Winter wonderland

Winter wonderland

Last Christmas, I went with my boyfriend to winter wonderland in Hyde park, Oh my gosh! It was freezing! I couldn't wait to get on the central line at the end of the night and warm my toes up.

We went on Sunday night as it was busy but not as busy as normal them. All around are food stalls and rides. We played on a few games and had some food. I had booked tickets for circus first thankfully as it was nice and warm inside the tent. My partner hadn't been to a circus since he was a kid so he had such a great time. It was mainly balancing and tightrope walking, but it was so scary!

Ice Kingdom

After we walked around for an hour until it was time to go in to the ice kingdom. In there it was -8'c but it felt much colder. One lady was told to take the dummy out of her babies mouth as it might freeze and get stuck.

I really enjoyed winter wonderland but by gosh was I happy to get into the warmth!

Ice Kingdom

The circus

Ice Kingdom

Ice Kingdom

Winter wonderland, Hyde park

Very.co.uk competition party

Last year, I won a competition for a V.I.P party from Very.co.uk. It came with prizes, overnight at a hotel, dinner and access to the party. I won it from a competition on Pinterest.

Very.co.uk party

On the day of the party I arrived at the hotel in the afternoon to meet the PR lady Emily. She came across as a big stuck up and unfriendly. She didn't make any attempt to make me feel welcome. I was alone as my guest was coming later after work. I went upstairs to my room which was lovely and Very.co.uk had left some prizes for me. There were some lovely nail vanishes and dresses.

I got ready and went downstairs. We were all driven to the venue of the party and we all went in. It was really disappointing how the other winners didn't try and talk to each other. There was one other winner called Charlotte and her guest who felt the same as me. They were surprised that the PR lady and the other winners were not more friendly. I was alone and only Charlotte and her mum were friendly. We ended up talking and drinking until my friend arrived.

The party was great. There was yummy food and the staff were friendly. The whole apartment had been decorated in the style of our pinterest board. There were some celebrities. I only recognised two. Rochelle from the Saturdays and her husband. She was so beautiful. The PR lady introduced some of the winners to her and they had an interview for the website, but she didn't involve me and the other winner Charlotte which was disappointing. I did email Very after, but got no response as I was annoyed by the attitude of someone who is suppose to be in PR and doesn't even work for Very.

Decorations

Apart from her and some of the other winners not being overly friendly (which each other as well. They all kept themselves to themselves) it was a great night! After we went for a meal. All the tables were separate, but we put our table with Charlotte and her guest and had a great time. Dido (my guest) was so tipsy by the time we got back to the hotel. She was so funny!

It was a fab night and I feel so lucky to have won! I am just surprised that I have won two once in a lifetime experiences (this and the Hunger game premier) and the employees of these places have been rude to winners and ruined the experience. It's just a shame.

The hotel

My decorations

Picture from the party

Posing!

Korean food in London - Mudo Korea

Yum!

I took my friend to a Korean restaurant in London last week. I haven't eaten Korean food for ages and had heard bad stuff about Korean food outside Korea, therefore my hopes weren't high. How wrong I was! It was so delicious! The lady serving us was really friend too. We ordered too much food, but we wanted to eat everything. The price was much higher than in a Korean fast food restaurant, but the quality was much higher. There was more meat and kimchi in the dishes. If you fancy Korean food then go to Mudo Korea! Its near Tottenham court road. Yummy!

Mudo Korea

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 premier

Back in May I won tickets for the Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 world premier in London. I was so excited and invited my younger brother as a way of thanks for taking me to Buckingham palace.

Tickets!

We collected out tickets from a different cinema and went to eat for a few hours until it started. When we came back we had to queue to get let in. We handed in our phones and cameras and walked the red carpet. This bit was the best bit. No-one even noticed us,, but it was a awesome experience. Now this is where is went down hill quite quickly. I expected to go in a big room, perhaps at the back separately from the stars etc. But the same room none the less. Oh no! We were push down the back hall ways past the staff room in to a Costa cafe.

We then went up stairs and it turns out we were in one of three small cinemas for competition winners. There were no seats together at the first cinema. Some people asked to go in the second or third cinema. The guard was really grumpy and said she wanted to fill the first cinema up. Some people complained we arrived first so we should get to seat together rather than the people who arrive late. But no! PMS guard was just in a grumpy mood that day.

Before being disappointed

We had to sit watching the red carpet on the screen for an hour, knowing we would never even be in the same room as the stars. In fact the people waiting outside had more of a premier experience than we did! I mean for goodness sake, they even let Jordan (or Katie Price, whatever she calls herself now days) in!!

The movie itself was really good! Jennifer Lawrence is a brilliant actress. I want to read the books now.

I really think in future they should call it an advanced preview rather than a premier. And truth be told, If I had known this was the case I wouldn't have wasted a day off work.... I felt really bad for the people who wore full length gowns and really made an effort. Oh well. I will have to meet my future best friend Jennifer Lawrence another time ;)

London and new starts.

Natural history museum London

The reason I haven't updated for ages is because I've move to London! I got a job as a receptionist/ administrator two months ago. In fact loads of things have been happening.

First I moved to Canary Wharf (I have since moved). I have been exploring London! I meet my best friend (Dido). I also met my boyfriend. So first things first. I started my new job the day before going to Buckingham palace. I've now been there 6 months, though it feels like longer. I work on reception within a college.

When I first moved to London it was quite London as I didn't know anyone. I just explored the museum and went for walks. Though I will never go into a museum on a Saturday again! Crazy!

I have become best friends with the other receptionist during my time here. We support each other when we are getting abuse off students....

At first I went home every other weekend, but now it's once a month. Though, I think my parents are happy because I tend to steal all their food (it's hard living on my wages in London!)

That's all for now! I'll keep you updated!

London Eye

Natural history museum London

The Thames

View from my first room In London.

Halloween 2014

Halloween 2014

This Halloween was mine and my boyfriends first Halloween together. We dressed up as a silent movie. We got white face paint and black clothes. It was fun getting ready together. The only problem was the white paint kept getting everywhere. The clothes, the carpet, my mums car seats.. everywhere! My parents dressed up as Dracula and a zombie bar maid. My mum looked terrifying.

Silent movie costume

My parents dropped us off at our party before going to their own. We went to my friends charity party event. There was a costume competition so everyone had put a huge effort in to their costumes. We ended up winning best couple costume and a prize in the raffle! It was a great night!

Having tea with the queen.

Standards Parade

Last May, I had the opportunity to watch my brother in the standards parade for the queen and then have tea in the Buckingham palace gardens. I was so excited and felt lucky to have this chance.

On the day, we woke up early to get dressed and be there early. We had to wear formal clothes. The dresses had to be over the knee. Unfortunately for us, the weather took a turn for the worse and my white shoes went from white to brown quite quickly.

Standards Parade

We caught a taxi to Whitehall to watch my brother in the standards parade. We had to buy waterproof water jackets by this point, because there were no umbrellas were aloud and it was raining by this point.

We arrived early so we could take photos. We had quite a good view from out seats. The only annoying thing was late comers. Why can't people be on time!! >.< First, the tanks came out and then the horses. My brother was on the opposite side from us, therefore we couldn't see him.  The queen then came in a black car to inspect the horse guards and tanks.

Standards 

After the standards parade we had a few hours so we went for food. We got a few looks from people as we were wearing hats and carrying our heels (we changed into flat shoes to walk about). They must of thought we were going to a wedding.

Ready to meet the Queen

The the afternoon we went for tea at the palace. It was such a wonderful, once in a life time experience. It felt almost surreal walking through the palace to the gardens.

Royal cakes

In the gardens we waited for the Royal family to come out. I saw the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Harry and Princess Anne. They were all so friendly and lovely. I swear Prince Philip smiled at me!

After the royal family went in their area, we could all go for tea and cakes. The food was so delicious! Cakes, sandwiches, tea, coffee etc. As delicious as you would expect from the Queen.

It was such a wonderful day and I was so lucky to be able to go. I won't be forgetting it soon!

Buckingham Palace Gardens

I'm alive!

I've now been back in England for over a month. I can't seem to get any motivation to write my blog. Perhaps it's because I live in the middle of no where!!! I will write a proper post soon I promise......

Last post in Korea

Goodbye classroom

This will be my last post whilst I am living in Korea. I have no internet at home so will be unable to update this blog until March.

Two days before I finished my work, I was called to the administration office. They told me that the old administration had put all my severance money in a bank account. I would have to open an account at this bank and transfer it over to my main bank, even now I still don't understand it.

Normally, you get your severance, flight money and key deposit back two weeks after you finish your contact. They should transfer it over to you home country bank account. But, it seems I have to do all the transferring. Arghhh! So stressful! Main problem is all the Korean teachers are leaving early as it's the end of term. Therefore the only person who can help me is my co-teacher who is 8 months pregnant. I felt awful that she had to travel to the bank with me because she gets tired easy.

Photo booth!

In good news, I finish today!!! It's only a half day because we will all go for an office meal. Yay!! I then have two weeks off until my flight. I am going to spend it meeting friends and saying goodbye.

I think time is going to fly between now and the 28th! Sarah and Sue are going to take me to the bus in the morning of my flight. They want to give a proper goodbye and help me with putting my luggage on the bus. I have great friends!

I'm not really good with goodbyes! But I feel with Sarah and Sue that it won't be goodbye. We will see each other again and keep in contact. When you meet people who make you want to become a better person, you try to keep them in your life.

Photo booth

18 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The hobbit is going back to the Shire!!!

The Beatles story restaurant

Beatles restaurant

I met Clara last week to catch up. We ended up going to the Beatles restaurant at Olympic park. We were the only ones there. I don't know why. The food was okay, but the view was great. It's worth going just for the view.

If you do want to go, it's across the road from the museum in Olympic park. It's on the fourth floor (I think).

The whole restaurant was decorated in Beatles memorabilia. The menu was (Korean style) Italian. We chose the set menu with included a salad, pasta, desert and tea/coffee. It wasn't a bad price. 12-15,000 I think.

Evil bike car thingy

After we went for a walk around Olympic park. Clara wanted to go on those bike car things. Seriously, when I saw people on them before it looked so easy. It really isn't. If the road isn't even, then they are evil. I'm sure I was doing all the work too whilst Clara was laughing at me. All the adjumma and adjusshi were laughing at us too.

Though, after returning our bikes we noticed everyone else was struggling. Some had got out of the bikes and started pushing. Evil bike car things!!!!

We then went to a cafe which served black tea without milk!!! Seriously! First world problems there!

dirty statue........

Grace's wedding.

With the bride

I went to my co-teacher and friends wedding last month. I had been to a wedding before, but I didn't know that couple very well. It was my first time going to a wedding of someone I knew.

I went with the other foreign teacher from my school. It turned out we forgot the invite with the directions on, therefore we ended up getting lost. Luckily, we saw this adjusshi running. He look like he was headed for a wedding so we followed him. He ended up leading us to the right wedding and we got there in time.

We first went to the bride room. This room is where the bride sits to have pictures with guest. I always find this strange, as back home the bride is normally stressed by this point. Though, Grace is the calmest person I know. She never seems to get stressed.

Korean wedding hall

Grace look so beautiful. Grace is always beautiful and elegant, but even more so this day. She was 7 months pregnant at the time but you could not notice the bump at all. One of the teachers from my school brought her daughter. She kept following Grace around because she wanted to follow the princess.

The wedding hall was so elegant with candles everywhere. After, we went to the buffet. I love Korean buffets as there is so much choice. I ate so much (as usual).

I was so happy to see Grace get married This was a wonderful memory for the end of my time in Korea.

LG phone company

If you move to a big city in Korea, I recommend getting a smart phone. They are so useful for long journeys and downloading bus schedules etc. To get a smartphone there are a few options. You can buy someone out of their contract if they are leaving. Best places to look for these are Daves ESL cafe and Waygook.org. 

Or you can make your own contract with a company. You will need a Korean co-teacher or friend to help you here. Most contacts are two years and if you leave early you will have to pay the remaining amount of the phone.

Don't leave before paying. It's the people who don't pay, that give foreigners a bad reputation and make it harder for future people to get contacts. Selfish people! If you are only staying for a year then be ready to pay the remaining amount and the cancellation fee, or just get a pay as you go phone. Or you could just do the above and finish someone's contract.

There are a few companies. My friends with SK have no complaints, therefore I would recommend them. I am with LG. I do NOT recommend them!

LG has to be the worst phone company in Korea. I've had problems with signal from the start. It's always on 2 or three bars of signal. And about 5 times a time I get the no signal message. Some days I don't have any signal for hours. Also, in parts of my apartment I can't pick up a signal.

It's not just me who has problems. I know two Korean friends who had LG and changed companies. For a whole year my phone had no signal and then restarted itself. Even though it was LG's fault, I was told I would have to pay to fix the phone. Remember, the customer is always wrong in Korea. 

This morning for example. I couldn't listen to any music on 8tracks because there was no signal for over an hour!

Anyways, the point of this post is to say that the LG phone company sucks! 

Preparing to leave

I leave Korea in just over three weeks. I've been doing list and getting stuff ready this month.

Things to do before I leave Korea

• Get copies of my police checks from my school
• Get a reference off my school
• Copy down SMOE's information
• Copy down my schools address and email.
• Send all my boxes home
• Get everyone addresses in Korean and English (other wise the post men get confused...)
• Pack

Above, is what I have done so far. Everything else has to be completed on my last week. These include:

• Cancelling my phone. I finished my contract last year so this should be easy. I just need someone to go with me.
• Close my Korean bank.
• My friend has to collect a bunch of stuff I am giving her.
• Clean apartment.
• Eat all food in my apartment.
• Say goodbye to my friends.

I only have 7 working days left. I am ready to leave my work. It's the end of the school year and all teachers move classes when they come back, so I am glad I am leaving in February rather than August. 

I also can't wait to get away from my neighbours. Upstairs have a baby, Whilst next door is persistent in having his TV right next to the dividing wall. Don't worry though. After I finish work next Saturday I will play my TV loud for two weeks.... Revenge! Mwhahahahahaha. 

I really don't know what it will be like when I go back. I don't want to stay there longer than a few months before leaving again. I am so not ready to live there yet. My town is okay. But, everyone knows everyone. You meet a new person and it turns out they are a sibling of someone you went to high school with etc. It's that type of town and I'm just not ready for that.

Saying that. It's not a bad place. It's quite a lovely town and I have a bunch of awesome friends there. My dad loves it. He moved there from Liverpool. I might settle there one day, but just not yet.

I think my mum is trying to get me to stay. She got me a new mattress and is decorating my room. She keeps asking me about colours and wallpapers. My response is always the same, 'Do what you want. I'm moving to London anyways'. She is persistent. But, I give it two weeks of me being home, and she will be trying to get rid of me.

Harry Potter Camp Regular

Regular Camp - 6th January - 17th January

Flourish and Blotts

Our regular camp is set into 40 minute periods. Students see each teacher at least once a day (4 periods, but only 3 teachers. We see some classes twice.) Over the whole camp we see each class around 12 times. The grades are 3, 4 and 5. Each class consist of around 20 students.


Day one starts with the opening ceremony. We then start our first lesson of the camp.


Lesson 1 - Introduction, sorting in to Hogwarts teams, rules and start making team posters. 

I gave gallons and points for the teams who tried the hardest.


Lesson 2 - Shopping in Diagon alley. 

Students have to buy all the items on their shopping list. The winner is the student with all the items and the most money left over. They use the phrases 'How much is this?', 'I'll take it' and 'It's too expensive!'.

Marauders Map

Lesson 3 -  Hogwarts ties.

 I made a paper cut out of a tie. Students drew around the outside onto felt. They then cut it out. They wrote their names on the side with pen marks. On the reverse side, they stuck stripes of felt. On the name side, I then used a hot glue to stick a pin.

Hogwarts Ties

http://thebrilliantcraftytype.blogspot.kr/2012/04/felt-hogwarts-ties-tutorial.html

Magical Menagerie

Lesson 4 -  Magical beast.

 They had to create a new creature from a hybrid of 2 of more animals. The higher grades had to write about their animal. I chose the best picture and the most creative animal (as some of the boys hate colouring).

Lesson 5- Finish Magical beast lesson and start bookmarks.

Bookmarks (see low level Harry Potter camp). 

Lesson 6 - Finish bookmarks after laminating.

 Make the paper for maps using teabags. Leave to dry until next lesson.

If time we used the photo booth.

Photobooth

http://blog.uniquelygrace.com/2012/06/prisoner-of-azkaban-wanted-poster-photo.html

Lesson 7- Make map.

Honeydukes

I went through vocabulary with students before and they wrote down the translation. They then had to design their own magic school. Coins and points for the best. We used the below link to watch how to fold the paper.

Marauders Map

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/marauders-map

The students then had to find the missing animals. I told students the pixies let all the Hogwarts animals out and they have to find them.

Team posters

Lesson 8-9 -  Dragon egg drop. 

We dropped an egg from a window. Students have to use straws and tape to make a way to protect their egg from breaking.

 I started dropping the eggs from a chair for one team point. Then a table for two points. If their egg survived after being dropped out of a window they got 5 points.

Only 2 eggs out of 12 survived!

I recommend putting the eggs in plastic sandwich bags to save cleaning up.

Lesson 10 - Predictions lesson. Teams had to guess what will happen. If they predicted right they got a point.

lesson 11- Mafia game (changed into a Harry Potter version). My students loved this!

Lesson 12- Scavenger hunt and raffle.

Magical Animals

 I put words around the school. They had to use the clues to find them and write them down.

We then announced the winners and did the raffle for the sweet shop.

We also did a house cup. Winners of games won points. They also won points for answering questions and trying hard.  I announced the winners on the last lesson, just before the raffle.

Magic maps

Lots of the lessons were student orientated. The students had to work in their teams (we gave extra points for team work). All students really enjoyed the decorations and lessons.

It feels great to have finished my last camp. Only six weeks until I leave and only 3 of them are working days!! Yay!!!

I put all my lesson plans on here. You have to register and post 5 times to download materials.

Other links for decorations!

http://www.waygook.org/index.php/topic,1026.msg422664.html#msg422664

Food labels

http://www.borealisblog.com/harry-potter-party/

Bertie Botts Box

http://www.pilgrim1987.narod.ru/bertiebotts.htm

Potion Bottle labels and sweet labels

http://www.overthebigmoon.com/?s=harry+potter

More potion labels

http://www.fantasyjr.com/printable-halloween-labels/

More free printables

http://onecreativemommy.com/harry-potter-party-games/

Fonts

http://www.hellopapermoon.com/2013/03/enchanting-and-magical-harry-potter.html

Book Covers

 http://www.littlehouseonthecorner.com/halloween-book-covers/

Honeydukes