"A New Found Sport"

No tennis, no step aerobics, no Ross, no Marshall, and no TJMaxx. What else is there to do when it is always cloudy and cold outdoors. I tried to walk, but it seems that it is not enough exercise. Reading, writing, watching TV and cooking can get boring at times. Aerobic class can cost a fortune here. Movies get expensive, if you go everyday. So, Rodney and I walk in the afternoon for about 2 miles and then 30 minutes of raquet ball. Yes! you heard me right!! "RAQUET BALL" a more faster game. As expected, first time I played it, I bruised on my elbow, knees and arms. Too bad for a beginner. But you know what, I'm beginning to like it. It will really give you total workout and burn a lot of calories. I think, I just found a new sport. Of course, I will not forget the rest. :)

Oh yah! Today, I drove a car for the very first time since I arrive in England. Even though, I have not passed my driving exam yet. I only drove on base where I was only driving 15 miles/hour, ha!ha!ha! I wonder, how I would react once I start driving outside the base where you will see all the fast drivers in a narrow road.

Movie Theatre

We finally found a movie theatre close to the base. To my surprise, I actually like it. It is a big theatre and the seats are very comfortable. And guess what, the movie goers are very serious when watching a movie. NO ONE TALKS! In fact, I got embarassed while watching a movie. I said something to Rodney, and the person in front of us turned around and look at us. it only meant "BE QUIET PLEASE!" So we know now, to be quiet!!!! Oh yah! they sell sweet popcorn and salted popcorn and it is very expensive.

London

London is almost like New York or any major City. Nothing but shops traffic and people. Eating places are everywhere. Trains are accessible. Of course, we haven't really visited the major tourist attractions. I am pretty sure there is more to it and I will be back with you. CHEERS! (is what english people say instead of "thank you").

Left picture, I though is a beautiful English Bldg and on the right is inside the train station (King's Cross) in London.

Imagine "Driving Ms. Daisy"

WOW! If you ask my former colleagues, they would tell you how much I love to drive. This time around? Its funny, but I feel intimidated. I have not touched a wheel since I have been to England. Wanna know WHY? Here is the thing...here in England you drive on the left side of the road and the wheel is on the right side. They have so many roundabouts, which is very confusing. Most cars here are very small. I see why.. Not only are the houses are small but also the roads are too small especially when you are driving on the back roads. It seems like you would fall in the ditch. You have to think LEFT at all times.


Sad to say, I have failed the driving test TWICE!. Statistically proven, most people have to retake the test several times paritcularly Americans (Hay, I am not trying to make myself feel good, it is a fact). Even Rodney took it twice. So like "Driving Ms. Daisy", Rodney is driving me around :). In a way, it is a good feeling :).



Well, I know soon I will be behind the wheel.



Rodney started work this week and here I am feel like a lost puppy. But remember, we are still on base where everything is walking distance. However, there is really no where to go but the small BX, commissary, libray and the Village (small cafe area where they serve starbucks). But, it's nothing like Starbucks in the U.S.



Job???



I have been doing a little of job hunting. Tell you what It seems that there are a lot of jobs here in on base, but the only problem is they are all minumum wage paying job. I have not really tried to look in the local economy yet. Worse case scenario, I will try to substitute teaching here on base to give me something to do.

Oh by the way, I have been spending too much time in the library studying about driving in england :). Hopefully, I will complete MA in due time :):):).

Days of Our Life

As days goes on, my daugter and I were feeling home sick. Although things were left unsaid, we were hoping things would ultimately gets brighter.


Getting a rental car made our days a little better. This is where we begin our house hunting. We looked at several houses and as it was expected, the houses were all nice and small with the exception of this one house where both Rodney and Ashley kind a liked. But, I had this creepy feeling about the house. It is a huge house, 5 big bedrooms and 1/2 acre land with full of different kinds of fruit trees and flowers. You want to hear more, well the house was built in 1920 and owned by a physician...the house is located probably 500 ft. away from the town centre (nice location..I really do not need to drive, if that was the case). The interior is really dark (dark wood), one of the bedroom has a wash sink (just a sink) and it has a butler bell in the kitchen for every room..imagine that? get the picture??? Needless to say, I don't think I can stay in the house by myself :(.

Anyway, we have found a house! It is somewhat English/American style home. It is a 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and 2 car garages. it located in the midst of stawick village (notice STANWICK as you would say it, but it is pronouce 'STANICK"). It's not available until 14 October. Built in 1996, the couple are relocating to France (first owner). I tell you, they kept the house well maintained and well decorated.





The House















Front of the house, Living Room &Dining Room



















Sun Room (they call it conservatory room), Kitchen, Deck (Backyard)







More or the backyard and the master bedroom



See the other side of the fence? you can actually see and play with the horses.

Don't you LOVE it????Please don't get excited. What you see is not ours not even the furniture. All this is going away and we will replace it with our own furniture. Hope, it will look the same. I need some designer skills.

Arrival in England

When you first think of England, London is what comes to mind. Well here we are, arrived in England of which is about 2 hours away from the heart of London. Staying in Britannia Inn in the military base. We will be staying here until we move into a house.

Our first week here at RAF Alconbury is not what was expected. The base is very small where everybody knows everybody. Everything is walking distance. Which is a good thing, I guess. But wait, don't think that I do not need to drive..wrong!!!!!!!!! Remember, this is only the beginning.

The weather is cooler compare to where we came from. It is cloudy and it rains just about everyday. There is really nothing here but farms and I have not seen so many horses, cows and sheeps in my life. Have you seen the movie "BABE"? If so, then you can relate to it.