Life in England: 2008

Monday, 29 December 2008

"MALTA"

It was a three hour smooth flight to MALTA. Upon arriving to the country, you see different types of people, houses,roads, types of transportation ,currency, trees (plenty of palm trees)etc...Basically, its a completely different culture all together. "Malta is a sundrenched island that sits in the heart of the mediterranean sea, with a wealth of history waiting to be explored." (More of the history below) Its so much

different compared to England. It is warmer there this time of the year. Although we were not able to get into the blue water, we did the boat tour and enjoyed the scenery. If you happened to see the movie "TROY" or "GLADIATOR" both movies were filmed in MALTA a

mong many other. It is just unbelievable how houses are built on top of the rocks. Getting on the public transportation (Buses) was quit an experience. It reminds me of the Philippines. It is so bumpy...but accessible. Buses runs every ten minutes. In fact we were not expecting to get anywhere on christmas day because we thought everything would be closed. But Many Thanks to Malta public Transportation Department, the buses were running and some of the restaurants in downtown "SLIEMA" were opened. We had a taste of some of the finest "MALTESE" meals.
Do you want to know more...CATS...are everywhere here in Malta. Maltese people love cats. Even in the hotel we stayed at there were cats around the area...Meowwww!
Right across from the hotel are the island of Gozo and Camino. We did not get a chance to cross over because I got sick on our last day. But we saw the outside of it from a distance and from what I've heard it's really not a lot to do but snorking and swimming, which is not the time for swimming. Although, we got a chance to get in the hotel pool and both Ashley and Katie had a blast especially in the spa. (See more exciting pictures below)

"HISTORY"
Contributing Editor: Martin Debattista
Contributors:Sonia Attard, Peter Prictoe, Joseph Vella, Alexander Borg

The Maltese Islands are a group of small, barren rocks, jutting out of the middle of the dark blue Mediterranean sea. In these conditions, they would have been relegated to the footnotes of history. Yet, ever since the archipelago was first colonised thousands of years ago, they have never been far from the centre of events and have often played a crucial role in the making of history. Their strategic situation in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea makes up for all the lack of resources that nature endowed the rest of the globe. Malta, the largest island, and her sister islands of Gozo, Comino, Filfla and other very small islands, are strategically placed in the narrow channel joining the eastern and the western basins of the Mediterranean. Or if you like, a bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa, or between Western Europe and the Middle East. This had landed the Maltese Islands right in the middle of the most important historic events: the wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the wars between Christians and Moslems, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the fight for democracy against Fascism and Nazism, the Cold War, the rise of a United Europe and the challenges of the Third Millennium.

More Pictures:

The hotel had a Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration. Luckily, they were able to accomodate us because this dinner was by reservation only. Considering we just arrived that day, we actually had a good time. We met some family who are also visiting from Germany

Katie is drinking Taquila Sunrise?

Ashley and Katie at the dinner with their cheesy smiles!

Ashley and Katie in the spa!

Sunday, 21 December 2008

"X-Factor"/American Idol

I cannot beleive that I am watching "X-Factor." Yes, X-Factor is just like "American Idol" in the US. I never watched American Idol in the states, but now i am hooked on this show. It is still produced by Simon Cowell and American Idol is supposed to be modeled after this show. And I love it. When we go out on Saturdays, I make sure we are back on time I can't even go anywhere on a Saturday night because I have to stay and watch this show. I am so proud of the winner Alexandra Burke. Here is her cover of "Hallelujah" and also her duet with Beyonce!!

Monday, 8 December 2008

Month of "December"

Just like every year, we tend to get excited when December comes. Commercialism normally advertises in every news paper. But, will it be the same this year in spite of the economic crisis? With the number of properties being repossesed, Department stores are filing for bankruptcy and job layoffs are drastically increasing, but do you think this will stop consumers???

CHRISTMAS is celebrated around the world. Some are excited because "Christmas" is right around the corner. But often we ask "Why" do we cebrate and "HOW" do we celebrate "Christmas.? For many, christmas is being celebrated with their families and friends, exchanging gifts, and having a moments of "Peace, Joy and Love." WHERE do we fit in???? Well, As I was acustomed to say, "Christmas is Everyday." Although, we do things that we can only do during Christmas time e.g. decorate the house with ornaments.

Well this year for the first time after so many years, I decided to put up a "pre-lit christmas tree" and a few decorations on top of the fire place.

It actually looks nice and feels like home. As a tradition, our family travels every year during this holiday. This year is no exception. Our destination this time around is Malta.

Where is Malta? Malta is in Europe and located South West of the italian island of Sicily. It is North of the African continent and sits in the Mediterranean sea. The island is about 315 sq. km.

Well so much about the history, I will be able to share more after we come back from the trip.

Enjoy your holidays!

Sunday, 30 November 2008

"Thanksgiving Day"

"Thanksgiving Day" is a holiday that the "British" do not celebrate. Statistically, there are only two American families living in this village including us. Needless to say, we had some cars parked in front of our house and you could tell that we are having a party while the rest of the neighborhood are quiet and had their lights and windows closed.

Back to the "Thanksgiving Dinner," just like any American family, we had turkey, ham, stuffing, corn bread, cranberry, vegetable and the traditional filipino food(of course). Deserts: sweet potato pie (home made, which according to my family was good), cheese cake, fruit salad, leche flan and home made fruit punch..I made four bowls.

Everybody loved it. Along with the entertainment, our guests participated in playing wii and karoake which put a bit of spark on this celebration away from home.

It was a bit of hard work, but overall we had a wonderful time and I hope you did too!
Thanks Ashley for helping out! You did a good job!!

Thursday, 20 November 2008

" A Truly Blessed Day"

Imagine when you cannot sleep at night because you have so much on your mind. Well, I was like that the other night. My mind was so active and i don't believe that I even went to sleep. All kinds of things were on mind e.g. home, family and job. I prayed and prayed that He protects us and provides us all the things that we need. I got up the next morning with a purpose to go to RAF Alconbury and take care of some business such as; to submit my application package and visit the Education Center to see the University of Maryland Representative. I reviewed my application package before I left the house and printed a few copies of my resume using fine linen paper and put everything in a nice folder. I dressed up like I normally do when I used to work...looking presentable LOL. Anyway, I arrived at the school and spoke with the office manager. She reviewed my paper work (50 pages). Yes, it was a lot of documents to fill out. I guess when you are dealing with children and government, it is not a joke. So, some of my friends may be called for a background investigation (of course with permission from you guys). However while I was there, I was put behind close doors feeling that something was wrong...unbeknown to me that I might be considered for a full time position, I will know more later. And it did not stop there..once I arrived at the Education Center, the UMUC rep wasn't there. So as I was leaving the Ed Ctr when the CTC rep called my attention and ask me if I was still interested for a part time position...I now know that there is something for me out there.
Having said all that, when you need something "just call on Him and He will provide." It may not be exactly what you ask for, but "it's a sign that He listens to you."

"Matthew 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

It has truly been a blessing because I know that "He always hear my prayers and so are yours."

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Hill House Gardens Here We Come

Six weeks leaving in the temporary housing was quite an experienced. We moved into our house (rental property) on October 14. The first two nights, we basically slept on a blow-up bed. Luckily two days later, our household goods arrive before I could finished unpacking the first shipment. Needless to say, this is when the fun begins. You see boxes everywhere, it took me three weeks to finally put things in order. However, it doesn't

mean that it is in perfect order yet. There are still quite a few things that I may still move into different section of the house. You know how women are??? It will probably take a few months to really get the house to where I can be comfortable (how perfectionist!). Anyway, take a little tour of the house today.

Katie's room. Her favorite color is red. Luckily the carpet is already red and I am coordinating the room with the same color of accessories. In the same section of the room is where we place the computer desk. As you can see, Rodney is on it.

Ashley's room the theme is "Hello Kitty" I think, she likes her room.

Guest Room

Master Bedroom

Kitchen

Of course the "Kitchen" this is where I spend most of my time cooking and doing some work. It is the warmest spot of the house because the "SUN" is

shining through the windows, if any.

The "Living Room" is kind a roomy. We definitely have more room for more living room furnitures. Same thing for the "Dining Room" on your right.

The "Conservatory Room" which is a "Sunroom" . We enjoy watching "TV" in this room. On your right, parked in the front of the house is the "Acura" and a "Lexus," which we just bought as a second car. It is a 1995 and in good condition. Rodney is e

njoying it.

As the day goes by, I am beginning to learn my way around in the neighborhood. This little village called "Stanwick" is actually a decent neighborhood. About 500 ft. away from my house you will see: 1) "General Store"

they sells just about everything you will need in your daily routine; 2) If you don't want to cook, you will see "Chinese Take Away" (well know for "to go" Chinese Restaurant in the U.S). This Chinese Take Away is also talk of the town. They have the best food in the area. I kind a beleive that because Rodney and I tried several Chinese Take Away around RAF alconbury and guess what? it did not taste like chinese food. We actually like the food here better; 3) there is a "Club" and a "Pub". What is the difference? Well, I have never been to the club. My guess is just like a typical club in the state. Pub is somewhat like "Apple Bees," Bennigans and so on..they serve lunch and dinner and they have a bar as well. We ate there once, unfortunately we don't think that we are going back..It was a bad experience, but of course that may just be us; 4) the "Buthcher Shop." I am acutally enjoying buying fresh meat there. It is inexpensive and its near by. So, when I don't have any meat in the refrigerator I can just walk and buy some fresh meat; 5)

a "Church" with graveyard around it. We also haven't been there and I am not sure if they have service on Sundays. But wait, every village in the UK have churches that looks like this; so I cannot use the church as a land mark because they are all identical; 6) a lake "Stanwich Lake" WOW! They are actually building a theatre by

the lake. Rodney and I visited the lake and it is going to be our spot to get our exercise especially when the weather gets better and last but the least; 7) companies right in my backyard, "the horses"

they are becoming my everyday friends. They come and visit every afternoon to say "hello." Of course, I am just kidding! They

are actually looking for Rodney..

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Monday, 6 October 2008

Shopping Malls

A month ago since we left the U.S., there are times that I get so bored maybe because I miss home or I miss the fact that I can't jump in the car and go shopping (Is this really the case?? Who knows??). To make me feel better to my surprise, Rodney took me to the shopping mall (NEWLANDS MALL) in Kettering which is about 30 minutes away from Stanwick. Not too bad for a mall, it reminded me of "Coliseum Mall" Speaking of coliseum mall, I bet by the time we go back to the state it will be finished. Anyway going back to the "Newland Mall" unbeknown to me there is a "T.K. Maxx," which is TJ Max in

America. Of course, it brough joy to my face and Rodney was like so happy to see me smiling. It reminded him of my so called "Therapy." TK Maxx is like TJ Maxx where you see all shoppers patiently looking for the bargains. I bought a scarf from the store and everything else is expensive. It is something that I have to get use to, instead of coverting the value of money each time I shop. Hey take a look at this "B&Q," which is the "HQ" back home. I guess, this is the place where we will be buying our gardenings and home improvements needs. I bet Rodney is looking forward to be a handy-man

. The

mall to your left is actually located in Norwich Across from this mall is the "Norwich Castle" (to your right).

We did not go inside, but just the view from the outside is pretty impressing. Of course, there are many more castles that will really take my breath away. This castle was a prison for over 650 years and in 1894, they turned it to a museum. We did not get a chance to go inside, but for sure I would like to see the inside next time.

Life in England