I will start off by saying one of the things I have had the hardest time getting use to is walking. I don’t mean the physical demand that it takes, but the simple rule of which side of the sidewalk one should walk on. Thinking of this I have flashbacks to elementary schools time when teachers were yelling down the hallway “To the right side of the hall!” Makes sense though, it corresponds with how we drive. Here, it is completely opposite. I can’t tell you how many times I have bumped into people, or felt in the way, because I am walking against everyone. I can not get it in my head to go down the left set of stairs, or to stand on the right of the escalator so that those may pass on the left. I know this may sound simple, but come over here and try it. It’s not!
Yesterday: I was called this weekend by Wanja, my agency contact to work at the Tweeddale Children’s Center. I did not know how long it would take me to get there, so I woke up at 5 45 AM. I actually ended up having no trouble finding it, even with all the tube line exchanges and bus routes. I arrived at 7:40, but my shift didn’t start till half 8 (British lingo for 8:30). I worked until 5 45, and with waiting for the bus and correct tubes, didn’t get home till 8:00. I was exhausted. In the nursery we had 20ish kids aged 2-3. Wow- first off they were all precious, however I was not into the un potty trained runny noses of a bunch. I actually had a hard time understanding them some times. They did sound so cute with their accents though. It was a very diverse group of kids. There were African- American, White, African-American/Indian mixed, and Pakistanian. It was a challenge for me in that the British lingo was thrown in my face- which is not a complaint (I am in London), however it took some getting used to. A kid spilt his juice, and I forgot not to say this word, and asked for a napkin. I won’t explain that one, you can google it. Their diapers are called nappies. Their pants are trousers, (pants is underwear over here). When they go to the bathroom, they call it a wee wee. Their tennis shoes are called trainers. I had to catch myself anytime I wanted to ask them if they needed to go potty, tell them to pull their pants up, tell them to come put on their shoes, etc, etc.) I also think they had a little harder of a time understanding me. I am not going to lie; I did tend to put a British accent on some words when no other adults were around- ha
It definitely made for a long day. I have had jobs in many different categories, and I will vouch that child care is by far the most tiring. It takes all your energy, especially kids at that age. They require constant attention. For me, I would not be interested in working here again. I know it is just a temp job, but I don’t know if the commute and long hours are worth it. I love kids, but 20 of them are a bit much. Plus I have been taking care of kids (great kids) up until close to when I left, so I don’t want to come to London and do the same thing. As a shout out to the Foote’s I taught the nursery kids how to do the hokey pokey. They loved it! They wanted to do it over and over. J


Today:
I am in my hostel, The International Student Hostel. Its name speaks for itself. I hear maybe 3 different languages walking down the hallway. They have a cafeteria downstairs with decent food, and upon check in I received seven 2.50 pound vouchers to use for meals. I am in a dorm style room with three other girls. So far, so good!
I finally made it to a museum today! The Museum of London was very interesting. It displays artifacts and information divided up into “Before London was London”, Roman Britain, Medieval Times, and The Great Fire, to name a few. Half of the museum is closed due to renovation. The parts I found most interesting were the Black Death (plague) and the Great Fire of 1666. There were videos on both these topics as well as really good artwork. I was in the museum for over 2 and half hours, trying to soak everything in.
I am vegging out the rest of the night. I have my make up apt with the bank to set up an account tomorrow, and then I hope to go to Camden Town and one of the Royal Parks.
Until Then,
Alison