Saturday, October 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
So Much To Say, So Little Time!
So I've been very neglectful of my blog of late, it's been a whole month since my last post. So much has happened! I thought I would try and catch up a bit.
Williamsburg
After a long trip south, taking around 9 hours -- how we used to survive when we were little without in car dvd players i don't know, whatever happened to just looking out of the window & car games?! -- we eventually arrived in Williamsburg. Of course, we had to bring the cat and the dog. Needless to say, Skitty (the cat) hated it and Couture (the dog) loved it. Not sure we'll be taking them anywhere again soon though... Williamsburg itself is such a beautiful place and very historical, the whole place is a town-sized museum! The people are walking around wearing colonial outfits, its rahter surreal. We had flex passes, which meant we could get into any attractions we wanted, including Busch Gardens. Despite spending most of the week shopping and not seeing all the historical attractions I would have liked to (Shelby & Lindsey w
eren't too keen on the historical parts), I still had a really good time. We did go on a ghost walk, a witch trial and see the governors' palace (see left) though, which were all really interesting.The weather was perfect (maybe a bit humid at times) and I definately enjoyed the historical places we did go to, especially trying Colonial-style food and visiting the outlet mall (even CHEAPER shopping!). Plus, the rest of the family liked to get up around 11am and not get out until say 1.30pm, which left very little option of what to do except shop as all the Historical Attractions closed at 5pm but shops stayed open to 9pm. Busch Gardens Europe was not particularly my thing, just loads of huge roller-coasters, and the English section wasn't big enough and not at all accurate! Overall we had a good week, although we probably wouldnt take the pets again, and I'd like to go back at some point (maybe in my travel month at the end of the year?) to see all the places I didn't get chance to see, I did find it very interesting.
Back2School
After we had returned from our vacation, that week was very busy preparing Shelby & Lindsey to go back to school. Shelby had found out that her best friend, Emily, was not in her house at middle school (they change schools here every couple of years), meaning that she would not have any lessons with her and therefore she was not looking forward at all to going back to school. The girls were actually at their dad's on the day of going back to school but me and Celeste still went to see them off. Middle school seems to be just the same size as HCCS, even though its only years 7-9 (grades 6-8) and about 800 kids. Lindsey's school has about the same amount again for 4th and 5th Grade (years 5-6), and this is only for chatham, none of the surrounding areas. Lafyette has a "clapping in ritual" for all the kids on their first day at school. All the children stand in a circle in their class and walk into school class by class, while all the parents stand around them and clap them. It really gives the impression of a community, but is really extravagant compared to what I was used to at school, but then again, it is America, of course!
Country House
That weekend, I went with Hanneke with her host family to her country house. The house is in New York state along the Hudson river, and was so beautiful and peaceful. On the saturday we walked up the river and had fun watching Delphine and Emmerson (two of Hanneke's kids) playing and swimming in the river. Later that afternoon it rained very heavily with the aftermath of a Hurricane from the south. It was so nice to just sit and
relax and watch the rain pour. The next day the weather was beautiful, so we all went to a national park (see right) which was breathtaking. We walked for 8 miles in total (I wish I'd known we would've been doing that much walking so I could've brought my trainers instead of my flip flops!). We eventually got to a lake, where the Hanneke and the kids went swimming and I watched -- I was a bit of a wimp to be honest, I thought it was too cold to swim. Still it was a really nice weekend, nice to be away from the house on my own.
University, with No Freshers Week
People who go to university in England have it so easy, not starting 'til late September and fresher's week with all the booze you could want. However, American collge started the first week of September, there might have been a Fresher's week but obviously since I'm not a really student, I didn't go to any (plus I couldn't drink even if I wanted to!). I've taken an American History course, which is very interesting. Everyone I've met at Drew seems very nice and friendly, so I've been enjoying going. I don't tend to like participating in class, because everyone stares becuase of my "cute" English accent -- that's all people say to me over here: "ooh I just LOVE your accent!" (thanks, I can't really help having it!) and "Ooh, I know [insert name] from England, do you know them?" (Nope, can't say I do, I don't even live in London...). It's annoying but funny at the same time.
Moving on up?
My saddest news that I have to say is that I found out on Monday that I would have to rematch. This means I have to find a new host family to live with for the rest of the year. My host mom, Celeste, lost her job at the beginning of September and so can no longer afford to keep me, or in fact, needs me to be around. The girls and I were very upset at this news, with the girls protesting that I was their "favourite" Au Pair that they have had so far. I was in rematch a couple of weeks ago but I didn't find a suitable host family (maybe because I didn't want to leave) and so Celeste said that she could keep me for the next couple of weeks to see how things turn out, but now with the current economic crisis, as well as most of her friends getting downsized also (and her severance package not being as much as she first hoped) I have to unfortunately move on. Celeste has said that if she finds a job I could come back though, especially sice the girls like me so much. I am, at the moment discussing some possible new families with my community counsellor. There are no educare host families in rematch in the surrounding area, so I will also have to drop out of Drew (much to my dismay!), and leave my friends I have made here. I hope I will make the right decision, as I don't want to have to rematch again, but I will keep you posted!
New York, New York (too much to see in just one weekend)
The weekend before last, me and
Hanneke went into New York, only my third time going since being here! We decided, as it was a nice day to go up to the top of the Empire State Building (very touristy, yes, but at least we can say we've done it). Luckily, the view was superb as it was a beautiful clear (but cold!) day, with maximum visibility. We also visited Times Square, and Hanneke took me to an amazing Ice Cream store where you can make any flavour you want, called "Cold Stone" (I think). After a very good day, we wanted to see if we could go out somewhere, not even to drink, just to have a good time, dance (or in my case, try to) and maybe even meet some Americans! But of course, we got turned away at the door for being too young (oh, but we ARE adults!). Ah well, it was worth a try. We instead went to an American Dinner in Madison, as we have missed the last movie, and eventually got back to Hanneke's at around midnight (oh yes, we are SO hardcore!) The next day we went back into New York with Gina and her mexican friend and a German girl (shock horror). We walked around Times Square a little, but for the most part, as it was such a lovely day we went over the Central Park and the Zoo. There were not many big (or as Hanneke said, "real") animals, mostly just birds. But there were Monkeys, Polar Bears and Sea Lions! Ah well, when it only costs $8 to get in, what can you expect? Later, we watched a street dance troupe outside the plaza for bit, which were good, but most of all it was nice just to sit and relax! Overall, it was a very good weekend!
Not much else has happened since then (except, of course, me going into rematch). On saturday we had the Visco's over for dinner which was very entertaining, but left me exhausted as I worked so hard with Celeste to make the house presentable for company! Then on Sunday I went out with a friend from college to a fair/market in Morristown, which we randomly found and ended up having quite a good time.
I'm hoping to end on a high, I'll have to keep posted with all my new exciting adventures with my new family, I'll be sad to leave but I still want to have an amazing year here so I won't let it drag me down too much!
PPS. Please leave a comment if you have bothered to read it! I've heard from my mum that a lot of you (maybe just the more mature reader ;) ) are trying to comment and failing?
Williamsburg
After a long trip south, taking around 9 hours -- how we used to survive when we were little without in car dvd players i don't know, whatever happened to just looking out of the window & car games?! -- we eventually arrived in Williamsburg. Of course, we had to bring the cat and the dog. Needless to say, Skitty (the cat) hated it and Couture (the dog) loved it. Not sure we'll be taking them anywhere again soon though... Williamsburg itself is such a beautiful place and very historical, the whole place is a town-sized museum! The people are walking around wearing colonial outfits, its rahter surreal. We had flex passes, which meant we could get into any attractions we wanted, including Busch Gardens. Despite spending most of the week shopping and not seeing all the historical attractions I would have liked to (Shelby & Lindsey w
eren't too keen on the historical parts), I still had a really good time. We did go on a ghost walk, a witch trial and see the governors' palace (see left) though, which were all really interesting.The weather was perfect (maybe a bit humid at times) and I definately enjoyed the historical places we did go to, especially trying Colonial-style food and visiting the outlet mall (even CHEAPER shopping!). Plus, the rest of the family liked to get up around 11am and not get out until say 1.30pm, which left very little option of what to do except shop as all the Historical Attractions closed at 5pm but shops stayed open to 9pm. Busch Gardens Europe was not particularly my thing, just loads of huge roller-coasters, and the English section wasn't big enough and not at all accurate! Overall we had a good week, although we probably wouldnt take the pets again, and I'd like to go back at some point (maybe in my travel month at the end of the year?) to see all the places I didn't get chance to see, I did find it very interesting.Back2School
After we had returned from our vacation, that week was very busy preparing Shelby & Lindsey to go back to school. Shelby had found out that her best friend, Emily, was not in her house at middle school (they change schools here every couple of years), meaning that she would not have any lessons with her and therefore she was not looking forward at all to going back to school. The girls were actually at their dad's on the day of going back to school but me and Celeste still went to see them off. Middle school seems to be just the same size as HCCS, even though its only years 7-9 (grades 6-8) and about 800 kids. Lindsey's school has about the same amount again for 4th and 5th Grade (years 5-6), and this is only for chatham, none of the surrounding areas. Lafyette has a "clapping in ritual" for all the kids on their first day at school. All the children stand in a circle in their class and walk into school class by class, while all the parents stand around them and clap them. It really gives the impression of a community, but is really extravagant compared to what I was used to at school, but then again, it is America, of course!
Country House
That weekend, I went with Hanneke with her host family to her country house. The house is in New York state along the Hudson river, and was so beautiful and peaceful. On the saturday we walked up the river and had fun watching Delphine and Emmerson (two of Hanneke's kids) playing and swimming in the river. Later that afternoon it rained very heavily with the aftermath of a Hurricane from the south. It was so nice to just sit and
relax and watch the rain pour. The next day the weather was beautiful, so we all went to a national park (see right) which was breathtaking. We walked for 8 miles in total (I wish I'd known we would've been doing that much walking so I could've brought my trainers instead of my flip flops!). We eventually got to a lake, where the Hanneke and the kids went swimming and I watched -- I was a bit of a wimp to be honest, I thought it was too cold to swim. Still it was a really nice weekend, nice to be away from the house on my own.University, with No Freshers Week
People who go to university in England have it so easy, not starting 'til late September and fresher's week with all the booze you could want. However, American collge started the first week of September, there might have been a Fresher's week but obviously since I'm not a really student, I didn't go to any (plus I couldn't drink even if I wanted to!). I've taken an American History course, which is very interesting. Everyone I've met at Drew seems very nice and friendly, so I've been enjoying going. I don't tend to like participating in class, because everyone stares becuase of my "cute" English accent -- that's all people say to me over here: "ooh I just LOVE your accent!" (thanks, I can't really help having it!) and "Ooh, I know [insert name] from England, do you know them?" (Nope, can't say I do, I don't even live in London...). It's annoying but funny at the same time.
Moving on up?
My saddest news that I have to say is that I found out on Monday that I would have to rematch. This means I have to find a new host family to live with for the rest of the year. My host mom, Celeste, lost her job at the beginning of September and so can no longer afford to keep me, or in fact, needs me to be around. The girls and I were very upset at this news, with the girls protesting that I was their "favourite" Au Pair that they have had so far. I was in rematch a couple of weeks ago but I didn't find a suitable host family (maybe because I didn't want to leave) and so Celeste said that she could keep me for the next couple of weeks to see how things turn out, but now with the current economic crisis, as well as most of her friends getting downsized also (and her severance package not being as much as she first hoped) I have to unfortunately move on. Celeste has said that if she finds a job I could come back though, especially sice the girls like me so much. I am, at the moment discussing some possible new families with my community counsellor. There are no educare host families in rematch in the surrounding area, so I will also have to drop out of Drew (much to my dismay!), and leave my friends I have made here. I hope I will make the right decision, as I don't want to have to rematch again, but I will keep you posted!
New York, New York (too much to see in just one weekend)
The weekend before last, me and
Hanneke went into New York, only my third time going since being here! We decided, as it was a nice day to go up to the top of the Empire State Building (very touristy, yes, but at least we can say we've done it). Luckily, the view was superb as it was a beautiful clear (but cold!) day, with maximum visibility. We also visited Times Square, and Hanneke took me to an amazing Ice Cream store where you can make any flavour you want, called "Cold Stone" (I think). After a very good day, we wanted to see if we could go out somewhere, not even to drink, just to have a good time, dance (or in my case, try to) and maybe even meet some Americans! But of course, we got turned away at the door for being too young (oh, but we ARE adults!). Ah well, it was worth a try. We instead went to an American Dinner in Madison, as we have missed the last movie, and eventually got back to Hanneke's at around midnight (oh yes, we are SO hardcore!) The next day we went back into New York with Gina and her mexican friend and a German girl (shock horror). We walked around Times Square a little, but for the most part, as it was such a lovely day we went over the Central Park and the Zoo. There were not many big (or as Hanneke said, "real") animals, mostly just birds. But there were Monkeys, Polar Bears and Sea Lions! Ah well, when it only costs $8 to get in, what can you expect? Later, we watched a street dance troupe outside the plaza for bit, which were good, but most of all it was nice just to sit and relax! Overall, it was a very good weekend!Not much else has happened since then (except, of course, me going into rematch). On saturday we had the Visco's over for dinner which was very entertaining, but left me exhausted as I worked so hard with Celeste to make the house presentable for company! Then on Sunday I went out with a friend from college to a fair/market in Morristown, which we randomly found and ended up having quite a good time.
I'm hoping to end on a high, I'll have to keep posted with all my new exciting adventures with my new family, I'll be sad to leave but I still want to have an amazing year here so I won't let it drag me down too much!
Until next time, Charlotte.
PS. The weather here is still so nice around 20C each day, just how jealous are you?!PPS. Please leave a comment if you have bothered to read it! I've heard from my mum that a lot of you (maybe just the more mature reader ;) ) are trying to comment and failing?
- Click on where it says "Comments" underneath the end of each indiviual blog
- It will redirect you to all the comments which have been written
- Leave your comment in the "Leave your comment" box
- Under where it says "Choose an Identity" click on the option (if you don't have a google account, which I'm guessing a lot of you don't!) that says "Name/URL" (you can type in your own name here) or "Anonymous" (if choosing this option, please leave your name in the actual comment so I know who has left me a comment & I don't have to work it out!).
- Click "Publish Your Comment"
- A new screen should come up saying "Your comment has been saved. It may take a moment for your comment to appear on the site at the original post. "
- The comment will not be on the main blog page, it'll only be shown on the "comments section"
Hope that helps? I love reading the comments that people have left, plus I know that people are actually reading my blog!
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