Everyday I Write The Book

Happy November! It is only fitting that after having been MIA for 6-7 weeks I return with an Elvis Costello song as the title. Hooray I am back having gotten wrapped up in real life. Still no permanent full time job but I've been having an interesting time these last few weeks working for an Interfaith network and a Community foundation.

So today I wanted to focus on a collection of photographs I took around London regarding book benches. Fifty benches were commissioned depicting well known British books and these placed throughout various green spaces in London. I posted a photo a few entries earlier about the bench that was close to were I was staying at LSE but here the rest of the collection. It was part of a fundraising effort for the National Literary Trust called Books about Town. And no, I did not get to all 50 but I made a good dent. Besides seeing how the books were depicted it was also a great way for me to make my way throughout London and get my bearings. So without further adieu, I bring you books.

So this is actually the 51st book bench chosen by readers, "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman

 The always enchanting "Mary Poppins" by PL Travers

Sadly could not get the front of "Peter Pan" bench by JM Barrie

"How to Train your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell

There was a montage of different Dr. Seuss books which was fun.

A book I had not heard about, "Clarice Bean" by Lauren Child.

Disappointing "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll

So that's all in this post and now onto part 2!

London (is a little bit of alright)

And we're back after a brief intermission.
Yesterday I took a much needed break from doing things. Errand things, appointment things, looking for a flat on a long weekend things and just meandered and relaxed which was much needed and my schedule's back on track. Or at least I'm sleeping for 6 hours every night, so it's a win.

So this is what's passing for relaxing this weekend with me:
1. Adventures in banking! To be honest it was fine. I now am the proud possessor of a UK bank account, no debit card yet mind you. UK banking is old school, they mail the card. The young man who was taking my details was so sweet, I have now been informed that I need to declare a music festival for my very own. Not only is "get myself a chip shop" on the list but please add "find myself the appropriate music festival to attend".
2. Football is a strange sport which I will learn to appreciate more and more as I'm here. I'm hoping so because there has to be an explanation for numerous male Leeds fans dressed up in drag like female police officers. I would have asked but I think I was in shock.
3. England is obsessed with sandwiches, I had no idea the Earl of Sandwich had such a profound effect on English culture. Every food shop I go to has sandwiches front and centre. First thing you see when you enter the store. Besides the fact I can't eat any, I'm a little concerned about Chicken and Sweet Corn being a popular item.
4. I already knew about the unusual chips (crisps) which were available but this title may be one of the best I've ever seen

Ranch Raccoon? There are so many inappropriate titles we could have in Canada if we used our national animals.

5. While wandering the streets I discovered there is a little bit of Batgirl everywhere

Batgirl and her English counterpart. Look closely and you'll see the bats on  her cape.

6. King's Cross and St. Pancras station are amazing and I was tempted to take a photo at Platform 9 3/4 (Harry Potter reference for those of you who haven't read them). But was dissuaded when I arrive and was told it was a 45-60 minutes wait. That's right folks. There was a 60 minute queue to take a photo in front of a sign that said "Platform 9 3/4". Maybe another time.

7. Wandered over to Clerkenwell and saw some amazing architecture, passed through Smithfield Market and visited a museum. I know?! How shocking, me and a museum. I went into the Museum of St. John which contains the history and artefacts of the order which was known as the Hospitallers during the Crusades and then carried on into modern day to become St. John's Ambulance.

8. In Vancouver we've had the Orca and Spirit Bear sculptures which are decorated and then on display throughout downtown. In London, similar idea but instead it's decorated benches and they all depict different books. Presenting "The Importance of Being Earnest" which is located about 2 blocks from where I'm staying

Where in the world is Batgirl?

So that's my first full weekend completed. Tomorrow is the bank holiday and I am hoping to be able to view some flats as well as meet up with Valerie and Co who are visiting from Edmonton. How surreal is that? Tuesday is my interview with two recruiters so things are not all settled ... yet.