For years I kept journals -- in composition, spiral bound, and French graph paper books. This blog is an attempt to get back to writing and documenting the world around me using photos, newspaper headlines, and other articles.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Family time

I've had a sweet couple of days with the family.  Sunday morning, all three of us went out to breakfast.  In the afternoon, Selim and I went apple picking at Butternut Farm.  Mostly we picked gala and honey crisp, although I think a few macs got tossed in the bags.  We picked about 18 pounds in under an hour.  And that time includes hiking up to the trees.






The past two mornings, I have enjoyed the waiting for the school bus ritual.  Since I missed the first day of school, I brought my camera to document my first day at the bus stop.  I asked Selim this morning if I should bring my camera again, and he said yes.  So I have beautiful pictures from two mornings.








I've taken it pretty easy these past few days.  Three of the four bags are unpacked.  I did a mega grocery shop.  And today I went to the beach.  This was my first beach visit of the summer.  There weren't too many people there, even though it was gorgeous -- sunny and in the mid-70s.  I had planned on relaxing and reading, but I forgot my book at home.  Instead, I used my camera.  There were these tiny birds, hunting and pecking in the piles of seaweed.  It took me a few minutes to realize that they were there.  Can you say camouflage.








Tomorrow I go back to work, back to my regular job.  The days in between FSI and London, I went into work, but mainly focused my actions on getting ready to leave.   So going in and only focusing on regular adjudication will be a change.  In practical terms, I can't forget to set my alarm for 4:20.  Rise and shine.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Home!

I'm home.  I left home on June 12, expecting to be gone one week.  Instead, I've been gone for 15 weeks with 16 days at home spread out during that span.  Now I'm home, with no travel plans in sight.  What a relief.

Checkout time yesterday was 10:00am.  There was someone coming in the afternoon, so I could not extend the time I had to be out.  Vinny was coming between 9:30 - 9:45.  I brought down my bags around 9:15 and was resting on the bed, watching the Solheim Cup when there was a knock at the door at 9:25.  It was the cleaning crew, wondering if they could start working.  I said yes and went downstairs to wait.



I lucked out at the airport.  I planned on checking two bags, one of which I knew was over any sort of weight limit.  In Boston, I had been told that I could check two bags for free and I assumed that would be the same on my return.  The lady at the check in counter told me that I had one bag, no heavier than 23 kilos that would be free.  I would have to pay for overweight charges since by bag was 31 kilos and I would have to pay for the second bag.  I asked her to double check, just because I had been told a different story on my flight over.  She looked, but didn't find anything that would exempt me from the two charges.  However, as she was processing my ticket, neither charge showed up.  She didn't understand why, but she told me to take my carry on bags and "run" before the charges appeared.  I took her advice, minus the running part; I pushed the cart with my two carry-ons and left the area.

I had to wait four hours at the airport, but it wasn't too bad.  The waiting lounge area was a prime people watching venue.  Can I just say that I don't get the Hello Kitty look, especially on grown women?  Especially with the pink Hello Kitty T-shirt is paired with red shorts, worn over black stockings/ pantyhose, black ballet flats and a jean jacket thrown over the shoulder.

Waiting in the gate area and taxiing out, I did get enjoy all the different airplane "tail" decorations.  Once on the plane, the flight itself was uneventful.  The flight was packed, every seat taken.  My row mates were quiet and non-fidgety.  A plus for a seven hour and fifteen minute flight.  I had a window seat, the best vantage for admiring the view.










On the approach, about fifteen minutes away from Boston, the think clouds that we had been flying over came to an end.  I could see the actual frontal boundary.  The line was quite distinctive.  Landing in Boston is always fun because it feels like we could land in the ocean.  The runway is that close.  I didn't have any issues going through customs.  As I was waiting to go through those big black doors I thought about the times when we would wait for Sant Ji to come.  There would be many devotees on the other side of the doors, just waiting for a glimpse.  Post 9/11, no airport would allow such a huge gathering, but at the time, it didn't seem like we would cause a security incident.  When I walked out, I didn't see my guys right away, but the "Mom!!!!" got my attention.  There they were, with a lovely bouquet of flowers. 







At last, we were in the truck, driving home -- through the tunnel, past the new bridge, and up 95.  During the drive I discovered that Selim likes Enrique Iglesias because he sang "Ring my Bell" and asked to hear it more than once. Too funny.  We made it home without incident and finally I was home.



Today we went out for breakfast and then I came back and took a two hour nap.  I've unpacked one bag and need to work on the others.  After Selim finished his lunch, we will go out and do something -- bike ride, take a walk or drive into Portsmouth and visit our favorite haunts.  I'm taking the next two days off to allow for chores, body time clock adjustment and relaxation.  I'm looking forward to two days at home without the anxiety of having to leave again.  I can replant my roots and get back to regular life.  I'm so ready!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Final count down

I woke up this morning and noticed pretty pink clouds in the sky.



The last day of work went well.  It was sad to say goodbye.  But I'm sure I will work again with some of them.  The life of a Foreign Service Officer is not static, so there is a chance that we will work together in some other location.  I hope so anyway.  I took one last photo of the Eisenhower statue as I left the area.



I took a last longish walk tonight.  First I rode the tube from Bond Street to Holborn.  From there I walked down to Covent Garden.  I had seen a dress over the weekend in a shop on Kings Road but I was too tired to try it on then.  There is the same shop in Covent Garden and since that is closer, I went there.  They had the dress. I tried it on and it didn't fit.  Now I don't have to wonder about that anymore.

Since I was down in an area that doesn't have great bus coverage and the tube was packed and hot, I decided to walk for a bit.  I was on the street that starts out as Long Acre, then changes name to Cranbourn Street, changes again to Coventry Street and finally gets called Piccadilly.  Along that street I passed Leicester Square, the entrance to Chinatown, and the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus. 





By that time, I was close enough to Fortnum and Mason that I decided to go in one last time.  I believe I have bought enough tea to start my own revolution.  That's why I need an extra suitcase -- for the tea and shortbread cookies that have become my vice.  Upon completing my shopping, I walked back to Regent Street where I hopped on bus #453 which took me to Baker Street.  Regent Street at night is really pretty.  I like the lights.




Thursday, September 22, 2011

Packing plateau

I've hit the packing plateau.  It is like moving, I have only the little stuff left -- receipts (do I need to keep these), tourist info, restaurant fliers (do I really need to keep these), and the food in the kitchen. 

I went out shopping after work tonight to pick up a few little things and I got totally turned around.  I got up to Oxford Street and went east, heading to John Lewis.  They carry Anchor tapestry wool and I wanted to pick up a few extra skeins for my needlework project.  Then I wanted to find a shoe store that somebody had recommended that was by Bond Street.  It is a funny street in that in angles southeast.  Found the street, the shop and the shoes.  But the shoes didn't fit right.  I continued down the street and assumed that the next cross street would lead me down to Fortnum and Mason.  But no, it was the wrong cross street and I found myself back at Gosvenor Square. Ahk.  I was 180 degrees off.  And tired, so I continued home and didn't backtrack.

I did have one really cool moment at work today.  I had just approved this guy's fiance visa and we were going through the regular end of interview pleasantries. Me: "Thank you.  You are all set and can go."
Him: "Thank you, you really made my day.  No, actually, you made my life."

So now all I want to do no is drink my tea and get under the covers and channel surf or read.  I don't want to pack or deal with the fridge.  But I do need to figure out if I have to send one more box or if I can cram everything into the remaining space in my suitcase.  I guess my procrastination time is up...

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Winding down

I continued packing when I got back to the flat tonight.  I had stopped at the Embassy post office during the day and picked up a couple of boxes.  Apparently we get to ship things regular mail, rather than having to pay an international rate...at least that is what it looks like.  So instead of buying a new suitcase, I decided to ship a few boxes.  If it turns out that I was wrong and I have to pay the international rate, then I will go to plan B.

This week is flying by.  I have two more days of work; that's it.  In some ways, it is hard to believe that I have been here six weeks already.  I'm still learning new things every day and the work has never gotten old.  Professionally, I could stay longer and continue to learn.  I have had the great fortune of working in a supportive, welcoming, professional, caring, dynamic,  environment.  I will be sad to say goodbye to the people in the Consular section.   But personally, in terms of my regular life, get me out of here.  I miss my guys and the scale has tipped so that our personal sacrifice is not worth any professional gain at this time.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Packing

I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to get all my stuff home easily.  My new, rolling, carry-on broke in Logan airport on my way here -- the convenient long handle snapped and won't pull up.  So I can't wheel it without getting my back all bent out of shape.  I brought Selim's small tote, but I'm not sure that is big enough for the china mugs and tea cups that I bought.  And then there are the books I bought.  So, do I buy a bigger suitcase?  A bigger tote?  Do I trash my broken carry on or use it as my second checked bag?  Do I ship my books back via the mail?  I started packing tonight and I'm not sure what to do.  I might go to the mail room tomorrow and see what it would cost me to ship my books and training materials.

That's about it tonight!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Last Monday

I'm in total countdown mode.  I just can't wait to go home.  However, I think this will be a good week.  I've rotated back over to the visa side of the Consular Section and am working with the Immigrant visa group.  It feels like the right ending to my six weeks.  "We" gave out the golden ticket today to a number of qualified candidates -- the right to appear at a port of entry into the United States and present their qualifications to enter as intending immigrants.  The final decision ultimately rests with Homeland Security, but we have given the green light to get on the plane.

On my way home I went into Selfridges.  I have avoided the store thinking that everything is too expensive, so why bother.  Turns out that isn't true.  But it is a good thing that I had not been a patron before because that is five weeks that I haven't been tempted by one thing or another.  They have a fabulous china and table settings section and a food court that is outstanding.  I've passed by the food court every morning that I have walked to work, not realizing that it was part of Selfridges.  Had I known,  I would picked up more of their falafel salads (and chocolate, Turkish delight, cookies, bread, cheese...).

I need to start packing.  The handle on my carry on suitcase broke in Logan airport on the way over here.  I need to see if I have to buy a bigger suitcase to check through, or if I can made do checking the broken bag (because I am not carrying a bag that is meant to be wheeled through Heathrow) and just buy another tote to carry my tea cups.  I'm not risking breaking them in a suitcase.

And on a totally separate note, there are women that work at the Embassy that have a look that I wish I could pull off.  They often wear tailored jackets with less structured skirts, tights and totally kick-ass motorcycle boots.  I love the look and at the same time, realize that I would look absolutely ridiculous if I tried that combo.  I don't have the right hair color, flat stomach, belly button ring and/or swagger to make it work.  But the boots...I want. 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Last big walk

I must have been really tired from yesterday because I slept in until 9:00 this morning.  I woke up at regular time, 6:40, and rolled over for what I thought was a minute or so.  Wrong!  When I realized how late it was, I tried to not panic immediately and beat myself up for letting half the day slip away.  If I were back home, that would be close to the mid way point in  my work day.  But here, on a Sunday when nothing opens until noon, I was OK.

I did make it out by 10:00 and hopped on bus #137 that took me down to Battersea Park.  I really wanted to see those bridge posts again.  And I thought it would be a nice start to my walk.  The forecast was for rain to begin around 1:00.




 I walked on Chelsea Bridge Road, over the bridge and past two hospitals, Leister and The Royal Hospital.  When I got to Sloane Square, I took a left and went west on King's Road in Chelsea.  Somebody at work told me that was a nice shopping street without the fuss of Oxford Street or the pretension of Sloane Street.  I walked a five or six block section before crossing the street and heading back on the other side.

The shopping was fun.  I found The East boutique store --  they make the clothes that I had really liked in the bigger John Lewis department store.  They were having a sale and I bought a dress that I had tried on a few weeks ago that cost 79 pounds at John Lewis and I bought it for 18 at the boutique. Go me.

As I walked along, I saw side streets of very swank houses.  There was one street where the brick houses had been painted in pastels.  Reminded me of pictures from some Caribbean island.  I haven't come across lilac and robin's egg blue houses in London before.






When I reached Sloane Square again,  I hooked a left and headed north on Sloane Street.  The area to my right, east of the street is Belgravia, an area I seem to know about through romance novels only.  I wanted to go into the gardens/park area that are on the east side of the street to look at the statues and sculptures that I had seen from the bus, but no luck, the Cadogan Park is closed to the public.  I walked around 3/4 of the perimeter before I saw the sign that said for residents only.  So, I was reduced to using my zoom lens.  The people in one of the statues seems similar to the waterless fountain statue in Hyde Park.






On the other side of the street, the Danish and Peruvian Embassies stand guard. 




Right after the Embassies begin the uber upscale stores that don't bother to open on Sundays when us peons can shop.  Only Jimmy Choo and one other were noticeably open, the rest looked closed.  It is a good street to window shop -- with the clothes right out of the high fashion magazines.  You have to have a size 0 body and be willing to show off quite a bit of skin.  The picture of the day for me that I didn't take, was of a woman in a burka looking in a window at a mannequin with a halter dress that was basically two squares of fabric coming off the halter neck tie thing, then two chains at least five inches long, at the center of the two squares supporting the skirt that was long enough to cover the tush, but not much.  The chains were beautiful silver loops and left plenty of open space for one to admire the stomach of the mannequin.  I'm wondering who could pull of a dress like that?  I wonder what the woman in the burka thought?

When I got to Knightsbridge Street, I decided to go west and return to Harrods.  When I went with Selim, my browsing was limited.  This time I strolled through the whole food court area.  The whole caviar bar isn't a big attraction for me, but the counter didn't lack for customers.  I enjoyed seeing all the different foods.  I picked up a potato, cheese and garlic pie for lunch.

By this time it was past 2:30 and I was hungry.  I walked across the street to the nearest bus stop and waited for #74 to come and take me back to Baker Street.  There are plenty of major sites that I never got to this trip.  But I have been through many areas of the central part of the city (according to my map).  I've walked in Chelsea, St. James, South Kensington, Bayswater, Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, Bloomsbury, Paddington, St. John's Wood, Belgravia, Fitzrovia, Westminster, Hampstead, City, Angel, Highbury, and Islington.  I have walked through the parks of St. James, Green, Hyde, Regent's, and Battersea, and the Gardens of Kew and Kensington.  I have sat on a a bus and rode through Earl's Court, Kensington, Somers Town, St. Pancras, and Holborn.  Except for Battersea, I did not explore the other side of the Thames, so I missed Vauxhall, Lambeth, Kennington, and Newington.

I did not go to all of the museums or see all the palaces.  I found my attention span short once I stepped inside.  So I have left things for next time -- the Tate, Tate Modern, the Tower of London tour, Kensington Palace (only one room is currently open to the public, the rest are under renovation), Churchill's war room, the inside of Westminster Abbey, a musical or show, a river cruise, and a trip to Paris on the Eurostar.  Next time...