Thursday, July 31, 2003
Since my brother has not yet joined the blogging ranks
I suppose I'll have to update my blog. Are you all sitting on the edge of your seats, waiting with bated breath & antici
pation?
Let me first point you to an excellent website I came across: World Wide Words. Michael Quinlon writes about international English from a British viewpoint. You may be entertained, and you might learn something.
So...as I mentioned in one of my comments, the first week of work has been marked by a significant increase in the number of hours spent commuting each day, from 0 hours last week, now increased to 3.5 on average this week. This is broken down into a fifteen minute walk from number 10 to the rail station, a few minutes wait for the train, a 27 minute train ride, a few minutes wait for the bus, and a 37 minute bus ride to the hospital. Repeat in reverse nine hours later. It's not enough time to catch a nap or get into a book, so I look out the window or sometimes read the paper.
Each night when I get home I have to sit down to socialize and be grilled by the gran.
I'm also spending evenings on the task at hand: finding a place to live in Oxford proper. I'll have more to say on this next week but allow me to describe Tuesday evening's escapades. I had found a cheap 1BR flat near the rail station in the paper Monday, and made arrangements with the letting agent--Neil--to see it Tuesday after confirming with the current tenant. I left work a few minutes early to make it on time to Neil's office. Right away I was not comfortable as Neil was dressed and behaved like a used car salesman. We walked around the corner to the flat, though, and Neil knocked (with no answer) before letting us in with the key. Imagine our surprise then to discover that the flat wasn't empty, but was being used by a couple -- the tenant's out of town guests -- for some bedroom recreation. I don't know who was more embarrassed. We excused ourselves while they made themselves presentable, and then had a quick look at the apartment, but really it was all I wanted to do to get out of there.
The job is going very well so far. There's a lot to take in especially in this first week as my supervisor will be going on holiday for three weeks on Monday. So far everyone is very friendly and happy to meet me, particularly as there hasn't been anyone supporting IT since March. I have my own office space and a great deal of autonomy, so it will work out well in the long run, I think. It's strange to be working in a hospital environment, but I'm sure I'll soon get used to it. One downside is that I have a faster internet connection from home than they do at the hospital--they're working on it.
My supervisor had an IT person down from the London office on Tuesday and part of Wednesday to show me the ropes. I'd met him before during my interviews and it was nice to talk to someone who knows techspeak. I'm pretty comfortable I'll be alright on my own next week & after. Since the company put him up in a B&B for the night Tuesday, I met up with him after the flat viewing disaster and we had a couple of beers in the Crown. I got to try Guiness Extra Cold, which didn't seem much different from Guiness lukewarm. American's might prefer it, though.
The week has kind of flown by, and I've a bedroom floor covered in laundry to tackle on Saturday (and Sunday if I can convince Gran it's not a sin). I've made an appointment to see three other flats with a different letting agent on Saturday morning, and I have a meeting with another guy who has a room to rent on Monday. Hopefully this will all work itself out soon.
9:52:00 PM
Monday, July 28, 2003
Whoops.
I spoke too soon. The house share is now unavailble, and I will be spending my evenings and weekends looking for accommodation on my own.
Anyone know of a nice 1BR furnished flat in Oxford town centre?
8:57:00 PM
Sunday, July 27, 2003
"What do you think of the faggots?" she asked.
I was in the middle of my dinner, and at first didn't quite know how to respond to Gran's question. Had there been something in the paper I hadn't seen?
"Only, I did something different to them today & put them in the oven. Usually I fry them in a pan."
9:11:00 PM
My claim for Job Seeker's Allowance was denied Friday.
I'm starting work tomorrow. I thought I was going to have to buy some dress pants and shirts but I started unpacking the stuff I'd shipped myself from the States & was surprised to find I had the foresight to send enough work clothes. I'm looking forward to tomorrow but it will be a lot of work in the first week, as my supervisor will be going on holiday for three weeks next Monday. There is a monthly Status meeting first thing tomorrow, so I'll be jumping in feet first.
I believe that I'll have a room to myself, off the server room, so that will be nice. Also, it's "business casual," so no tie required except for special occasions. And my supervisor has already said that a certain amount of flexibility regarding start time will be extended, especially considering I'm commuting from so far initially.
In case you were biting your fingernails wondering what happened with the London job; I did hear back last week (finally) with news that the manager there was impressed with my skills and background & that I came across well during the interview, but that he thought I would consider the job too junior and dull, and I wasn't invited back for a second interview. I suppose if I'm going to be turned down that's the way to have it done.
9:04:00 PM
I didn't see a Terrier
York was just beautiful, and just what the doctor ordered; a short holiday, to pamper myself, before starting the 9-5 routine again this week.
I took the 8am train direct from Banbury, which arrived a little after 11. After settling in at the B&B I was able to take a walking tour, "Roman York", guided by Blue Badge Guide James. That lasted about two hours and ended in the remnants of the Roman Baths, which is the basement of a pub with the same name.
I was lucky and was able to get tickets to a play that night - Peter Shaffer's Amadeus, on which the movie was based. The main actor who played Salieri was very good, but Mozart was a bit weak. I appreciated the fact that no one used microphones, and it was a small enough theatre. Oddly enough, two of the women from the afternoon's walk were sitting a few seats away from me.
The B&B was just gorgeous, and I had a wonderful shower and watched a bit of TV. Breakfast in the a.m. was delicious, and I was the only one in the dining room as everyone else had opted for the "breakfast hamper." Wednesday I took a coach tour out to Castle Howard which I was not surprised to find was very similar to Blenheim Palace which I'd visited two weeks ago, as they were both designed by the same guy around the turn of the 17th century. Wednesday night I had a long bath and turned in early.
Thursday I checked out and went to see the Minster. This is apparently the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and I believe it. The stained glass windows were exceptional. You can pay to tour the crypt or to climb the tower, but I passed on both. It was a bit overcast Thursday but hadn't rained at all during the trip--my luck has been amazing!
I took the direct train back a bit earlier than I'd thought, but had time to unpack & check email and tell Gran about the trip.
8:42:00 PM
Friday, July 25, 2003
Home sweet home
I'll write up the details of my mini-break to York tomorrow.
In the meantime, I have some other news: I've found a place to live in Oxford. The first house I looked at last week, a terraced home on the river very near to the rail station, has a nice double bedroom available on the 16th for about �400/mo, including bills. The bus to work runs every half hour from the station, and the shopping area is a ten minute walk away, so that will be handy.
The house is furnished but I will have to buy a bed and (as there are no closets) perhaps a wardrobe. It has a nice garden in the back and is on a quiet tree-lined street, with riverboats meandering up and down outside the front door. I'll be sharing with three women so it'll be nice to have friends right off the bat.
10:17:00 PM
Monday, July 21, 2003
I should get a BritRail pass
I forgot to mention that I took the train to Reading last Tuesday. I had been considering commuting from there to Oxford, as it's closer to London and is one of the most up-and-coming cities in England. I was impressed; the old high street was filled with the standard shops, but within a few minutes walk was a large American-style shopping mall (two storeys, even!) with many restaurants and a multiplex cinema, situated right on the river. I had a walk around looking at different neighborhoods but decided it would just be too long of a commute, particularly if the trains weren't running on time.
I've been to Oxford three times in the last four days; Thursday to look at neighborhoods within walking distance of city centre, and Saturday and yesterday to look at potential living quarters. One is quite lovely and I'm hoping to hear back mid-week, while the other was unfortunately probably a bit too small (even for my currently small pile of worldly possessions.) I'm not in a huge rush, as I can stay here at Gran's until I find the place that's right for me.
1:56:00 PM
Mini-break
On my mother's recommendation, I've decided to take some time during my last week off to head up to York by train for a few days. I found a very nice hotel online and made my reservations this morning for two nights, starting tomorrow. The train from Banbury to York is direct and takes about three hours.
I've been to York before, for a day trip, but it will be nice to roam around at my leisure, not having to worry about a job or flat.
I'll be staying at a bed & breakfast called One3Two. I don't know if I'll have internet access but I'll be back in Banbury Thursday night.
From TripAdvisor:
The historic walled city is only a five-minute walk away, with York racecourse also very close by.
The five bedrooms, complete with DVD players and widescreen TVs, feature either huge Indonesian four-posters or antique French beds, all with Egyptian linen. The large bathrooms have monsoon showers and deep baths. Teak wardrobes, window shutters, and potted palms complete the French colonial atmosphere.
Enjoy breakfast in bed with breakfast hampers stuffed with champagne, juice, fruits, bacon quiche, brioche, warm croissants and waffles. One3Two recommends several restaurants for lunch and dinner in the city with special offers for guests.
1:47:00 PM
Saturday, July 19, 2003
It's a small [blog] world
I've found another blogger who lists me in her blog roll. Thanks, ScorpioGirl.
My 50 on 50 post has also been nominated for the Rise Post of the Month Award for July, though I think the other nominations are more deserving. Again, thanks!
8:50:00 PM
Friday, July 18, 2003
Employed
I've decided to accept the job offer in Oxford, and will be starting work at 9a.m. on the 28th.
I went to Oxford yesterday afternoon to wander around the different residential neighborhoods, to get an idea of where I might (and might not) want to live. Thankfully a weather front had moved through overnight, so I wasn't forced to wander in the hot, humid weather we've had for about ten days now.
I have to say, even though my initial plan had been to live and work in London, I think I'm getting the best of most worlds in Oxford; property prices are lower, there's sacks of culture everywhere, the architecture is gorgeous, and it's so damn central. London is 50 minutes away, as is Heathrow, and anywhere else is reachable within a few hours by train.
Since I only have another week of "vacation," I'm thinking of taking an overnight trip somewhere next week. Unfortunately, the schools just let out for summer recess so it's not the best week I could have chosen. Tomorrow I have another trip to Oxford to see a few potential rentals.
11:24:00 PM
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Are you as ready as I am for the job hunt to be Over & Done?
It's been an ...interesting week, having to deal with recruiters, offers, letting agents and interviews. I should have some definitive news to post by Monday at the very latest.
10:42:00 PM
I've discovered something I miss
After three days in a row with upper 80s/low 90s and sunshine, I've realized just how much I had come to rely on air conditioning. It's very difficult to get a good night's sleep or to do anything productive when you feel like you need to be wrung out like a wet mop every ten minutes.
I thought I'd be able to find some relief when the local cinema showed a matinee/discount showing of one of my favourite movies, Moulin Rouge, this morning, but no.... Perhaps the managers feared it would be too expensive to have to thaw the audience --whose average age, by the way, was 77 --at the end of the film.
Moulin Rouge is now the only film I have ever paid money three times to see in a theater. Kelly, if you're reading this you really need to go rent this movie!
10:39:00 PM
Sunday, July 13, 2003
Done.
I've finished up the 50 on 50 post from Tuesday. Note that none of these is meant to be a complaint about my newly adopted country--just an observation or two.
10:46:00 PM
...Riting and 'Rithmatic
Can you just imagine, for a moment, how incredibly difficult it is proving to be to find any information on the town of Reading on the internet?
3:49:00 PM
Saturday, July 12, 2003
You look familiar....
I took the train to Oxford today (3rd time this week: Monday on my way to Blenheim, Thursday for my interview, and today to check out the lay of the land). There's a Mediterranean heatwave attacking the British Isles this weekend, and the mercury rose all the way to 76 degrees! It's supposed to be almost 82 on Monday!!
I went to check out the shops and local amenities, to get a local newspaper, and to explore the rental market. I also took the bus out to Headington, which is the eastern suburb of Oxford where the job I've been offered is located.
There are three ways to get from Oxford to the job in Headington: a 12 minute bus ride every 10 minutes, then a 20 minute walk; a 35 minute bus once every half hour; or a long bike ride up a hill. I am almost certain I would not want to live in Headington; it is tiny and remote. I don't know whether I'd enjoy living closer to Oxford town centre, but perhaps it wouldn't be too bad. Oxford is only a 55 minute train journey to Paddington rail station in London (via Reading and Slough). I'm now trying to figure out how awful it would be to commute from Reading (or even closer in to London) to Headington.
Another reason why I haven't immediately said yes to the job is that I haven't received the offer in writing with the salary and benefits package being offered, and because on Thursday evening--right after being offered the job--a recruiter cold-called me to say he has the perfect job for me with one of my previous employers, at an amazing salary. I should hear the details of that on Monday.
When it rains it pours. Feast or famine. Paper or plastic.
10:51:00 PM
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Over The Top
That's all I can really say about the movie this evening.
I did get to see it in the bigger of the two screens at the local cinema. Did anyone else think that the dialog sounded a bit drowned out by the background music and/or explosions, bangs & grunts?
11:56:00 PM
Well that was quick.
I had the interview at 9:30. At 4 they offered me the job.
I'm not sure whether I'm going to take it, but it's nice to know someone out there likes me.
11:51:00 PM
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Three Cheers, again
I'm going to Oxford tomorrow.
8:31:00 PM
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
50 on 50
I'm just finishing off a pot of tea, and Gran has gone to bed. I've remembered that I've been in country for fifty days, so I thought I'd try to make a list of 50 things I've accomplished or learned or adapted to so far:
I opened up an English bank account. It's a "cash account," and allows me to make deposits or withdrawals at a teller or with a cash card at a cash point (ATM). I can check balances online or via the phone, and I can set up automatic monthly debits and bill-paying, but I can't write checks out of it. Once I get a job I'll be able to upgrade to a real checking (current) account.
It takes three days to wash and dry all my clothes. When I hang my clothes out on the line in the back garden, I have to remember to go out halfway through and turn them around so the sun catches all and so the parts under the clothes pegs can dry.
I've found a place to get my shirts dry cleaned for �1.99, or just ironed for �1.10 if I'm lazy. I'm not that lazy.
I've registered with the National Health Service and I've had a doctor assigned to me. Unless I have a problem, they don't want to see me; they don't do yearly checkups.
On average, it takes me about ten days to go through �100 after I withdraw it from my US bank; each time I use the ATM my bank charges me $2 so I try not to do that very often. My american bank's check card works fine for making purchases here, just as if it were a VISA card.
You have to boil the water, not just heat it. Then you pour some into the tea pot and swish it around. Empty out that water, then put the tea bag(s) in. Then add boiling water. Wait at least two minutes before pouring into the cup, which already has the milk in it. Add sugar or sweetener to taste.
Take an umbrella. It's going to rain.
The server at the fish and chips shop at the bottom of the road knows my face now, and says hello and asks how I'm doing. But the chips from the shop in Broad Street are much nicer, not crunchy or over-cooked.
Sainsbury's, Iceland and Sommerfield all deliver, thank god.
Morrison's is the only place I can buy 1.25l diet coke, which is just small enough to fit in Gran's tiny fridge. Even so, she thinks I spend too much on it and should drink water instead. She's probably right. I haven't found anywhere to take my bottles to be recycled. They recycle green and brown glass, clothes, shoes, cans and certain kinds of plastic, but not coke bottles. No cardboard, either.
I've found a place to get my hair cut, for not too much, and the barber went out of his way to wave and say hello at me from across the street the other day.
A return ticket is always cheaper than two singles, and the further in advance I can book a trip, the cheaper it will be.
It's a return ticket, not a "round trip." And I have to book it, not make a reservation.
English butter and milk and chocolate just taste better. Period.
Not mixed together, you understand.
Speaking of mixing, apparently the thought of mixing peanut butter and chocolate together (i.e. Resee's Peanut Butter Cups) is repugnant.
Most english frown on the idea of using a paper towel as a plate. I use one for toast or a sandwich and tell gran her face will freeze like that.
There are 50 million mobile phones in the UK, and I have one of them. It was probably my best initial purchase. Even though I'm not a technophobe, I've yet to figure out how to send pictures or use the email function. And I've yet to send a text message/SMS. I pay any time I make a call or send a message, but I don't have to pay when someone calls or messages me. Calling a mobile from a landline costs on average $.40/min.
I've managed to sign up for DSL broadbank internet service--no small feat in and of itself--and have set up a wireless network in Gran's house.
I've successfully set up on-line banking to pay the few outstanding monthly american bills I have.
I signed up for Boots', WHSmiths', Sainsburys' and Blockbuster's frequent shopper clubs.
I tried to register with the local police station when I arrived, but as I used my Irish passport to enter the country and never spoke to anyone from immigration, they said there was no need.
I've signed up to see if I qualify for unemployment insurance while I'm looking for work. That has process has been a huge time eater.
I've had three phone interviews, and two in-person interviews in the month or so that I've been actively looking for work. I feel pretty confident that something will come through for me before my savings run out.
I've found a cheap number to call in order to make discount calls to the States.
I've been to two local Banbury events, and a walking tour, and I read the two weekly local papers. I haven't decided which of the national papers I like best. I still read the news on Washingtonpost.com and BBC.news.uk daily.
I have yet to get over how the English don't refrigerate some things. Eggs are an example. My gran leaves her yogurt and milk out for a day before using them. (Still, more space in the fridge for me.)
I don't visit the post office on Mondays or Thursdays. Those are the days pensioners and others collect their benefit money. The place is swamped.
I showed my Gran the photos from the Lord Mayor's Sunday on my laptop. "Those are good," she said. "They're color! You'll have to show those to your friends." "I don't have any friends here," I replied. "Well, Rita and Mary Rose." Rita is Gran's 62 year old friend who bakes sponge cakes for her and does her hair fortnightly. Mary Rose is her other friend, aged 64, who drives her to Sainsburys for her shopping. Yay.
I bought a road atlas of Britain from the discount book shop, because I was tired of not knowing remedial English geography.
I figured out that 22 degrees celsius is 72 degrees farenheit, and I can usually extrapolate from there.
Wimbledon is a Really Big Deal, and it was a Crying Shame that Tim Henman didn't make it into the finals.
English cans of soda really are smaller than the American ones! Ice cubes don't exist here.
All 25 of the packages I mailed myself from the States arrived, apparently without anyone pilfering anything, and with only two glass picture frames broken.
Borrowing CDs from the Library is a hell of a lot cheaper than spending �10-�12 for each of them.
I've only been to the pub once, mainly because I don't know anyone (I doubt my friends Rita and Mary Rose would want to go) but also I'm not a big beer drinker. I do love cider though.
Thank goodness, the Rail network offers discount weekly and monthly passes which will come in handy once I actually start work.
Potatoes Must Be Eaten at Every Meal
What do you mean, you don't want potatoes tonight?
The english computer magazines I buy every once in a while are actually better than their american counterparts, and some come out fortnightly instead of monthly.
Gas/petrol is just unbelievably expensive here. The price of cars and insurance are astronomical as well. I don't know how the average family makes do each month.
Clerks and sales assistants and till staff say "Can I help?" not "Can I help you?"
"Alright?" is a greeting, not "How're you doing?"
There are many different brands and shapes of "potato chips", and they almost all uniformly come in Regular, Salt & Vinegar, Bar-b-que, Cheese & Onion, and Prawn flavours. I've also seen Beef & Onion, Grilled Chicken, Catsup, and Bacon
Car boot sales are huge here. It seems people pay to drive their car into a field or lot and, along with other drivers, sell their junk out of the back of the car. It's kind of like a neighborhood garage sale on wheels.
Don't tip the barman. You may offer to buy him a drink
A colour television licence is �116 a year (around $191 US) and a black and white TV licence costs �38.50 a year (around $63 US). Anyone over 74y.o. can apply for a free license.
It's OK to show 30 y.o. re-runs (in this case, Fawlty Towers) on Prime Time TV, several nights in a row.
Home improvement (here called DIY for "do it yourself") is absolutely massive here.
Water, as a utility, is relatively expensive. My gran saves the water from dishwashing to water the garden. Today I saw a man who washed his car with two buckets of water--one soapy, the other not. I doubt an american could accomplish that feat.
11:13:00 PM
Monday, July 07, 2003
This is not the end.
Today's day trip, recommended by Gran, was to Blenheim Palace. Some of you may not know that this was Winston Churchill's birthplace, and the home of the Duke of Marlborough and his family. It's not far away; a short trip on the train to Oxford and then a bus to Woodstock, and there you are. The gardens of the estate were just spectacular and I'll be honest, I spent twice as much time out of doors as I did in the home itself.
On purpose, I didn't visit about half of the grounds, so that I can have a reason to go back some time.
10:54:00 PM
Sunday, July 06, 2003
Ride, fine Lady, ride.
I'm just back from Banbury's "Lord Mayor's Sunday" and hobby horse parade in People's Park. Unsurprisingly low key and low budget, but something to do nonetheless.
4:13:00 PM
Friday, July 04, 2003
I'm in a holding pattern.
I'm sitting around now, waiting for a call back. I went down to London yesterday because I had an interview with a marketing firm in the West End. The company is looking for a technical Analyst to support ~130 Mac & PC users and to back up the other two analsysts. It was my first interview here so far, but I think it went very well. I'm supposed to hear whether I'll be called back for a second interview by the end of next week.
11:20:00 PM
York was just beautiful, and just what the doctor ordered; a short holiday, to pamper myself, before starting the 9-5 routine again this week. 
Moulin Rouge is now the only film I have ever paid money three times to see in a theater. Kelly, if you're reading this you really need to go rent this movie!
On purpose, I didn't visit about half of the grounds, so that I can have a reason to go back some time.
