I think I'm more than due to write another installment, its so easy to get blog-lazy!
Getting to Paris was a lot easier than I thought it would be. We caught a tube to the station were the Eurostar starts from, sat down and had a champagne and waited for Ben and Richard. Once they arrived, we all boarded the Eurostar and found our seats. We were off!
The journey takes about two hours travelling, at times, at 300kph. I felt quite sick most of the way there and was very happy to see the lights of Paris draw nearer and the train start slowing.
Stepping out into France was quite a thrill.A sense of adventure fizzed in our spirits. Just being in Paris brings about the feeling that you're doing something awesome, before you even do anything.
We found our hotel, checked in and put our bags down, and went to find a place to eat something. It was too late to find anything fancy, so we had a long walk and then got takeaway before turning in.
The Eiffel Tower
The line was very long but moved quite fast. Waiting in line we were approached by beggars, saw the French militia with machine guns, the French police and got rained on lightly. Once at the front of the line, we caught the lifts up to the very top. The view was amazing!! The thing that the view from the Skytower is missing is an amazing cityscape. Towering over Paris gives you a clear view of how old the city is. There are many clear landmarks to see with the river running through it all. Paris stretches to the horizon! It is truly breathtaking.
The Louvre
Just walking towards the entrance of the Louvre, we entered an ancient setting and were surrounded by historic buildings. The glass pyramid ahead. Descending into the Louvre was exciting. The place was packed with people all moving around freely. In here you are allowed to take photos of everything. The walls and roof are as much artworks are the framed pieces hanging on them. There are statues and sculptures at intervals all through the gallery. The Mona Lisa was sectioned off so that we could only get so close (which wasn't very close) and had UV filtered glass covering so that the pics didn't come out very well. Also there were a lot of people scrambling to get a look. Still, it was good to finally see the smiling lady. After soaking up the enriching centuries of art spanning through the massive building, we walked through the Ancient Egyptian section. This was pretty cool as well. I like all the hieroglyphics! The mummy's were spooky!
Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees
The Arc was massive and beautiful close up. The sculpture was magnificent and came out of the walls of the Arc with movement and vigour.
The Champs was a long street of all the French designer shops. From cloth brands to car brands, it was a nice walk full of window shopping. I saw a number of spy shops with weapons and infared goggles and bug sweepers and spy related devices. I bought a nice pair of DC shoes, and Nicola bought some clothes from a store she really liked.
Notre Dame
This was an awesome church inside and out. In the queue, just looking up at the building in all its architectural glory was enriching. The magnificent detail to the walls was truly something to behold. Once inside, the awe continued to unfold. The stained glass windows were beautiful, so finely detailed. The religious statues populated every little room off the main hall, complimented by hundreds of candles. The ceiling was a brilliant canvass of religious expression, the sheer size of the artwork was almost surreal.
Sacre Coeur
This Church on a hill was easily visible in the distance from the Eiffel Tower. We climbed the many steps and dodged the aggressive beggars to get to the base of the church. The view was very impressive, looking over the quaint rooftops of thousands of French people. We then proceeded to climb another 350 steps spirally upwards in a tiny chamber - round and round, constantly upwards. It was very uncomfortable, tiring and dizzying. Once at the top of the towers, the view and experience was worth it - just ;)
After going back down the seemingly endless myriad of stairs, we walked through some quaint french cobbled streets in search of some food. We settled upon a little diner across the road from the Moulon Rouge. After lunch we walked up and down the sex district before setting back.
The River Seinne
We decided to go all out on the French experience, which had to include a river cruise.
A boat that was basically a nice floating restaurant took us slowly up and down the Sienne River. Along the way we saw Paris at night, the most impressive of which was the Eiffel Tower all lit up and shimmering on the black canvass of the sky - a lovely sight. The food was very good and the whole river was beautiful. The whole experience wasn't the cheapest, but I definitely recommend it.
Apart from the tourist attractions, we had a wonderful time just walking around Paris. The streets are overflowing with European charm. A lovely quaint city I'd definitely visit again.
On the way back, we saw Roy, the main character from the IT Crowd series on the tube.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Monday, 28 July 2008
Ye oldeTower
On Friday night Nicola and I went to a very nice Italian restaurant in Wimbledon. Apart from that it was a quiet night after a long day.
On Saturday we set out to London Bridge to see the Tower of London.
The Tower of London is not so much one tower, more a castle like scene with many towers and courtyards and lookout points, lots of old buildings containing ancient memorabilia. We saw some magnificant suits of armour with detailed full bodyd engravings lined in gold - very impressive. We walked up lots of staircases to see old feasting rooms, priveys and archer defence points. In one tower, there were lots of carvings in the walls from prisoners of olde times. There was even a re-enactment of a battle to watch, and demonstrations of an old catipult and battering ram. All in all, it was a lot of walking in the hot sun, and up lots of stairs... worth it though.
Next time we go out that way, we'll go up the Tower Bridge to see the view from up there, and visit the floating Naval meuseum.. and perhaps pop into the ancient Church that's around there too.
On Saturday we set out to London Bridge to see the Tower of London.
The Tower of London is not so much one tower, more a castle like scene with many towers and courtyards and lookout points, lots of old buildings containing ancient memorabilia. We saw some magnificant suits of armour with detailed full bodyd engravings lined in gold - very impressive. We walked up lots of staircases to see old feasting rooms, priveys and archer defence points. In one tower, there were lots of carvings in the walls from prisoners of olde times. There was even a re-enactment of a battle to watch, and demonstrations of an old catipult and battering ram. All in all, it was a lot of walking in the hot sun, and up lots of stairs... worth it though.
Next time we go out that way, we'll go up the Tower Bridge to see the view from up there, and visit the floating Naval meuseum.. and perhaps pop into the ancient Church that's around there too.
Monday, 21 July 2008
Culture
On Friday Nicola and I went to Cafe Rouge, a French Restaurant in Wimbledon Village, with John and his girlfriend Rachael. The French cuisine was very good. I had pate for starters, some form of chicken casserole for my main and a Crème brûlée for desert. A bottle of wine and a coffee liquor went well with a great meal and great company. After the meal we went to a bar for a drink. I think we were all ready to call it a night before the first drink was finished, and thats what we did. John and Rachael are really good to hang out with I hope to do it again soon!
On Saturday we woke up and pondered what to do. After much thought (enough to while most of the day away) we decided to go to Trafalgar Square. We made our way there via the tubes and walked out to a beautiful scene of history in concrete . The architecture here was pretty awe-inspiring. After a short walk I noticed that we were on the doorstep of The London National Gallery. Of course we went in! Inside manifested the years of art history and theory I had been raised on as a boy. The art was more impressive and humbling than I imagined. I was reminded of many people and things in those historic rooms. The walls and roof were regal and magnificent. I liked all the greats, but also really enjoyed a lot of artists I hadn't heard of before. we ran out of time before we had seen half of it. I will return to continue my education!!!
I rested on Saturday night and did absolutely nothing.
On Sunday Nicola and I went to the London Comic Convention. It was awesome! So many big pop culture names. We talked to Patrick Stewart and got him to autograph a picture. He signed it "To Mike and Nicola - Patrick Stewart". We also heard him speak in an auditorium as well as Jason Mewes. Nicola got her picture taken with Charlie Weber, and I talked to and shook Claudia Black's hand. They were both cool! Patrick Stewart was awesome! So down to earth!
I bought some new toys - a cool Wolverine figurine of him with his bone claws out, surrounded by a pack of wolves. There was a lot of toys I wanted to get but didn't :(
I saw the guys that draw the cartoon "Cyanide and Happiness". They were so cool! Dressed like the Blues Brothers with wicked accents. They asked what I wanted them to sketch so I said "A pig and an atom bomb?". They sketched it for me and signed it! I'm going to frame it and put it on my wall. Yeah! What a fantastic pop culture filled day.
All in all a well balanced weekend of culture across the scales. I feel enriched because of it.
On Saturday we woke up and pondered what to do. After much thought (enough to while most of the day away) we decided to go to Trafalgar Square. We made our way there via the tubes and walked out to a beautiful scene of history in concrete . The architecture here was pretty awe-inspiring. After a short walk I noticed that we were on the doorstep of The London National Gallery. Of course we went in! Inside manifested the years of art history and theory I had been raised on as a boy. The art was more impressive and humbling than I imagined. I was reminded of many people and things in those historic rooms. The walls and roof were regal and magnificent. I liked all the greats, but also really enjoyed a lot of artists I hadn't heard of before. we ran out of time before we had seen half of it. I will return to continue my education!!!
I rested on Saturday night and did absolutely nothing.
On Sunday Nicola and I went to the London Comic Convention. It was awesome! So many big pop culture names. We talked to Patrick Stewart and got him to autograph a picture. He signed it "To Mike and Nicola - Patrick Stewart". We also heard him speak in an auditorium as well as Jason Mewes. Nicola got her picture taken with Charlie Weber, and I talked to and shook Claudia Black's hand. They were both cool! Patrick Stewart was awesome! So down to earth!
I bought some new toys - a cool Wolverine figurine of him with his bone claws out, surrounded by a pack of wolves. There was a lot of toys I wanted to get but didn't :(
I saw the guys that draw the cartoon "Cyanide and Happiness". They were so cool! Dressed like the Blues Brothers with wicked accents. They asked what I wanted them to sketch so I said "A pig and an atom bomb?". They sketched it for me and signed it! I'm going to frame it and put it on my wall. Yeah! What a fantastic pop culture filled day.
All in all a well balanced weekend of culture across the scales. I feel enriched because of it.
Friday, 18 July 2008
Here comes the weekend
Its friday afternoon and Ive just finnished work. Sitting here at my desk getting ready for the weekend. I worked a 14 hour day yesterday and am very happy that I get to rest for a couple days... well not work anyway :p
I just bought an Ipod Touch 16G online! Trying to use myt phone as an mp3 player was too much frustration, especially on a busy moving train. I'm going to have too many gadgets to carry soon!
It gets delivered tomorrow, I cant wait. I always look forward to the toys arriving *feels like christmas*
I've been eating a lot of Thai lunches with workmates recently. Thai red curry is my fave.
Oop, looks like Im needed across the office. I'll let you know how the weekend goes!
I just bought an Ipod Touch 16G online! Trying to use myt phone as an mp3 player was too much frustration, especially on a busy moving train. I'm going to have too many gadgets to carry soon!
It gets delivered tomorrow, I cant wait. I always look forward to the toys arriving *feels like christmas*
I've been eating a lot of Thai lunches with workmates recently. Thai red curry is my fave.
Oop, looks like Im needed across the office. I'll let you know how the weekend goes!
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
tubes, zoos and shoes
Lately on the tube Ive been reading about local knife crime and the situation in Zimbabwe and listening to audio books. The audio books solve the problem of getting travel sick from reading on the tube... great stuff. Perhaps I should invest in an ipod. My phone isn't designed to be an mp3 player and is annoying to operate as one.
We have a place now by the way. Its conveniently located in Wimbledon and has 3 floors. The top of which is ours. The attic serves as quite a nice room really. A good size and private, noise free and self contained.
Ive been working late every Thursday, doing things that I cant do during work hours. Hopefully my paycheck comes as a nice surprise. Ill be staying in late again this Thursday. Work is ticking along nicely. It looks like I will be getting an underling to come and learn from me for an hour a day, who may eventually move into the IT team. I have to find stuff for him to do, and train him up in anything before letting him touch it.
On the weekend just gone, I went out to the pubs around my work and had drinks with Nicola, Jarrod and Clem. We didn't really get too drunk, but stayed low key on Saturday in preparation for Saturday night. That was quite a good night, met up with a few groups, who all got on well, and had a blast of a night. The club we ended up in was pretty cool, although small. The people there made it fun!
On Sunday, we went to the London Zoo. I always like going to the zoo. It always puts things into perspective and reminds me that theres more to the earth than these concrete jungles we stick to. Favourites were the snakes and frogs, the African hunting dogs and the monkeys. All the walking to, from and at the zoo made me realise I need new shoes.
We have a place now by the way. Its conveniently located in Wimbledon and has 3 floors. The top of which is ours. The attic serves as quite a nice room really. A good size and private, noise free and self contained.
Ive been working late every Thursday, doing things that I cant do during work hours. Hopefully my paycheck comes as a nice surprise. Ill be staying in late again this Thursday. Work is ticking along nicely. It looks like I will be getting an underling to come and learn from me for an hour a day, who may eventually move into the IT team. I have to find stuff for him to do, and train him up in anything before letting him touch it.
On the weekend just gone, I went out to the pubs around my work and had drinks with Nicola, Jarrod and Clem. We didn't really get too drunk, but stayed low key on Saturday in preparation for Saturday night. That was quite a good night, met up with a few groups, who all got on well, and had a blast of a night. The club we ended up in was pretty cool, although small. The people there made it fun!
On Sunday, we went to the London Zoo. I always like going to the zoo. It always puts things into perspective and reminds me that theres more to the earth than these concrete jungles we stick to. Favourites were the snakes and frogs, the African hunting dogs and the monkeys. All the walking to, from and at the zoo made me realise I need new shoes.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
aww'right guv
Its been a while since my last post, so hopefully I remember everything.
Works been cool. Lots of day to day work to get through as well as a bunch of cool projects to design and implement. Theres enough brain-testing work to keep things very interesting. I've had more linux experience here than ever before. I like the fact that we're using a lot of technologies in combination with each other. Everyone at work are quite friendly and social, they often have drinks after work and so on. Good company!
Since the day at the Polo, we went and saw the London Aquarium.
It wasn't the best aquarium Ive seen, but it is always good to see cool sea creatures!
There were cool looking jellyfish, lots of the cast of Finding Nemo, turtles, piranha's stingrays and sharks!
The jellyfish were cool to see up close in the water. The stingrays where awesome!! They swam up to the surface to greet anyone who walked up and stuck their wings up out of the water as if to wave. Piranhas are kinda scary looking..they all just 'sit' and wait in the water... placid and calm with deadly patience. The turtles where super cute in their wicked enclosure. Sharks as always held me in awe for quite a while. All in all a good day out.
Since then we went to an event called The Church! Quite an experience.
Its a big building full of people drinking and dancing to rock music. We got there at about 12 mid day and lined up to get in. In the line you could buy beer coupons to turn in at the bar. Once in we got our beers and went to the massive dance floor and hung out for a bit.
In the rafters, there were camera men scanning the crowds like snipers. Every time they saw something interesting or weird looking, the images would appear on the big screens around the place with comments and jokes written in text underneath them.
The music went on for a while until the stage shows began. There were strippers and magicians and comedians.. all with music and dancing filled intervals. Everyone was in a good mood, there were no bad vibes or fights or anything like that.
At about 3pm, it finished up and we poured out onto the street. By 3, it felt like we'd been in a club all night, and coming out into the sunny afternoon was pretty crazy.
We had a kebab in true UK style and moved on to some bars for more drinks. By that stage I was pretty much ready to go home, so we did. Man I had such a headache by the time we got home! But the experience was a blast.
Going to the pub is a culture thing here and I've done it a lot. I will often get lunch or dinner or drinks or any or all of the above!
I've been going out a lot and havent found any time to catch up on games or tv shows yet. Perhaps things will quieten down at some point.
Works been cool. Lots of day to day work to get through as well as a bunch of cool projects to design and implement. Theres enough brain-testing work to keep things very interesting. I've had more linux experience here than ever before. I like the fact that we're using a lot of technologies in combination with each other. Everyone at work are quite friendly and social, they often have drinks after work and so on. Good company!
Since the day at the Polo, we went and saw the London Aquarium.
It wasn't the best aquarium Ive seen, but it is always good to see cool sea creatures!
There were cool looking jellyfish, lots of the cast of Finding Nemo, turtles, piranha's stingrays and sharks!
The jellyfish were cool to see up close in the water. The stingrays where awesome!! They swam up to the surface to greet anyone who walked up and stuck their wings up out of the water as if to wave. Piranhas are kinda scary looking..they all just 'sit' and wait in the water... placid and calm with deadly patience. The turtles where super cute in their wicked enclosure. Sharks as always held me in awe for quite a while. All in all a good day out.
Since then we went to an event called The Church! Quite an experience.
Its a big building full of people drinking and dancing to rock music. We got there at about 12 mid day and lined up to get in. In the line you could buy beer coupons to turn in at the bar. Once in we got our beers and went to the massive dance floor and hung out for a bit.
In the rafters, there were camera men scanning the crowds like snipers. Every time they saw something interesting or weird looking, the images would appear on the big screens around the place with comments and jokes written in text underneath them.
The music went on for a while until the stage shows began. There were strippers and magicians and comedians.. all with music and dancing filled intervals. Everyone was in a good mood, there were no bad vibes or fights or anything like that.
At about 3pm, it finished up and we poured out onto the street. By 3, it felt like we'd been in a club all night, and coming out into the sunny afternoon was pretty crazy.
We had a kebab in true UK style and moved on to some bars for more drinks. By that stage I was pretty much ready to go home, so we did. Man I had such a headache by the time we got home! But the experience was a blast.
Going to the pub is a culture thing here and I've done it a lot. I will often get lunch or dinner or drinks or any or all of the above!
I've been going out a lot and havent found any time to catch up on games or tv shows yet. Perhaps things will quieten down at some point.
Monday, 9 June 2008
Polo
This weekend we went to the Polo with Alex and Jo. It was such a sunny day, bright and hot. On the way to the park we picked up all sorts of picnic goodies to go with our picnic blanket.
We found a little patch of grass to put the blanket down and spent the day munching on cheese and olives and crackers and chips.
The horses where great to watch thundering down the field after a ball flying towards the goals. It must be so hard to hit that little ball at that speed with a little mallet whilst on a horse with other horses coming toward you at ramming speed! But these guys did it well.
For me the best thing about it was the food and sun and company. But the polo was a good backdrop I must say.
Drinking a few beers in that sun really hit us. When we got home we all had a lie down.
A good day out.
We found a little patch of grass to put the blanket down and spent the day munching on cheese and olives and crackers and chips.
The horses where great to watch thundering down the field after a ball flying towards the goals. It must be so hard to hit that little ball at that speed with a little mallet whilst on a horse with other horses coming toward you at ramming speed! But these guys did it well.
For me the best thing about it was the food and sun and company. But the polo was a good backdrop I must say.
Drinking a few beers in that sun really hit us. When we got home we all had a lie down.
A good day out.
Friday, 6 June 2008
week end
Ive had a weeks worth of London work now, and to be honest, I'm quite happy to rest.
Work is busy. There's a lot to do. Heaps of projects, heaps to clean up, and lots of constant user support calls. Ive been working 8am-6pm every day with 10 min lunch breaks. I pretty much get home at about 7 each night and before you know it, its time for bed.
I guess I'm going to start really appreciating weekends again.
Since I've gotten here, I haven't watched anything on my PC and haven't played any games. I have normal sleeping hours and am being quite active.
I saw Indiana Jones the other night. It wasn't great, ok though, definitely worth a watch... just not like the old classics. I cant wait to see the up and coming movies this month though, looks like theres going to be heaps of good ones.
Nicola got a job! Congrats!! It's going to be a fun role for her, and now money isn't a problem.
We went to a French restaurant to celebrate the other night. First time Ive ever been to one. It was pretty cool. I wouldn't mind going to Paris now, nice food, nice people. Besides, its only a 2 hour train ride.
Wow I'm tired. Almost time for bed.
This weekend we might have a braai, might see Scott for his leaving drinks, might have a picnic. Who knows how things will unfold.
I'm sure Ill let you know! ;)
Work is busy. There's a lot to do. Heaps of projects, heaps to clean up, and lots of constant user support calls. Ive been working 8am-6pm every day with 10 min lunch breaks. I pretty much get home at about 7 each night and before you know it, its time for bed.
I guess I'm going to start really appreciating weekends again.
Since I've gotten here, I haven't watched anything on my PC and haven't played any games. I have normal sleeping hours and am being quite active.
I saw Indiana Jones the other night. It wasn't great, ok though, definitely worth a watch... just not like the old classics. I cant wait to see the up and coming movies this month though, looks like theres going to be heaps of good ones.
Nicola got a job! Congrats!! It's going to be a fun role for her, and now money isn't a problem.
We went to a French restaurant to celebrate the other night. First time Ive ever been to one. It was pretty cool. I wouldn't mind going to Paris now, nice food, nice people. Besides, its only a 2 hour train ride.
Wow I'm tired. Almost time for bed.
This weekend we might have a braai, might see Scott for his leaving drinks, might have a picnic. Who knows how things will unfold.
I'm sure Ill let you know! ;)
Monday, 2 June 2008
First day at work
Hi everyone. Well as you know, Glen hooked me up with his old job in Putney(thank God for Glen!). Its a really nice area. Very close to Central London, but in a suburban setting on the River Thames. The workplace is literally a 45 second walk from the tube station. Its also on the bus line. The building has a subsidized cafe in it as well. My manager seems pretty cool as well, seems to know his stuff too. The network is big enough to not be boring. Looks like I might just like it here :p
The day started out with me racking a server and then slowed down to me just learning all the systems and reading documentation. I start at 8 and finish at 5:30-6, depending on whats going on. The tube ride from Wimbledon is really easy and only takes 15 mins. Wimbledon would really be a good spot to find a place.
We're going to check out a place that sounds really nice this coming weekend in Clapham, which would be a bus ride instead of the tube. I definitely like the tube better than the bus, but if the place is nice enough I might have to settle for the bus.
Wow its already 8pm. Dinner time, see ya.
The day started out with me racking a server and then slowed down to me just learning all the systems and reading documentation. I start at 8 and finish at 5:30-6, depending on whats going on. The tube ride from Wimbledon is really easy and only takes 15 mins. Wimbledon would really be a good spot to find a place.
We're going to check out a place that sounds really nice this coming weekend in Clapham, which would be a bus ride instead of the tube. I definitely like the tube better than the bus, but if the place is nice enough I might have to settle for the bus.
Wow its already 8pm. Dinner time, see ya.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Last weekend before starting work
On Saturday we met up with Scott to do some sightseeing. He's going back to NZ soon so he wants to get a few ticks on his list.
First thing we headed to was the London Eye. Out of the tube station and over the bridge and onto a promenade. There where more performing busker's here than I've seen in one place before. People doing tricks with hula hoops to tribal drumming, those guys that dress as various things and stand perfectly still until you put some coins in their hat, a chameleon guy on a multicoloured bike, someone playing the guitar behind his back while flaring his legs in the air, Cap'n Jack Sparrow, some guy painted all gray and being such a convincing statue that a pigeon landed on his head and sat there for a while (poor guy) and much much more. Cool place, crawling with people, entertainment, statues and shops.. all with a view across the Thames of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
The line the the Eye was very long, but we got through it in good time. Once on board, we noticed that the compartments move very slowly. Its quite enjoyable to be up there, in the sky, looking down on a vast cityscape. The people down on the promenade all looked like ants swarming around various scraps of food. I took some pics too, check 'em out.
After the Eye, we went over a bridge to get a closer look at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was cool seeing the tall clock tower I'd heard so much about. All the buildings around there were quite impressive. The most impressive being the Westminster Abbey. Wicked building with holy scenes carved out in the archways. I would like to go back and actually go inside, I can imagine its quite spectacular.
After a walk around that area we headed to Hyde Park. A long walk in a nice park brought us to some paddling boats docked on the side of the Serpentine River. Giving in to this temptation was almost instant. Nicola, Scott, his friend Arran and I paid and jumped into a paddling boat. We spend half an hour terrorising ducks and other boaters. We also managed to save a boatload of girls who'd lost their oar.
Back on land we walked on to Regents park, where we enjoyed more walking through the park :)
I'm not sure where, but somewhere along the way we looked at the monuments to New Zealand and Australia. They where creative and it was nice to see homage to NZ.
From the parks, we walked on to Buckingham Palace. The palace itself wasn't all that impressive, but all the posts and fences around it were. They all had a lot of gold trimming and a royal look to them. Nice flower gardens and a big statue with a water fountain in the middle. While we were standing at the front gates having a look, the changing of the guards started... what timing! The changing included a little show from the actual guards swapping out for fresh guards, a horse regiment went by and an infantry regiment went for a march. It was great to have just happened upon this at just the right time.
Happy with our site-seeing we set out for the pub, had a pub meal and a few rounds of drinks.
Feeling a little boozed, we went on to various other drinking venues till late in the evening.
What a day!
Today we woke up with hangovers and headed out to Johns brothers house a little bit into the country, just a little past Epsom. At Johns I caught up with him, his brother and two other guys I went to school with. What a trip down memory lane! It was very good to see them again! I'm very happy that I have John and Alex over here, it really makes things feel positive.
Through the day we had a great Braai and with boereworse, chicken, potato bake, salads, potato salad, sausages, breads and beer. We then worked if off by playing cricket in the garden and a quick game of darts.
Work tomorrow which starts a new chapter!
First thing we headed to was the London Eye. Out of the tube station and over the bridge and onto a promenade. There where more performing busker's here than I've seen in one place before. People doing tricks with hula hoops to tribal drumming, those guys that dress as various things and stand perfectly still until you put some coins in their hat, a chameleon guy on a multicoloured bike, someone playing the guitar behind his back while flaring his legs in the air, Cap'n Jack Sparrow, some guy painted all gray and being such a convincing statue that a pigeon landed on his head and sat there for a while (poor guy) and much much more. Cool place, crawling with people, entertainment, statues and shops.. all with a view across the Thames of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
The line the the Eye was very long, but we got through it in good time. Once on board, we noticed that the compartments move very slowly. Its quite enjoyable to be up there, in the sky, looking down on a vast cityscape. The people down on the promenade all looked like ants swarming around various scraps of food. I took some pics too, check 'em out.
After the Eye, we went over a bridge to get a closer look at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was cool seeing the tall clock tower I'd heard so much about. All the buildings around there were quite impressive. The most impressive being the Westminster Abbey. Wicked building with holy scenes carved out in the archways. I would like to go back and actually go inside, I can imagine its quite spectacular.
After a walk around that area we headed to Hyde Park. A long walk in a nice park brought us to some paddling boats docked on the side of the Serpentine River. Giving in to this temptation was almost instant. Nicola, Scott, his friend Arran and I paid and jumped into a paddling boat. We spend half an hour terrorising ducks and other boaters. We also managed to save a boatload of girls who'd lost their oar.
Back on land we walked on to Regents park, where we enjoyed more walking through the park :)
I'm not sure where, but somewhere along the way we looked at the monuments to New Zealand and Australia. They where creative and it was nice to see homage to NZ.
From the parks, we walked on to Buckingham Palace. The palace itself wasn't all that impressive, but all the posts and fences around it were. They all had a lot of gold trimming and a royal look to them. Nice flower gardens and a big statue with a water fountain in the middle. While we were standing at the front gates having a look, the changing of the guards started... what timing! The changing included a little show from the actual guards swapping out for fresh guards, a horse regiment went by and an infantry regiment went for a march. It was great to have just happened upon this at just the right time.
Happy with our site-seeing we set out for the pub, had a pub meal and a few rounds of drinks.
Feeling a little boozed, we went on to various other drinking venues till late in the evening.
What a day!
Today we woke up with hangovers and headed out to Johns brothers house a little bit into the country, just a little past Epsom. At Johns I caught up with him, his brother and two other guys I went to school with. What a trip down memory lane! It was very good to see them again! I'm very happy that I have John and Alex over here, it really makes things feel positive.
Through the day we had a great Braai and with boereworse, chicken, potato bake, salads, potato salad, sausages, breads and beer. We then worked if off by playing cricket in the garden and a quick game of darts.
Work tomorrow which starts a new chapter!
Friday, 30 May 2008
Day of spending
I went shopping today.
I bought new jeans, a bag, a fifteen pound umbrella (coz my other one broke) and then lunch.
After lunch we headed into town on the tube. Totenham Court today. Nice area, Id like to go back. There are heaps of electronic stores all down the street. After walked around for a while we came to Forbidden Planet. I could have spent all day there, happily. Nicola, as expected, didn't want to be there longer than a quick browse. We compromised :) We spent about 40 mins there. There where graphic novels of all the old 2000AD stories.. you know 'ABC Warriors, Nemesis, Judge Dredd...' the list goes on. That was one little section on the ground level. The DC and Marvel sections where much bigger. There where titles I've never heard of and wicked editions of everything else. I didn't even have time to check out the Anime section. Upstairs featured all the toys. There where more pop culture and comic based toys here than Ive ever seen in one place before. I ended up buying 2 comics and an Orc Shaman figurine :D pretty cool stuff. I will return, perhaps without Nicola ;)
Returning home we took the same route as yesterday, but this time was nowhere near as congested as then and a lot more pleasant. When we got back to Wimbledon Station we got some stuff from a South African shop, I got a huge boreworse roll and a Fanta Grape and a packet of Provita biscuits.
This weekend we're thinking of going to Buckingham Palace and/or the London Eye. Lets hope the weather holds up!
I bought new jeans, a bag, a fifteen pound umbrella (coz my other one broke) and then lunch.
After lunch we headed into town on the tube. Totenham Court today. Nice area, Id like to go back. There are heaps of electronic stores all down the street. After walked around for a while we came to Forbidden Planet. I could have spent all day there, happily. Nicola, as expected, didn't want to be there longer than a quick browse. We compromised :) We spent about 40 mins there. There where graphic novels of all the old 2000AD stories.. you know 'ABC Warriors, Nemesis, Judge Dredd...' the list goes on. That was one little section on the ground level. The DC and Marvel sections where much bigger. There where titles I've never heard of and wicked editions of everything else. I didn't even have time to check out the Anime section. Upstairs featured all the toys. There where more pop culture and comic based toys here than Ive ever seen in one place before. I ended up buying 2 comics and an Orc Shaman figurine :D pretty cool stuff. I will return, perhaps without Nicola ;)
Returning home we took the same route as yesterday, but this time was nowhere near as congested as then and a lot more pleasant. When we got back to Wimbledon Station we got some stuff from a South African shop, I got a huge boreworse roll and a Fanta Grape and a packet of Provita biscuits.
This weekend we're thinking of going to Buckingham Palace and/or the London Eye. Lets hope the weather holds up!
Thursday, 29 May 2008
what a day
This morning we set out to see a couple of flats wearing shorts and tee shirts, the sun was shining and it was nice and hot. Once in Wimbledon shopping center, we turned around and set out for home again to get something and burn some time until the landlord was ready to meet us. By the time we'd walked home (5 mins), it had turned overcast. So I changed into jeans and grabbed a jacket. We set out again to see the flat.
The landlord was a strange looking dark man in a suit and a bowler hat. He had an unusual accent and an unusual way about him. The place he showed us was a smallish flat with six people living in it and we would have made it eight... with only one bathroom! The kitchen was old and scummy looking and the place wasn't all that cost effective -not bad, but not great. He saw our disinterest and told us about another room just next door. We walked into this other house and had a look.
This was a copy of the other place with six people living there, except this kitchen was newer and clean. There where two bathrooms and two separate toilets. Our bedroom was smaller than the first one, but is big enough for us. There was no real lounge or living area and we didn't really get to meet the potential flatmate's. The good things about this place is that it is very close to Wimbledon (tube station, supermarkets, movies, hairdressers, bars, pubs, fastfood and restaurants..) and the rent for the room was very cheap.
Nicola reacted positively to this place, perhaps we'll take it.
After that we went into Oxford Circus by tube to look at some clothes for me to wear to work starting Monday. By the time we got off the tube, it was raining. Luckily there was a very enterprising man selling umbrellas just there so I bought one.
First thing we did in town was stop to eat. We found a very authentic Italian Restaurant called Bella Italia. Nicola had a pizza and I got the spaghetti bolognese. Both dishes and the ambiance where very good.
Satisfied and less rushed, we set out to shop. We walked up and down the bustling street popping into this clothes store and that until I found some pants and shirts that where adequate, and called it a day.
We walked back to the tube station under the umbrella, dodging the spines from all the other umbrellas and came across a long line. The line to get into underground was almost around the street corner and all the way down the stairs. Once we made it into the station we parted company. I was headed back to Alex's and Nicola was going to a Comedy club in Central London with some of her friends.
The tube ride was something else.
The lines moving down into the underground where long and moved very slowly.
The lines waiting for the trains where long. There where hooligans fighting and security dealing with them. Once on the train, we where all sardines in a can. It was so packed, I couldn't even reach a handle to steady myself against the sudden g-forces of stop and start. It was very hot and muggy. At each stop, people spilled out into the underground and where speedily replaced by more people than there where to begin with. I felt like I truly was in the rat race for the first time. I reached my stop and had to get onto another train to get back to Alex's. The lines where just as long and more people yelling and fighting. This train was just as packed, but I grabbed a better spot. After a few stations went by, I noticed a quiet voice on the intercom telling us that this train will not be going to Wimbledon because of a gas leak somewhere. Great! Now I would have to figure out buses.. or call Alex to come get me from wherever I would end up. After a few more stops we where informed that the leak was cleared up and we would in fact be ending up in Wimbledon... yay!
When I finally reached Wimbledon Station, I was very relieved to get off the train and walk in the rain back home.
Bangers and mash for dinner and a couple of beers and here I am warm and content telling you all about it. Nicola should be home soon, maybe we'll watch a movie or something.
The landlord was a strange looking dark man in a suit and a bowler hat. He had an unusual accent and an unusual way about him. The place he showed us was a smallish flat with six people living in it and we would have made it eight... with only one bathroom! The kitchen was old and scummy looking and the place wasn't all that cost effective -not bad, but not great. He saw our disinterest and told us about another room just next door. We walked into this other house and had a look.
This was a copy of the other place with six people living there, except this kitchen was newer and clean. There where two bathrooms and two separate toilets. Our bedroom was smaller than the first one, but is big enough for us. There was no real lounge or living area and we didn't really get to meet the potential flatmate's. The good things about this place is that it is very close to Wimbledon (tube station, supermarkets, movies, hairdressers, bars, pubs, fastfood and restaurants..) and the rent for the room was very cheap.
Nicola reacted positively to this place, perhaps we'll take it.
After that we went into Oxford Circus by tube to look at some clothes for me to wear to work starting Monday. By the time we got off the tube, it was raining. Luckily there was a very enterprising man selling umbrellas just there so I bought one.
First thing we did in town was stop to eat. We found a very authentic Italian Restaurant called Bella Italia. Nicola had a pizza and I got the spaghetti bolognese. Both dishes and the ambiance where very good.
Satisfied and less rushed, we set out to shop. We walked up and down the bustling street popping into this clothes store and that until I found some pants and shirts that where adequate, and called it a day.
We walked back to the tube station under the umbrella, dodging the spines from all the other umbrellas and came across a long line. The line to get into underground was almost around the street corner and all the way down the stairs. Once we made it into the station we parted company. I was headed back to Alex's and Nicola was going to a Comedy club in Central London with some of her friends.
The tube ride was something else.
The lines moving down into the underground where long and moved very slowly.
The lines waiting for the trains where long. There where hooligans fighting and security dealing with them. Once on the train, we where all sardines in a can. It was so packed, I couldn't even reach a handle to steady myself against the sudden g-forces of stop and start. It was very hot and muggy. At each stop, people spilled out into the underground and where speedily replaced by more people than there where to begin with. I felt like I truly was in the rat race for the first time. I reached my stop and had to get onto another train to get back to Alex's. The lines where just as long and more people yelling and fighting. This train was just as packed, but I grabbed a better spot. After a few stations went by, I noticed a quiet voice on the intercom telling us that this train will not be going to Wimbledon because of a gas leak somewhere. Great! Now I would have to figure out buses.. or call Alex to come get me from wherever I would end up. After a few more stops we where informed that the leak was cleared up and we would in fact be ending up in Wimbledon... yay!
When I finally reached Wimbledon Station, I was very relieved to get off the train and walk in the rain back home.
Bangers and mash for dinner and a couple of beers and here I am warm and content telling you all about it. Nicola should be home soon, maybe we'll watch a movie or something.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Good news
Went to see a flat today. It was ok, quite expensive; in a very convenient area, but a little scummy if you walk down the road. I'm not sure if we'll take it or not. We said we'd call them to let them know.
On the way back home we had our first Kebab from London. It was quite nice I must say, but we bought it from a fairly dodgy takeaway... Chavs hanging around the entrance and tabloids laid out to read while eating. It was nice though and I'm still full, so good value for 3 pounds.
We checked up on the movie times for Ironman. Tonight I'll finally get to see it, I'm sure of it!
Back home I decided to sign up to job sites as I hadn't heard back from the job from the other day. So I went through all the malarkey of signing up and researched starting my own company for contracting and compared that to signing up under an umbrella corporation...
Suddenly I got a call from the guy, it would seem the job is mine if I want it. Nice one Glen! All I have to do now is go in and negotiate my pay and contract.
Ill let you know how it goes :)
On the way back home we had our first Kebab from London. It was quite nice I must say, but we bought it from a fairly dodgy takeaway... Chavs hanging around the entrance and tabloids laid out to read while eating. It was nice though and I'm still full, so good value for 3 pounds.
We checked up on the movie times for Ironman. Tonight I'll finally get to see it, I'm sure of it!
Back home I decided to sign up to job sites as I hadn't heard back from the job from the other day. So I went through all the malarkey of signing up and researched starting my own company for contracting and compared that to signing up under an umbrella corporation...
Suddenly I got a call from the guy, it would seem the job is mine if I want it. Nice one Glen! All I have to do now is go in and negotiate my pay and contract.
Ill let you know how it goes :)
Monday, 26 May 2008
Lazy Monday
Today started with me waking up late and rolling out of bed to find everyone milling around in their PJs. Its a bank holliday and the weather is fairly dark and wet. I've spend the day on my laptop and played a computer game or two for the first time since arriving. Its now about 6 in the evening and its still rainy and gloomy and I havent been outside at all yet.
Nicola said she was going to go to a thing today where they roll a big cheese wheel down a hill and everyone chases it. Hope she hasnt gotten too wet and cold. Im looking forward to seeing her again. Perhaps we'll go out to dinner if she gets back in time.
Nicola said she was going to go to a thing today where they roll a big cheese wheel down a hill and everyone chases it. Hope she hasnt gotten too wet and cold. Im looking forward to seeing her again. Perhaps we'll go out to dinner if she gets back in time.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
The Park
Yesterday Alex and Jo (his girlfriend) took me to a huge park. This has to be one of the biggest parks I've seen. I'm not actually sure what it was called come to think of it, but it was somewhere near Wimbledon Stadium where the tennis will be on shortly.
Parks here are like beaches anywhere else. People will flood to the local park when the weather is nice. The scene is set with lots of picnics, sunbathers, roller-kite surfers, bike riders and dog walkers. When I say the park was huge, we drove into it for about 10 mins before parking up and walking another 15 min's to a sunny bank where you could see nothing but grass and trees: quite a picturesque place really. I took a lot of photos, but cant find my usb cable, so you'll have to wait to see those until I clean my room.
After we'd had enough of throwing the ball for a friendly dog, we walked back towards the car and came across a series of burrows with rabbits popping their heads up from one hole to the next like something out of a Disney cartoon.
On the way home we stopped and picked up some boereworse and chicken and steaks with a view to have a braai for dinner.
The braai was very successful, with a handful of Alex and Jo' s friends attending, most of who where South African and Zimbabwean. The char-grilled food was very tasty and the conversations reminded me of South Africa.
Nicola is at Gatecrasher at the moment and called me to say Prodigy was awesome, Im glad shes having a good time and hope she doesn't get rained on too much out there.
Parks here are like beaches anywhere else. People will flood to the local park when the weather is nice. The scene is set with lots of picnics, sunbathers, roller-kite surfers, bike riders and dog walkers. When I say the park was huge, we drove into it for about 10 mins before parking up and walking another 15 min's to a sunny bank where you could see nothing but grass and trees: quite a picturesque place really. I took a lot of photos, but cant find my usb cable, so you'll have to wait to see those until I clean my room.
After we'd had enough of throwing the ball for a friendly dog, we walked back towards the car and came across a series of burrows with rabbits popping their heads up from one hole to the next like something out of a Disney cartoon.
On the way home we stopped and picked up some boereworse and chicken and steaks with a view to have a braai for dinner.
The braai was very successful, with a handful of Alex and Jo' s friends attending, most of who where South African and Zimbabwean. The char-grilled food was very tasty and the conversations reminded me of South Africa.
Nicola is at Gatecrasher at the moment and called me to say Prodigy was awesome, Im glad shes having a good time and hope she doesn't get rained on too much out there.
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Day of rest
Last night I met up with John and Alex at a pub. It was great to catch up with two old friends from so deep within my past. They are both just as I remember them, genuine and good hearted guys. Three old friends reflecting on old and new times, it was quite a kick for all of us. The pub was the same as the other pubs Ive experienced since arriving. Each one is very old and it shows in the the fittings and furnishings, but kept up to date for constant busy patronage. We could bearly hear eachother over the hubub of the busy tavern but kept on chatting and refilling eachothers' pints. When John left, Alex and I headed to a South African bar and had a few more before heading home.
When I woke this morning, it was a warm sunny day, same as most of the days Ive experienced so far. The sunny suburbs here are quaint with each house owning a small garden and lawn. Foxes and squirrels are very common... I haven't seen any yet, but Nicola has seen two foxes so far.
Today is the first day I have nothing planned. It feels good to put my feet up and relax. Perhaps I'll finally get to see one of those movies I've been hanging out to see in the next couple of days.
-----more to come!! watch this space----
When I woke this morning, it was a warm sunny day, same as most of the days Ive experienced so far. The sunny suburbs here are quaint with each house owning a small garden and lawn. Foxes and squirrels are very common... I haven't seen any yet, but Nicola has seen two foxes so far.
Today is the first day I have nothing planned. It feels good to put my feet up and relax. Perhaps I'll finally get to see one of those movies I've been hanging out to see in the next couple of days.
-----more to come!! watch this space----
Friday, 23 May 2008
More London
We've now had more of a chance to take a look around. We've seen the famous Piccadilly Circus and Thames River. You really get a sense of history walking around places you've heard of and imagined so many times in various books, movies and school classes.
Piccadilly Circus is amazing, really busy and alive with movement. The main square bonds historical buildings, statues and monuments with modern cinemas, digital displays and popular live shows like David Blaine. We wanted to see a movie at the movie theater where all the stars go to the premiers, but ran out of time. We will have to try again one of these days.
There has been so much to do and see, we haven't had a chance to relax yet. Im staying with a childhood friend and haven't had a chance to really hang out and catch up with him yet. One of these days I'm sure things will quieten down.
Last night we went to a pub and had drinks with Glen and his workmates. Thursday night is the night London likes to go out and drink, much like a weekend night back home. Buying rounds is the norm and everyone drinks lots of beer and Cider. I tried pear cider last night, its actually really tasty, but possibly thought of as a bit of a girly drink.
Ive been meaning to see Ironman and Indiana Jones, but havent had the time yet. Today we're planning to see a room in a flat we can rent, catch up with two different friends, Nicola wants to get a haircut and go clubbing.
Time to get to it -- next update to come later.
Piccadilly Circus is amazing, really busy and alive with movement. The main square bonds historical buildings, statues and monuments with modern cinemas, digital displays and popular live shows like David Blaine. We wanted to see a movie at the movie theater where all the stars go to the premiers, but ran out of time. We will have to try again one of these days.
There has been so much to do and see, we haven't had a chance to relax yet. Im staying with a childhood friend and haven't had a chance to really hang out and catch up with him yet. One of these days I'm sure things will quieten down.
Last night we went to a pub and had drinks with Glen and his workmates. Thursday night is the night London likes to go out and drink, much like a weekend night back home. Buying rounds is the norm and everyone drinks lots of beer and Cider. I tried pear cider last night, its actually really tasty, but possibly thought of as a bit of a girly drink.
Ive been meaning to see Ironman and Indiana Jones, but havent had the time yet. Today we're planning to see a room in a flat we can rent, catch up with two different friends, Nicola wants to get a haircut and go clubbing.
Time to get to it -- next update to come later.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
London at first glance
Well after the weird and wonderful alien world of Bangkok, London is a pleasantly familiar seeming place. We pretty much went straight to Wimbledon and had a walk around.
Its a sunny warm day with just enough crisp in the air to be able to comfortably wear a jacket.
People are all relaxed and just milling around the shopping center. There are heaps of shops and supermarkets and pubs all located in a village like setting. All the little brick houses kind of remind me of Asterix in Britain with not so much thatch~
The weather and feel to the place are a pleasant welcome to the country on the first day.
Lets hope things continue well :)
Bangkok - day 3
Today was a quiet and relaxing one. The only thing we needed to accomplish was for me to buy something from the IT City and Nicola to buy something from the Fashion Mall. We woke up late and had brunch at the food court in the Fashion Mall. Nicola bought a handbag and I bought a TV Tuner for the laptop. We mulled around for the day and then sat and waited in the hotel for time to leave. Once we got to the airport, we waited 3 more hours for the plane.
The flight was smooth and again the drugs worked great – no nausea. No movies either :/ so we slept for most of it.
I have tried to take as many pics as possible, so check my albums.
Bangkok - day 2
Macdonalds for breakfast. Cheesey Fries and double fillet of fish burgers. Even Maccas is different here. After breakfast we caught a legit taxi to the famous chatujak Markets. - Everytime I tried to pronounce this Thai people laughed at me. -
The taxi ride was about $4NZ as usual and we walked into the otherworldly murk that is Chatujak!
The best way I can describe it is like something out of a Starwars movie or the scene in Gremlins where they first buy the original Mogwai .. or perhaps something out of Bladerunner. A mix of all three fit best. Once we turned into one of the hundreds of stall-made alleyways the place closed up with a mesh of tarps and blankets for a roof, leaving the outside world far behind. We instantly wore the muggy heat like a heavy coat, and quickly got used to this other atmosphere – here you must be strong to survive! - Inside this labyrinth there was no understandable order to the stalls and stands selling everything from pots and pans to live squirrels wearing tiny tuxedos. Everywhere we looked there was indescribable food available for under a dollar a bowl.
We spent a long time walking around and around the maze perhaps searching for the prize at the end. But there was no end.
After deciding to leave, we walked around the place a few times and found an exit. Once on the road, it got easier to find our way around so we found our way to a Skytrain platform and made out way back home.
The Skytrain stop near our hotel dropped us near IT City. – This I couldn’t resist!!!
This was geek heaven. 6 huge floors bursting with shops, stalls, stands and walls of all sorts of hardware or software you can imagine. There was so much to choose from here, that I didn’t end up buying anything. I just walked around and around looking at everything and avoiding the DVD vendors who followed me around trying to shake my hand and force me to admit that they are my good friend!
After spending an hour or two at IT City we walked out and noted a Fashion Mall next door, just as big, this time it was Nicolas eyes that popped out of her head. But, unfortunately we were late for out final fitting with the tailor and had to run – literally.
We sprinted down alleyways until we found our hotel and the tailor patiently waiting in the lobby. Sweaty and heaving for breath we invited him up to our room for the final fitting. It was fairly embarrassing putting the freshly made, beautiful suits onto our sweat drenched bodies, but what can you do?
On the up side, they looked and fitted great. After all the warnings about tailors in Bangkok, we found a good one.
Nicola had noticed that, wherever we went, there had been no supermarkets, and every time we asked for one, we where pointed towards a 7eleven. This was no good because sshe was after some good hair products. So, now that the whole suit business was out of the way, we went hunting for a supermarket.
Boy did we find one! This place was huugee!! We found our way to the hair products and left for fear of getting lost in the thousands of isles. Once out, we saw a strange looking equivalent (perhaps) of Dennys. We awkwardly ordered some oysters, spring onions, duck and shrimp balls. I know how it sounds, but it was actually quite nice, once the waitresses showed us what to do with the boiling bowl of water and the assortment of weird instruments on the table.
We walked back to the hotel feeling content and fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.
Bangkok - day 1
Well the plane was ok - no puking- which was a huuuge bonus!
We arrived in the airport and had a weird haphazard experience getting the transport to the hotel. The guy seemed very dogy and kept walking off and leaving us standing there and then would come back and lead us a little further. In the end we made it to the hotel ok.
The hotel is very nice and we are on the executive floor for some reason. Aircon is a bonus!! We pretty much fell asleep when we got to the hotel.
Next day we went to MBK - a massive mall. I have never seen so many cellphones in my life. The mall itself was endless, and we spend quite some time in there.
The way we got there was in a Limo (a guy driving a standard volvo calling himself limo service) to take us around. He took us to a tailor first and waited outside for ages while we had a fitting for suits. The tailor was very up-market and fancy. After that we got back into the “limo” and went to a jewely factory (we didnt ask to go and didnt even know what it was untill we where inside). There I bought a simple ring for myself and a nice Saphire ring for nicola. After that we went outside and the “limo” was still waiting for us, and then took us onto MBK. The whole time we had the “limo” for costed us about $4NZ.
After ages in MBK where I bought a cellphone case and a set of walkie talkies, we cought a Tuktuk home. This is a motorbike with a carriage mounted on it. I argued the driver down 50% of asking price to take us back to the hotel.
The way he navigated the alleyways… lets say I was glad to be alive. I think Nicola really liked it :p
Back at the hotel we had a second fitting (tailor picked us up - fitted us - and dropped us back), had dinner and went to bed.
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