Baby T Arrives in Brighton

I hope this holiday season was delightful for all of you back home! Our first christmas in Brighton, away from the comforts of home and surronding love of our families was tough. But we managed to pull off a spectular Christmas!
One of the best presents was Trisha making it to Brighton. Just in the nick of time! In a week we recieved comformation she was coming, then three days later there she was in the living room. Being that is was her first flight alone, across the Altantic no less....she did great. Brave, if you ask me. Although jet lagged, she couldnt contain her excitement. She made it!!! All those months of hard work at BP's paid off. Her dream fullfilled.
We were equally estatic that the fourth to our trio was here. And bearing some gifts from home, like my winter jacket and some of Stefs shoes. Trisha was obviously feeling a bit like a fantasy....all these old building, british accents...O and the sea that storms outside of flat. Its a bit overwhemling. But she loves it.
Trisha has been adjusting beautifully to life in the UK. Shes settled into the room with me, tight but wonderfully cozy. We've showed her around and shes seen the sights. And after a couple of weeks vacation...shes now looking for jobs. Its a bad time of the year to be looking for employment...and as me and the other girls experienced.....its hell handing out endless resumes on foot with only discouraging outcomes. Have no fear, I know this girlie will find a job soon.
Christmas morning started with a breakfast feast Canada style. Eggs, bacon, toast, hashbrowns, and coffee with bailys. Our parents sent presents in the mail, which means we all had something to open. Christies parents got us a Canada scarf and mitts! Warm and now we can flash our flags about. My parents got us warm pjs and slippers. To which, we do not take off. Those slippers and pjs are on the second we enter the flat. My parents spoiled me as always, got me a beautiful Belle figurin to put in my room. It makes the room feel like mine.
After breakfast we went down to the pier. Brighton's christmas tradition? Hundreds of people going for a swim in the ocean! It was quite the turnout, and WOW they looked cold. Then us girls settled in for the Christmas Vacation movie and got ready for dinnner.
We were all a bit nervous about how to pull off a Christmas feast. Thank God for our mothers and skype....passing down their years of Christmas meal wisdom down to us. We decided on a Ham, stuffing, yams, beans and pumpkin pie. For breakfast I wanted to make my mothers wifesaver...but the UK has never heard of cheese slices. Go figure.
Shopping was difficult. Its hard when you dont have all the ingredients you grew up knowing easily accessible. Breadcrumbs? Nah....I guess will dry out some bread. Poultry seasoning?....three different shops. Pre made Pie Crust?......I guess will try and make it ourselves. Eggnog?....not a chance.
However we made due. Stef made a lovely pumpkin pie...even the crust was a amazing. A real suzy homemaker. The Ham while a bit crisp was delicious. And the stuffing...although not the same as moms....was edible. However, there was alot of wine involved...maybe thats why everything was so delicious.
Christie unfortunatly had to work quite late...but she made great money which makes it better. Stefs friend from work is from Austrailia so she came over. As well as our flatmate upstairs Zaid from the US. It was nice having company over, getting all dressed up, and listening to Christmas music. Much wine and cheer, a successful Christmas indeed.
Boxing day Stef and Trisha went to London...to show Trish around and see their cousin Ashley. Trish obviously LOVED london and they had an amazing time. However, on boxing day the streets were crowded with people everywhere. Well, sounds the same as home.
After Christmas is was back to work as usual. All of us have intrgrated into our jobs, so we actually have friends to go out with. Its nice to have people show you around, and having drinks in pubs after a long day at work. I could get used to this British lifestyle.
Both Christie and Stef had to work new years. But thanks to my lovely manager I had new years eve and new years day off. BOO YAH! Me and Trish deicded we wouldnt go crazy clubbing this year. We wanted it to be casual. Thankfully, our flatmates upstair Zaid and Nils were down for some beer pong. After we met up with Christie and Stef at a lounge and rang in the new years with a shot.
It was wonderful ringing in the New Year with these girls. It was a long year of endless hours working, saving money, sacrificing and making our dream come alive. And here we are....2012 in Brighton. We've backpacked Europe, overcome amazing obstacles and had the most incredible experiences. Now that we have settled into our flat, have jobs and an income, the Inpoditus epidemic is over (Look it up, its not a good time).....2012 will not disappoint. We are so blessed.
Now, 2012 we are in a routine of working and meeting new people. Money sucks, but at least we have enough to live and buy a few new clothes. We have already decided our next trip will be Dublin for St. Pattys day. A couple of Christies friends from back home our going to join so it will be an AMAZING time.
The best part of the new year? MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT!!!!!!!! She is coming to see me Jan 29 till Feb 4. Ive booked off the time and have already started planning her trip. I am SOOOOO excited I dont even know how to put it in words.
Well, till next time loves. Happy New Year. I hope this year will bring you much love, happiness and amazing experiences.

Momma Koppe Comes for a Visit

So its been awhile since the last blog. However, now that we are settled and not galavanting around Europe....there is not as much to report. Dont worry though, as in all my conversations with people...Ill find something to talk about.

After days of counting down her arrival, Charlotte Koppe (Christies mom) arrived to Brighton. She got a good seat sale, and obviously wanted to visit her daughter...and us too! We were all excited for the visit. A mom, someone from home, and someone to talk to and listen to our problems. Mom's are the best for that.

Her first impression of Brighton was a confused one. Knocking on the window of our flat because our bell is broken, and we were all very asleep. Thankfully, she finally got ahold of Christie on her phone. Oops.
Though jet lagged, she visited over coffee and brought presents. Christie purse, wallet, cards, and presents (me and stef got some too!) We also enjoyed seeing pictures of Jacob, Christies nephew. Cute lil guy.

During Charlottes visit, her and christie did a London tour, went to Stonehedge, cruise, and all the Brighton attractions. They even went to Harrolds. This was clearly a highlight by the look on their faces when they told us about the wonderment of the famous department store in London. One night Christie had to work, so me and Stef showed her the Lanes and took her for a pint of beer and fish and chips. Always a classic.
Christie and her mom also came to me and stef's work for lunch. Of course I didnt have the chance to serve them, because Lucas found them fabulous and enjoyed serving them. Popular ladies.

It was so nice having Charlotte here. Its so nice to have a mom around that cleaned, bought food for the fridge and loved to hear our worn out stories. She throughly enjoyed her trip and the time with her daughter. Me and Stef are a tad jealous, Maybe our mommies will come for a quickie visit?

So winter has hit in Brighton. Hard to tell...yes, it has chilled off. But where is the snow? Who would have thought I could miss the snow so much. Just doesnt feel right. Honestly, I would take the snow over this. Its frezzing! 5 celicus with frezzing rain and the wind that is lined with salt from the sea. You turn onto my street that leads straight to the sea.....I honestly had trouble walking. The wind was so intense, you could just hear the howling. All you from Lethbridge....the wind is way worse here. So be grateful for that...and the fact you have a car and dont actually have to stand outside and deal with it.

I get a kick out of, everytime I come into Giraffe grumbling about how cold it is they respond..."But your from Canada, Canadians dont get cold." In Canada I had a car and enough money to buy a nice winter jacket and ugg boots. Im frezzing!

Giraffe is good. I enjoy working there, and now that Ive been there for a bit Im making friends and things are coming to me easier. Thanks to my Aunt Leah, who sent me a wonderful list with slang words and what they equate to. It was very helpful. Its a small staff at Girafee, so you actually get to know who your working with...I like that. It amazes me that even half way across the world...servers complain about the same things, the kitchen people all have that certain personailty, managers always grumble about the same crap....Its no different.

However, serving British people is different. When they are seated you have to give them at least 5 min to look over the drinks. Any sooner, they will offensivly ask for more time due to the fact they havent read the entire drink menu yet. Then....its a coke and a water.

They are also offended about taking plates away before everyone is done there meal. And the bill? You have to wait to be asked. Its considered rushing to bring it any sooner. As you can probably imagine...I just stand there staring at them waiting and debating if its been to soon or not. Alas....Im sure Ill get a feel for it soon enough.

I've made up a bit of a game when it comes to my accent. At least 2 or 3 times a shift I am asked where Im from. Then I make them guess.....cold....no ...no...warmer....almost....you got it! So far I have gotten Canadian more then American. They usually say..." Yep, I knew it...I could tell it was a Canadian accent not American." Really? Because I cant. I would just assume they were from North America.

Surprisly, most know quite about Canada. Most even know where Calgary is. Impressive seeing I dont even know what the closest town is to Brighton. I dont even know if I could pick out Brighton on a map. I know, sad....work on your geography.

Although, being that I am Canadian...I ID people that buy alchol that look under 25. I kept getting alot of weird looks. Even " OMG I haven't been ID is SOOOO long" She's 23. Then I found out that you only have to be 16 to order a beer in a resturant. And they only ID people that look under 21. Wow, I look stupid. I dont ID anymore.

Another weird issue Im not used to is pregnant women ordering a beer or wine. Here is a beautifully dressed women who is visibly pregnant, with her husband and kids ordering a Corona. I kinda just looked at her funny till she repeated herself. I asked one of my co workers if thats common pratice. He just said, well ....I mean...she probably shouldnt...but ya they sometimes drink. She wasn't a trashy woman, and Ive seen 2 other women do it as well. Dont really know how I feel about that.

As well, I have met my first celebrity. Ross Noble. Hes a famous comedian over here. Obviously, Ive never heard of him. He came to Giraffe by himself. He was friendly enough and cause it was slow I chatted with him a bit. He asked where I was from....he lost. American he thought I was...nope. However, he told me when he was in Canada he went to a Blue Jays game. It was sponserd by KFC, and during half time they were throwing drumstick into the crowd. Wow. Trashy much Canada? I just kind of stared at him with embrassment that this is his impression of my country.

Later the bartender saw him and was clearly star stuck. Then all of my other co workers were in excitment. Clearly he is a big deal. I told the bartender to go get his autograph...but he was too shy. So I went over to Ross and said " So appartenly your a famous comedian, Sorry Ive never heard of you... Im from Canada" Haha he laughed and said he figured as much, but that he enjoyed talking to someone who didnt know who he was. Then I asked him to sign an autograph for the bartender. He wrote " Your a big scardy cat, getting a girl to do your dirty work. Cheers Ross Noble" Then I told him I would youtube him to see what he was all about. I did later that night....hes actually really good! Fun experience either way.

Me and the girls have been getting out more as well. The other night me and stef went to a Jazz club. It was a live band playing the craziest music. There was a dj, cello, guitar, violin and a girl scatting. It was like techno jazz. Still havent met my prince. There are alot of gay men here. *sigh*

Trisha's visa has gone through and she will be joining us in Brighton very soon. Our one room is so small me and Trish will be bunkbeddies...to be honest, we still need to measure it to make sure it would fit. Manana Manana. We are all very excited. We hope shes here for Christmas!

Today I heard about the tragedy in Lethbridge. I worked with Tabitha at Montanas. She was an amazingly beautiful girl. She had a great smile and a personality with spunk. I always loved working with her, I was always envious at how good she was behind the bar. Now her life has been taken away from her. She was so young. They were all so young. When Tess died I felt the same. So young, same age as me and gone in the blink of an eye. My thoughts are with her family and friends, so senseless. Makes you realize just how short life can be. Enjoy it while you can.

Our christmas plan will be fairly uneventful. Christie has to work but me and stef have Christmas off. We are going to attempt to cook a ham, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It has disaster written all over it. Thank god for chinesse take out....lets face it...you know it will end that way. While it may be a small and lonely christmas...we have eachother and wine. It cant be that bad. However, with Christmas approaching I find me really missing my family and friends back home. Like missing the Swiss Christmas party. And being there Christmas morning with my family, having coffee and wifesaver. Next year, cause this year were trying out a Brighton Christmas.

So to all of our friends and family back in Canada. We love you all, we miss you all. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Caughting up on Pictures

Brighter Days in Brighton

It was three weeks ago we went trotting down Queens way, with 19kg backpacks, haggered messes, looking for a hostel in Hove. Seems like months ago. Now were trotting to a different pace, living life with a completely different mindset. Settling in, nesting, integrating ourselves into the UK.
Now that ALL of us have jobs, were getting into a routine. Its nice to be honest. Spontanous, adventures, globe trotting has been fun. But, I do believe my body apperciates the good nights rest.

Our jobs are lovely. Stef is loving Pho, shes moving up the server ranks fast. Constantly being apperciated for her incentive and charming service. Plus they love her. However, I have never met anyone who hasnt instantly fallen in love with her.

Christie as well is loving her place of employment. Her graceful personality works well in fine dining. Due to her hard work, shes getting some of the best hours and tips. Her co-workers also love her witty charm. Just last night, we went ice skating with her some of her fellow employees.

The ice rink is at the Royal Pavillion, this huge Taj Mahol looking castle in the heart of Brighton. Not as large as a Canadian rink, but an amazing view of the towering icon. Some of her new friends have never been on ice before. Coming from Bolviaria and the Dominican Republic, I understand the reason. Interesting to watch an adult learn to skate for the first time. Some wine and cheer, couple falls on the ice, it was a lovely Christmas activity that makes a girl feel kinda homesick. Great time nonetheless.

Giraffe is a job that was well worth the stress of unemployment. The small staff, teamworking, fast paced atmosphere is right up my alley. I love it. The tips are nice as well, not much, only 10 - 15pounds per shift....either way...more then I was expecting. After work, most of the staff enjoy a beer and a good chat. I can already tell Im going to make some good friends here. Especially Lucas, the polish gay manager who is full of life and enjoys my humor. Reminds me of my good polish friend Kasia from Swiss. Only the male version of her.

With more security in income, we've been able to enjoy some Brighton nightlife. Fortunatly, our friends from upstairs are kind enough to show us around. The clubs are pretty pumping....young though. Im sure we'll find our favorite spot soon enough though.

Its been amazing having friends the flat above. Especially when they have wifi and lend us their password. BOO YAH! Now our flat is complete with internet connection. Makes skyping with the parents more enjoyable. Not having to sit at starbucks with shotty wifi, yelling over the back ground noise with eveyone looking at you funny.

We have also acomplsihed orientating ourselves around Brighton. We know were to buy groceries, banking, get to work and even the quickest way to the seafront. Really starting to feel like a local.

On my day off, I went exploring. The Brighton pier is a famous staple of Sussex history. Seen from almost any part of the seafront. The pier is open all year round, offering everything from arcade games to fish and chips with beer to amusement rides. Lively place, even at the end of November.
Just next to the pier is the ferris wheel. Large and beautiful, I imagine the view from on top is breathtaking. Price wise it is out of the budget for now....one day though.

My favorite part is the birds. Overlooking the pier, you get a wonderful view of the waves crashing against the pebble shoreline. Above, is hundreds of sparrows that are grouped together flying back and forth to the movement of the sea. It was such a unquie experience. I have no clue as to what the purpose was behind these sparrows....but I did enjoy the opportunity to watch.

Trisha, (Stefs sister) skyped last night with wonderful news. Her papers are in the process and after one last appointment she will be able to join us in a couple of weeks. She will be bunking with me. Litterally....the room is tight so to fit two beds were getting a bunk bed. I do love a bunk bed slumber party! It will be nice to have another girl in the house...someone with new stories. Just dont tell our landlord, we didnt mention the extra body. Oops.

Last night, we came to vastly apperciate technology as we know it today. After a Bad Boy 2 movie session, facebook blew up with news of the looming fire coming towards Lethbridge. We were able to facebook friends, strem Country 95.5 for local news, even skype my family to see that everything and everyone was ok. Being so far from home, its horrible to hear that your hometown is in danger. However, technology is so amazing....I knew about the fire before my mother.

Skype is by far my lifesaver. Being able to see and talk face to face with my family eases the pain of being away. As well, its good to catch up with old friends. This morning us girls were lucky enough to meet Cheryl and Jess baby boy Ethan. After months of Wing Wednesdays, watching Cheryl grow this precious child....we got to meet him. Not quite as good as being able to hold him....but its better then nothing. It was also amazing to see that Cheryl, while a new mom....looked incredible. I have bags under my eyes, and shes a model....even though it was 6 in the morning at the time! Motherhood agrees with this lady.

Life in Brighton is filled with new experiences and new friends. We made the right choice moving here and making it our home. As well, Christie's mom is coming this Friday. It will be nice to have a mom around. Till next time, Cheers.

Well....this is awkward.

With most new countries we have visited. The wording is different. Easy enough, theres a million other
words to use to get your point across. Some discovered so far.

Apartment = Flat

Bathroom = Toilet

Pint of Beer = Large Cider

Man = Bloke (love that one, now I just need to find myself one)

Bullshit = Bullocks

and the:

You ok?
The first time I heard that I was in the midst of handing out my resumes for the second time and on the verge of tears over unemployed frustration. I gave the Starbucks man a quizzical look and open my mouth to tell him " Of course Im not ok! I dont have a job, Im broke as a joke, my feet hurt from these boots and Im sleeping on the floor cause I dont have a mattress!"Thankfully, before I could speak he asked me what I'd like to order.

After a couple more similar situations, Ive come to realize this is the British " Hey, How are ya?" However, when your brain's been wired to interpurt such a comment as a form of concern.....it makes you feel awkward. You first instint is defense...."Im fine, why do you ask? Does it look like Im not fine?" Instead, I just smile and nod. I dont really know how to respond apportiatly.

I mean, how does the squence go? Further research needs to be done.

Next Issue. The Language. We don't speak the language. Yes we both speak english, but I do believe I could understand spanish better then Im picking up on this language. How in the world will we ever be able to understand the mumble? Who knew it could be so difficult.

To add to the distress of communication, the art of conversation in Britian also demands advanced learning. Eye contact. I never realized how important it could be. It acknowledges the person you wish to speak to, and provides a sense of interest in that person. Here its not used to the same extent.

Often times, (as I discovered my first day of work) they do the pass by mumble. As they walk by they do not look at you, say something to you the exact moment they pass you, and expect you to follow them. Well, picture me standing there looking ahead as the manager walks by. Then he stops, turns around and taps me on the shoulder to follow him. Sadly, there were many times with everyone that happened.

Rude? I was thinking that at first. But they all do it to each other. Of course, they all speak British so they actually understand what it is the person is saying. I dont.

Unfortunatly, due to the language barrier....I come off as an idiot. Sorry, can you repeat that? What would you like me to do? What did you just say? Everytime with a confused look on my face.

I thought, maybe Im just not concentrating enough. So know Ive taken to looking intently at their mouth and squinting....because when your squinting people know your seriously listening. I think Im just coming off as the weird new girl. Alas, if only there were a class I could take to understand the language.

Another issue, which I am sure is a famous concern for most newcomers.....the wrong side of the road. Naively, I did believe this would not affect me....its not like im going to be driving. Did not consider crossing the road. I keep looking the opposite direction of oncoming traffic. That, and I hate waiting for the green man to walk. See how this could be dangerous?

This may be more of a Brighton thing then a Britian thing but......Seagulls? After my incident with the Seagull in Monte Carlo (Ya, it was me) I hate the filthy things. But they are everywhere and loved. You see tons of people feeding them....like they are cute little creatures. Gross. Brightons football team is even called Seagulls. Wow, real aggressive.

It honestly feels like I am re-wiring my brain to live in Britian. Changelling and exciting, also frustrating. But thats part of the fun right? Being somewhere new and different. Being the newcomer to this Royal land. I promise to keep you all updated on my awkward attempts to intigrate into this society. Lets face it, graceful....I am not.

Things are Starting to Come Together

Its amazing how up to date you can stay on the blog when your unemployed. I feel more productive then ever. To bad I dont get paid for it.

Alrighty....15 days living in Brighton. What have we accomplished?

After eight days of sleeping on the floor and sharing the couch as a bed. We have mattress'. We have slept in ALOT of hostels, but even the worst bed was a throne compared to our sleeping arrangment.
Went to the YMCA in hove. And got a huge dinosaur tv for 25 pounds. Even picks up FIVE channels! What lucky girls we are. However British tv is hard to follow. The accent mixed with the mumble is tough to understand. Can we write off the tv as research?

Bought some dishes from the Pound Store. Yep, thats right...cheap and only a pound. Thats going to take some getting used to...Pound, not Dollar. We have lovely penguin plastic dishes. And I found a Belle mug. *sigh* lucky!

After some terrifying days and creative ideas about what I will do if I cant get a job. I finally joined the working world again. Giraffe. Chain resturant, fast paced, fun filled character who are emplyed there ( I just know we will get along!) and they love to pride themselves on friendly happy servers. Sounds like Swiss eh? Just my kind of place!! I might even get some tips!!! Heres to hoping.

Set up our utility bills. Still have no idea if its a set price, when to pay it, or where to pay it. We'll figure that out later. I think its an accomplishment that would could understand the representative enough to set it up.

Got a bank account. No money in there....but the fact I dont have to walk inside HSBC ever again...makes me estatic!

Met the neighbors the flat above us. Three young boys that are going to school part time, living off their parents money, and play alot of video games. Shy, but they invited us up to their flat for a drink. Super nice boys....we are waiting for the right time to ask for their wifi password. Fingers crossed!

Even though money is tight, we went out looking for friends. We are STRAVED for conversation. Last night, me and stef had an entire conversation with the guy that sold us our yogurt at the supermarket.
Nice guy, his birthday is tomm and he turns 50. I know....sad. Unfortunatly, the night while fun.....did not make us any friends. But the music was pumping. Is there such a thing as online friend sites that set you up with new friends in your area? Like, friendsforlife.co.uk?

Either way, through the stress, fears, and tears...its been nice to have each other. Can't imagine doing all this alone.

At First You Dont Succed.....Trial, Trial Again.

So, as we soon discovered...a trial run is when you go to a place and do an entire shift for free. Instead of an interview, they just throw you in there and see how you do. Then from there, decide if they want to hire you. Terrifying.

Christies up first. Black Lion. Nice pub, close to our place....lots of different kinds of beer. Nervous, we walked her to work and wished her luck. After work, she explained how different the drinks are in the UK then Canada. Even pouring them is different, with different measurement for the head and mixes to go in them. As well, all the beers are different....expect for the odd Bud or Corona.

On top of that, British people mumble. You can hardle understand them, even though their speaking english. Its going to take awhile to get used to that. Also, there is no such thing as table service. Everyone comes up to the bar for their drinks and to order food. So you are expected to make drinks, run food, clear tables, clean....everything. Everyone is everywhere. Very different.

After, they told Christie that they could give her part time till she was fully trained enough to do full time. Obviously, Christie didnt throughly enjoy the job even though the people were friendly. Then, as luck would have it....she got a call for an interview and the place she was hoping would call. The Little Bay. After sitting down with the owner, she knew she would love it. Easy going, resturant (table service!!!), and a really kind man.....she got the job. She would start training right away....no silly trial.

Christie didnt have the same luck with the Body shop. After a quick introduction, they handed her a product and sent her into the lions den. While Christie did an amazing job, faking it till you make it, (especially with no training at all) they called her into the office, sat her down....and said " If we call you, great. If we dont, thanks for coming in" Curt and Rude. She was to good for that place anyways.

Stef was next for her trial at PHO. A vietnamesse resturant. Stef rocked it. She was busing tables, expoing food, running drinks, taking orders. Even with the tricky words, she faked it and sold those sauces like no ones business. After her trial, she was nervous....but it was silly. Next morning they offer her a job, with a shift that night.

Two girls with jobs, one to go.

My turn. Font, a bar in the lanes of Brighton. Huge, cheap drinks and a popular place to go. Now, I didnt have much bar experience to begin with and after Christies experience I was nervous. However, after a quick introduction they gave me a card and said go help customers. Well, I did the best I could. I was slow but holding my own. When I wasnt helping customers I was busy clearing tables, doing dishes and helping run food. I kept busy. After, they said they would call me the next day.

They never called till Saturday. And on saturday, the manager says he wants to do ANOTHER trial (remeber no pay) on Friday, depending how that goes then maybe he will give me a job. I cant wait another 6 days without a job, and a maybe employment. Looks like Im back at square one.

Over the Sunday and Monday I handed out all together over 50 resumes. Im exhausted. And the harrassing from the girls about me being an unemployed bum are getting old. I need a job!!

I had an interview today for a resturant, and an interview tomm for a pub. And if all else fails....FONT. However, I really hope I dont have to resort to working there. So, for all that take pity on me....keep your fingers crossed I get a job. Canadian funds are suffering.

However, while we havent had much time to see Brighton. We are really enjoying our apartment. Were nesting. Staying in, drinking tea...enjoying a TV we bought for 20 pounds. Second hand. After so much go go go the last 70 days...I like doing nothing. That and we cant afford to do anything, so it works. Settling is the hardest. But were doing alright.