After spending almost the whole of Saturday sick in bed (shocking - I hate staying in bed, but every time I got up I felt too dizzy... so back to bed it was!) I decided to waste another day in London Town would be sinful. I dragged myself out of bed about 11.30am and after getting organised for the day I hopped on the train to London Bridge. I walked along South Bank, the river Thames today which was really nice. It was such a beautiful day for it too - the sun was shining and the sky an amazing blue. This is a nice change from what I first arrived in London to! There are loads of great pubs with seating outside... many places I'd like to come to with friends and spend an afternoon!
St. Paul's Cathedral in the background, and me standing on the River Thames :)
I didn't have any real plans, I just walked around having a look at whatever I was walking past. Sometimes that is the best way. What did I spy - but Shakepeare's Globe Theatre. Gosh. I could hardly keep walking and not bother venturing in. I am actually planning to go and see a play with Fran and David in early July, but I read the information sign out the front that described the 'exhibition and tour' and decided it would be well worth it to have a better understanding of the theatre itself and how it works. I paid my £11.50 which included the exhibition and guided tour, and went inside.
This was at the door to the exhibition, repeated three times: love it!
The Globe from the outside
And from the inside :)
"All the world's a stage" - As You Like It.
The exhibition was really very good. Quite informative with some great artefacts. Some really old childs shoes (alright, alright, I have a shoe obsession.... so shoot me!) that were excavated from the original Globe Theatre site, which as I learnt today is not where it currently is! Where it is now, is 300m closer to the river. Apparently the location now used to be a rubbish dump back in the day. Where the original Globe Theatre was, they built some other buildings on. Random fact of the day! The lady who ran the guided tour was excellent. She was a real story teller and told us all sorts of stories about the times of Shakespeare, but allowed time for questions as well. I didn't know that the Globe burnt to the ground in 1613 due to a canon being let off at the start of Henry VIII - they miscalculated where the canon would go to, and it set the thatched roof on fire. Oops. Nobody was hurt, but apparently one man complained his leg got a little burnt but luckily his friend poured some ale on it to stop his trousers burning. They rebuilt the Globe it with a tiled roof in 1614. It was pulled down in 1644 by a bunch of Protestants, who at the time were pulling down theatres all over London. Sad.
Playing silly buggers with the hands-on artefacts. Luckily nobody else was around to witness this haha! Oh wait... except those people in the photo! *GASP!*
So, what stands on the South Bank now is not the original, but a replica of it. It has a thatched roof again, just like the original. That is pretty cool, because it is the first (and at this stage the only) thatched roof allowed in London since the great fire in 1666. The replica finally opened in 1997 after six years of construction. I hadn't realised that at all, so I certainly learnt many new things today. In fact I have learnt TONNES of things since living here. It really is a great way to learn. It is so much more interesting when you are immersed in it! These days the theatre holds 1500 audience members. 500 standing in front of the stage (which evidently is the best place to stand...) although back in the day they crammed 3000 people in there! Tickets back in the day were just 1p, and today are £5 for standing which apparently is the 1p equivalent of Shakespeare's day! They use natural lighting, there are no lighting bars on the stage at all. There are some lights which mimic daylight which they turn on in the evening only to allow enough light to be seen. They keep the stage to a bare minimum - they don't use huge sets and props that fly in and out - just subtleties that help set the scene, e.g. they might scatter leaves on the stage to help you visualise that the scene is set in a forest.
I really liked this. And I learnt that so many commonly used phrases were written by Shakespeare. See if you can see any you use that were written by him!
The people who stood in front of the stage were known as "Penny Stinkards" because they paid just 1p to be there, and because of the stench... they didn't want to leave the place they were standing so would relieve themselves where they were... I can only but imagine how disgusting it would have smelt. People were standing with no elbow room - but back then 'personal bubbles' had not been invented. I would never have coped haha! People sitting up on the seats would bring an orange with them to eat during the performance, and as they peeled it would rub it on their skin to counteract the stench coming from below. Interesting. But it makes perfect sense!
All in all, I learnt a LOT about Shakespeare and the history of the Globe Theatre today... and it was all spur of the moment! That is a bonus of traveling alone I suppose... no direct plans, walking along, see something you like, and BAM - yeah - I will do that today! I also now have a much better understanding of how Shakespeare's plays work... Shakespeare himself once said; "Come and hear a play", whereas nowadays we would say "Come and see a play"... I learnt today that being the stage is sparse, you really must listen as he tells you everything you need to know to piece together a story. You are there to be entertained aurally as much as visually :) I am now looking forward to seeing a play there in July!!
Another week starts tomorrow, two weeks until the holidays. And then only a few days until I venture off to Turkey!
On Saturday I decided to have a quiet day and headed to an amazing museum located just half an hour by bus from my flat. The Imperial War Museum. Dad would have been in his element... it was quite remarkable. It was really well laid out too, and looked really nice and organised. The 'Children at War' section was excellent, giving you an insight into what children might have experienced. What an awesome place to take kids! The kids at my school went to this last week and seemed to get a lot out of it. The section of WWI and WWII was really well laid out and had *so* many items on display, I guess they have more people here to have more stuff?! I went in "The Trenches Experience" which was a replica of what the trenches might have looked like. At each station you reached voices would talk about what was happening, there were sound effects etc, but what was most amazing is that I *swear* they had scents coming from the displays, for example the part with a soldier cooking on a hob and talking about 'bully beef' smelt like beef - I thought I was imagining it, but further around there was an open trench that had a stench of dirt and sweat... I was quite impressed with this as it all added to the experience.
The entrance to The Imperial War Museum
The inside of the war museum from above :)
I also went through the London Blitz experience, which was quite good, and a real eye-opener to what actually happened at that time. The Holocaust exhibition was good - again, lots of information all well laid out, with some artefacts from Auschwitz and Birkenau. It was weird seeing pictures and scale models of the prison camps, having been there before. In fact I heard several people saying 'Gawd wouldn't it just be amazing to go to these camps' and I was thinking to myself... 'Indeed!! I've been!!' There really is something about being at the actual location where this Genocide took place. They had some shoes and some other belongings recovered from the camps, but nothing quite like actually being at Auschwitz/Bikenau and walking through the Crematoria etc. I'm so lucky I have been to somewhere as historical (although really awful...) as that. Other smaller exhibitions don't really compare.
The section on Gallipoli - I'm going there!!!
Fancy having to continue teaching and wearing a gas mask... good lord!
On Sunday I met up with a friend of Anne Nellist, Janet. We met at Spitalfields Market which was really nice - and I bought a couple of things. More things for me to ship home, but my best and most favourite purchase would have to be a row of cherubs, whispering to each other. They are so cute -they make me smile every time I see them!! LOVE.
Today (Wednesday: hoo-fricken-rah for hump day!) was an adventure... it started this morning with a girl who looked dreadful turning up in Reception (before they go into Year 1) and was complaining of a sore belly, so I suggested she lie on the little couch in the classroom which she did. About 20 minutes later she got up and vomited into the rubbish bin. Thank heavens it was into the bin and not on the floor! She did this twice more throughout the course of the morning - this school has no sick room. I was like, Whhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaatttt??! Where do children go when they are unwell? I was told to keep her in the classroom until her parents arrived, two hours later. At least she was sick into the bin though, thank goodness for the small things.
The afternoon was not the best either. I have heard of classroom fights in London but have been yet to witness one. Today, the biggest, blackest and angriest child in the room threw some scissors across the room. I said in my angry teacher voice: "Get out - go next door" (to another teacher to be dealt with - that's how they roll here!) and he did. He got to the door and another child across the room said something I didn't quite catch, and this boy was off. He was *furious*. He threw the cymbal stands to the ground and trod on other percussion instruments to get at this boy, fists out. I didn't even think, but ran across that room and grabbed his arms from behind and held on for dear life as tight as I could - telling the other kids to go get the teaching assistant from next door. It wasn't until I was already restraining him (at times being lifted into the air on his back!) that I suddenly thought, what will I do if he turns on me?! But being I thought he was so angry he would pummel that other child, I kept hanging onto him.
A teaching assistant came and took him away - I caught in the corner of my eye some boys in the corner high-fiving, little blighters. I was standing there in a little disbelief, and another teaching assistant came into the room and said to me "Are you alright?", to which tears welled up in my eyes and I realised it actually was quite frightening! I had to leave the room for the rest of the lesson (aout ten minutes) to compose myself and write out an incident report. Evidently you are not supposed to lay a hand on kids when this happens, but stand between the two fighting. There is no way this side of earth I would have stood in front of him - not with how furious he was. I feel like I did the safest thing at the time. And even now I am amazed I did something like that. What an adventure I am having.
I met Cameron on Oxford Street this evening and we went to Kathmandu where I got some more supplies for my trip - thermos, hand warmers, mat to sit on at Gallipoli, day pack, antibacterial wipes (hehe)... I didn't end up buying a sleeping bag because for the few hours I need it to sit on the bank of Anzac cove, I don't think it is worth it. I will be wearing thermal underwear, ski pants, a down jacket (SO warm!) so think I will be OK - the girl at Kathmandu said even if I was inside a silk liner it would keep me warm - so thanks Oli for letting me borrow yours ;)
We then went to have Dim Sum at a restaurant called Ping Pong. http://www.pingpongdimsum.com/
I was impressed how adventurous I was with the food - and they could offer me an MSG free menu which was fantastic! They also made AMAZING virgin cocktails, like Pina Colada but even nicer... mmm. All in all it was a nice end to what was an incredibly crazy and hectic day. I wonder what will happen tomorrow?
That was a LOT of food... but very nice and... interesting!
Cameron and I - and the best virgin cocktails that have ever existed!
I have had a couple of requests for a new blog - clearly my life is more interesting to others than I think it is!!!
It has been a whirlwind week - I have booked some exciting adventures and been out a LOT - which is great. I think I am finally finding my sense of belonging in this crazy busy City.
School has been going well. I seem to be getting letters from kids a lot recently about how I am their favourite teacher in the world (BLESS) but what I really like are the reasons *why*. It is nice to know what you are doing right, and also sometimes helpful to know what you are doing ... not-so-right! I have been working on a couple of art projects with my Year 4's; we have finished the one about journeys and are now starting one about Propaganda. I can recall teaching the concept of Propaganda to my Extension Year 7 kids last year, and they grasped it, but only at its simplest level. It is not an easy concept! To be asked to teach it to Year 4, but not really having any guidelines to do so, is a challenge in itself. I managed to get a smartfile from David MacMorran at MBIS, which he created for reading last year. I have to say I hoped to use it mostly as it was... but I had to dumbify it quite a lot. The cool thing was the speed in which I could receive a resource from NZ. Gosh the Internet is amazing.
Anyway.. I created a Propaganda poster (at a VERY simple level)
to show the Year 4s the process I had to go through. When I showed the kids they kept saying 'You're so good at art!' which I thought was really funny... and then I heard a couple say quietly 'I am never going to make something as good as that...' which made me feel quite sad. Especially when the one I had created (Propaganda within the school setting... strangling the plants by littering...Don't strangle our plants!) was somewhat simple. I then thought it was even funnier because I've never considered I am 'good at art'. Creative - yes. But art?? Not really. I talked to them briefly about Tim, my brother, who can draw anything you ask him to, hardly batting an eyelash. Then I thought about the cakes I have made.. and how they are, in a way, art too. (Sculpting!!). So I told them how I could not draw... but I could sculpt- and I never really knew it until I tried it. This lead onto a viewing of Chloe Staveley's 21st Sesame Street cake, and then my brother, Chris' 21st Starwars cake.
Oh my. I've never heard such awe. They couldn't believe I made them. Not only made them, but could put them on the Internet (GASP!). They also for a moment were not so sure I had really made them... and then asked could I please make one for them. Haha. I think... NOT. Some of them decided that they would like to really try at this next art project, because maybe this style of art would be something they found easier than the previous style. I know they will all be successful, I have created this activity around success! I am lucky that for the art I do with the class I have been allowed more freedom than what is in the curriculum and Borough planning. I am pretty much doing whatever I want. I quite like teaching art too.
Finding myself bored and alone at home caused me to go in search online of a really awesome holiday for Easter. I had considered doing the Pilgrimage walk in Spain, called Camino de Santiago with another new friend, Alison - who is Australian and works at Townsend on a Friday. I was quite keen for a random adventure... but when I was Googling, what should come up but ANZAC day tours! Since 3rd Form Social Studies with Mrs. Fairgray (remember her, anyone?!) I have thought what an amazing experience it would be to actually be at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli for an ANZAC day service. I cannot believe how excited I am to wake up at 2am and bus for two hours to get to Gallipoli and then spend an hour sitting on the grass in my sleeping bag on a cushion, waiting for the service to begin. But I am. Ridiculously excited. I am spending a total of 8 days in Istanbul, Turkey (the first three days/nights are by myself, then I join a tour) and then I fly to Cairo and travel to Giza in Egypt. I will be spending two nights on an Egyptian open decked boat that sails down the Nile, where I will be sleeping under the stars on over sized cushions with nine other people. It all sounds unreal right now... but it will be VERY real in a months time! More info about my trip, and itinerary can be found here for those interested: http://www.onthegotours.com/Anzac-Day/Tours-with-Egypt/Gallipoli-and-Giza-Tour
I never thought I would ever *actually* go to Gallipoli.... or see the Pyramids for real... but I am. I am sad I can't take Dad with me to Gallipoli because I know how much he would love to go. I will make sure I take photos... and I will also be attending the NZ service at Chunik Bair. (unreal!!!!) I think I get a commemorative hoody as well which is pretty cool! In fact if there are specific things Dad wants me to see... he should tell me!
I saw 'At The End of the Rainbow' on Wednesday night with my new flatmate, Cameron.
Cam and I at the show. Note the random old people who wanted to be in the photo!
We went to 'Eds', his favourite burger joint. It was an American themed joint, and was very cool, and so, so tasty! Cam was telling me how the shakes are incredible...I don't tend to be a shake fan, but then I saw Peanut Butter and Banana flavour. I was won over. It was INCREDIBLE. The burgers were excellent too! Cam then took me to Foyles book shop. Oh my. I was so excited I struggled to contain myself. There were drawers and drawers FULL of music, so neatly organised!
50% off SALE on Flute music? YES PLEASE!
Bliss for any musician!
I found some music (Mulberry Cottage, by William Lloyd Webber for Flute and Piano....which is something I played for school certificate music and the first time in my life that I got full marks for a performance... and from memory the first time I made my mother cry when I played!) and some other music too. Cam was amazingly patient, talk about best flatmate ever -he never lost patience with me taking my time, poring over the music! I think he found my enthusiasm and excitement entertaining! I will definitely be going back there!
We headed to Trafalgar Studios for the show, not knowing quite what to expect. Tracie Bennett, who plays Judy Garland, is AMAZING. I felt exhausted just watching her perform. I didn't realise that Judy Garland died here in Chelsea, London.
From what I know about Judy Garland, she was pretty hyperactive all the time, (given the drugs she was on) and struggled to sit still. This actress was on the go the entire time, moving around the stage (which was very cool... looked like a Ritzy hotel room) and for the first 15 minutes it was just dialogue.. ten to the dozen dialogue which at times was exhausting to process! Then... the back of the hotel room was raised and there was the 6 piece band. Amazing. There was a tripler (flute/clarinet/saxophone) in the mix too which was exciting. The band were fantastic - such a clean sound. The dry sense of humour from the man who played 'Anthony', Judy's pianist, was just what was needed to lift the darkness of the story. Two lines that stick out that I loved...
Judy: "My tits and my chin are in a race to my knees" and
Judy: "The hardest thing in the world is to know you are capable of something, but never getting there."
The ending was heart wrenching and tears were definitely streaming, but what an amazing finish - more songs. Of course 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'. Wow. It was well worth it and such an amazing story...
On Thursday night, I headed to the Royal Albert Hall... what an AMAZING venue! I went and collected my ticket...
Me: "One ticket for Herbert please"
Ticket lady: "Just the one?"
Me: "Yes... I came alone"
The amazing Albert from the outside!
I then ventured to the gift shop... dangerous!! I only spent £30, though easily could have spent more purchasing musical themed trinkets. And a present for Mum - but that is a surprise! I had an amazing seat- right in the middle, back row. The Royal Philharmonic were stunningly amazing, and the choir were fantastic too. The programme had all the stock-standard favourites - all were played brilliantly. The guest tenor (Wynne Evans) and baritone (Kevin Greenlaw) had voices to die for... wow.
The programme consisted of the following:
BIZET Pearl Fishers Duet HOLST Mars The Planets SOUSA Liberty Bell March HANDEL Hallelujah Chorus GOUNOD Soldier's Chorus Faust VERDI Prelude to Act I La Traviata STRAUSS Also Sprach Zarathustra RAVEL Bolero STRAUSS Radetsky March DENZA Funiculi, Funicula STRAUSS Blue Danube Waltz MUSSORGSKY Great Gate At Kiev BIZET Toreador's Song Carmen SAINT-SAENS Finale Organ Symphony
What an AMAZING venue!
Look at all the balloons!
My view... pretty good!
At the start as the lights went down, I think I got a little overwhelmed that not only was I sitting in the Royal Albert Hall, but I was about to hear one of the world's best Orchestra's play. I had a wee cry as emotions took over, and several times during the performance I shed a tear or two, as the music was just so perfectly amazing. I had been waiting for it all night, and finally the moment came when the first few notes of Beethoven's 1812 Overture sounded. I had goosebumps as the haunting melody spiraled throughout the hall. I was well aware what was to come... I knew there would be canons and I had read there were indoor fireworks too... so when it came time for the canons to sound I was ready. Evidently the people around me were not - there was a lot of shock I can tell you! Me? I was just grinning and thinking 'This is *so* freaking cool!'. This kind of thing is most *definitely* my bag, baby!
The indoor fireworks were fabulous... they were coming at all angles (they were meant to look like fire coming out of the canons) and the Albert, being a giant circle. had fireworks criss-crossing in the middle, aiming for what looked like our heads. I think the view I had was by far the best - I could look down on everything going on - for example the laser lights which were perfectly timed to the music...that in itself was a treat! At the very end of the piece the canons went off again, and fireworks started at the front (stage side) of the Albert and fired one at a time around in a circle... amazing. It was a nice touch having the Moscow Militia dressed in their old fashioned attire... very Les Mis to be honest! At the very end thousands of red, white and blue balloons were dropped from the ceiling... incredible. I was so pleased I went and saw the show, and I will certainly be going again to the Albert again. They have a Symphonic Rock concert at the end of the month featuring music by Rock bands but played by the Royal Philharmonic, and they also have a movie music one in June... another which would be excellent. Perhaps I'll become a regular at the Albert!
Today is Friday. I have had such a busy week - and am ready for a bit of a lie-in! I am meeting up with Ian and Portia tonight, who I was flatting with at Brian Avenue. They've just moved back to London and I am really looking forward to catching up with them!!
So...dreams. I have always dreamed of going to the Royal Albert... now I've been there, done that! And I have always thought it would be a dream to go to Gallipoli/Turkey and Egypt... and I'm really going to be doing that. I'm certainly making my dreams come true this year. Now...where is this man of my dreams hiding?!
Until next time (with more exciting adventures, which I'm sure there will be!)
Cheery bye :)
But it's all good :) I am guessing by now everyone knows I have a new flatmate as Bryce had to unexpectedly travel back to NZ. It was by pure luck that Cameron Kennedy had just arrived back in London and was couch surfing, so able to move right on in! Being his room is so small, (and more of a cupboard than a room....) I feel I should start calling him Harry. Seriously though, Cameron made my LIFE! Even if it is not for long, it gives me a chance to find my feet by myself in London Town.
All these people who keep telling me how strong I am, might just be right, and all the texts, emails and private messages with words of encouragement have really been appreciated. Those people know who they are!
After my epic weekend last week I have had a relatively quiet week. School seems to be going well - as I am resigning to the fact that I cannot change the world, and I just need to put my head down and do what I need to do each week. And that means, get through each week haha! I mostly live for Thursdays, as I do one-on-one writing tuiton and that feels like the only time that I feel I am really teaching something. I have also found a passion for teaching writing - which is interesting being I have never really been all that passionate about it! WIN! A bonus to return to MBIS with!
On Monday at assembly, two groups in my Year 6 music class performed a body percussion composition. They even added a tonne of choreography (which they had made up during lunchtimes the previous week to surprise me with!) so it was really nice to sit in the audience and see the utter joy on their faces that they had something amazing to share with the rest of the school. It was also awesome because it meant that the other teachers could see for themselves that I have been doing something with these kids! Being I only get 30 minutes with them each week, it really is quite an achievement.
I have started introducing the concept of STOMP, and the kids are now in groups and beginning to brainstorm themes and work out what objects they wish to use to make music with. It is all very exciting. How I wish I could take them to see STOMP on the West End... but sadly these families haven't the money for excursions like that.
I have just finished an art unit to do with 'Journeys' with my Year 4 class who I am with for three hours a week. They did such a magic job and they all turned out really well. The kids seemed quite blown away that I wrote feedback and feed forward for each other (feedback forms, of course!) and the teachers even more so. I think the teachers were concerned it might have taken me weeks... but no, just a couple of hours. I was really pleased with the end result and they look great displayed in the classroom. I am starting a new art unit on Propaganda Posters next week... and currently making my own poster so I can show them the expectation. It is looking really cool.
I think I have worked my way to being 'just another teacher' in the school, and the kids are trying it on much less with me. I get multiple hugs every week from kids who are three right up to the ten year olds. It seems to be the norm here, they are a hugging school! It is nice though. They give me compliments like there's no tomorrow and leave messages on the whiteboards in classrooms saying that I am their favourite. The best message I have seen so far is the one that reads:
"I love Miss Herbert and think she is the best teacher because she knows how to dress, is pretty, makes us laugh and knows what she's doing."
Bless, right?! Especially the 'knows what she's doing' part!! A few of the kids have asked when I am going back to NZ, because they'd like me to stay. It is nice to feel I belong now I think, and I am starting to feel more comfortable and relaxed with the staff too. I have my favourite staff members of course, especially Lily who is in her late 50s with the thickest Irish accent and is SO my favourite. She is just so genuine. I'll miss her when I go.
I have another busy weekend lined up - Lunch with some girls in Chelsea (Zoe and Tania's friends - yay more new people!) and then a St. Patrick's Day event on the Sunday where I will get to meet Cameron's London friends. Bonus - Cameron's friend Tracey is a teacher, and naturally she has a lot of teacher friends, so that is quite exciting.
Anyway, not much else to tell... how boring this post is...no photos or anything :(
Last weekend was AMAZING. It was the first weekend I felt like, actually, London could be OK. People have told me this before, and I would always think; yeah, yeah- but they were right. Once you meet people, it really is OK!!
I was in touch with the amazing Zoe Hooper, who basically opened her weekend of diaried events and invited me to all of them. The first event was dinner in Nottinghill with some of her friends. Dinner and wine was amazing, and by 11pm both Zoe and I were quite tired... so decided to go back to hers in Queens Park for cups of tea and DVDs. Excellent idea. I ended up staying the night, and had the *best* sleep ever (in her absent flatmates bed!). I woke in the morning, and went home to shower, change and meet up again for more adventures. Saturday evening was a fundraiser for the Australian Football League that someone she knew was putting on. It was an optional fancy dress 'red, white or blue' theme, so I needed an outfit and fast. We missioned it into Primark and I managed to find everything I needed for a sailor-type outfit. Primark (like Farmers I guess) even sold sailor tops. With the flap backs and everything, and only £8! I got my whole costume for under £20!!!
We then rushed to The National History Museum to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. This was my first time at the museum, and I had heard it was amazing, but I was not expecting how amazing it really was. I was literally blown away. What a beautiful building, amazing exhibits and such a wicked taxidermic animal section. I am keen to go back as I have certainly not seen enough of it. What a great museum for schools.
Hehehe. I liked these three... especially Harry the Hippopotamus!
I love his expression... and his funny bucked teeth haha!
Stunning museum entrance... imagine getting married here!!
The Photography Exhibition was stunning, and I certainly had some favourite images, including:
After the museum it was time to head back to Zoe's and get ready for another evening of fun. It was so much fun getting all dressed up, Zoe is quite the hair and makeup artist and did an awesome job on me. It was great getting to meet her flatmate Tania, who is originally from Sydney, and Tania's work mate Ben and his partner James. I had such a wicked night and can only but thank Zoe for making it all possible! We discovered we have a ridiculous amount in common too - even something as random as both liking Tinkerbell. And here are some shots from the evening...
Don't hate us because we're beautiful. Zoe's costume was AMAZING! Beautiful dove!
Zoe and I
Hey, hey, Sailor girl....
Zoe and Tania's ridiculously good looking and awesome friends, Ben and James. Oh yes - Ben is wearing an 'Eats Shoots and Leaves T-Shirt, AMAZING!
L-R: James, Tania, Myself and Zoe
On Sunday morning Zoe and I met up with two of her other friends at "The Breakfast Club" in Angel, where we had to cue for about half an hour to get in. It was quite amazing though, so totally worth it. All in all an awesome weekend, definitely looking forward to more adventures with Zoe :)
This evening I joined what looked like thousands of other Kiwi's to attend the Prayer Vigil at Westminster Cathedral in London. I arrived in the Piazza area at about 6.15pm, which was already quite packed. I stood, wedged shoulder to shoulder amongst so many familiar accents and believe it or not, despite being that jammed in amongst that many people, I felt a strange sense of calm. It was pleasant hearing all those familiar accents and standing there, all for the same reason. To pay our respects to Christchurch.
After about twenty minutes of standing in the Piazza, the space becoming more packed by the second, the doors were open and we began herding in... it was rather cattle-like! I just found this online:
8:40am: Hayley Westenra leads the vigil for Christchurch earthquake victims in singing the national anthem at Westminster Cathedral in London.
Thousands of ex-pat Kiwis have turned up to pay their respects, show their support and mourn the lost of friends and family in the quake.
The crowd is estimated at about 4000 and is overflowing outside.
RadioLIVE reporter Samantha Blanchard says it is a distinctly Kiwi crowd and they are comforting each other.
I would believe that there were about 4000...it seemed like thousands! I made it inside the Cathedral and was standing in the right wing near the front. I couldn't see the front of the church, but in saying that I was not there to see anything, but to listen. There were hundreds of people with cameras out, but I didn't feel it was appropriate to be taking photos inside. The service began with a welcome by Canon Christopher Tuckwell from Westminster... who unfortunately introduced Hayley Westenra as Hayley Westenrana... (Oops!). It was followed by a Maori version of "How Great Thou Art" with a choir, which was followed by the English version. Probably not the best choice of hymn as most people didn't know it so it felt quite awkward. One of the volunteers afterwards I was speaking with was saying how he felt perhaps there needed to be a conductor or something. I was thinking, hey - I would have done that!!!
There was an opening prayer, then a scripture reading. It was comforting being in a Catholic church as I knew what was going on and what to do when prayers were read. It finished with some first hand accounts being read out, which were pretty heart wrenching. That was where my tears started! How terrifying it must have been. It finished with Hayley Westenra leading the NZ National Anthem, which I sang - but found incredibly difficult to control my voice! Argh to emotion!
When the service finished, most of the crowd cleared out pretty quickly, but being I was by myself and didn't really have anything to go home to, I decided I hang around and sit in the church for a bit. I found myself a spot and just sat, contemplating the whole situation and thinking about the enormity of the Earthquake and what it will mean for Christchurch, its residents and the country as a whole. I was pretty 'far away' when a man in a suit came quite close to me and tapped me on the shoulder, leaned down and said "Hi, my name is (insert a name here, I can't remember it!) and I am from TVNZ... I was wondering if you would mind being interviewed?". I was like... "Ummm... OK?" but actually thinking - "I don't know what to say to a camera and I have been crying for most of this service!!!!"
I stood up and he asked me a bunch of questions, which I am hoping I answered coherently... he said afterwards that I was a star ... haha! So... watch out on the news, you might just catch a glimpse of me being interviewed, and rumour has it that Mum saw me singing on the news during the service... eek. It was a great service and humbling to be amongst so many proud Kiwi's. I sure am proud to be one of them.
Kia Kaha Christchurch... there is more money on its way from tonight to help you... (I saw bucket-fulls... literally thousands and thousands of £'s!)
