Firstly, I apologize if there are any glaringly ridiculous typos, but I blogged on an iPod...in a hostel...when exhausted, and autocorrect is a terrible thing.
After our return from Amsterdam, time really seemed to pick up and start flying. Lesson planning and taking over started to pick up and I began to fall into a routine. Teaching is phenomenally time consuming; however, it is also rewarding. I spent the ensuing two weeks in school really feeling my knowledge of, attachment to, and responsibility for the pupils grow and grow. My lessons were a mixed bag but I was learning and changing and so were they. It was amazing to feel the change and feel as well my place in the department solidify.
That weekend was one which began without plans and became enjoyably relaxing. On Saturday, the weather in London embodied all that I love about fall. The air was crisp and refreshing; the sun was bright against the blue sky; the leaves were crisp below my feet; I fought back the ensuing cold and took the refreshing air into my lungs.
Walking down the road, I found the nearest cycle hire and took off to find Regent's Park the second my laundry was hanging to dry. The trip looked decently straight forward; therefore, it was actually miserably confusing and took just over an hour to make it. The journey and adventure to find a place to return the bike was well worth it when I entered the gate and found my eyes filled with the neatly ordered greenery before me.
My exhaustion was strong so I grabbed an ice cream and began to snap photographs and people watch the countless people and families that seemed to fill the park the warmer the day became. I filled my day with aimless wanders, taking photos and winding paths as they came. As I began to leave, I stopped for a photo op with Sherlock Holmes' house and hopped on the tube.
With the ice cream!
One of the many tucked away bridges over the stream.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum, in the house that the man himself lived!
The day was toor freshing to warrant a complete tube journey so I merely traveled until I knew where I was more precisely. Hopping off at Piccadilly Circus, I wandered over to Hyde Park before hooking up with another bike and continued my travels. Hyde Park and Kensington gardens were as enchanting as ever and only seemed enhanced by the spell of fall. I felt truly joyous and peaceful as I relaxed and was refreshed by nature.
Hyde Park!
Sunday, of course, brought work. It also brought my first chance to do some baking. First though, Errands were done and then I met Emily and her parents for a trip to the London Aquarium!
My work camp...until I got too cold.
We were happily diverted by the fish and sharks that swam before, and above!, our eyes. We arrived just in time to see some penguins being fed. They were adorably active as they flitted about and hopped up to see the Lady With The Fish. There were jellyfish and sea horses and memos...it was magical. Something about going to an aquarium always is...
Fishies!
Feeding time for the penguins! D'awwwww!
The end of the adventure brought reflection writing. It also resulted in the scent of cookies and Bernadette Chocolate Crisp Bars. My domestic spirit was appeased and my deparent was happy. Following the continued professions of crisp bar love, they made a repeat appearance Wednesday. The last week before break results in he need for baked goods!
Tuesday I attended/chaperoned a literature conference for year 12. I learned a lit both as an English Literature student and future teacher. The break also allowed the week to pass that much faster.
My exhaustion was complete and I was ready for break!
On Saturday I attempted to visit Westminster Abbey, but due to crowds ended just having an enjoyable wander. The city is enhanced by the bright fall weather and I felt myself at home out of doors. It was prime weather for exploring and I was content. I unfortunately had to ditch the fun for work and headed home.
Me, in front of the Abbey!
A random, special find on my wander home!
The diligence was not without reward, however as I met Lana that night to hang out. We found a wannabe 50's American diner in Soho and had great food and fun laughing at the decor. Dinner was followed by exploring and having an amusing poke about the M&M world shop! It was massive and fabulous to see. Her friends departed as friends of mine and Lana and I went in search of the temptress: an Hagan Das shop! We enjoyed ice cream and further walking and talking until our bodies cried in protest. We needed bed but promised a hasty reunion.
Lana with the London M&M's World Bus!
Me, with the cool M&M!
The tiredness was revealed In both myself and Emily when we struggled to wake up the next day. We did eventually and headed to the famous Mecca: Camden Market! Shops and stalls were open and spilled onto the road with goods for sale. I found, and haggled, for a cute wool dress and we had delicious stall food. The market was alive though a twitch overwhelming.
Camden Market
The afternoon was mostly comprised of working and packing as Monday meant Madrid!
Stay tuned for tales of my break trip adventures !!
Much love from Edinburgh! (yay hostel wifi and an iPod!)
Ciao,
Fallon
The London Eye and building with the Aquarium
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