27 April 2008

Well, this was my last week of freedom before I have to study for my final exams.  On Monday, CEA had organized an outing to go to the House of Parliament.  There were only two of us and a guide, so it was very intimate.  The House of Parliament is where the bills and laws are passed for the entire country.  It's divided in to two houses:  the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  If you're interested in learning more about what the two houses do, there's plenty of information on Wikipedia.  Anyway, we went into the House of Commons (after a rather long wait) and sat in on a few debates.  I thought it was going to be very boring, but it was actually very interested.  Especially when Gordon Brown (the Prime Minister) and Alistar Darling (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) came in to the room to speak about how they plan to loan £50M to the banking system to ease the strain on the economy.  I really enjoyed it and wanted to stay until that debate was over, but it was getting late and our guide had to leave.

Tuesday was rather interesting too.  After work, I went with some of my co-workers for "a night with the dogs" at a Greyhound race track.  The poor pups.  I wanted them all to win, so it was kind of sad but a little fun at the same time.  There were 14 races and I was able to bet up to 9 of them.  I had my whole strategy going strong and I was doing well, but the strategy failed and I started to lose, so once my £10 was gone, I was out.  It was a nice experience, though.  We had a three course meal and a few beverages.  The meal wasn't good at all and ended up being the butt of most of the jokes for the night.  But it was a really good time and fun to bond with some of those that I work with.

The rest of the week was rather dull.  It was Rowan's birthday this weekend and we were SUPPOSE to go to Alton Towers, but Rowan decided he didn't want to go because there wasn't enough interest from some of his other friends, so I ended up missing out on the Wales trip CEA had planned for us.  I thought it was going to be better going to Alton Towers (it's a theme park), but ah well.  Instead, Dan and I went to the Borough Market... one of the most famous markets in London.  At this market, they had a lot of FOOD.  Yumm.  We went around and tasted a variety of really delicious cheeses and salami's... and had a venison burger for lunch and a delicious brownie for dessert.  I'm looking forward to going back there one day.

Before that, we walked along South Bank.  It was the first beautiful day of the year and I was able to pop out the Spring dress for the first time.  The walk down the South Bank was lovely.  It's right along the river and there's lots of buskers and ice cream vendors.  This weekend was special because there was a Dutch festival celebrating Queen's Day in Holland.  Dan's roommate, Weijer, works for the consulate so he was there working the festival.  There was live music and lots of Dutch food, etc.  It was a beautiful beautiful day.

Sunday... wasn't so beautiful.  It was rainy and a little colder.  Ah.

So, I have been making a list of things to expect when traveling to London over the past several weeks.  I find the list to be very interesting... as I hope you will too.  Since the next month is going to be VERY boring as far is news is concerned (since there won't be any because I will be studying all month for my finals on the 27th), I thought that over the next several weeks, I would list a couple of them in separate installments.  Stay tuned for more!  And if you haven't seen the pictures from Venice, check them out at www.denisefoy.com.

Until next time...

19 April 2008

Our school is on Spring break, but I have decided to keep working.  On Tuesday, however, CEA has offered for us to take a backstage tour of the Royal Drury Theatre.  It was so much fun and so rich of history!  The spot where the theatre currently sits, had 3 theatres there that had all burned down until the recent one.  The current theatre was built in the late 1800's and was absolutely amazing!  The tour guides weren't your average tour guides.  They were actors.  At first, the guy started telling us some history about some of the men who had started up the theatres... and then a lady comes in cleaning and singing in the area we were.  They had a little skit that took us through the entire tour.  The theatre is haunted!  Boo!  And some of the backdrops from the Harry Potter movies were painted in their artist room.  We didn't get to see a lot that I had wished we could see, but it was still a very fascinating experience.  At the moment, they are showing The Lord of the Rings.

After the theatre tour, I met up with Dan to buy me some running shoes.  The shoes I currently have really hurt my feet.  So, at the shop, they did a little analysis where they record me running on a treadmill to determine what kind of shoe I would need (arch support, neutral, etc.).  They determined I needed a neutral shoe and I got a great deal on the shoes paying only £30 for a pair that originally costs £100.  They are so much more comfortable!  Now I can properly start training for the half marathon!

On Wednesday, Dan and I went to his friends birthday celebration.  We were suppose to go to Wagamamma for dinner, but it was so packed that we just went straight to the pub.  The pub was incredibly packed as well!  They were having team trivia there, which was a lot of fun... even though we came in second to last place.  Ah well.  Kelly and Ryan are lovely people and had a great time hanging out with them.

Thursday, I came over to Dan's house... he ended up going home early from work.  He had come down with my cold. :(  The next day, he went to the doctor and he said he has a virus.  So, Friday we stayed in all day to try to get over this cold.  I have never been sick so many times before in my life!  I wonder what it is!

Tonight, we're going to celebrate Rowan's birthday (Dan's roommate and childhood friend).  We're going out to dinner somewhere and probably out for a couple of drinks.  Yumm.

14 April 2008

We made it to Venice, well the Treviso airport.  Our flight was running a bit late and we were scheduled to meet up with Emanuele, the gentleman renting us an apartment for the weekend, at Ca' d'Oro to situate us in the apartment.  We retrieved the luggage and ran over to get a ticket on the bus.  Luckily, I had some Euro's from my previous trip to Dublin, but unfortunately, Dan didn't have any Euro's and I only had just enough to get my ticket.  The company would only accept cash, so Dan ran upstairs to get some cash from the machine, but it wasn't working for him.  After I purchased my ticket, we ran upstairs to try out the ATM again.  When Dan tried to get cash out the first time, I think he tried to take out too much because we managed to get cash out the second time.  But by the time we got out the money and went back downstairs, the bus was gone and there wasn't going to be another one until the next morning.  We were stuck and didn't have a clue as to where to go or what to do!  Venice was an hour away and we were told it was going to be a very expensive taxi journey.  I called Emanuele and he advised that we stay in a hotel near the airport and come to Venice the next day.

We were trying to figure out where we should stay.  We called the taxi company recommended by the lady behind the counter, but it was an answer machine.  I asked a couple of people if they were going to Venice and they weren't.  There was a group of people talking in a circle and I had asked if any of them spoke English.  Luckily, one of them did and she helped us call a taxi and gave us a recommendation of where we could stay.  When the taxi arrived, we told him the name of the hotel and he said, "That's only 300 meters away!"  Ughhh.  All I know is the lady told us it was a little too dangerous to walk over there.  So 10 euro and 5 minutes later, we arrived at the bed and breakfast where we were greeted with the cutest old man who didn't speak a lick of English.  But luckily, we could understand one another since Italian is very similar to Spanish.  He was so accommodating and Dan and I were so relieved to have found a place to sleep since we were completely exhausted from the long day.

We had to check out of the B&B by 9:30am, so around 9am we walked downstairs and we had our first Italian coffee and some toasts with butter and then we were off to head back to the airport.

Everything went a bit smoother this time around.  We managed to get ourselves on the bus and on the water bus over to Ca' d'Oro.  We met with Parvis who showed us how to get to the apartment.  The apartment was located in a good location.  It was only a 10 - 15 minute walk to San Marco Square and the Rialto bridge.  In Venice, there are no cars, so you can either walk or take a boat to wherever you need to go.  Walking was very easy since everything was so closeby.

Our first day in Venice, we decided we were going to conquer the San Marco part of town.  When we first started, we really didn't have much of a clue as to where to go.  The first "campo" (square) we came across looked exactly like the second campo.  We thought we had just gone in a circle, but we kept following the signs to San Marco that were posted on the walls of the buildings.  We finally made it there and there were tonnnnnssss of people taking in the sights.  It was a beautiful walk as we crossed a ton of little bridges and cute little art shops and such.  Later, I ended up purchasing a beautiful watercolor (or a print of one - the actual watercolor was very expensive).  We came across some delicious gelato shops and had some great pizza from a small pizzeria.  Later on that evening, we went to a restaurant that was recommended by the book we had.  We weren't so impressed with the restaurant, but they did have wonderful tiramisu.  Yummm.  After dinner, we were on the hunt for live music.  The book we had recommended a couple of places.  The first place did not have live music and the second place didn't exist anymore, so we gave up and went home to rest up for the next big day.

On the second day, we decided we were going to conquer San Polo/Santa Croce.  We started off near the Rialto bridge and went over to the Rialto market where there were lots of fruits and vegetables... and fish.  We walked around and saw more churches and squares and other little shops, including one in particular where I had to stop in and purchase something.  This particular little shop was of a potter who made the most beautiful pieces with explosions of color and creativity.  I want to be just like her when I retire!  She was so sweet and so passionate about her work.  Couldn't speak any English, but again, we could communicate using my Spanish.  The piece I bought was two large tiles that had a painted scene of Venice buildings and a gondola in a sunset type setting.  It's beautiful!  And I'm so proud of it! :)  Later that evening, we decided to go to a local Oysteria that we kept passing and was always crowded with local people.  They weren't serving much food by the time we got there, but they did recommend a place for us to go that was right around the corner from there.  She said, "If you want to try some real Venetian food, you will like this place.  Tell them we sent you!"  We go over there and tell them that the little Oysteria sent us and they showed us right in.  It was very intimate as there was only one other couple in the small dining room, of which we sat next to.  This couple ended up being from Atlanta.  They were an older couple and they had just gotten married and were on their honeymoon.  They had both been married previously and were friends when they were in high school.  It made me think how weird it would be to be in the search for the love of your life all of that time to only find out you had already found him years before!  Anyway, back to the restaurant.  When we first sat down, the guy offered us an aperitif of some champaign... on the house.  Then they gave us a hand written menu and we decided to start with a cheese plate and a bottle of wine.  Then we both ordered some pasta.  They hand made the pasta while we waited!  I have to say, it was the most incredible dining experience I had experienced in quite a while!  It's one of those experiences you crave for!  Everything was delicious!!!! And the service was spectacular!  The place was called Antica Cantina, just in case you ever visit Venice.

On the last day, we decided to walk around Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.  Cannaregio was very local, not so many tourists.  We walked through the Jewish Ghetto and was amazed with the history of the Jews in this region of the world.  It wasn't a spectacular view, but it gave me a really weird feeling walking around there.  It was amazing!  After lunch, Dan wanted to go to Dorsoduro to see where they filmed Indian Jones, so we made it to San Barnabas.  The church there is where some of the film was made "X marks the spot!".  At the church, they were having an exhibition of Leonardo Di Vinci... and not his art work, but his mechanical creations.  It was really fascinating!  After the exhibition, we took a gondola ride throughout Dorsoduro and had a really great gondolier.  He spoke Spanish fluently, as he had lived in Barcelona for 5 years.  He was very chatty and gave us a nice little tour.  We saw the real Venice and we even saw where they manufacture the gondolas.  After the ride, we ate some gelato and decided to go for coffee near Rialto.  At that point, it seemed like everything looked the same, so we decided to just relax and enjoy the rest of our time there.

All in all, it was an AMAZING trip!  It was definitely a photographers dream, as every photo comes out looking fabulous.  Pictures of my trip will be posted on www.denisefoy.com shortly.  Stay tuned!

7 April 2008

I had another massage with Dawn this week.  It was so amazing!  The muscles she had worked on before were much better.  I was relieved!  But she had worked on a couple of other muscles around my hip and they were really tense, so I was in pain for a few days afterwards.

Thinking that I was worry free of my back pains, Dan had booked me an hour snowboarding lesson.  Ok, first, I never ever thought I would get in to a snowboard.  It's such a guys thing to do and too outdoorsy for me.  I think I may be a bit too prissy for snowboarding.  BUT, I wanted to try something that Dan was really interested in, so I gave it a go.  Dan was so excited for me.  He helped me put on the massive boots, he gave me some gloves to wear, he showed me where to go to get the rental gear, etc.  

The first step was to give us instruction on how to put the snowboard on over the boot.  Then they wanted for us to lift it up with one foot attached and hop in a circle to turn the snowboard around.  Once the little tutorial was done, we went up to the bunny slope.  They gave us more instruction on how to stand and how to stop and what not to do.  They were also giving us instruction on how to fall backwards.  I watched everybody else do it as I stood there.  I wasn't about to re-injure my back.  I told the instructor about my injury, so he was aware.

So, I have my first try going down the slope.  I'm screaming the entire way down and digging my fingers in to the snow.  I didn't quite get how we were suppose to stand.  I didn't think it was going to be THAT difficult!  The second time down, one of the instructors walked me down and I was able to get a better understanding of how to go down the slope.  The third time down, I was screaming again and fell backwards.  The fourth time down, we had to go allllll the way down.  The other times, it was just part of the way.  They showed us how to zig zag (I don't know the proper term).  The first few seconds of the last run, I ran in to another lady.  Oops.  I waited for everybody to go so I wouldn't run in to them and I ran in to her anyway.  But the rest of the way down, I was ok.  I didn't fall.  I just tried to relax and think of what they taught me.  I was so proud of myself!  I even ziggy zaggyed!  But, not so sure I would do it again as my back was killing me all day for the next couple of days.  So much for the therapy!

Yesterday, we went to this little cafe for lunch and afterwards, we went to Harrods for some gelato.  Yummmmm.  That was by far the best gelato I have ever had!  I hope it tastes that good when I go to Italy in a few days! (kidding... I know it'll be better)  We walked around Harrods for a bit until I got really frustrated that everything I saw was so far out of my price range that I had to leave there.

I forgot to mention that last Friday was my last day as an Intern.  WOO HOO!  The team took me out for a really nice lunch and they gave me a bonus of £250.00.  I thought that was such a nice gesture.  Earlier in the week, Mark (my boss), had invited for me to come back through to the end of April.  They are going to pay me this time around... not much, but I wasn't too picky since I don't have to pay rent at the moment.  If I'm still working there when I do have to pay rent, I will have to ask for an increase in pay.  I thought it was such a nice compliment for them to ask me to come back.  They are implementing a new financial system, SAP, and he wants for me to help them with getting that sorted out.  It's probably going to be rather tedious work, but I'm sure it won't always be that way.  He told me today that he would like to go on a month-to-month basis, as he is sure there will be a lot for me to do over the next several months. :)

Still waiting to hear from Azadi on the full-time position.  He hasn't been in the office lately.  Rumor has it that he has been sick.  Lots of people are coughing in the office these days.  Humpf.

1 April 2008

Dan has finally returned home from his trip to Costa Rica and the US.  He was such a sweetheart.  He brought me Sex and the City DVD's that I had been wanting for so long - seasons 5 & 6 pt 1 & 2.  I think I squealed like a little school girl when he pulled them out of his bag. :)  He also brought me back an iPhone.  I had always wanted one and it makes sense to get one since I won't have to carry around my iPod and my cell phone anymore. :)  Well, that was the excuse.  The truth is, I'm jealous that Dan and all of his roommates have one.  I wanted a 16G, but the stores in NYC were all sold out, so he brought me back an 8G instead.  He's going back to the US in May for a wedding, so I have asked for him to bring me back a 16G and I will sell my 8G here for more than what we would pay for a 16G in the US.  It's really crazy the price schemes they have here!  I know I have mentioned that before.

Over the weekend, Dan and I went to watch THE Boat Race.  It's a huge deal, actually.  It's certainly the most popular boat race of the year.  The race started back in the 1800's amongst two friends that went to Cambridge and Oxford.  Every since then, the two schools have been battling it out almost every year, exchanging the trophy.  It's a huge pride thing, really.  The day of the race, it was raining, but of course, there were still a ton of people along the river cheering the two teams on.  We went to the mid-point, which was close to where Dan lives.  There, they had a huge screen in a grass area set up for people to watch the race after they have passed by.  It was really cool!  Kind of like going to a Chicago festival with beer and sausages for sale.  Yum.

Later on that day, Dan drove me over to Brighton, a small town on the coast.  We arrived at his friends house around 9pm, ate dinner really quick and headed over to a comedy club.  The comedians were really great!  Specifically the host and the first guy who came out.  The other two weren't as good, but still entertaining nonetheless.  The next day, we woke up late (forgetting about the time change) and walked around the town.  It was SO beautiful!  I really loved Brighton!  It was my kind of place with lots of independent shops and artists.  I could see myself settling down there when I retire.  It would be the perfect artistic community!  I can't WAIT to go back to Brighton so I can take my real camera.  BUT, I managed to get some good shots with the little one.

Throughout the week, I had an interview with Azadi.  He said he really enjoyed our talk and thought I would be a great addition to the team.  I couldn't believe it, but we were talking for over an hour!  I guess that's a good sign??  He told me that he should determine the next steps by today, but I didn't hear from him.  I think I will try to contact him tomorrow to follow-up.  I don't suppose it would be a bad idea to show a little bit of interest. ;)

School wise, I had my internship paper due on Thursday.  It was so long and such a painful process (always is, right?).  Once I turned it in, I felt so relieved!  Our school is on holiday for 3 weeks and my final exams are on the 27th of May.  I have PLENTY of time to study, since we don't have any further classes to attend.  It's going to be a nice couple of weeks of relaxation.

Tonight, I went to a benefit being held by a couple of the guys at the office.  There are 5 of them that are pushing a man in a wheelchair up the highest peak in the UK, Ben Navis.  They will be training over the next couple of months and hope to raise £10,000.  I can't imagine it will be an easy task for any of them.  Yikes!