Allison's UK and European Experience!

If you are unsure of where you need to look while crossing the street...look down!

It’s cheaper to “take away” your food than eat in, even in places like Subway or my new favourite take out joint: Pret a Manger

Pigeons are everywhere. Get used to it, they are very bold!

British game shows are really weird

When they say "mind the gap" the platform and the train.....make sure you listen!!

They drive on the left hand side of the road, walk on the left side of the road, but when you are in the tube stations, make sure you stay to the right....MAKE UP YOUR MINDS!!

This week three Canadian Girls decided to have make a cultural trip into London. No Oxford Street for us today, no we headed straight for the British Library!

A Library you say? Yes it's not the typical community library one sees everyday. This library is home to many original pieces by Jane Austen, Chaucer and even Shakespear! There are also excerpts from the Magna Carta! You can view some of these pieces through glass.

There is also a section devoted to the beatles. Some of their original songs are even written on napkins from when they were sitting in a pub! I was able to listen to the song "Yesterday" while reading the original lyrics! Amazing!

Things I’ve learned so far as a supply teacher in the beautiful country we call the UK (this was mostly in September!):

1. Recess is not called recess, it is called a break. You will be laughed at if you call it recess...not a good way to start a day off when you are trying to be stern with them!

2. Canadian teachers are not such a novelty here since there are so many of us.

3. Reception is kindergarten

4. They have whole school assemblies instead of morning/afternoon announcements.

5. It is difficult to reprimand children that have such cute, little accents!

6. Kids in primary get changed for PE (gym) in their classrooms....and yes that is boys and girls together!

7. NEVER, EVER, EVER ask reception children to take off their pants while they are getting ready for PE....as pants are underwear, and they WILL take them off!

8. When you ask the childred to put their work in the bin, they get a funny look on their faces. That's because the bin is the garbage over here, so they think they get to throw out their work!

9. Usually by the end of the day you should adopt a british accent just so the children will understand you!

10. When you ask children if they can guess where you are from, they usually say "America" and when I say "No, Canada" They say "But Miss, Canada is IN America!"

Oh the joys of teaching!

So because we weren't home for Thanksgiving this year, we decided to have our own! It was delicious (if I do say so myself!!) We had traditional Canadian food, along with some British twists to make for an interesting meal. I think all the roomates appreciated it!

Once you are tired of London Pride Ale, Fosters and Bulmers (which I don't think I will ever be!), you can head to The Maple Leaf Pub in Covent Garden for an ice cold Moosehead...not the best of Canadian Beers, but at least it's Canadian!

The Maple Leaf!

The Maple leaf is rife with "Canadian paraphernalia" which consists of Canadian Flags, Hockey Jerseys, pictures of canoes, snowshoes...and stuffed bears in Mountie uniforms...VERY Canadian!

Once you've finished your pint, and maybe a plate of poutine, Polar Bear Club or Lumberjack Meatloaf (that's right, you heard me, poutine and yes they have a polar bear club; and No, it is not made from polar bear...I checked) You can head across the street to the Canadian Store where you can purchase anything from Kraft Dinner to Kraft Peanut Butter...for an extraordinary price!
Yummy!!!