Good-bye!

Sitting here it still feels surreal.  I could look on a map and think; I am there, as I point to the small overpopulated Island of Jolly old England, but it still feels all very weird and wonderful.

I can picture myself walking along the cobble stone streets on this continent but it doesn’t feel real.  I take for granted right now the double decker buses lined up outside in front of the historical central station.  I take in the Geordie ‘Aye’s ‘around me and smile to myself.  Smile so much that I almost shed a tear.

This is where it all started.  It was here on, Westgate Street, that Ryan and I tried crossing the street for the first time and almost got clobbered by the reverse traffic.  I can laugh now that we piled into a cab with our entire life in luggage to find out that our hotel was across the street from central station.

I remember how excited we were to walk around the streets, looking up in awe with the beauty and history among us.

I remember the Great North Run which made our reasonable hotel fee of £70 a night sky rocket to £200 a night.  No place to go no place to live but this hotel.  Even though it is a Holiday Inn, we could quickly witness all the differences there are between countries.  To put it lightly our Holiday Inn was not what us Canadians are used to.  Our sheets were never changed, and our rooms were miniature and our toilets and shower dials made no sense.  Not to mention the strange food they served at breakfast.

I would rather forget Michael from Absolute, but he will forever be a huge lesson learned while living here.  Letting agents are scum bags, and dirty creatures and I am with great excitement ready to leave them behind here in England and move to a country where you deal with landlords.

Council taxes, Entertainment tax and costly energy bills you will not be missed.  I will always remember my emotional journey opening bills here in England.  I used to receive bills in the post and feel hot and want to faint and cry when opening them.  Since then I have learned how to laugh and giggle when I open the post.

I am no longer foreign as to what to say to those who ask, ‘you a’rite?’  I know that a simple ‘Aye’ is sufficed.

I am used to seeing orange people walk by.  I am not as frightened to face a Geordie girl on the metro.  I have learned to just let people cut in line in front of me.  I have also come to terms with the lack of customer service.

I have decided to also accept being called ‘pet’ by older men.  I have learned that this is not derogatory and I no need to be scared.

I know the difference between drizzle, showers, rain, precipitation, and downpour.

I will not miss the mould, the dampness, and the cold in our flat.  Having our flat colder than the metros will be a memory in the past.

I will miss the lovely people I have met.  They have truly blessed me with their sincere love and I want to pack them into my luggage and bring them back with me.  I am starting to realize life without them and sadness is settling in.

I know I have talked about Anne before, but she is one of the loveliest people I have ever met.  We are so alike and understand each other.  It feels like I have known her for more than a year.  She is the best flatmate you could ask for and she needs to hurry up and move to CANADA!! 

Marie, my sweet deputy head that I have worked with, you are the sweetest and the most loving teacher.  I strive to be like you.  She never hesitated when I confined in her, with the emotional roller-coaster of teaching.

Daniel, even though we have our debates and we are usually intoxicated, I respect your opinions even though most of the time I am right!  I will miss these crazy nights of us bantering about politics, the English language, and Education.

Nat at Starbucks!  It takes a special person to always be on and friendly.  Also, I love that you have forever remembered Nicci and I.   We will both miss you dearly.  Your Bristol accent will forever echo in my mind and melt my heart.

Richard, the most amazing banker at Lloyds!  We will forever love you and remember you!  I love how much you resemble the actual Lloyds character.  He was the first nice person to us here in Newcastle!

Jesmond Dene.  You are so beautiful and lovely, but you cause my house to be so damp and cold.  I believe it is a bitter sweet relationship that I have with you.  I will cherish the runs I enjoyed in you, and the ones I did not enjoy.

And finally, to my readers!  I love you all so much.  I have become extremely passionate about this blog and will miss it dearly.  It has at times been a great release of energy and I hope you have enjoyed the journey.

Until next time Newcastle,

Your talented amazing Lovely Primary Supply Teacher,

Ms. Cleanstream

Wednesday Photo Dump!

I have no real reason to blog, except for a photo dump.  I tried to capture the little sweetie’s accents, by video, but for once they decided to stop talking!  I hope you enjoy.

This class is the class that I have had most of my journey with.  They can be a handful at times, but for the most part they are close to my heart, and I will always remember them.

In this video, pay attention to the wee lad who is slightly standing in the left corner.  He is not supposed to be out of his seat, but he notices me half way through his jaunt across the classroom and pauses... hahaha

Can you see the trouble maker again???

Wednesday's photo dump!  Enjoy!

Everyday I walk down this street to get to the metro.  I never knew the name of it.  One day I looked up, and low and behold I was home!

It rains soo much here, that the tree trunks grow greenery!!!

Yum!!! Apple cider on a warm sunny day!

Can you spot the trouble maker again?

Sometimes they can look so innocent!

This little one reminds me of myself at that age.  She is the 'Roaming Catholic' and is the chatty one of the group!

Me with my little British Brats, I mean LOVES! :)

Until next time!  I may be blogging from CANADA!!!

My love...

Teaching is an obsession!  It truly is.  

I find myself wanting to go to work earlier, and earlier!  I get upset when my head teacher says, “get out of here it’s a Friday!  Go and enjoy your weekend!”  I actually want to stay and read their persuasive advertisements, and see how they are coming along with their fractions.  It is definitely not about the pay, because the amount of time that I obsess over new ideas, planning, and lessons I might as well get paid pennies an hour.  I worked out on the way home today how much I got paid an hour, I had a laugh, but then went home and planned a lesson!!! 

Love this!  Have been talking a lot about how Canada is apart of the Commonwealth lately.

You miss the annoying ones the most.  They always seem to find your heart.  Even though you have punished them the most you cannot help but love them. 

Really think she captured Queen Elizabeth!  Lovely work :)

You miss the lunch-less days that you stay in your class room to just be there for your children.  No matter what it is for, having your door open and having them come in and discuss anything, and I mean anything with you makes you feel truly blessed to be that ear.

More Canadian love!  Oh no, there isn't even a union jack on this one!  He is one of my favourites.  I have told him that I am taking him to Canada with me.  Let's hope, for my sake, that he doesn't tell his parents.

I truly have the best job in the world!  I am already getting emotional about leaving them all behind.  It is not just for a summer, but I will probably never see these little brats again.

What I will miss most of all!

Our Student of the week, fantastic work on your Jubilee portrait!

Until next time, 

Your emotional destroyed teacher :(

Watering Holes

If you’re heading down to your local, there is no reason to fuss about what you will wear.  If you are going into the toon, then measures have to be taken to prepare.  Such measures include; hair, nails, dresses, high heels, eyelashes, and fake tan.

Pubs, the short form for Public Houses, are a focal point for many Brits.  Having a local pub to go to for a few pints is more like an extension to your living room.  I have talked about pubs before, briefly, but I have thought for quite a while now, that an entire blog should be devoted to explaining the ‘pub culture’ that I have witnessed while being here.

First, like always, the vocabulary.

Your local: The public house that is within your neighbourhood.  Your local watering hole, for a lack of a better term.

Living in South Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, we are very fortunate to have more than one local.  We have three.

They all serve for different purposes.  The Millstone, which is the closest and probably technically is our actual local, is fit to watch a match, but attracts an older crowd.  The Millstone is a great retreat away from the flat.  It is where you can have a few, near a warm fireplace and to catch up with mates.

About ten steps away is the Brandling.  Here, you can have a yummy meal, catch a live band and play risk.  You can also view a film on a big screen free of charge!  The Brandling attracts all ages, and has recently been transformed into a swankier atmosphere.  This is where we have gone to enjoy the outdoor beer garden, and to watch Ebbie, a new friend of ours play an acoustic set.

If you’re really motivated, you can take a 15 minute jaunt into Gosforth, where you will find the Bullman.  Here many Friday and Sunday dinners have been ordered.  For only £6.96 you are awarded a double cheese burger chips and a pint.

These are not bars, cafes, our restaurants.  Pubs have a completely different vibe and culture inside.  At the same time, all pubs share the familiarity to one another.  Many of the locals truly do make you feel as if you are amongst family and friends.  With leather chairs, sofas and fireplaces.  Even the crown molding and vaulted ceilings, which many of the locals reveal a history in themselves.  It is taken quite seriously here, it is not just any old watering hole, it is a, ‘Ye Old Brewery’ with a past and rich history that Brits are proud to have as a part of their culture and everyday lifestyle.

Last night, I had to fuss about, because we headed into the toon to visit a pub.  This was not my local; therefore, out of respect for this new public house, I dressed appropriate.  I Geordified my hair as much as possible, wore 4 inch heels and applied 2 layers of mascara and lip gloss before heading in to the almighty toon.

Geordie Hair!

Lucia, the reason for our outing.  She is beginning a new position with a new company, so we all went our to celebrate!

 Here we go again with my nasty video skills.  I was trying to capture the building, and the crowd.  It did not translate the way I wanted it to, but ah well!  Still take a view anywho!

The Calm Flat.

Today, the small things began to register.  Since Ryan has left, although we love him dearly and miss him too!  Our flat has been sooo quiet!  I made a comment to Anne, and before I could even finish my thought about the calmness of our place, she agreed and gave a little giggle.

Other small things I have began to realize.  I gazed in my diary (no I don’t have a diary, it is what the Brits call agendas) and I saw the countdown I began.  On each day I have a number in the corner signifying how many days I have left here.  Well then!  I gave myself a slap on the wrist, and told myself, ‘no more!’  No more longing to be ‘home’ no more counting down the days until I reach Canada, NOPE!  I am living in a foreign (well kinda isn’t any more) country and all I see around me is my sorry moppy attitude talking about how I can’t wait to get home.  That is absolute rubbish behaviour!  I mean, wake up Amanda!!! You are living in England!

I remember just as clear, my countdown to get here, so today I have decided no more countdowns!  Enjoy the small things, this is your adventure! You decided to come here, enjoy it and take in as much British living as you can.

With that said.  I ventured out after work, for me tea! I then picked up a few things from the market, which I would never buy in Canada.  I purchased Piri Piri sauce, bangers and mash, sticky toffee pudding, and a mince pie.  Satisfied with my new outlook on things I trekked through a constant drizzle all the way home.  Now, when I say constant I mean it has been non-stop raining since last Wednesday. 

Who would have thunk it?  Flooding in England? NO WAY!

To my Lovely Mitchell!

Ahhh.... Yes!  It actually looks sunny in this pic!

Can you see the sidewalk?  ummm..... I need wellies!

Oh and this guy!  He was just roaming around Wednesday morning! There was no fenced in area and was across the street from the school I was at eekkkk!!

Then he turned away telling my to leave him him be!

I enjoyed the cold bitter weather.  I watched a little girl, in her pink ‘Hunter wellies’ and a lady bug raincoat splash through all the puddles as her parents giggled at her.  See, if I was still in a countdown mood, I would have missed this small feature of my walk!

I didn’t fret about my blow dried hair, turning into a frizz ball, or the fact that I had soaked socks.  I even closed my umbrella, yes Ryan... I did it! Haha... Ryan is always thinking I am crazy because I have become accustomed to bringing my umbrella everywhere with us, and he thinks I over use it.  Believe me I need umbrellas!!! When I am in the rain, I MELT!

Today I melted... to the point that when I finally made it home, I had to wring out my hair, socks, and ME COAT! (Do you like what I did there with the ME in my writing?)

I told a lad in my class, to go to the ‘toilet’ and sort out his nose, because he has ‘boogies’ in it.  Apparently, they do not call them boogers.  Because, afterwards he told me that he had no idea what he was looking for when he went for a wee.

To end off a great day, I took a break from a work out, yes I am attempting the gym due to the awaiting wedding gown that is already bought in Canada, and took a look out the window.  I saw many things that I will probably never see again, I saw England.

My body is here... but my mind and heart is where it should be.

I set aside a moment, more like a few hours to think of the mother land today. ..

... I think about Mrs. Madeline Bouliane turning 90 years old, and I am not there to drink a bottle of wine with her. 

I think about Paul Perry feeling better and being out of the hospital.

I think about Lily, and try to imagine her, because I have not held her.  I imagine her infant smell, her baby cries, and her new awareness to her surroundings.

I try to visualize Nash’s voice, saying new words and learning new things every day.

I can close my eyes and see Diddo wearing a button down shirt, and Nancy asking him to take it off because it needs to be ironed.

I can feel the hug I would give to Nancy, when she looks upset and says, “I wish my dad could be here”.

I can hear mumma asking me to stay for a cup of coffee, when she really means, she would like me to stay for 5 pots.

I can smell the slimy dog stench of Kirby, as he makes his way up to your lap, even if you don’t want him to be there.

I can feel the tenseness of Ohio’s arms, as I pick him up to snuggle, telling me that he does not want to snuggle.

I can smell Alex’s birthday cake candles, and see a younger brother, as compared to a baby one.

I can here Mitch’s mumble turn into an actual conversation, as I plaque him with questions.

I can hear jerry’s ‘ing’s’ turning into ‘in’s’ when he brings up the ‘weddin’.

I can see Mary Ann’s face light up as we all agree to play settlers.

I can hear Ryan twist off the cap of the celery salt, as he perfects ceasers for all of us to drink.

I can here Ms. Amy correct one of us, as we try and say something in German.

I can block out the soccer match I hear from all the way down the stairs, that Marty and Chris has blaring.

I can feel the gentle shake of Rusty, near my feet, signifying that he would like something, anything, from the dinner table!

Then again it’s all just imagines.  They are still important because I hold them in my mind, and my heart, for those few hours I think of the homeland.  I am so extremely lucky to have all of this, and so much more to look forward to.  It’s what drives me every day. 

The countdown is on... 56 days.

The One beside Pinocchio’s

Pinocchio’s, a lovely Italian restaurant here in the ‘Toon’, was the very first place in England that Ryan and I ate at.  It truly is a sweet spot!  It is sooo funny to reflect back now, and remember this outing.  I can remember how we thought it was extremely cheap, so cheap that we thought that they had messed up our bill.  I remember now, that we paid around 15 quid for 2 meals, which included alcoholic beverages.  We kept thinking, as we sat there staring at the bill, there is no way! They must’ve not included our starter?  They had to have forgotten something!  This is far too cheap of a bill.

I also remember tipping our server, because that is just what you are supposed to do, right?!

While Ryan and I marveled at this sweet little bistro, we decided that we loved Pinocchio’s and would bring friends and family here when they visited.

Great plan!  Or so we thought...

Our love for Pinocchio’s has never faded, and every time we felt hunger pains and were in the ‘toon’ we would march on over to Pinocchio’s to eat a 3 course meal, for £6.95.  Well it hasn’t been that easy, every time we have walked up to the light blue door, Pinocchio’s has been closed!

We have brought Amy, Stumpy, Kristina, Daniel, and Anne all to Pinocchio’s light blue door, and every time we have been faced with a closed sign!

Anyway, why all this nonsense?  You see, Ryan has left Geordie life today.  He is, as I blog, on a train to Manchester to fly back to the mother land!  He is heading back to sort out a new job and school for next year.

Today, we took the coach into the ‘toon’ to run some errands, and for Ryan to have his last round about the city center.  We also decided to have our last dinner together.  It was only fit to, of course, head to Pinocchio’s.  It is where it all began, and it sure would be nice to end it off on a similar note.  GUESS WHAT HAPPENED...  It was closed!!!!

All the times, we have ventured out to Pinocchio’s only to be saddened by the closed sign we have eaten at the place next to Pinocchio’s.  The place next to Pinocchio’s is an Italian restaurant as well, and it offers 3 course meals for the exact same price.  We have been to this place beside Pinocchio’s probably about 4 times, and each time has been because Pinocchio’s was closed.

After stuffing our bodies to an uncomfortable state, including coffee we trudged through the rain back to the coach station.  During our horrific walk (I have thrown out our umbrellas because both of them were absolute rubbish) therefore our walk left us drenched and angry.  What lightened the mood was Ryan saying,

“Ya know, I don’t even know the name of the place next to Pinocchio’s, have you ever noticed it?”

“Haha... I have not!” I replied...

All these times we went to this place and we don’t even know what it is called, what we do know... is that it’s next to Pinocchio’s.

So yes, it is true; my love of my life has boarded a train from platform 7 today at Central Station. With all of his belongings, minus a sock, which Anne found in the washer, and 3 shirts that were left hanging to dry in the spare bedroom (oops) Ryan is Canada bound.

As I annoyed Ryan on our travels to Central Station, saying things like “This is the last time you will be at 12 Craghall Dene, This is the last time you will walk to South Gosforth metro, this is the last time you will buy a metro ticket, this is the last time you will see the Tyne!”  We thought of our fond and not so fond memories here at Geordie land and we came up with this.

We took a risk, and met some fantastic people.  We learned more about the world, and about each other.  I also thanked him for taking this journey with me, because frankly it was for me.  I was the stubborn one who just had to teach the first year after my education degree, I was the one who wanted to take my career mobile, and he was, and continues to be, the one that allows me to think big!  Think past the glass ceilings and the clouds.  He never brings me back down even if my ideas are absolutely mad.

After reflecting on Geordie life, I look over and asked,

“So, what country next?”

I will just have to say, stay tuned to find out where we decide to venture out on our next journey together.