Gina´s London Blog

*yawn*
I've got no energy at all at the moment and I don't know why. (Probably it's due to a lack of nice and fresh sugar/fat from chocolate bars)
College's been boring and although I went out every single night I didn't find any opportunity to actually enjoy myself as I usually do on a nice night out (and that's got nothing to do with alcohol, honestly)

The weekend was wicked.
On Saturday I met up with Lotte and we took a train up to Central where we were good girls and visited a museum for a change.
The Museum Of London next to St Paul's, which was nice and quite interesting as well.
It took us some time to find out what "A.D." stands for as it was logical that "B.C." stands for "before Christ" but "A.D."?
So we just asked some american tourist next to us *g* After a while he said "After death. Must be.. *lookingconfused*"
After death? After Jesus died? Aehm, well, I doubt that to be honest *LOL*
Then we had to look for a while until we eventually found some staff member who was able to speak English at all and got the answer
Sorry, but everyone should know that.
We didn't cos we're not English and in German it would be v.Chr. (B.C.) and n.Chr. (A.D.) (before and after Christ)

We failed to find a Subway Restaurant in the "City" (East Enders don't seem to like Sandwiches *ggg*) so we took a bus back to Aldwych, got our Sub and made off for Waterloo where we watched footie (Germany - Sweden) in a pub.
It was just fun and the game was quite entertaining as well. Not as entertaining as our conversations with the guys sitting at the bar, though.
"Are you Swedish? Or German?" looking at us interested as well as confused..
"Both" we said.
"Right"
After a while:
"You're German, aren't you?"
"Maybe? Are we allowed to be?"

They were fun and we had a nice chat with them..
"Oh I love Juergen Klinsmann cos he played for the team I support". He was one of my favourite players" one of them told us.
Although they said they hated all the others and just to mention it again: The English aren't really keen on Germany
But don't ask them why as there are only two possible answers: "It's just fun" or "I don't know"
And don't feel offended as it only shows your lack of humour

Germany won (of course) and Daryl joined us after a while (which caused the guys to ignore us from then on... men.. tzz tzz tzz)
Lotte had to leave as she was to babysit and I had a few drinks with Daryl before I took a train back and joined Lotte in front of the telly watching BIG BROTHER

Sunday was fun.
N. and I went down to Southampton (and Winchester later on that day) where we had a good time.
We also watched the England game in some pub in Winchester where I shocked the barkeeper by ordering a glass of fresh milk *ggg*:
"Gosh, where are you from, love?"
"Mmhh.. Germany?"
"Oh right, so people probably do that there.. drinking milk in a pub?"
"Not really, no. But I do"
Footie was a bit disturbing to watch. Quite embarrassing for England to be honest and damn it, I really want them to get into the final

I tried to relax this week and take things easy but somehow and for some reason I can't explain to myself, everything's going completely wrong at the moment.

To cut a long story short first the bad things that happened:
There's been some changes concerning the summer and work (if I know more I'll let you know), I've been a really bad and naughty student recently (I just can't be bothered now that I've taken all the exams), I haven't been feeling very well at all and that annoys me, I had some arguments with friends and some incident with "The Car" again (although it wasn't my fault again, but I think Me+TheCar=Disaster) and additional to that one of my best friends here is leaving London for good

Now some positive facts:
The weather's been quite nice, I have met loads of really nice people lately, my baby sister is comming over next week, Daryl and I are still happy, I got my OCR certificate (English literature/ not the CAE one I took in Wimbledon) and Germany is first of its group (worldcup *g*) (although that means we won't play agains England in the next round, damn it *lol*)

I watched the (England) game on Tuesday with D., Danny and Lorraine (which was fun, although D. fell asleep after 30 mins or so *g*) - how can it be that once I chose a favourite player he gets injured after 2 mins and probably won't be able to play anymore *grrrrr* that's typical
Well, never mind, there are still Beckham, Gerrard and Joe Cole

= Come on, England =

Since I have to drive around with those weird flags on our car I am just going to support England from now on

As long as I don't dress myself up like that:

Anyway, on Wednesday I visited O. in Sutton and in the evening Anna and I had a nice night out in Kingston (where we also went to the pictures as usual)

Yesterday Daryl and I popped down our pub in Waterloo where we got to see the Australian game. There were quite a few Australian guys there and they tried to divide the pub into "Australians" and "Brasilians" (because of the two games at the same time) which was sort of annoying.
The guys were cool, though and I find the Australian accent really funny (it always sounds like a song at the end of the sentence) although I think their English is much closer to the British than to the American one.

This weekend was absolutely crazy and I actually can't believe most of the things that happened. I am not gonna tell you everything but let's just start with Friday:

The weather was nice, work was ok and in the afternoon Anna joined me in our garden where we spent 2 hours sunbathing before I had to pick up Daniel. We took the tortoises out (Hermand and Hermone, they are so cute) and had a good time chatting and bitching

In the evening I was looking forward to a good night out with friends from College (and their friends, and their friends' friends *ggg*) but then it started to get... well, it didn't go according to plan to be honest.
In Surbiton I was kind of stuck in the station for some time because I'd forgotten my wallet/travelcard and the barriers were closed.
However, I was in a really bad mood and arriving at the pub I thought I was dreaming when that bl** bouncer told me I couldn't get in without an ID.
Hello? Gosh, that pissed me off (excuse my language, please). Primarily I despise that kind of attitude and the way those bouncers think they rule the world. I am nice so why do they still treat me like rubbish and talk to me in that rude (almost insulting) way. Grrrr, who do they think they are? I totally agree with the fact that security guys and bouncers are a "must have" for every bar/club etc. (because there are a lot of idiots out there who can't behave), but please... I look neither underage nor criminal, so what do they want? Brrrrrrrrr..
So well, actually it doesn't matter. I phoned up Sylvi and she got my wallet for me. Meanwhile I just got to my friends at the table (the bouncer saw that but didn't say anything) and when I got my ID I went to him: "Here you are. Happy now?" He didn't even look at it: "Oh get off, you can stay in now, but next time don't take the piss"
Hello? No comment

We had a really good time, though and after a while (and a few Jim Beam cokes *g*) we decided to go to a nightclub afterwards (as it was midnight and they were just about to close). The boys and Eva and her friends didn't want to come (bores they are..) so it was only Sylvia, D. and me.
While waiting for a cap we met some coppers (who'd just been dealing with some drunken dickheads). We asked them to give us a lift (of course we weren't serious *g*) - I haven't got the faintest idea why they laughed at us
The cap driver was quite annoyed by us as well and happy to drop us off in Kingston (which is basically around the corner).
The club was cool although smoky, stuffy and small but we enjoyed ourselves and met some really nice people. I smoked (which I shouldn't have done as I am a non-smoker and not used to it at all) so I ended up in the ladies being sick for an hour or so. (From then on I was constantly unwell for the rest of the weekend)
That really made my night *grrr* so I decided to leave the dancing floor and go home at about 2AM
I had to walk (although I was actually too drunk to do so *g* No, I'm just kidding) for there were no buses going anymore.
Once more I was more than lucky because after 2 minutes or so there was a really nice black cap driver who gave me a lift for free
That actually gives me a sort of perspective that there are kind people out there, I knew it (Although, in this case, it was my own fault that I missed the last bus)

On Saturday I had a lie in but still woke up with a headache. (I've felt quite bad/ill all weekend actually). The sun was shining and it was quite warm (hot) so N. and I decided to go up to Hyde Park for some rollerblading and sunbathing afterwards (where we were attacked by two sausage dogs *g*).
In the evening I met up with Daryl in Leicester Square and after going for a sandwich he took me to the theatre and for a drink afterwards. My tummy wasn't right so I only had one Bacardi Coke *g*
Later we walked up to Southbank/Waterloo Bridge but all the bars were closed (I am never gonna understand this country) so we got home eventually

Sunday was crazy.
I met up with Philip in Paddington where we had breakfast together and took a train up to Oxford. It was quite a fast train (via Slough etc.) so we got there in an hour.
Oxford is lovely, I really liked it.
I enjoyed the athmosphere (everything seems to be nice, small and quiet) and the architecture, the buildings, etc.
Very nice

We had a really good time, although I had a bad headache all day and although we had a bit of a row (quite a bad one actually) before we went back.
There was something else that happened (and something I found out that I had never expected or wanted. Danny was actually right.) and in the end I had to go home on my own just feeling sick, upset and totally distressed. My tummy/back gave me a really tough time as well and realizing what that could actually mean I suddenly felt even more horrible, sick and additional to everything that had happened before (an endless story I can't tell here and now) it was just .. a little.. too much

But I'm ok now.
Danny, Daniel and Lorraine are in ETON (college) today for a cricket match and Anna's gonna pop round in a minute.
After talking to the OCADO man for half an hour (ain't he got to work or what?) I'm just about to call my family as there are some things they have to know

This week's been great so far and there are several reasons..
First of all: The heatwave gave us a break and it was nice and cool for a change. (I really needed that, especially for Wednesday)
I survived my "monthly week of despair" *ggg* and additional to that I kept to plan and didn't eat any chocolate
Daryl's recovered from his car accident and apart from a few bruises he's fine

On Monday I took my books after work and a train to C.London but due to a fire at Rayne's Park all trains to Waterloo were cancelled and stopped in Surbiton (great!)
So I ended up in a park with hundreds of books and papers where I tried to study as long as possible (and before sunset *g*) and without being attacked by mosquitos.
When I was at college on Tuesday I got a phone call from Danny that D. had been taken ill at school so I had to change my plans for the day a bit. Not feeling well at all he was vomiting a lot and I felt sorry for him. Over 102 fever, but he made an amazing recovery overnight (as usual). In the evening I took all my books and went up to London where I spent some hours at Starbucks (Leicester Sq) studying before I decided to have a little walk along the Thamse (to clear my mind *g*), which was really nice.

Then there was Wednesday, the day of our final exams.
I met up with Marian on the train and we went down to Wimbledon together...
It was horrible and really, really hard (6 hours of writing, reading and answering questions about dozens of pages of text) but I think I did alright.
I felt absolutely knackered afterwards but also relieved in a way.
I've made it, it's over and it feels great.
The exam took place in the "Sacred Heart Church" (Parish Church) next to Worple Road (where the School Of English is). We only got an hour break all in all, started at 9.30AM and finished at 4.30PM.
Afterwards I met Anna in Kingston where we had a really good time going to the pictures and to a pub afterwards.
We watched footie (Germany - Poland) which was fun as all the other guys in the pub were English (or Polish) and they hated us *lol*
I don't want to repeat the names they called us (well, not particularly us but the "Germans" on the playing field *ggg*) and I think no matter who Germany plays agains, they will always support the other team *g* It's funny.
When Neuville scored in the last 3 minutes Anna and I couldn't help but jump around cheering. By the time we calmed down we realized we were suddenly standing alone at the table as they had all moved away from us to the other corner *LOL*
I think we were lucky because we are women otherwise we'd have to be really, really careful here, believe me...

The England game on Thursday was even more interesting and Gerrard's goal was just brilliant.. such a cute guy as well *g*
They got Rooney back but took Owen out again (he doesn't seem to be 100%) which meant not as many good looking blokes on the field as usual *g*.

After that game I met up with Daryl in Waterloo and we went to our local pub where we watched as much of the Sweden game as possible (which was hard because we were kind of distracted all the time)
I did see the goal, though, and.. Sweden won.

I've got a spider problem.
I don't mind spiders as long as they are not huge and black and keep away from me.
In my bedroom there seems to be a nest somewhere and they are everywhere. I've already seen three huge, fat, black ones and they don't mind crawling over me while I'm sleeping which drives me absolutely mad *aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh* I hate it and I can't cope *cry* I'll have to find a way to kill them all but they're really good at hiding out and then they'd come out in the middle of the night to scare me to death

Because Marian is leaving we took a "Good Bye" pic the other day in the lessons at language school, I'm sure you'll spot me. And btw, Sylvia is the one next to me. The nice lady in the centre is our teacher, Maggie. She's a typical "English lady", really nice and it's thanks to her that my English has improved a lot

It is hot. And I don't mean nice hot, I mean hot hot

On Friday there were two major accidents on the M25 here which caused a complete chaos. I've never seen bad traffic like that in this area. Daniel's athletic match was cancelled because of that ("traffic problems".. in fact: the competitors didn't manage to get there in time) and it took me 2(!) hours to pick him up. Luckily we had air con and nice music in the car and I really felt pitty with those who were rosting in their cars while nothing was moving AT ALL. I reckon it is quite dangerous as well.
So due to that "traffic problem" I couldn't watch the football game (Germany - Costa Rica) and had to be told how it went.. 4:2 and not bad after all I suppose...
In the evening I popped round Sylvia's and after a nice chat with wine in their posh park garden we had some popcorn, cold diet coke and BIG BROTHER (I know, I know, it's embarassing.. and those housemates are so thick that it's sometimes more disturbing than entertaining *g* At least Sam got evicted *yeah*)

On Saturday I managed to get a train with air conditioning in Surbiton which was a fast one to Waterloo as well and I met some really handsome guys there *LOL* They wanted to buy me a drink and because I was busy I thought it might put them off if I told them I'm German (sometimes it works because there are loads of English guys who are blinded by "The Sun" (Newspaper) *g*) - but they weren't bothered: "oh well, we're not in the final, yet, so.."
I met Sophie, Brian, Lisa and her boyfriend (from America) in Covent Garden and after making our way through the crowd of sweaty tourists *g* Brian got us some cheap tickets for a West End Show so we fled into a cool theatre for some hours (C.London can get so sticky when it's hot - unbelievable).
Later on we popped down the HILTON Hotel in Paddington (Brian and Sophie are staying there) for some football and cool drinks in their posh bar *g*

We missed the England game in the afternoon (as you might know, they won 1:0 against Paraguay) because all the pubs in Central were hot, sticky, smoky and overcrowded and we prefered the theatre *ggg*

Besides a little story:
I've met that polish girl (she's a student here as well) in London the other day, she's at the same college and lives just down the road.
Anyway, whenever I see her she makes me laugh because of the way she talks (her accent and the mistakes she makes are absolutely entertaining), she acts (I can't describe it, you have to see it) and does things. It's just fun to be with her and listen to her..
Last time she told us about her mom and her dog.. "Well, she's very, very ill. She suffers from Epilepsy".. "Your mum?" "No, the dog"
*shock* *LOL*
I met her that day as well.. wearing an English football shirt and singing the Polish national anthem.. hello?

Sunday was hot and sunny as well (I think the weather's gonna be like that forever)
After a night without sleep (I haven't slept well recently anyway and I'm not sure if that's because of the weather or because of the nightmares I tend to get..) I met N. in Woking where we took a train to PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHSEA/HARBOUR (New Hampshire).
It's absolutely lovely there and due to the seaside we got a nice view as well as a breeze, so the heat wasn't that bad after all.
We walked through the town centre and up to the historic dockyard etc, Victoria Park, the harbour and gunwharf quais.

I really enjoyed it and the atmosphere was fantastic
In the evening we popped down the cinema (vue) down there and watched "THE OMEN" *g*
I know, I go to the pictures a lot, but do I have to feel guilty for that if it's cheap? Additional to that it's not my fault, I am always forced to go and/or invited, honestly

Here are some news *g*:
Summer has started (it's been really lovely, warm (almost too warm) and sunny recently), my sunburn got much better, Sam (Big Brother) is nominated *ggg*, my baby sister's passed her A-Levels (I can't believe how time flies), Daniel's got an athletic match today (his 10th one or so *g*), I finally tidied up my room yesterday (+got rid off all my winter stuff), Daryl got knocked off his bike by a car and looks like he got beaten up (that's why we didn't go out yesterday *lol*) and today's the beginning of the WORLD CUP

Germany's playing today (against Costa Rica) and I am quite sure they will win that game (should be a piece of cake).
This time I think I'll support Germany and England and to be honest.. I am much more informed about the English team, anyway
My favourite players: No 10 Michael Owen (of course) *ggg*

No 4 Steven Gerrard

(And he's expected to be fit for England's World Cup opener against Paraguay tomorrow..)

And.. last but not least.. Mr "7 - Gorgeous" David *LOL*

He is handsome but only as long as he doesn't talk *brrrr* *g*

So I'm awaiting the day England plays against Germany. I'm not sure what exactly we'll do but we'll definetely be somewhere in a pub here watching that "event" (if we take a flag we shouldn't forget our NHS card *ggg*)

PS: Oh btw: yes, I'd love to be a footballer's wife *hahaha*

It's over

I took the first part of my Cambridge A exam yesterday in Wimbledon and I neither fainted nor died of a panic attack *ggg* I actually did quite well and I am satisfied with how it all went.
I got there 1 1/2 hours before the exam started and popped down "Center Court" (Shopping Centre) right next to the station in order to get a bit of distraction. So after spending ages in H&Ms and New Look's changing rooms I grapped some milk and bananas (food for my nerves) from M&S and walked down the centre where the exam was to take place (a 5 mins walk from Wimbledon Station).
It was a really nice and warm (almost too hot) day and so I tried to stay as calm and relaxed as possible ignoring those "oh-my-gosh-I'm-gonna-die-I'm-gonna-jump-out-of-the-window-in-a-minute"-fellow students *LOL*
The first part ("Listening") lasted about an hour and we were sitting in a kind of classroom (under the roof = awfully hot and sticky) listening to conversations/radio interviews and dialogues on a tape while working on 4 parts/around 6-8 pages of questions (multiple choice, filling in gaps, texts etc.).
It was okay and I understood the people talking on the tape 100%. My only problem was the amount of text/questions/possibilities and the time but I did alright I hope think.
After a short break I got a partner (Melinda) for our "Speaking" (oral) exam where we were supposed to talk/answer questions/discuss pictures/photographs in front of two examiners.
Melinda was so nervous and had changed her "Evian" water in the bottle for 50% Wodka ("because otherwise I'll be too nervous to say anything") which worried me a bit *g* Additional to that she made me nervous as well (although I tried not get influenced and stay calm).
We had to talk about ourselves, answer personal questions and got pictures where we had to discuss (e.g.) people in the pictures and their relationship to the sea (e.g.) in every pic as well as different kind of racings, entertainment shows and holidays regarding the importance of each object and mentioning the intention/reason.
She gave us topics to discuss like "How does living on an island change the character of a person and how does it differ to other forms of living (in a big city bladibla)" or "Why does become "cruising" (holiday on the sea) more and more popular and what kind of people do you think prefer such a form of holiday"
Really stupid and unimportant issues but I tried my best and just talked, talked and talked until I heard an "alright, thank you". Melinda did fairly well, too, I suppose, although she kept on interrupting me due to her nervousness

After that I met up with Anna in Kingston and we had a nice night out.
Orange Wednesday (= student discount + 2for1 as usual) so we popped down the pictures (Odeon) and watched "POSEIDON"
You could also call that film "Titanic 2006". All in all it was alright and fairly entertaining but if you look closer you find neither a proper story line nor anything realistic about that movie. I think it was a remake, anyway, and I am not sure if the original one is any good, either. The director was Wolfgang Peterson but that didn't change much to be honest.

Sunday was pretty cool. Once more the weather was just fab and Maritta and I spent all day walking/driving/hanging around (in) C.London.
We took the 168 bus up to Hampstead Heath (absolutely lovely there), had some ("Marks & Spencer's"-)picnic in the parc, a good chat (some gossiping and complaining about work as well of course) and met some really nice blokes who were quite amused by the look of Maritta kneeing down in front of me (in order to fix my bl** trousers *g*).
We went to Camden Town on the way back and whenever I go there I can't help but think "madness" (or better "who the f** is ever gonna wear that stuff) but I love it
Later on we took the 88 bus (why the hell do I tell you about the buses we took all the time?) back to Piccadilly Circus which took us ages (obviously, given that it was a lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon).
We walked up to "Strand/Charing Cross" where we popped down "Pizza Hut" just in order to bore the staff members there by ordering 2 small bowls of salad (buy one get one half price) and 2 tab waters *LOL*
*yummy*
Walking back over Waterloo Bridge we met that "model-beggar" again - he's just amazing. He'd tell you "you've got beautiful eyes" or "you've got an amazing smile, gorgeous" and additional to that he looks fairly handsome himself (given that he's a drunk guy living rough) - it makes me really sad to watch him as you can see all the potential that was wasted a long time ago, forgotten and given in.
Some beggars in the streets of London tend to annoy me as they are everywhere and they'd tell you really bad and stupid stories just to get some quid. (The best one I've heard are "I need my Insuline" or "My daughter's been rushed to hospital, please can you give me the fare (at 1AM at night)"
Some of them are dirty, neglected, drunk and on drugs and don't you dare give them a chocolate bar instead of a pound for the other day I was standing at the cash desk in Sainsbury's when one of them came in with some stuff he'd just got from a lovely, old lady... "Can I change that, can I change that, please".. desperate to get some alcohol instead
Most of them are like that, but not all of them and sometimes I'd really like to hear their story ...

Today I took my bike after work and popped down Hampton Court Bridge/Themse where I couldn't resist and decided to go sunbathing *ggg* for a while.
The result:
The bl** sun caught me and I'm totally burned!

Two days more *argh* and I'll have to take the first part of the CAE exam in Wimbledon...
I'll probably die of a panic attack before I get a chance to answer any question and end up hyperventilating in front of the examiner *ggg*
Usually I'm quite calm and relaxed (it's not easy to wind me up *g*) but this one I have to pass (I also paid 130 quid, so.. *g*) as I need the bl** certificate

Gosh, I've been really lazy recently.. And I don't just mean this blog *g*
I do apologize but the weather was too nice and I was quite busy getting tanned (while lying in the sun) and doing nothing. Again: I'm just kidding.

It was half term and on Thursday Anna popped round after work. We then decided to have tea at Olla's (she lives in Esher) where we also had to look after a 3-year-old (Jonathan) who became our "object of science". There's nothing I find more fascinating than kids who are raised "bi-lingual". His parents are both German and that's the only language he hears at home. His Au Pair is Polish but she only speaks English with him. He goes to nursery where all the other kids etc. are English. Additional to that he's 3 1/2 years old and came to London when he was only 10 months old... So what he does is.. he speaks English.
He does understand German perfectly well (obviously) but he'd refuse to talk to you in German.
So what we did (while playing "Mensch Aerger Dich Nicht" *g*), we (Lotte and I) kept on talking to him in German.. He wasn't even confused. We asked him (e.g.) what colour he would like (in German) and he answered "blue" (in English). Next time we asked him again (in German) "How many marbles are there?" and he answered in English: four!

So we had a good day and went to the "Chinese State Circus" (at Hampton Green) in the evening, which was nice.
Really impressing and highly entertaining

Friday was a bit boring as I had to work all day and after cycling up to Kingston with Daniel I went out in the evening (as usual).
I met up with some mates in Surbiton where we had a nice night out without getting "Drunk And Incapable" *LOL*

Saturday was a real sommer day with a deep blue sky, 25 degrees and sunny all day.
I met up with N. in Waterloo from where we went down to Bromley/Beckenham Junction and popped down Sainsbury's in order to see some drunk homeless guys shouting at each other and threatening to kill themselves *scary* to grap some food and then we popped down the Odeon there.

We watched "UNITED 93"
It is a critical docudrama (written and directed by Paul Greengrass) that chronicles events aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
I was shocked.
The film attempts to recount with as much veracity as possible, in real time, what has come to be known in the United States as an iconic moment of heroism.
The film was made with the full cooperation of all the families of those onboard.
I have to say I dared think I'd seen it all, heard it all, the stories and documentaries about 9/11 but this one once more managed to terrify me completely and in the end I couldn't stop crying...
One of the facts that shocked me most was that people on that plane knew exactly what was going on as they had been notified by their families. The plane was delayed so they managed to hear the news about two other airplanes crashing into the World Trade Centre. They knew they were meant to be a suicide bomb. They knew they were going to fly into some building as well.. so they knew they had nothing to lose when some of them decided to attack their attackers. And I think it's thanks to them that that plane did not crash into the White House which makes it even more tragical..