tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88885173871568715512024-02-19T03:36:29.507-08:00Kactus PlantKathryn with a K, no I or EKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-62102783593751782682014-02-20T01:42:00.000-08:002014-02-20T01:43:37.889-08:00'You have so many strings to your bow!'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The strings to my bow sit happily side by side.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Strands of talent and skill, stretched and refined. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Perfectly parallel.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Colourful. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Plentiful.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">The strings to my bow resonate dissonantly, it seems.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">A noise that’s certainly memorable but not easy on the ear. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Leaping out amongst those with clear, basic chords but tricky to understand. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Harmonies identifiable but not in-tune with the melody <i>they</i> sing.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">My bow is stilted in growth. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Now, the strings are stiff and</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">sprouting grey roots.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Too soon!</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">Stuck in a minor key.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Always half-way through a potential perfect cadence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="s1">My bow is put away again.</span></span><br />
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-47885609134475114912014-01-29T02:49:00.000-08:002014-01-29T03:07:18.547-08:00Six Sochi Superstars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
London 2012 proved our female athletes were world-class. Hefty funding and patriotic support helped our competitors to achieve brilliance. Sadly, the legacy of the summer Olympics has slowly waned but excitement is building for the event's cooler counterpart.<br />
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As the countdown to the Winter Olympics begins, Team GB stands stronger than it's ever been and many medal hopes lie in the hands of our female athletes. Here are six super female competitors set on bringing home the glory.<br />
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Jenny Jones - Snowboarding (Slopestyle)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3-2sLsq_Z6e3kUfIqV_LP3WzGyZQ-Y-_DsRAfpgDV8BnKUPIC9p2LsDhKbH29WJXejLzjxidWlD41TyTumR6ollHGed7RvGYy8xAiXPuvUP7n0Zz6gGmw6LW6f4HqBn_8-ESDoNdsWVx/s1600/jj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3-2sLsq_Z6e3kUfIqV_LP3WzGyZQ-Y-_DsRAfpgDV8BnKUPIC9p2LsDhKbH29WJXejLzjxidWlD41TyTumR6ollHGed7RvGYy8xAiXPuvUP7n0Zz6gGmw6LW6f4HqBn_8-ESDoNdsWVx/s1600/jj.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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After 10 years in the game Jones is still going strong. Her track-record is impressive and she continues to achieve in European and Global competitions. Last year, she secured the silver medal at the World Cup in New Zealand. It's the first time Slopestyle has been included in the Olympics, so it'll be interesting to see how Jones performs on this world stage.<br />
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Katie Summerhayes - Skiing (Slopestyle)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvevrkIq0-SOJgkxywaeRrLr4K4utC66SFFMcZ9QKc1gdpbGPjGLAiQFBXwAgs0LRRGPgzOI-xH3feIzy3_syfmtTBg8_3CbXNTjd0LMKF9K044Cd_z4jZzPos8dLpAN8zyYexN7OSUi4/s1600/Katie+Summerhayes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvevrkIq0-SOJgkxywaeRrLr4K4utC66SFFMcZ9QKc1gdpbGPjGLAiQFBXwAgs0LRRGPgzOI-xH3feIzy3_syfmtTBg8_3CbXNTjd0LMKF9K044Cd_z4jZzPos8dLpAN8zyYexN7OSUi4/s1600/Katie+Summerhayes.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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At 19 years old, she's a young competitor with stacks of skill. It's exciting for GB to put forward such a promising skier. Previously, she's placed on the podium in the World Cup and finished 4th in the X-Games. The National Lottery have invested heavily in the freestyle team and confidence only grows for our cool competitors.<br />
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Lizzy Yarnold - Skeleton</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrzC8W87-bhKyx_TPo00Vi_SDTFIqgAJFNxRbEl4qGhu0kkU1MnM-Pvw83w5phrXqmTqw4LlxypWu2UtYbvnyTwYqEVMESVVyp81BSjF0FCx-1YpHtj-2TSwO4Ryk2XVOxvHi0yEXPUoH/s1600/Lizzy_Yarnold.gif-455881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrzC8W87-bhKyx_TPo00Vi_SDTFIqgAJFNxRbEl4qGhu0kkU1MnM-Pvw83w5phrXqmTqw4LlxypWu2UtYbvnyTwYqEVMESVVyp81BSjF0FCx-1YpHtj-2TSwO4Ryk2XVOxvHi0yEXPUoH/s1600/Lizzy_Yarnold.gif-455881.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yarnold has a fantastic story. As a talented youngster she initially competed in heptathlon, hoping to become professional in modern pentathlon. However, Yarnold was identified by UK Sport's Girls 4 Gold talent search and put forward for skeleton as a future Olympic medal hopeful. She had huge success as a junior and has continued to achieve at senior level, winning the World Cup just two weeks ago.<br />
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Shelley Rudman - Skeleton</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtlM38m41QJ91tdtuYSgOLkmy7G0qtqVFtxbeqqIw30ZEYdf21J23am5Sghp2e0QhJBzT5bKDQDpPvUtIEIJSIbuf3COW0kBIRe6Pd4RiML1qO50rlOGIGjuyBOBoO5k2ua3QHVJ1VCIn/s1600/Shelley-Rudman-skeleton-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtlM38m41QJ91tdtuYSgOLkmy7G0qtqVFtxbeqqIw30ZEYdf21J23am5Sghp2e0QhJBzT5bKDQDpPvUtIEIJSIbuf3COW0kBIRe6Pd4RiML1qO50rlOGIGjuyBOBoO5k2ua3QHVJ1VCIn/s1600/Shelley-Rudman-skeleton-001.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rudman has much experience under her belt. She competed in Turin in 2006 and bagged the Olympic silver medal but finished third behind Yarnold in this year's World Cup. She's secured a number of titles in the past so let's hope the skeleton duo spur each other on to do well in Sochi.<br />
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Elise Christie - Short Track Speed Skating</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxnCLkQiK5I96GTsf9TTAw8HTOQxrH8zcIFAjhs32uWwrHpnSQoug9AFa1FE-UiYPsLf_dqE_kUGd0HjAwZdTSf5X1v2Nagtg0md-DZc3D5p2O6zd6t6WcLQUznFn3TlIcLyaol0s3bpf/s1600/elise-christie-speed-skating-2-200x224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxnCLkQiK5I96GTsf9TTAw8HTOQxrH8zcIFAjhs32uWwrHpnSQoug9AFa1FE-UiYPsLf_dqE_kUGd0HjAwZdTSf5X1v2Nagtg0md-DZc3D5p2O6zd6t6WcLQUznFn3TlIcLyaol0s3bpf/s1600/elise-christie-speed-skating-2-200x224.jpg" /></a></div>
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Christie bagged the bronze medal last year at the World Championships in Hungary; an historic performance as the first British woman to ever win a medal in short track speed skating. She held the 2013 World Cup title for 1000m and achieved gold at the European Championships in both 1000m and 1500m. Let's hope the Scot continues to succeed.<br />
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Eve Muirhead - Curling</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZlyoGaoJHU8dbH96L1kfk-jjtjEes5YVBOI6p7WxEk-lhyphenhyphen4uNf2oCfw70h-PIxZzvvNBbvoWZdtAx_2dT_CGiVzhzK-QveqonpZvQHJMMosHJjeg6rW9gm5oCCSD3YtfqAnm3qsujVfQ/s1600/Red_Sky_Approved_Eve_Muirhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZlyoGaoJHU8dbH96L1kfk-jjtjEes5YVBOI6p7WxEk-lhyphenhyphen4uNf2oCfw70h-PIxZzvvNBbvoWZdtAx_2dT_CGiVzhzK-QveqonpZvQHJMMosHJjeg6rW9gm5oCCSD3YtfqAnm3qsujVfQ/s1600/Red_Sky_Approved_Eve_Muirhead.jpg" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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Think curling; think Muirhead. Once again she leads the incredibly successful Scottish team into the Olympics with absolute class. With plenty of titles under her belt, it's no surprise that her and her teammates were the first athletes to be selected for Sochi. Muirhead was just 19 at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, so expectation is high for this experienced and determined young woman.<br />
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Let's hope these ladies get heaps of media coverage so that their own wintry legacy can be thoroughly established.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credits:<br />http://metro.co.uk/2009/10/14/jenny-jones-ive-had-a-few-knocks-on-the-head-where-youre-not-quite-sure-who-you-are-490287/</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.redbull.co.uk/cs/Satellite/en_UK/Article/Freeski-Star-Katie-Summerhayes-Shreds-The-Slopes-021243320735526</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/455881/Britain-s-Lizzy-Yarnold-crowned-women-s-skeleton-World-Cup-champion<br />http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/feb/09/shelley-rudman-interview-winter-olympics<br />http://www.sportsister.com/2014/01/26/sochi-bluffer-guide-speed-skating-and-short-track/<br />http://www.redskymanagement.co.uk/team-redsky/eve-muirhead/</span></div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-90922721485294045312014-01-22T15:03:00.002-08:002014-01-23T12:32:23.586-08:00Unemployed and 'Overqualified'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Unemployment rate drops to 7.1% and yet I remain unemployed. Where do I fit?<br />
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I worked incredibly hard for my GCSEs, achieved good 'A' levels and went on to pass my degree with first-class honours.<br />
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I came out of university and couldn't get a job. I ended up in the public sector in an admin role.<br />
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I moved on, and on, to the next temporary role I could find. All the while, applying for creative jobs.<br />
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I never 'knew' anyone in the creative industry; I never got a job in the creative industry.<br />
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I'm now 25 and my CV heaves like a dusty concertina, revealing lines of admin duties and mediocre responsibilities between the dirty folds.<br />
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Earlier in the week, I had a second interview. One other candidate was up against me. I was thrilled to be considered and hoped that my thorough experience and creative background would be enough to land me the role.<br />
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At the end of the day I am given the news that I am unsuccessful. I am 'overqualified'.<br />
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Pipped to the position because my CV is a bit <i>too</i> shiny with my A*s and my experience is a bit <i>too </i>advanced for this particular job.<br />
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In the past I have been a cleaner, a retail assistant, a receptionist, worked in IT, for charity, for the ambulance service...<br />
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I have taken jobs because I've had to earn money, and have tried to make them as enjoyable as possible by taking on additional tasks and responsibilities. I have managed to build entry-level roles into something really rather skilful and worthwhile.<br />
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But in this case, where I believed I had a real shot at something good, my achievements and efforts worked against me and I remain unemployed. What bitter statistic am I?<br />
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...Anyway, on to the next one!<br />
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*I'm not technically unemployed yet. I finish at my current job on Friday and am relocating to a different area.<br />
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-18827581914327430692013-12-19T13:37:00.000-08:002013-12-19T13:44:22.478-08:002013: The Year That Was...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Don't pretend like you don't love reading these posts on how people's lives have panned out over the past year. I can't help but read them myself, so instead of ingesting everyone else's highs and lows over the last twelve months, I thought I'd write out a few of my own.<br />
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2013; The Year That Was...<br />
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Snowy (high)<br />
Well-documented on here and much-mentioned everywhere else, I packed in my job and did a ski season last November. I spent 6 months in the luxe ski resort of Val d'Isere. It was the best decision of my life.<br />
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Bloody (low)<br />
One week before my flight back to the UK, my friends and I took a trip to the leisure centre to have some much-needed pamper time. After a dip in the jacuzzi, we sat in the Hammam for some steamy therapy. After a while, I got up to leave and as I pushed the handle to open the door I fainted. <br />
My robust head flopped forward and smashed the thick glass. Still clutching the handle tightly, I came round and found myself in a pool of blood. My friends, helpless, half-reaching across the shimmer of glass shards to comfort me. My horrified shrieks echoing off the water, the ceiling. Proper horror movie stuff!<br />
So much glass was embedded in my bum where I'd landed hard and then shuffled about in the stuff, grinding it into the skin's surface, then deeper, and deeper. The doctors spent 3.5 hours tweezing, pulling and stitching me back together. They were so pleased with themselves as I happily guzzled a barrel of gas and air.<br />
Now, I have a leopard print-esque scar on one butt cheek and slashes across various parts of my body. Never mind.<br />
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Lovey-dovey (high)<br />
Romance took me by surprise in the mountains. Cliche and cringey as you like, I fell for a boy who took the time to help me get over my fears and made me open my eyes - both metaphorically and literally. Never ideal going down a slope with your eyes shut...<br />
After skiing we drove around Europe in a converted van and spent 3 months on the road. It was idillic. I saw so many beautiful things and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to take the time to explore and to have shared it with someone special.<br />
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What next?<br />
My aims for 2014 are threefold.<br />
<i><br />Use my body</i><br />
After my glassy accident it was incredibly painful to move. Gouged skin takes a long time to heal. Consequently, I lost my fitness and motivation to do much else but massage bio oil into myself. Anyway, I hope to take up running properly again next year as netball tides me over for now. I've found it impossible to psych myself up to go out in the cold/dark/wet/damp/gusty/iffy outdoors.<br />
<i><br />Write</i><br />
I'm launching myself as a freelance writer. When I put my mind to it, I'm actually pretty good at putting words together. I have already written for the London New Journal (to be released mid-January) and I'll be contributing to The News Hub (launching early 2014), focusing primarily on women's sport.<br />
<i><br />Plan</i><br />
I'm 25. Maybe I should think about being a grown-up next year. OR maybe I shall plan another cheeky adventure to escape the 9-5 and live my life as I have done in 2013, because it's made me ever so happy...<br />
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-22057161964869049942013-10-22T10:12:00.000-07:002013-10-22T10:53:02.447-07:00Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think people have forgotten what The Great British Bake Off once was. I cannot believe the lengths people are going to to make this light-hearted baking show something it's not. I'm not saying GBBO should be sugar coated, but some 'fans' are ruining the whole experience, like hemp in a tea loaf, and focusing on Ruby Tandoh personally is a dangerous and wrong outcome for what used to be an innocent programme.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Paul 4 Ruby 4eva</u></h4>
First and foremost, the allegations that Paul Hollywood fancies her is no fault of her own. Despite the rumours earlier in the year about his American <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2371812/Paul-Hollywood-dropped-The-American-Baking-Competition.html" target="_blank">antics</a>, the British fans have decided to interpret his creepy ways to take the stick out on the innocent one here: Ruby. Even if he did fancy her, what hassle does <i>she</i> deserve to receive and how does <i>his</i> behaviour affect the quality of <i>her</i> baking? P.S. THERE ARE TWO JUDGES.<br />
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Remember that time last year when Mary Berry lined up the finalists (all-male) in hottie order instead of rating their technical challenge and went round to all the journalists proclaiming her preference? NO, ME NEITHER. Do people really care about who Paul Hollywood <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/15/great-british-bake-off-paul-hollywood-ruby-tandoh-kimberley-wilson_n_4099881.html" target="_blank">believes to be the prettiest</a>? All it does is spark unnecessary controversy. Yawn.<br />
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<u>Diligence</u></h4>
Another thing that has been mentioned many times during GBBO is the fact Ruby was working towards her History of Art and Philosophy degree and had exams throughout her time in the competition. Ruby was stressed out - quelle surprise! She only has to bake a signature pie and then go home to study for some exams about pluralistic rationalism then come back the next day to produce some casually perfect petit fours, go home to study for some exams on hedonism and then get up the next morning and do the exam and then have to come home and try to create a lovely cake out of vegetables!? She should be congratulated and praised for her diligence.<br />
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<u>'The victim'</u></h4>
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Many viewers are obsessed with the term 'victim', and how Ruby has been 'playing' this 'role'. The overuse of the word 'victim' is utterly wrong in these tasteless quips. Since when did people lose their grasp on what it means to be actually be a victim. What does it mean when they say:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ruby is one of the most annoying contestants EVER on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GBBO&src=hash">#GBBO</a> her stupid play the victim crap is making viewing very hard! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamAnyoneButRuby&src=hash">#TeamAnyoneButRuby</a><br />
— kls (@k_kls) <a href="https://twitter.com/k_kls/statuses/390416506661896192">October 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
Her lack of self-confidence was unexpected, not irritating. When has modesty and surprise made someone false and devising? Sorry, is Ruby doing an evening course in drama, too? What's awful is that now Ruby<i> is</i> a victim: of Twitter bullying.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<u>Body image</u></h4>
NEW LEVEL OF RIDICULOUS AND BLATANT SEXISM ALERT<br />
<br />
I saw <a href="http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10752682.Raymond_Blanc_and_Southend_baker_Ruby_Tandoh_in_Twitter_row/?ref=nt" target="_blank">this article</a> about Raymond Blanc questioning Ruby's love of food simply because of her weight.<br />
<br />
Never mind his weak comment about 'female tears', is Raymond saying that if she were grossly obese her obvious 'love of food' would mean she would qualify as a proper contestant?! Doubtful.<br />
<br />
As Sarah Ditum puts so neatly in her <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/21/great-british-bake-off-ruby-tandoh-hostility" target="_blank">piece for the Guardian</a>,<br />
<br />
<i>'Here's why I think people are so free with their dislike of Tandoh: because they follow the same narrative the media does, and they know that when a woman does well, step number two is always to give her a pummelling.'</i><br />
<br />
It's so true and sad.<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The Final Bake</h4>
GBBO squashes other BBC2 programmes twofold with its mega audience figures, so it's moving to BBC1 for its fifth series. As its popularity increases, I'm sure the trolls will grow like a proving sour dough. Twitter is a lazy tool which allows people to say things quickly, without thought. Viewers are caught up in the whirlwind of reality tv in real-time, where following the nasties is far easier than thinking about a point to make their own.<br />
<br /></div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-42536630437983939252013-09-01T03:10:00.000-07:002013-09-17T07:33:29.936-07:00Euphoria Girls. Why it's wrong that a naive and innocent performance makes us cringe.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night I sat in my pyjamas, bought a curry from Tesco and watched the X Factor. My Saturday nights are sorted for the next four months.<br />
<br />
I have found myself thinking about Euphoria Girls. A lot. The group of 16-17 year old girls who gave such a sickeningly 'happy' rendition of something horribly old fashioned that was only memorable because of the unconventionality of their performance.<br />
<br />
The slightly naive, over-the-top, smiley-smiley, 'we just want to make people happy!!!!' attitude is rarely, if ever, seen amongst a group of young females on the television. From what I saw, the reaction on Twitter was incredibly negative and, although it certainly didn't encourage a standing ovation from myself, it really made me think about what we - the viewing public - believe a teenage girl should portray herself as.<br />
<br />
For example, if the girls had come out and pouted a little more, and during their routine walked up to the judges stomping with hands on hips, were more provocative, did a butt-shake here and there etc., this would not have been shocking at all. This is what we're used to seeing.<br />
<br />
Is it right that, in fact, we cringed at their 'young' appearance and slightly immature personalities?<br />
<br />
Throughout the show's history, a key shock-moment for judges is when they find out how old a contestant is. 'Only 16!? Wow.' Is it the 'maturity' of their voice? Or their physical appearance and (sexual?) 'maturity' of their performance? Most of the time I feel that the majority of young female auditionees appear with a face full of unnecessary make-up and dressed as if they were in their twenties.<br />
<br />
Sharon Osbourne stated last night that she wanted 'more attitude' from them, that that would be the only way to succeed in this process. I wonder what the girls (/the X factor producers) interpret that to be. Attitude. I should think it means 'be more sexy', and only time will tell.<br />
<br />
It seems that being a 'PG version of the Pussycat Dolls' just doesn't give enough to voyeurism.<br />
<br />
We are desensitised to the sexualisation of young girls, aren't we? It makes me terribly angry.<br />
<br /></div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-74951345050388976092013-08-29T05:24:00.001-07:002013-09-19T11:46:40.452-07:00Top Tips you should read before embarking on a European road trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
1. Use a Travelex Euro/Multi-currency cash passport. This card doesn't charge you for cash withdrawals, the commission is low, the website is reliable and it's quick and easy to top-up any amount of your choice over the internet. Way better than getting charged by your UK bank every single time you get out a wad of cash. You can also use it for internet transactions.<br />
<br />
2. Shop at Lidl. Carrefour, Super U and E.Leclerc's are cheap but Lidl is much cheaper and its stock is good. I'd never shopped in one in the UK because I'm a snob. Oh, and remember to take carrier bags or a backpack to carry your goods as plastic bags from supermarkets can be expensive.<br />
<br />
3. When using a sat-nav, spell your destination correctly. It might seem simple, but if you're visiting little towns or villages there are usually many incredibly similar spellings where there's an extra 'l' or 'e' which may be the other side of the country. (Luckily, we caught our mistake just in time and only went an hour out of our way.)<br />
<br />
4. Over-estimate the time the sat-nav tells you, unless you're in a ferrari. Camper vans take a while longer to get up mountain passes and hair pin bends.<br />
<br />
5. Don't trust tap water, even if it says it's drinkable, it's not worth the risk. Lidl will sort you out for 2litre bottles for 16c each.<br />
<br />
6. Fast-food is more expensive than you think, and usually you're better off buying a yummy fresh baguette, ham and cheese. Support the local economy!<br />
<br />
7. McDonalds' in Italy does not allow you to use wifi unless you have an Italian mobile number. French McDonalds' is fine but you're won't be able to connect outside of opening hours.<br />
<br />
8. Diesel is expensive in Italy, less so in Greece and France. Shop around (if you can!) and you can usually find a bargain at the supermarket gas station. Don't buy any fuel on a motorway if you can help it because you're charged a fortune for service (the guy who <i>has</i> to fill your tank up - you're not allowed to do it yourself) as well as a premium for the stuff itself. Plan ahead!<br />
<br />
9. Prepare for tolls. Some are much more expensive than others, especially if you're travelling through a lot of tunnels. Do your research online before you head off anywhere otherwise you can smash your budget in a few hours and that's sure to cause many a sad face.<br />
<br />
10. Be aware of dodgy areas. We referred to a special camping guidebook which pointed out parts of motorways or tolls that we should be wary of. You don't want anyone puncturing your tyres or grabbing something through the window...<br />
<br />
11. In the Med you should eat as much fresh fruit, veg and produce as you can because it's usually a total bargain and super delicious. Once you get to France the food returns to the standard in the UK: extortionate and tasteless. Boo!<br />
<br />
12. Be nice to each other. If you're the passenger, don't fall asleep.<br />
<br />
13. If there's lots of Germans, it's a good campsite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That'll do. Enjoy!</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-74852212717603064802013-08-29T01:19:00.000-07:002013-09-19T11:46:20.100-07:00Sospel to Vallerauges: gorges, castles and McDonalds.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From Sospel we stayed in the mountains and on to Entrevaux, a little fortified town situated beside a rapid river. We camped beside a lovely lake which was popular with families using paddleboards, canoes and floats. Pete decided to borrow a child's canoe that was resting on the edge of the water, and when he came back he returned to three young boys with their arms folded and bottom lips stuck out. Oops.<br />
<br />
We found another wild swimming spot beneath an old stone bridge, away from a more touristy spot along the river. As we drove through the Verdon Gorge, the scenery was unforgettable. Prehistoric rock formations that can only be appreciated with the human eye - the camera shrinks it's enormity.<br />
Leaving the gorge, we consulted our Wild Swimming book and stopped at Lac Ste Croix. After a severely underestimated walk to the said point, we were disappointed to find it full of people. As we carefully stepped down a steep rocky pathway we squeezed ourself in with the Germans and attempted to get to the jumping rock. After much hoo-ha, we made it into the water and in the space of about 10 minutes everybody decided to leave! I don't know what it was that caused everyone to evacuate... perhaps they had to get a bus. As I climbed the rock I realised that I hadn't ever jumped off anything, really. And I became very scared and for about half an hour I sat on top of the rock staring at the water. Pete, meanwhile, was doing backflips and impressing those passing in boats, even getting a round of applause from one group. When I finally plopped in it really hurt and wasn't fun at all. Stupid rock. I went for a long swim in the flat, empty lake.<br />
<br />
Living in a van means you don't have a washing machine, obviously. And when you're on the road a lot, your washing builds up and up and up until you realise that it's getting quite pongy and all of a sudden you simply <i>must</i> do washing. At our campsite we managed to shove in about 7kg of washing (including bed sheets, towels etc.), and once we set up our tri-washing line it covered our entire camp pitch, leaving us camouflaged but clean and content.<br />
<br />
We were missing the beach so we headed to the coast at La Ciotat. We met up with one of Pete's old friends for the evening and got hideously drunk, terribly bitten by mosquitoes and the only way to console ourselves the morning after was to head straight to McDonalds and eat a load of crap and glug a 2 litre carton of orange juice.<br />
<br />
Next stop was a Cool Camping site just outside the sweet town of Vallerauges which was run by a lovely English/Dutch family. A small river ran through the area and on each side were perfect jumping platforms for Pete to do some more showing off. We had a lot of fun there and I wasn't such a wimp about jumping off the rock this time. Out of all the campsites, we'd probably return there as it was brilliant value for money and had a great friendly atmosphere. (http://www.lacorconne.com/index_en.asp)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-69832298823411964602013-07-29T02:35:00.000-07:002013-09-19T11:46:31.380-07:00Into the French Alps and beyond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
Vive le France! </div>
<div class="p1">
We avoided Monaco (I think we might drive through it on the way back) and head up into the mountains. We found some reasonably priced Camping Municipale in the village of Sospel which was a little gem. Manoeuvring the van through Les Grande Tour des Alpes to get there was a bit travel-sick-inducing but the scenery was like nothing I'd seen before. Jaw-dropping rock formations with visible chunky layers pressed together and pushed up and up, with the sun shining through the aromatic pine forests. I gave my biggest smile (which I fear turned into a pitiful one once I saw the agonising look on their faces) to the mental cyclists attempting the 2000m mountain pass and even got a wave back from a sturdy looking bloke! Soon after that though we reached a small village, so I guess he had just set off… </div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Consulting our Wild Camping book we prodded in the longitude and latitude of our first secret spot and hoped the sat nav would take us there. It did! It was a cloudy morning, and we traipsed down down down another 'path' deep into the valley. I heard Pete woah-ing a lot and suddenly the photo in the book was right in front of our eyes! White-grey smooth boulders with aquamarine water plunging between and around them. This is literally what Centre Parcs' pool and rapids are based on. Yay for beautiful wild swimming! Shame it was ice cold, but I guess that's what you get for swimming in the mountains.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Digression: I have forgotten to mention previously the state of toilets in Greece and Italy - poor. Why do the toilets not have seats?!!? Why? Several times I did that thing where you're expecting the loo seat but some guy has left the seat up and you feel like you're going to faaaaaaaaall into the loo because you're judgement is wrong and you lose your balance. Crazy times. France, however, is different. Clean and nice and lockable doors too. Wahoo! Some of our campsites have even provided loo roll - mega bonus! It's never exactly inconspicuous carrying a roll of paper under your arm as you meander past eeeeveryone to the toilet block.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Sat nav is proving very useful and has brought us to all our selected swimming spots so far. It does enjoy taking us on the scenic route though: circling, venturing into dead ends, popping us onto a road that's not there etc. Thankfully, the scenery is super so it doesn't matter all that much.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Our flights are booked to return on 15th August so we're not sure whether we'll manage to get to Spain. We'll keep exploring the wild swimming through France and see how far we get before returning to Florence to drop the beloved van off and fly out of Pisa.</div>
</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-25225081563699895992013-07-29T02:33:00.002-07:002013-09-19T11:44:58.077-07:00Cinque Terre: an adventure in itself...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
Our campsite was called 'Mare Monti' which made me think of a cheerful Italian horse every time we passed through the gates which was nice. Full to the brim but still quiet and friendly. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The railway line wasn't far, and so we set off for the furthest town 'Riomaggiore' paying a slightly extortionate single fare. When we arrived we were greeted with multiple ATTENZIONE signs and locked gates. Hmph. Many of the paths were closed. After purchasing a €20 obligatory ticket to enter the park environment we had to get back on the train in the direction we'd come, along with half the world's population and half the sun's heat radiating down on us.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Getting off at Corniglio we took the 'path' towards Vernazza; an hour and half hike. Woooooo yeah cool idea for a pretty warm day yeah. Basically, we sweat A LOT. Really. When we reached our destination I realised I hadn't packed my bikini which was a major bummer and there were lots of people in the sea so I had to jump off a rock in my shorts and tie my scarf (which I'd fashioned a hat/turban from) around my chest. It was a good look for me; an attractive day all round. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Saying goodbye to Monti we headed for France and hit a terrible storm. It chased us the whole way up the motorway and when the clouds finally burst we certainly knew about it. We were thankful to be driving through several tunnels but sometimes it was frightfully scary during the bits in between. The rain slammed down on the windscreen, making our music and speech inaudible and driving slowed to a crawl as it was practically impossible to see. The thunder shook the van and the lightning was FORKING terrible!!!…………..No? Anyway. Luckily there were no accidents but to calm our nerves we stopped for a croissant and a Powerade but they tasted weird, unfortunately.</div>
</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-91811940115196985052013-07-29T02:32:00.000-07:002013-09-19T11:45:09.454-07:00Falling in love with Florence and pronouncing things incorrectly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
We stayed a week with Pete's family: aunty is an artist, uncle is a photographer, and their son is a piano extraordinaire. In a house on a hill overlooking Florence, we had an incredible time having good food, drink, and absorbing the deliciousness of Florence city. Every morning we awoke to Leo (Pete's cousin) playing a Chopin piece in preparation for his exam in the autumn. A lovely way to be gently woken up, until it got to the more dramatic crescendos and chromatics which, although rather violent, made me miss playing and practising very much.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We toured the grand Uffizzi Gallery as well as the Academia, and after that we were completely pooped and culture-filled. Michealangelo's 'David' was just wonderful though; humongous and truly impressive. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We did a lot of wandering - more of which I think I enjoyed. I ventured in on my own and did slow paced wandering as I can never keep up with Pete and his long strides. We also ate a lot of gelato. We were steered away from the touristy spots where overpriced nondescript gelato is served, and pointed towards Grom…and others which I can't remember the name of. Useless. FYI though, Grom's hazelnut is unbeatable.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Next we were heading to the Cinque Terre next - a group of 5 small villages almost balanced upon the cliff edges of the coast. The whole area is a huge national park. When I asked Pete's Italian uncle for advice on campsites, he swiftly corrected me from pronouncing Cinque Terre as 'sank tehr' - French-stylee, to 'chinkweh terreh': Italian. Oops.</div>
</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-44253020269244953632013-07-07T03:33:00.002-07:002013-09-19T11:45:24.733-07:00Near-death experiences along the Amalfi coast lead us to beautiful Bolsena<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pete wanted to drive the Amalfi coast.
About halfway along I don’t think he wanted to drive the Amalfi coast.
Windy, twisty, narrow roads complete with copious mental Italian drivers made
us hold our breath more than once. As the van is British, I sit on the left
side which means I spent a few hours leaning as far over to the right as
possible. The view was absolutely stunning but was sometimes difficult to
enjoy, being on corner-watching duty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just past Naples, Camping Averno was
appealing with its swimming pools and heated thermal baths. The price was
steeper than what we’d paid before but it was worth it for a day of laziness.
The gardens had beautiful flowers, and even though it was part of a hotel it
was quaint and had character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Then I my heat rash got really bad and I
was told no more sun or sea or pools or general movement. Woop. Because of
this, we decided to cover as much ground as possible in the van to get us up
past Rome. I’d already been a tourist there and P wasn’t bothered – I have a
feeling he just wants to get to France to jump off cliffs and go wild swimming.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Luckily, we have found the most wonderful
spot beside Lake Bolsena, Bolsena. We are staying in an ‘Agriturismo’ site
which is part of the owner’s farmland. It’s a 20 minute walk from town along
the lakeside, and every morning we are offered bread and croissants the owner’s
husband has purchased from the local bakery that morning. We can buy
courgettes, onions, salad, wine and oil, all produced on the farm and freshly
gathered. Delicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our neighbours are all German or Dutch and
very friendly. We’re happy here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The next stop is Florence where we will
stay with Pete’s aunty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-25007325889180110192013-07-07T03:32:00.001-07:002013-10-29T14:58:14.945-07:00Sassy Matera, Paestum, and a visit to Decathlon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Lonely Planet guided us inland and
suggested visiting the World Heritage site of Matera to see its sassi – cave
dwellings. The van was getting pretty sandy so we gave it a sweep and left the
lido and the glares behind. Hooray!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Matera is cool. The landscape was
completely different: slow-rolling golden hills interrupted by MASSIVE GORGES.
The town is set upon two of them, and up until the 1950s half the population lived
in caves carved into the rocky ravines. They got cleared out by the EU after
some guy wrote a book which dissed them – you can Google that for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Our campsite was situated next to a solar
farm, with a magnificent view beyond it. We had free wifi as long as we spoke
to a charming but slightly crazy (possibly drunk) employee who did odd jobs
around the place. We found a lush lake where we had lunch and chill time. Pete
got the slackline out and I made friends with a manky golden lab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We observed Paestum’s Greek ruins through
the van windows and settled in Camping Ulisse, back on the coast. There was a
bar, restaurant and entertainment for those who wanted it – apparently nobody.
Pete got cranky because they kept playing Gangnam Style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A big plus was that they sold mega
croissants warm with Nutella which was particularly useful (and scrumptious) as
we ran out of gas for the cooker. We went on a lengthy expedition to find a
Decathlon and came back with the whole shop’s worth of gas canisters.<br /><br />Safety first!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-34186512830007520212013-07-07T03:30:00.003-07:002013-09-19T11:46:55.333-07:00Staresville<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Have you ever felt that everyone is looking
at you, but really you’re just being paranoid? How about when everyone is
actually looking at you, all the time, constantly staring? Because that is what
we found as we stopped at the Torre Canne lido. It was a Sunday and the place
was heaving with Italians enjoying their weekend. We were part of their fun, it
seemed. I was intimidated by a group of young girls who were no more than 10
years old who stood and stared as I showered, hurling Italian speech at me. I
felt super stupid – a typical English person with no grasp of the national
language. Poop. Our pitch was placed next to the bar/restaurant and also a main
walkway of the lido. NOT IDEAL.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Beyond the lido owned area was a large
sandy beach. Yay! Though there wasn’t a space to perch anywhere so we enjoyed a
quick dip but were still exhausted from the journey up. We had a pizza for
dinner that was oddly watery but delicious enough. That night there were
fireworks in the town centre, so low and loud it made the van shake. It was
also roasting hot and we were afraid we’d get robbed by the children in the
night. Not a good night’s sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We have decided never to stay at a Lido
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Onward!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-5417860536557353292013-07-07T03:30:00.000-07:002013-09-19T11:47:17.959-07:00Daytime-mosi-infested-creepy-place + Ferry Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The next camp stop I will call
‘daytime-mosi-infested-creepy-place’, which is located nearby Patra. But first
I will mention the 51 degree heat of Olympia which we thought would be a good
cultural fun-stop en route. We managed a 2 minute walk down to the entrance of
the site but had to return to the air-con for fear of our vital organs MELTING.
Literally.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Later, we parked up at
daytime-mosi-infested-creepy-place and sighed a big sigh: it was definitely no
Navarino beach. As soon as we opened the doors mosis attacked us which was
totally uncalled for so we briskly walked towards the sound of the sea.
Unfortunately, this led to more sighing as weeds and rubbish washed up onto an
empty stony bay. We explored for a while, and then I saw a fat rat scuttle off
so that was the end of that. Blergh. I think I got about 30 mosi bites that
night, despite the Autan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We were ready to escape the extraordinary
heat of Greece and boarded the (very delayed) nighttime ferry from Igoumenitsa
to Brindisi, Italy, with a massive tub of tsatziki and canned stuffed
vineleaves for dinner. A culinary delight! The van was directed to park next to
the ferry’s engine which was mega loud. I managed to sleep a bit somehow, but
Pete’s mistimed espresso shot left him very awake at the wrong hour. After
customs rooted around in our dirty laundry bag for various illegal items, we
drove off in the darkness we finally found Torre Canne, our next stop...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-82594403847038245952013-07-07T03:28:00.004-07:002013-09-19T11:47:28.134-07:00Two dinners, one boat, lots of ginger tea and the beginning of the advanture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Two/three weeks
in and I finally get the chance to write a little bit. I’ve just been far too
occupied absorbing sunshine and observing beautiful views. Yes, yes, it is
mostly blissful, but don’t feel too jealous as the real reason I have time to
write now is because I have a ridiculous heat rash that is 100% minging. I’m
not allowed in the sun or the sea. Cool.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
We set off for Greece to join Pete’s parents on their boat on an 11pm flight that
arrived in the ghetto of Athens at 4am. A bonus was that we received an
inflight meal that we weren’t expecting, meaning we ate two dinners: one at
dinnertime and one as a post-midnight feast. Thank you Aegean Airlines!
However, the lack of sleep made us wobbly and disorientated at dawn whist trying
to search for our ferry transfer to the small island of Hydra. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Adding to the wobbliness, it was the first
time I’d met the parents and set foot on a proper boat with sails and stuff. Obviously
we were warmly welcomed and all was fine until a massive storm hit the port… Yep.
A stupid massive storm decided to greet us too, which meant splish splosh wavy
rocky loveliness to add to the sleep deprivation. Cue seasickness! Ugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, Pete was in his element and
continued to be throughout our time on the Carpe Diem of Ipswich: installing a
new anchor light and clambering up the mast, unhooking tangled anchors,
swimming out to attach ropes to things etc. Saving the day most days. Mostly I
drank ginger tea and cuddled the dogs - yes, two Labradors live on the boat,
and so does a cat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">We stayed in Poros anchoring in the
tranquil Russia bay and then sailed to Methena with its sulphur infused sea.
Eggy but good for arthritis and ailments, apparently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As the first day of the advanture loomed we
were fully settled into boat life and it was a shame to leave. We had a long
bus journey ahead to take us to Kalamata where the infamous van was chillin’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our first camp stop was at Navarino beach
just outside of Pilos. A long, yellow, fine-sanded beach peeped through the
trees 5m from our pitch. As we looked along the bay we found we were the only
ones on it! The sea was calm, blue and very very cold. On numerous occasions we
found ourselves the only ones bobbing about – or in Pete’s case, splashing and
back-flipping about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bummer, we thought. This is too beautiful;
we’ve peaked too early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Turns out we did!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-68981420109574993602013-04-24T07:48:00.002-07:002013-09-19T11:47:43.830-07:00BEADS SKIS! 2 weeks to go: A kind of conclusion.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="p1">
At 24, you may think that taking the opportunity to move to France and work as a cleaner for a while is not that big a step. For those who know me, the fact that an idea like that could ever fit into my fat complex brain is a miracle in itself. When I accepted the job in Val d'Isere I hadn't a clue what I was getting myself into, though I knew what I was trying to get myself out of. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I definitely escaped the monotony of life at home and launched myself - to the dismay of my parents/grandparents/everyone ever - into the unknown. A serious skiing accident at the age of 18 meant I had tried to erase every ski-related thing out of my mind; I never thought I'd ski again. Therefore, choosing to do a ski season was a bit mental, hmm?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
During the first few weeks I hated every minute on the mountain. I'd look out of the window in the morning and think 'today, I can do this…' but as soon as I had my skis on I stiffened up and the memories kept flooding back. I strapped my helmet on so tight some days it was difficult to breathe and the skin on my throat would be raw. I had such a sore lower back because I stuck my bum out so much. IDEAL.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
After a miserable afternoon on the piste the return to work was a chore. Long hours, boring work and little motivation. I found myself yearning for a drink not only for enjoyment or in preparation for a night out but to simply be able to relax and unwind. I needed it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
There was a turning point though. I think it was when we'd all had enough of crying and stress eating because of silly remarks and unnecessary pressure. We put the job to the side and concentrated on having fun during our time off, and I tried to get better at skiing.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Aaaaaand it worked! I got better! I got good! It felt great! It feels great! I can't believe how much I have improved in the time spent here, and I thank everyone for helping me along when I got scared and wobbly and said 'NO I CAN'T DO THIS I'M GOING HOME BYE BYE' because you knew I could and so I did.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Boys. A disparate group of boys aged 18-30. They have made me do my ugly witch cackle witch laugh so many times thanks to their wit, utter randomness and - most of all - their stupidity. Polite, generous and hilarious, the Young Boys and the Old Boys have made the good times a whole lot better.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Girls. Sharing a tiny apartment with three wonderful, kind, caring, crazy girls has been a joy. Each so brilliant in their own way; I will never forget the slurred speech during heart to hearts, scoffing gouda, Milka and crisps together at the bus stop when we're not even remotely hungry, the ridiculous amount of cereal consumed at various times of day, smashing plates in tears and hysterical laughter, the 'good morning's, the 'good night's and every single perfectly timed 'are you ok?'. In such a small space we have so many memories to take with us and cherish. When we shut the door for the last time I hope our laughter is contained in those paper-thin walls as it always will be in my heart. We will always be a (slightly crappy, still can't quite get those harmonies…) girlband. L.E.R.K forever x</div>
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[I knew I'd cry. Oops.]</div>
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Boy. I've met someone who makes me try new things, see things differently and doesn't let me give up if I can't do something perfectly the first time. They say patience is a virtue… pfft. He's changed the way I think about things and how I feel about me. Impressive.</div>
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I'm so glad I was brave. Although a little selfish in my decision to come here, it was the right thing to do and I have no regrets now. I'll go back to Chelmsford a decent skier with an open mind and someone who's excited about the future - not scared. I'm no longer stuck in a rut where I have to pretend everything's ok and just 'get on with it' because I have to.</div>
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I'm smiling. Properly.</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-51117705760711064712013-03-07T15:16:00.001-08:002013-09-19T11:47:59.124-07:00BEADS SKIS! What week is it!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
SO every chalet the company owns has been fully booked for what seems like the past LIFETIME. You know what that means? I've been busy, and Saturday's have been hell on earth, and the time in between has been drunken and drunk and... soothing. Do you know how stressful it is to changeover a million* properties in one day before 4pm? Very. How can people afford all these holidays? Do people realise it's 7 Euros for a yoghurt here and practically a million* Euros for a ski pass? Obviously not! So basically what I'm saying is that I think everyone should chill out at home for a bit and leave us lot alone for a while. We need time to recuperate. Please. My back hurts and yes, obviously my hands are split.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the weather is getting warmer which means I'm seeing concrete for the first time in ages and everything in-between is brown slush. Great. Over the past few weeks though we've had some great ski days with perfect conditions; it's been a lot of fun and I barely fall down anymore! Wahoo. Weirdly, writing this seems to be more retrospective: not only because it's been so fricking long that I wrote but because we're way over halfway and that means the end is far nearer than the beginning...<br />
<br />
[Digression:<br />
Currently, I'm babysitting three children aged 4, 6 and 8. (They're asleep whilst I'm quietly tapping away...) Earlier we had a conversation where we talked about skiing, tic tacs, pocket knives, various cupcake frosting and death. It's so insightful hearing little ones speak about important stuff. It put things in perspective and makes you think about how serious everything gets once you become all serious yourself. They were so sleepy and slurry when I put them to bed but as I read them a story to send them to sleep I thought isn't it wonderful to be able to take each day as it comes; if only for a while. I manage to do that here. As May approaches I'll unfortunately have to ask myself that ridiculous recurring question that used to piss me off so much: what now? What next? At this moment riiiight now, to be honest, I don't really mind. For the first time in a while I'm actually happy and I'd like that to remain consistent, even if nothing else does.]<br />
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Oh, do you know what's fun? My name. Sometimes when I'm hosting breakfast I'll introduce myself as Kathryn and then they will call me Kathy for the rest of the week. Sometimes I'll make an appointment at the hairdressers or something and pronounce it Katrine to try and be a bit more Frenchy and they think I am Jaqueline!? WRONG. Wrong.<br />
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Misc.<br />
I have started eating baguettes. A baguette a day keeps the waistline away!<br />
I climbed on a climbing wall! It was fun but I hated it when I couldn't do it and got a bit mad and grumpy but then I calmed down and did it better and could do it then.<br />
The hosts have been asked to write a blog for the company website - 'A day in the life of...' stylee to give an insight into our job role and general life in Val. I will be bending the truth.<br />
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*not actually a million</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-87884147716965787742013-02-07T08:45:00.002-08:002013-09-19T11:48:15.691-07:00BEADS SKIS! Weeks Eight to Ten and a bit: Some stuff that has happened (probably not a long enough blog for the time that has passed)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Goodness I am a terrible blogger. Excuse my uselessness but it's been a busy and eventful few weeks.<br />
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The staff are getting cranky. Our two chefs left for other jobs elsewhere, and the rest of us are being threatened with regards to the quality of our work. Hmm. It's unfortunate because everyone does actually try their best but apparently it's not good enough and personal comments are made and patronising remarks are remarked and it's all very boring sometimes when you've worked 8 hours without a break or even a sit down or a sip of water. It will be interesting to see how everything pans out over the next few weeks. People may be fired, people may leave, people will be crankier unless something changes.</div>
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Leaving here seems simple enough some days - it's just a cheap flight or train journey - but when there's a blue sky and i'm sitting on a balcony in my t-shirt and sunglasses, playing Ben Howard out of some cheapy but good enough speakers, with a fit boy waxing his skis beside me, the minging cleaning and the way we're sometimes treated seems to be put aside quite easily. Or when I'm out with everyone on the slopes and I look at those goddamn mountains they look SO PRETTY ALL THE TIME and they hypnotise me and I always do a sigh and say 'PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER WOMAN, STICK IT OUT!!!' I know I should do, and I probably will, but some days it's difficult. I miss my sister and my puppy and my sofa.</div>
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In the beginning we would get so upset if we were shouted at. A lot has changed: I got the giggles on the walkie-talkie the other day because I got sworn at for putting a toaster sideways in a kitchen drawer… I think everyone has gained a little bit of perspective on the situation and understand the reasons why certain people get stressed and angry if we leave a crumb under the table or a drip in the sink, but we really do try our best and we're not robots, after all.</div>
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So anyway, you know what's fun? Hoovering fridges, baths, showers and other not-usually-hooverable surfaces. Yep. It works a charm on fluff and hair and other rank dirt scum. I'm not saying I shove the whole thing in the fridge but nozzling the drawers and stuff. Totes my cleaning highlight.</div>
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So skiing! I like skiing. Yep yep yep. I'm better now and instead of freaking at the sight of a big mound I just go over it and do a jump. Woop. Apparently I look 'slinky' as I go down the mountain. Slinky in a good way. Not like an actual Slinky; that would be terrible and painful and repetitive. </div>
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Diet! I'm off the stale bread and leftovers as I haven't been doing much hosting lately. I just spent 6 Euros on like 4 pieces of pick n' mix though because I only like the heavy stuff. Fudgy overload.</div>
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Drinking! Yes. Lots. Still. I enjoy red wine and I happily drink beer too now. </div>
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Ummmm so that's about it. The past few weeks have been the same as always: wake up, clean, eat, ski, eat, clean, drink, eat, drink, drink, sleep.</div>
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NEWSFLASH: I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT BEYONCE'S TOUR DATES IN THE UK ARE UP TO 7TH MAY!??!?!!? I'M SUPPOSED TO COME HOME ON THE 9TH MAY!?!?! K well it looks like I'll be coming home early then. Thanks for helping me make up my mind, B! I'll be back before you know it.</div>
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To be continued...</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-38114322892092663422013-01-16T05:00:00.001-08:002013-09-19T11:48:30.811-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week Seven: Scooping out sick with a spoon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Only a short post today I think because I'm hungover and can't be bothered.<br />
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So yes, you read the title correctly! Most recently I have been scooping my friend's sick out of a drawer of clothes with a tablespoon. It was full of mushrooms.<br />
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This week it is very cold. When it gets below -10 the air feels different on your face, on your eyeballs and in your nostrils. You can just tell when it jumps a few degrees. Last night I think it got down to -24. Brrr!<br />
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One of the team left unannounced in the middle of the night leaving us in shock and despair. We got over it after a few drinks but we do miss him a lot because he was a cool guy. (Mostly we are jealous because he gets to sit on a sofa at home with his dogs and chill out doing nothing while we fill in his shifts and work extra hours etc. Git.)<br />
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My purse fell out of my bag in a nightclub (Dicks' Tea Bar) with quite a bit of money in it plus all my cards. I went into the club the day after and it had been returned with everything still in it - not a penny stolen. HAVE FAITH IN HUMANITY, PEOPLE.<br />
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There's a polo competition beginning today - luckily it's our day off so we'll get to see the first few games. I wonder what calibre of people the event will bring to Val!<br />
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Misc.<br />
I was making a bed one day and a thread from the duvet cover got stuck where my finger is split open from being so dry. So basically it flossed my already sliced open finger. It was revolting and ridiculously painful.</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-49685020773653400452013-01-11T07:53:00.001-08:002013-09-19T11:48:44.389-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week Six: Into the New Year with a splat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I first arrived here I had the problem that I would hit my head about five times a day. I was unable to judge either the size or position of my head. Given, I was adjusting to a new habitat and ducking into a bunk bed was weird and sometimes still the top bunk is 3cm too low for my brain to comprehend. Every time I hit my head it swelled and got lumpy - thus causing more bashes because my skull became a ridiculous shape! (I have a helmet for skiing...)<br />
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THANKFULLY, I seem to have got over this painful period of adjustment. However, I seem to fall over a lot. Like, all the time:<br />
Sometimes I fall when I'm carrying my cleaning bucket which is painful because the bucket it plastic.<br />
Sometimes I fall when I'm carrying a couple of linen bags which weigh about 60kg each and if I'm quick and ninja I can position them to cushion my fall - that's really difficult to do.<br />
Sometimes I fall when it's a countdown to 2013 and I'm running towards non-existent fireworks which I think are in a particular direction but are actually not and so decide to run around a roundabout at the centre of the high street covered in black ice surrounded by lots and lots of people.<br />
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- It didn't hurt at the time, and although my pride was protected by the mass round of applause I received, my hip was not, and now I have another massive bruise. Christmas day bruises are fading slowly...<br />
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So anyway, this week has been busy. Quelle surprise!!! Though there was a breakthrough with regards to my relationship with skiing; I did a bordercross run and loved it. Bit scary, bit fast, bit twisty, uppy, downy and loopy but super fun. That day a big group of us went over to Tignes and had a great few hours. I fell over twice but spread out like a starfish so managed to control the tumbling. It's been sunny for a good few days now which is obviously beaut but I think we're in need of some new snow because the roads look dirty and the pavements are squishy slushy.<br />
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Our kitchen window and balcony (which has a greater square area than my bedroom) look out onto le Face. I spend most of my time looking out and watching people ski down with grace. How do they make it look so easy dammit?!<br />
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I'm assisting the chef this week in prepping and serving dinner for 18 and working late into the evening. It should be cool, but how do I pour wine?! Glug.<br />
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Misc.<br />
Baileys for 3 Euros!? Yes, I will take that seasonnaire discount and abuse it. I have turned an aperitif into a standard bar drink and am happy to add several centimetres to the waistline at that price.<br />
I think I ODed on Milka.</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-71173938559511534162012-12-31T05:29:00.002-08:002013-09-19T11:48:55.918-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week Five: bruises and snoozes, mostly...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We got the afternoon off on Christmas day, and so it was spent dancing on tables at the Follie Deuce and buying bottles of rose at 40 Euros a pop. Ouchy. Loud DJs, tons of people, Santas everywhere; it was fab. To get into the spirit (/look like a mug) I decorated my helmet in the bows and ribbons from my presents I'd opened earlier. The selotape did a good job (though I wasn't skiing fast enough for them to fall off).<br />
Around 4pm I deteriorated and was very very very drunk all of a sudden. En route to the cable car (ALONE - everyone else was able to ski down, just about) I fell splat on my wrist and was adamant I'd broken it (obvs very dramatic) and my skis clunked on top of me and I whinged a lot to my new French friends I made on the way down.<br />
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After a small sleep (not a passing-out) and two types of pasta I felt OK again and we watched the fireworks and the ESF light display down the Face which was ace. My wrist was strapped up into a Lady Gaga/Madonna-esque claw with more black electric tape and we continued the evening.<br />
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A strange but awesome Christmas day, and when I woke up on Boxing day I was COVERED in bruises. So mysterious.<br />
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The days between Christmas and New Year are always odd, but here it's odder. We have been super ridic busy and have just got on with our early mornings and long shifts. Christmas week passed so quickly with my lovely family, but this week I have another lovely lot to cook and clean for. Yes, my alarm is set for 6.10am but I finish a little earlier which means more time for morning naps as well as afternoon naps!!!? YAY NAPS.<br />
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Oh yeah, skiing stuff. Um. Well I went skiing on my own the other day and that was good because I didn't fall over at all and I finished the run on a high with a big grin on my face feeling like a pro. That was the end of skiing for the day though because I wanted to end on a high.<br />
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No skiing today because I'm napping and tonight is New Year's Eve so I need a nap. Yep.<br />
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Misc.<br />
My hand is stained black. Not from the electric tape, I'm hoping. where it's cracked and dry something has absorbed itself into my skin and now it won't get out - not even with white spirit. Yes I put white spirit on my cracked dry dying hand skin. GREAT IDEA.<br />
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! x</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-5537324933935512892012-12-24T13:01:00.002-08:002013-09-19T11:49:13.670-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week Four: I go off piste, I get piste, and try to be adopted. Oh yeah, and apparently it's Christmas?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What day is it?<br />
<br />
At some point this week I went out and drank a lot.<br />
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At some point this week I had another lesson with Laurent and it was going fine and then I went over some mounds, screamed, then ended up front flipping several times into the powder with both skis lost in neck deep snow. Laurent gave me a Mars bar so I was OK... but yes, that was the end of the lesson and I went back down the mountain in the cable car and in a huff. I hate not being good at stuff. STILL.<br />
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I have a new family to cater for this week and they're lovely. Hooray! When I cleaned their apartment before their arrival I got walkie-talkied (yes, I have a walkie-talkie!) about a tree delivery. For a moment I was like WTF a delivery for an indoors tree!? This family must be mega earthy. Then I realised OH YES IT IS CHRISTMAS IN A MINUTE. All the days merge into one and it is weird and there is no Mariah or Noddy Holder playing anywhere. It's Christmas Eve and I just cooked a tuna pasta bake.<br />
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About half of the guys who work here have family visiting which is nice because they're all smiley. The other half of us have some expensive wine to drink (left to us as a tip last week), a beautiful massive panetone and some Nutella so YEAH I think we all know who's got the better deal. Ha! My housemate has offered to adopt two of us as family as hers are here, though we're quite content with each others' family-esque company as is. It's not surprising how close you get to the people you spend all of your time (and space) with.<br />
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Anyway, happy Christmas and all that. I'll be up at 6.30am tomorrow with a baguette under one arm and a bag of pain au chocolats in the other hand, looking forward to opening my post and presents from friends and fam once I'm finished hoovering the pine needles and toast crumbs from my clients' living space.<br />
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Misc.<br />
I have taped up my split knuckles with black electric tape. Festive.<br />
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Joyeux Noel! x</div>
Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-79254322324110197522012-12-19T07:54:00.000-08:002013-09-19T11:49:26.631-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week Three: Hosting, boasting and toasting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Breakfast hosting is my favourite. Bar the initial stress and eeshk of waking up pre 7am and then speed walking to the cash and carry and bakery in a horizontal blasting snow blizzard, it's actually quite good fun. You just have to watch out for the mega snow ploughs and piste bashers as the sun rises and sprint in the opposite direction whilst carrying pastries et une baguette. Luckily all the clients have been lovely though and as long as you poach your eggs right it's easy peasy! I'm currently catering for a little princess who requests princess eggs every morning - luckily they're just the same as boiled.</div>
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Val is now packed full of noisy lairy students and so when you suggest going out for 'a quiet one' it never quite goes to plan. They all think seasonnaires are dead cool - and of course you lap it up - if only they knew how long I'd scrubbed a loo for that morning. I think I'm finally adjusting to alcohol at altitude though. Bonus.</div>
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My diet now includes a variety of stale bread - toasted, plus 2x yoghurts a day. This has become the norm for all residents of our apartment. We're all addicted. Since I've got over my bug I have been filling every spare minute with eating which is fun.</div>
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Breakthrough: for the first time in my life I am able to nap! I believe this is because I'm always knackered from work, not because I'm becoming lazy. A mid-afternoon nap is now a necessity in order to survive the late shift.</div>
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I have been skiing. Thankfully I have another lesson on Thursday with Laurent who is the best. He has told me to meditate down the mountain: repeating 'aum', breathing deeply and trusting my skis. Righto.</div>
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The snow keeps falling and it's been a whiteout the past few days - obvs can't ski when it's like that as my goggles are for sunshine ONLY… (defo can't borrow anyone elses…) I tried a couple of runs and it was like skiing in a cloud of constant white terribleness. I (will) LOVE SKIING. Promise.</div>
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It is our staff Christmas dinner this evening which should be good fun. I will be dressing up as festively as possible, using all the decorations we have in our room because I LOVE CHRISTMAS.</div>
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*</div>
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Stop press: it's the day after the night before! Our Christmas meal was delish - such a treat to have a sit down three course meal. Naturally we are all horrendously hungover today having followed the evening through to 6am but a few hours skiing has helped our heads and cleared the fuzziness. Such gorgeous weather today - not too cold and blissful sunshine. I love days off. I feel great.</div>
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Misc. </div>
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I had 200g Milka for breakfast.</div>
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I have a glass splinter in my finger.</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8888517387156871551.post-77740966594177008312012-12-13T04:04:00.000-08:002013-09-19T11:49:40.575-07:00BEADS SKIS! Week two: Multiple near-death/feeling-like-death experiences not related to avalanches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Note: I'm writing this whilst really ill and PISSED OFF.</div>
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No, we haven't had a day off yet.</div>
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Yes, I've spent a fortune on food (Milka) and drink (vodka). My diet is basically Milka, cheese, bread, vodka and different varieties of Milka.</div>
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I've experienced my first hangover at altitude which is basically quadruple the non-fun and I look like death on a stick.</div>
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Our first day of skiing was so beautiful but then I fell down and remembered I'm scared of skiing so I'm having a lesson with Laurent tomorrow. Cool.</div>
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Misc.</div>
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All knuckles are split open and bleeding and when I rub my fingers together I make my own skin-textured musical sandpaper instrument.</div>
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A dude gave me a high five because my jacket is sick. So that was good.</div>
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My average poll age is 20, though given the past few days I reckon it's increased tenfold. Yep, I look 200 years old. *Reaches for Milka.....*</div>
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Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12586209490233643687noreply@blogger.com0