyone that knows Stef, knows that she has alot of friends that want to convay their love to her. So a dinner reservation of six turned into a reservation of sixteen. She looked fabulous and not a day over 22, it was a lovely dinner at Browns with all her friends. Then a boozy night at the Memerist which was playing local music. At breakfast the next morning...you can tell it was an amazing birthday indeed.

Stef blowing out her candels

As always, the Greece holiday snuck up on us. And in typical fashion, it was a rush pact at 2am in the morning, with a cab ride to Gatwich Airport at 3am. It was a quick easy flight....by noon we were hit by a wave of heat and sun. Greece.....beautiful Greece. Flying into landing, you see hundreds of Islands. 1,400 to be exact. Corfu, which is actually quite a large island...was stunning. I was surprised to discover it was mountainous terrain. I suppose I didnt know much about Greece to begin with.

In the pool

We took a shuttle to the hotel. It was an hour an a half drive through the island. Which was a special treat. However, terrifying ride threw narrow lanes next to a cliff watching the driver check his phone for messages. I wont lie....I was praying.



The hotel was beautiful and very large. Not excatly the four star resorts you get in Mexico...but just fine none the less. We settled into our room, then opened the doors to the balcony. The view over looked the Mediterrian Sea, into a cove called La Guerrata bay.....it was breath taking. Mexico can not compare to this view. I dont have the vocabulary to describe this view, but I can assure you it was something Ive never seen before. Beautiful.

On the balcony of our hotel

Straving from the flight, we went in search for food. We ran across this outdoor resturant. Hospitaity we would learn, is impecible in Greece. The people are so friendly, and being in the resturant biz...it wasnt a tourist I have to be outstandingly nice to you so I can make money off you. It was a genuie feeling of wanting to make sure you relax and learn to enjoy Greece for what it is.

Yum! Greek Food

We had the authentic greek food. Tzakiti, pita bread and Greek Salad. Amazing. Greek abroad will never taste the same. Simple and tasty, we throughly enjoyed ourselves. That night, we had some drinks at the bar at the hotel and went wandering. It was a treat in and of itself, to be wearing a sundress at 10pm...still absorbing the days heat. We found another bar overlooking one of the bays. The moon was full and shawn light on the ocean. Its a calming feeling.

In the sunshine...we were so deprived

Then we ventured down some stairs and found a beach. It was bright out due to the moon. And we all sat in apperciating of our lives that we were able to overlook the sea.



The next days were filled with simply basking in the sun, taking dips in the pool, reading books and taking time to just relax. We would wander up to the bar for a drink or to the buffet. While the hotel was very nice, and drink were amazing....the buffet was lacking. We had decided before we came that it wouldnt matter about the food, were just wanted to enjoy the sun and pool. However, this food was a step up from unedible. We dreaded going to the bufffet. It was the blandest food Ive ever had. O well....C'est la vie

First day in, we went to the cove that we could see from our hotel balcony. Going down 10 flights of uneven stair built into the side of a cliff....there was a bar at the bottom. Just below was the rocks that appeared above the gorgous clear blue sea. There was a dock and a diving board, with some local jumping off the cliffs. We went off the diving board into the warm water. It was incredible rejuvinating. We swam around the cove, the rock perturding and were slightly terrifyed of the rocky bottom...nervous as to what was underneath. There were little caves and you were able to climb around....I felt a bit like a mermaid.



On my birthday the girls made special attention to it. The night before whilst out for a drink, the countdown was on. Just like that, I turned 25. To celebrate we went back to the private beach we found the night before with a bottle of wine. What a glorious way to ring in the new age.

 

 

The captain is ready for the Boat

Me and Trisha chilling on the Boat

That day we rented a boat from the cove. None of us have actually drivin a boat in years or ever really on our own. We got a speedboat, however it didnt go that fast...probably for the best. A couple instructions from the guy and we were off. We headed out to sea. On the way you see the coast dabled with many different beaches...which are only accessible by boat. We did pretty well at the driving, making sure we were many miles away from anything we could hit. Once out a fair bit, we parked the boat and went for a swim. By swim I meant we jumped in, got nervous about sharks and got back in the boat.



On the way back, the wind picked up and the waves were suddenly much bigger then before. Nervous as we are, we went really slow and said a little pray.....we really dont like things of these situations. 20min late with a girly apoligy we made out ok.

On the Boat

That night the girls toook me for a lovely dinner at a local outdoor resturant. The people were so friendly, and the local wine was delicious. The night was spent at a local bar, having cocktails and some giggles. Has to be my favorite birthday yet. Time spent with good friends and I was in Greece. Last year Rome, this year Greece.....I am so lucky.

My 25th Bday Dinner

The next day, Trisha and Stef found a private beach a few miles down the road. Sandy with tons of little market shops, it was amazing. We spent the day soaking up the sun in this gorgous bay area. Later we went for a swim across the bay. After getting to the other side....we realized were pretty out of shape. Regardless, we decided to go cliff jumping. We had seen others doing it and felt adventrous. Dont worry, we are the careful type. Me and Chris scouted out the spot, then I had the pleasure of pushing Chris down as far as I could to make sure it was deep enough.

 

Both girls Giving into the Craze....Reading 50 shades of Grey

Both

Chris opted out of the jumping, so me, Stef and Trisha climbed the cliff. At the top, It was alot higher then I remeber. Trisha went first....after she was fine, I gave it a go......Incredible! To much fun....Stef took her time but finally took the plunge. To much fun.

An amazing Beach

That night we went to a Greeek Resturant further in town. The owner was a classic greek man who clearly loved his job. There was live traditional music playing. You could tell it was a family affair, with kids and wives and such coming in and out. While having some pre dinner wine from Greece ( which was weird, it tasted of water down wine with pine), the dancing started. The sons did a pairing dance, you could tell they were still learning but still did a great job.

Dinner in Greece

After some amazing food and cheer. The owner turned down the lights, lite fire to the floor and started to dance. You could tell the music just emcompasses his body. As he dances, he takes a shot of brandy, and starts to play with the fire. Then before we knew it...he cleared away the chairs, and picked up a table with his mouth and started dancing with it. I couldnt believe it! It was an amazing performance!

hher

Another beautiful View

 

The next night, our hotel put on a Greek night. Some dancers came in a performed three types of Greek dances from through the years. The costumes and music, it was such neat to see. You can tell there is alot of pride in it. At the end, they got everyone together and we got to learn some of the moves. I think if there was any dance I would want to learn...it would be this!

Greek Dancer

Trying to learn Greek Dancing

All the sun, lounging and laughs quickly brought us to our last night. Stef and Trisha had met a British woman who ran one of the shops. She had gone to Greeece when she was in her 20's and never stopped thinking about it. Five years ago her and her husband moved her and have never been happier. She suggested we go to the oldest resturant in the area for the best greek food. Eating at the buffet, we were ready for a good meal. So we got dressed up and headed off.



Me and Chris infront of the Sunset
It was a lovely little place. The waiter was so friendly, and easy to chat to. He recomended us dishes and got us some great wine. Even a free shot! We had a nice lazy dinner....the food was to die for. So great, especially after not having a great meal all week. There were cats and kittens everywhere...and some dogs. This is very typcial of Greece, but all the cats and dogs are friendly. There is even one dog that the girls really took to that just hangs around the hotel. I dont touch the animals....who knows what they must have!



Gorgous Greek Sunset
After dinner, we went to a bar that the waiter recomended for us. Later, him and some friends joined. It was really nice sitting with some locals and them tell us about Corfu, what the Greek way of life is and how they feel about the Euro and how the media has protrayed them. It was such an incredible holiday, and a wonderful way to end it.

The next day was the same old travel, and by the time we made it back to Brighton...it was rainy and cold. Of course. I wish I was back in Greece.



Our First Dinner in Greece

Now back in Brighton, the dreaded day was coming. We kept pretty good about it in Greece....but now Christies leaving date was coming fast. The week was filled with get togethers and good bye parties. And us girls spending as much time as possible with her. So happy we had Greece to spend good time with her...

The day was here, and for her final day in the UK we went paintballing! Great idea! We got out to Crawley and geared up....Ive never been before and neither has Chris. The courses were instense....Bus, huts, forest, barracks....It was really life like. The first couple of games, we mostly just huddled by each other in fear of getting hit. However, after the first hit you realize it doesnt hurt that much.

In the Gear...Ready to Paintball
But slowly as the day went on....we got braver and braver! By the end we were running into fire shooting down people! It was great. Thankfully, we had some older veterans on our team. You can tell these guys come often and dont lose! We beat the other team by a landside.

By the end of the day, we were exhausted, exhilarated, and in tack. Expect for Stef...she got it right in the inner thigh, with all sorts of colours of brusing. Ouch!

After a rest back in Brighton, the four of us girls headed out to the Lion and Lobster(our local pub) for the last dinner. Sitting across from Chris, we were all sad. But we tried our best to make light and keep the night going. By the time we got back we were balling messes on the coach.

 

Us Girls Celebrating 25 Years
Bright and early the next day the four of us headed out to spend Chris on her way. At the airport, Chris had to move some stuff around....the suitcase was 36kg...the the attendant wasnt having it. She put it in her backpack....crises averted. Amazing how you can fit a years worth of stuff into three bags. Amazing.

Once at the gate, it was time for goodbyes. We watched her walk through and just like that....she was headed back to Canada. The three of us sat for awhile contemplating what were going to do without her here. It was the end of a chapter. No longer is this the European Adventure.....its life in Brighton. All apart of growing up I suppose.

With Chris safly back in Canada....we realized it was Canadian thanksgiving this weekend. As luck would have it me, Trisha and stef all had monday off. So we decided to make dinner and have some people over! Trisha and Stef tackled the side dishes or vegtables, sweet potators, brussel spourts and pie. And me and Adam(our new roomate) handled the Chicken(there was no way my oven would handle a turkey) and the stuffing.

 

All our Friends Over for some Canadian Cheer

Adam was really excited for this thanksgiving...being a Brit, and finding a new fasination with Canada...this was going to be epic. I got my Grandmothers famous stuffing recipe. Adam and I manged to make the stuffing and get it into the bird. Slow cooking for 2 hours. It was a good crew of people....3 Brits, 4 Canadians and stefs friend from Portugal. The dinner was amazing...we got it spot on. The most raved about? Grandmas stuffing! Thanks Gram!

Us Canadians trying to Cook a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
After we spent the night playing cards and chatting. It was so nice having people over, and just relaxing. All of us wished Chris was there though...but she got to spend Thanksgiving with her family....that we are all jealous of.

So there you go.....you are all up to date. All of us are doing well, settling into the next chapter of Brighton life....wonder what the rest of this year will bring?

CANADA DAY!!

With Canada Day approching, we had the time to reflect on what we have learnt whilst being in the UK. This is why Canadians are awesome...

1. British people appoligize profusly when we they guess were from the States and we inform them were from Canada.

2. No body over here can say they have met a Canadian they dont love or think is friendly.

3. British have the most ridiculous tax sceme I've ever heard off...20% tax if you get toasted bread instead of non-toasted bread, more tax on pastry items, tax on the amount of windows in your home, or my personal favorite.....TV license. If you own a TV, even if you dont have cable...you need a license for this. There is even a division of TV police that will charge you....To be honest...at first I thought it was a joke....unfortunatly...its true.

4. Why do Canadians have thanksgiving? Actually I dont have the slightest clue when people ask me about that.

5. Unlike Britian, we have a day...the birth of our country...an excuse to party and sing our national anthem as many times as we like.



Canada is amazing. You apperciate it even more when your away from home. So this year...being so far away...we knew we had to make it count. We decided on a BBQ on the beach, lots of beer and food and of course...a raging bonfire. Again, unlike back home...you aint going to burn down a forest when all that surronds you is rocks and sea.



For weeks, we picked up firewood (usually old scraps that were about to be thrown away) and discount beer. On July 1st, we were ready. Fortnatly we had an extra Canadian, Jessie was in town. So with us roomies, stefs boyfriend Jake (a brit) and Jessies boyfriend Mike (an american...dont worry he is very proud of Canada and lets us take a piss out of him) we had enough hands to set up on the beach for our big day!





When we got down there we had a lovely BBQ of hot dogs, coleslaw, chips and beer. The weather wasnt great...but nothing compared to what we have been recently experiencing in the Uk ( a down pour of rain....summer aint looking like its going to happen here). So we were thankful.




We set up our Canada flag proud along the wall for everyone to see! Its Canada day, and everytime we sang O Canada...everyone knew about our special day. All dressed in red and white we were ready for a good time.



It was amazing, but we had a couple unexpected vistors, a Swedish homeless guys whom we had to send away, a couple from Lithunia and a history teacher from Montana. Scary how little this history teacher knew about Canada...have no fear! I gave him our entire history from start to finish!








Later in the night we had some friends join us. Co-workers of ours, friends and my boyfriend James. I made James wear the Canadian tuxedo (double denim) and my Dad's Canada hat. If he doesn't speak....you would have thought he was Canadian.








The wood we had been collecting as well as the beer...lasted us well into the night. A quick early morning breakfast at Buddies and it was a night well done. It was nice to be able to speak about our favorite Canadian stories, how much we missed home, how proud we were to be Canadian and just being surronded by our foreign friends around the fire. We are incredible blessed to be here....but also incredible proud to be from the best country in the world. I just pray we continue to protray ourselves well....because were Canadian....and people should know how awesome we are!