A belated Happy Christmas and an early Happy New Year!
Well...so much has happened in recent days that it is hard to recap. School ended on the 20th with Christmas carols in the next door church and mince pies and mulled wine [for parents only] in the school. Last one out of school before the caretaker saw Greg, the girls and Beni picking me up and us all going for a celebratory meal at our local pub. We had a grand time saying hello to neighbours and eating the best of Yorkshire fayre before walking home. It was lovely having our girls being with us. We hung on to every moment they were here. We experienced the glory of York which is a truly special place. We all loved Betty's tea house so much so we vowed to return with Grandma.
The 21st saw us picking up a very excited Grandma from her home in South Manchester. We returned via my good schoolfriend Sara and her husband Dave's home in Holmfirth, the village portrayed in the series "Last of the Summer Wine". They have taken a beautiful, grand old house and have restored it completely. We enjoyed Dave's homemade scones and preserves and cream cake before heading back to Selby. The next few days saw us going Christmas shopping to York and a return visit to Betty's and just generally relaxing asa family. We had one drive to Ampleforth Benedictine Abbey, a special place to which Grandma had visited many times in the past. It is located in the stunningly beautiful North Yorkshire Moors. Sadly though in recent years it has been tarnished with sexual abuse cases and it felt like a cloud of sadness hung over the College. We all felt it.
On Christmas Eve we packed [actually Greg did] the Jag and all 6 of us crammed into the vehicle loaded with presents and parcels etc and embarked on a 2 hour drive to peterborough where we were stopping en route to Hampstead in London. My colleague and close friend Alison and her family were waiting with a true English afternoon tea and welcomed us with open arms. Although we have kept in contact it has been 10 years since we last met, how time flies. Lizzie had been her bridesmaid some 25 years ago and had not met since then!
We left for glorious Hampstead and arrived about 6:30pm where a lovely dinner party awaited us. My sister lives in this exquisite part of London. Amazing historic London houses surround where she lives and only local traffic can access the lane. It backs on to Hampstead Heath. I love this area and it's the only place I would want to live in if I had to live in London. Hampstead is like a big village but it's Central London. After dinner we all left to attend midnight mass at St Mary's Church in Hampstead where interestingly enough a lot of the songs were in Latin. It is a "hidden" church between gorgeous mews, it was the church that Charles de Gaul attended during the war.
Christmas Day saw us all going to Harpenden where my nephew Dominic and his family live. 20 of us gathered for dinner, the first time I have been in the UK with my family for 23 years. It was very, very special. The only thing was that my brother in Bordeaux was unable to join us. My English family is not used to having any "live" music so they joyously welcomed Greg, Beni and Lizzie leading the songs with guitar.
On Boxing day we had the mad idea of going to Stonehenge so we all piled into the car for what turned out to be a 3 hour journey due to traffic to the mystical stones. Well worth it when we arrived 45 minutes before closing. Only the crazy Canucks would do this everyone said!
The next day was wonderfully spent with our cousins Margaret and Dona and their husbands and family in Gravesend in Kent. Margaret's husband John recently retired as British Ambassador to the Vatican and numerous other haunts..the result is a huge collection of art items which grace their lovely home. They are very down to earth people for sure and not the quintessential diplomatic "type". Greeted with champagne and numerous appies followed by the eating of roast pheasant for the first time being told just to take care eating in order to avoid the lead bullets! "Tea" then followed some hours later. In England one is never sure of what constitutes "tea". In this case a glorious buffet with all the cheeses you could imagine, smoked salmon, several salads and desserts plus the required port. A most delightful visit!
Thank goodness for the DD Greg!
The next day saw a blissful walk across Hampstead Heath with visiting family to Parliament Hill to which we will be going to on New Year's Eve. It overlooks the whole of the London skyline ie St Paul's, Westminster, The Eye etc. Rosemary and I walked back via South End Green, a pretty "village" next to Hampstead, where we checked out the open mic where Beni played some weeks ago.
Now to last night...what fun and anticipation!!! I had discovered another new cousin. Before coming to the UK we had arranged that we would meet once in London. He lives and works in London weekdays then returns to his home in Devon during the week. He had arranged for us [8 of us as family including Grandma! So ranging from 18 to 91 in years!] to meet at his club, Home House, for 7:30pm. We all read the website for this "club" which as it turns out is one of the top exclusive, oldest clubs in London. Check out this site www.homehouse.co.uk for very interesting details on this stunning venue, press reviews particularly. We did not know what to wear and indeed did not know if it would be "suitable" for Grandma! In the end Grandma would not be left alone and said at 91 she had the right to come so...Beni was placed in charge of escorting Grandma to whatever transpired in the night, our minds were boggling at what could take place [check the site out]! Carefully dressing in preparation [except for Greg who had "forgotten" his dress up clothes conveniently!] for whatever was to happen..we set off into the downtown London night which is always very exciting!
The address is 20, Portman Square. ...no name on the front of the black double doors. What met our eyes was a sight to behold in terms of luxury but at the same time it felt welcoming and homey. Up a sumptuous winding staircase we all went, in and out of glorious lounges till we were introduced to Lawder who had reserved a meeting area for us. As soon as we met our cousin all fears were set aside. This gorgeous, gentle, calm man welcomed us and what ensued where a few hours till midnight of chat, exchanging family histories and happy talk. The club is fabulous. If one was single, could afford the thousands it costs in membership per year, this would be the place to be. Our cousin comes here 2 or 3 nights a week, just 10 minutes walk from his Marylebone home. Too bad JoJo [who sadly left the day before] was not with us as she would have adored the ambience.
We said farewell to our cousin and will meet him again in London or Devon. A funny thing happened during chatting outside the club. Beni brought up the name of Noel Fielding, his current favourite comic [The Mighty Boosh] when Aunty Ro said "Oh I know him". Turns out she had met him at a party recently, had no clue who he was, had spent ages in conversation with him [her partner, the lovely Bob..his good friend's daughter is going out with Noel] ..Beni was suitably impressed.
Oh the pains of saying Goodbye...today the 29th..saw Greg and I taking Lizzie to Heathrow..where have the long for 2 weeks gone to? JoJo is now back in Victoria after a LONG flight via Paris and Seattle and all the visit seems very surreal. They both plan to return in June with respective boyfriends so we will look forward to this.
It is now prevening here in Hampstead. Beni wants to go the an indie gig in Islington, Greg to a new release at the cinema..and Grandma...one or the other!!! I sure hope I am like her at 91!! The woman knows no bounds and is game for anything at any time of day or night!!! She puts us all to shame.
Off to pour a little aperitif!!
Hope all of you have a chance to relax with friends and family. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have this time altogether over here for sure....thanks for all the Christmas notes, so much appreciated!!
Jo
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
eeh bye gum!
Hello people of the internet! It's been a while.
Last time I posted I was in London.. and now guess where I am! You guessed it! London! Well, really Hampstead to be exact, but still, London.
Since my last post on this blog I've been back "home" at Sale Hill Farm, riding my bike and drinking English bitter. What more could I want from life? Ha ha!
Haha, if you're thinking "is that it?" then you obviously haven't read further!
Later on in November I played a show at the Milo bar in Leeds! Since then I've also played at various open mics around Selby, recorded, wrote songs, ate chocolate shreddies (mmmhmm), chilled out with my dad, a lot, read about the art world, watched dry english comedies and popular blockbusters, listened to a lot of new music (awesome), and thought about the big questions in life and concluded with "man, Noel Fielding, what a guy! Brilliant"...
Currently I have just had an fantastical visit from my sisters! We spent a week touring Yorkshire and jaunting around in outlet malls, viking villages, and in York's magical downtown! Lizzie, Dad and I played at the Cafe Chic Christmas party hosted by quite a most talented musician by the name of Nic Slack. It was a mystical night. Dad and I concluded our small sets with singing a rather long sea shanty, and Lizzie played a delightful set! A spectacular night indeed! My family and I spent Christmas eve together at Sale Hill Farm and then proceeded to travel to London in a 5 person Jaguar with 6 people and a whole whack of luggage. We did indeed have many national lampoonish moments. It was an experience that I'd rather not have again, ha ha. From Sale Hill Farm we travelled to Flitwick to stay with my cousin and his wife.
A few Christmas dinners and sleeps later and here I am, a furry bohemian with a cold, expecting the unexpected in this crazy city.
(We also went to Stonehenge! It rocks!)
All in all, this gap year is turning out to be more than I expected... I'll be going to France in February, Switzerland in the spring, going on tour (news that'll be brought to main stream attention ASAP), probably working after it all to save up and then travel in the summer! Anyone want to bum around Europe and play some shows for a few months? haha.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Better Late Than Never
Hello Everyone!
My apologies for not blogging sooner than this....the basic reason is that I have been on overload from Day 1 over here. I can't recall in deatil any of the happenings since we arrived as there is so much to tell but no time! This is my attempt to catch up and start afresh. Thank goodness for Beni and his posts..
Yorkshire people are blunt and great! We have received nothing but kindnessess from everyone we have met and for this we are greatful. The house we are living in, rather, the converted barn, is spacious, very Ikearish and easy [for Greg my domestic] to clean. We overlook rambling pastures and it is safe to compare where we aer to the prairies...totally flat. We have horses across from us, the local pub with succulent lunches and dinners, all cheap, "The Black Dog" 5 doors down, the "Travelling People" a few pastures away, the charming village of Snaith a few miles down the road and Selby, an ancient market town, some 10 minutes away. York is about 20 minutes away.
My first day at school was very special..the children were all lined up outside the school waving Canadian and UK flags to welcome us..a great start.
Greg has settled into domesticity really surprisingly easily. He chauffeurs me to work in the gas guzzler of a Jag, returns home for a leisurely breakfast [Beni still asleep] reading his Times Colonist online from Victoria, then begins on his housework chores and so it goes...he fits in a 20 mile bike ride with beni every day to various hotspots around the countryside. He picks me up at 6pm and I return home to dinner on the table...what a life!Oh yes..and private counsellor too!
Beni has had an amazing month here. He has got himself [long story for him to tell] signed to a fledgling record label in Lincoln. The owner arranged a gig for him in Leeds 2 weeks ago and then followed it up with a contract! An EP will soon come about with an arranged tour..so exciting times ahead come what may for Beni. he had an excellent 2 weeks in London with my sister, friend's children and experienced occupy London to Nightclubbing in Brixton to being robbed by 2 women outside Westminster Cathedral...ah my baby is growing up!!
It is wonderful to be spending time with my Mum and family. My Mum's memory is deteriorating and I am so thankful to be here with her. Christmas is approaching and our girls, Lizzie and JoJo, arrive December 15th until December 29th. We are all going to London to stay with family and we are pretty excited to be doing so.
We went to one very special house concert last weekend just outside York in a pretty village. A magical cottage named "Thyme Cottage" saw 50 people crammed into a room with church pews to listen to the very special Amy Wadge and Pete Riley. I had forgotten that Amy had emailed me a couple of years ago re coming to Canada...well..guess what, you have likely guessed...we will be meeting them sometime soon and yes, hopefully the new Damer Agency [that's me!]will be trying to set up gigs when I return to Canada...some things never change hey??
We stayed with a childhood friend last weekend, Sar and her husband Dave. Both very inspiring people who have renovated and old house in the beautiful Yorkshire village of Holmfirth [Last of The Summer Wine]. Check out a blog of Dave's, very interesting, http://www.itriwetri.co/
This coming weekend will see us all getting very dressed up for the staff Christmas night out at the local [Biggest Power Plant in Europe] power plant at Drax...a splendid meal awaits as does a live blues band for dancing. Worries cast aside for the night!
Take care all of you out there and be greatful for all that you love and hold dear!
Josephine trying to Stay Calm and Brave
My apologies for not blogging sooner than this....the basic reason is that I have been on overload from Day 1 over here. I can't recall in deatil any of the happenings since we arrived as there is so much to tell but no time! This is my attempt to catch up and start afresh. Thank goodness for Beni and his posts..
Yorkshire people are blunt and great! We have received nothing but kindnessess from everyone we have met and for this we are greatful. The house we are living in, rather, the converted barn, is spacious, very Ikearish and easy [for Greg my domestic] to clean. We overlook rambling pastures and it is safe to compare where we aer to the prairies...totally flat. We have horses across from us, the local pub with succulent lunches and dinners, all cheap, "The Black Dog" 5 doors down, the "Travelling People" a few pastures away, the charming village of Snaith a few miles down the road and Selby, an ancient market town, some 10 minutes away. York is about 20 minutes away.
My first day at school was very special..the children were all lined up outside the school waving Canadian and UK flags to welcome us..a great start.
Greg has settled into domesticity really surprisingly easily. He chauffeurs me to work in the gas guzzler of a Jag, returns home for a leisurely breakfast [Beni still asleep] reading his Times Colonist online from Victoria, then begins on his housework chores and so it goes...he fits in a 20 mile bike ride with beni every day to various hotspots around the countryside. He picks me up at 6pm and I return home to dinner on the table...what a life!Oh yes..and private counsellor too!
Beni has had an amazing month here. He has got himself [long story for him to tell] signed to a fledgling record label in Lincoln. The owner arranged a gig for him in Leeds 2 weeks ago and then followed it up with a contract! An EP will soon come about with an arranged tour..so exciting times ahead come what may for Beni. he had an excellent 2 weeks in London with my sister, friend's children and experienced occupy London to Nightclubbing in Brixton to being robbed by 2 women outside Westminster Cathedral...ah my baby is growing up!!
It is wonderful to be spending time with my Mum and family. My Mum's memory is deteriorating and I am so thankful to be here with her. Christmas is approaching and our girls, Lizzie and JoJo, arrive December 15th until December 29th. We are all going to London to stay with family and we are pretty excited to be doing so.
We went to one very special house concert last weekend just outside York in a pretty village. A magical cottage named "Thyme Cottage" saw 50 people crammed into a room with church pews to listen to the very special Amy Wadge and Pete Riley. I had forgotten that Amy had emailed me a couple of years ago re coming to Canada...well..guess what, you have likely guessed...we will be meeting them sometime soon and yes, hopefully the new Damer Agency [that's me!]will be trying to set up gigs when I return to Canada...some things never change hey??
We stayed with a childhood friend last weekend, Sar and her husband Dave. Both very inspiring people who have renovated and old house in the beautiful Yorkshire village of Holmfirth [Last of The Summer Wine]. Check out a blog of Dave's, very interesting, http://www.itriwetri.co/
This coming weekend will see us all getting very dressed up for the staff Christmas night out at the local [Biggest Power Plant in Europe] power plant at Drax...a splendid meal awaits as does a live blues band for dancing. Worries cast aside for the night!
Take care all of you out there and be greatful for all that you love and hold dear!
Josephine trying to Stay Calm and Brave
Monday, 14 November 2011
Quite a week!
Dearest friends,
This week has been quite a hazy excursion into the world. Going to most excellent museums, going on magical foggy afternoon walks through Hampstead Heath, chilling with new friends, travelling around London's majestic west end, going to see indie rock bands at the various hipsterish places around London's east end, going to random nightclubs that look like something out of an Al Pacino movie and just living at my Aunt's place in Hampstead. It's a very posh sort of life style, but money is limited and I'm kind of missing the quiet country life of North Yorkshire, so I'm heading back there this friday with my cousin, Little Richard. So far, for my current adventures in London have not yet come to an end, my time here has been most triumphant! Definitely only just scratched the surface of London though. I feel that I definitely want to come back. And I will, for Christmas, with all 5 of my family (yay!!), for a week. It should definitely be fun.
On thursday I went to the Tate Modern. A very cool, modern, hip, slightly pretentious, museum for contemporay art. It was very good, I must say that I was amazed. Once again, I only definitely scratched the surface, so I will most likely be going back!
Later that night I ventured down to Old Street to check out some bands at the Hoxton bar and grill. The main band, Airship, was incredible! They were like a post rock/indie rock outfit; totally loud. I managed to exchange a DG cd for 2 of their eps! Definitely a good night. And check them out! Classic Mancunian rock n roll.
Friday I went to the British museum!! It totally brought back memories. The last time I had been there I was 9. Totally seeing it with new eyes. And again, I only just scratched the surface. Definitely going back. Fabulous architecture, fantastic exhibits. The only thing was that the reading room was closed.
Later that night I met up with my new friends, Sam and Tass, both scientists, at a rock and roll joint called the old blue last. Great bands played that night, I don't remember any of them, but great bands indeed. From there we went to a pub, and from there we went to Sam's GF's house and from there to get a mighty tasty lamashan (or however you spell that) and then from there to Sam's place where I stayed the night.
Saturday I got up and had coffee and breakfast with Tas, and we took the tube to west London, and walked to the Serpentine river, close to Hide Park, to meet up with some people, and walking along we noticed the front of the Hogwarts train... it was crazy random.
After a most excellent fireworks display at the Lord Mayor's Show, Tas and I went to get some korean food and then went to our respective habitations... later we met at Brixton tube station for a most triumphant night of disco/house music at the Brixton Clubhouse. The main act was Dimitri from Paris, this suave frenchman with a keen knack for house, funk, and parisian sounds. The other acts, I can't really remember, we're totally awesome as well, especially my good facebook friend Justin Winks, head honcho of Mullet Records (Tesla Boy, Casio Social Club). It was funny, because I had never met him before, just through facebook, but there he was partying away, and i went up and was like "Justin? Its Benedict!" and it turned out that he was this totally nice and cool guy and was glad I had made it out, and I was totally glad too, it was definitely not in the least dissapointing. Check out his music on youtube, just search Casio Social Club. So that was totally cool. We got home from the clubhouse at like 5 am, after taking some really sketchy busses... sunday was a recovery day, I said goodbye to Tass, and went home to Hampstead. And now it is monday.. and all is quiet on the eastern, er western? front.
Keep on rocking the Discotheque!
And thanks for reading!
-Benedict
This week has been quite a hazy excursion into the world. Going to most excellent museums, going on magical foggy afternoon walks through Hampstead Heath, chilling with new friends, travelling around London's majestic west end, going to see indie rock bands at the various hipsterish places around London's east end, going to random nightclubs that look like something out of an Al Pacino movie and just living at my Aunt's place in Hampstead. It's a very posh sort of life style, but money is limited and I'm kind of missing the quiet country life of North Yorkshire, so I'm heading back there this friday with my cousin, Little Richard. So far, for my current adventures in London have not yet come to an end, my time here has been most triumphant! Definitely only just scratched the surface of London though. I feel that I definitely want to come back. And I will, for Christmas, with all 5 of my family (yay!!), for a week. It should definitely be fun.
On thursday I went to the Tate Modern. A very cool, modern, hip, slightly pretentious, museum for contemporay art. It was very good, I must say that I was amazed. Once again, I only definitely scratched the surface, so I will most likely be going back!
Later that night I ventured down to Old Street to check out some bands at the Hoxton bar and grill. The main band, Airship, was incredible! They were like a post rock/indie rock outfit; totally loud. I managed to exchange a DG cd for 2 of their eps! Definitely a good night. And check them out! Classic Mancunian rock n roll.
Friday I went to the British museum!! It totally brought back memories. The last time I had been there I was 9. Totally seeing it with new eyes. And again, I only just scratched the surface. Definitely going back. Fabulous architecture, fantastic exhibits. The only thing was that the reading room was closed.
Later that night I met up with my new friends, Sam and Tass, both scientists, at a rock and roll joint called the old blue last. Great bands played that night, I don't remember any of them, but great bands indeed. From there we went to a pub, and from there we went to Sam's GF's house and from there to get a mighty tasty lamashan (or however you spell that) and then from there to Sam's place where I stayed the night.
Saturday I got up and had coffee and breakfast with Tas, and we took the tube to west London, and walked to the Serpentine river, close to Hide Park, to meet up with some people, and walking along we noticed the front of the Hogwarts train... it was crazy random.
After a most excellent fireworks display at the Lord Mayor's Show, Tas and I went to get some korean food and then went to our respective habitations... later we met at Brixton tube station for a most triumphant night of disco/house music at the Brixton Clubhouse. The main act was Dimitri from Paris, this suave frenchman with a keen knack for house, funk, and parisian sounds. The other acts, I can't really remember, we're totally awesome as well, especially my good facebook friend Justin Winks, head honcho of Mullet Records (Tesla Boy, Casio Social Club). It was funny, because I had never met him before, just through facebook, but there he was partying away, and i went up and was like "Justin? Its Benedict!" and it turned out that he was this totally nice and cool guy and was glad I had made it out, and I was totally glad too, it was definitely not in the least dissapointing. Check out his music on youtube, just search Casio Social Club. So that was totally cool. We got home from the clubhouse at like 5 am, after taking some really sketchy busses... sunday was a recovery day, I said goodbye to Tass, and went home to Hampstead. And now it is monday.. and all is quiet on the eastern, er western? front.
Keep on rocking the Discotheque!
And thanks for reading!
-Benedict
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
London calling..
Greetings yall!
I am currently living with my aunt in Hampstead. It's great! Taking the tubes, being on my own most of the time, hooking up with family and random family friends, going to nightclubs, Occupying London at Saint Paul's, aimlessly wandering the streets of London in search of somewhere interesting, eating at random eateries, hanging out with my Aunt at night and going on Facebook at the end of the day to see what my friends are up to back in Canada. Life is really good! It's definitely been an experience so far! And luckily I've only gotten lost once.. haha. (luckily there is such as a thing as cellular technology)
The first day was a bit of a mission day. I made it my mission to seek out where this one open mic was, and to get an Oyster Card at the Hampstead tube station. The Oyster Card has been my saving grace. So easy to use. If you've never been to London and are planning to take the tube I definitely recommend getting one of those.
The open mic that my Aunt told me about was pretty cool. It was a cozy folk club downstairs from a chic cafe/bar, like something that Pentangle or Nick Drake would've played at back in the day! Some neat musicians played at the open mic, and so did I. My Aunt and her boyfriend Bob, and my cousin who I had only met once when I was 9 showed up to hear me! It was great. Definitely good to reunite with my cousin again to.
The second day I took the tube down to the Embankment and tried to find the Tate Modern. I ended up wandering to Trafalgar Square where I took a look around the National Gallery. I wanted to go to Canada house, but it was closed for renovations. Later that night I met up with my mum's bestfriend's son at the Macbeth to watch his friend's band play, they were a sweet band! I then met his brother and his friends, which was cool, its nice to have some company. From the Macbeth we went to a retro hip/hop R n B nightclub! That was pretty cool too (since I've never actually been to a nightclub)! We then made our way back to his flat where I stayed the night.
The next day (today) I got up, and said goodbye to my new friends, and made my way by tube to the London Bridge. Wandered around Hayes Gallery, and then made why over the bridge up to Saint Paul's. As I was heading over there were soooo many police in riot gear, expecting a march with potential crazies.. that's the thing right? The easiest way to get to an Occupy is to follow the police! And that's exactly what I did. At St Paul's cathedral, which is absolutely monumental, there is a mass amount of tents set up for the Occupiers which is pretty cool! So I went to sit on the steps of Cathedral with everyone else, and from the speaker from below someone was saying that Peggy Seeger was going to be playing, as well as Billy Bragg, Chumbawumba, Leon Rosselson and a few others. They were all great! I got up pretty close too. We were all singing along to old traditional protest songs.. the evening ended with a pretty sweet set by Billy Bragg!
From St. Paul's I took the tube back to Hampstead... the tubes at that time of day are soooo packed! But I'm glad I made back in one piece!
Cheers everyone!
I am currently living with my aunt in Hampstead. It's great! Taking the tubes, being on my own most of the time, hooking up with family and random family friends, going to nightclubs, Occupying London at Saint Paul's, aimlessly wandering the streets of London in search of somewhere interesting, eating at random eateries, hanging out with my Aunt at night and going on Facebook at the end of the day to see what my friends are up to back in Canada. Life is really good! It's definitely been an experience so far! And luckily I've only gotten lost once.. haha. (luckily there is such as a thing as cellular technology)
The first day was a bit of a mission day. I made it my mission to seek out where this one open mic was, and to get an Oyster Card at the Hampstead tube station. The Oyster Card has been my saving grace. So easy to use. If you've never been to London and are planning to take the tube I definitely recommend getting one of those.
The open mic that my Aunt told me about was pretty cool. It was a cozy folk club downstairs from a chic cafe/bar, like something that Pentangle or Nick Drake would've played at back in the day! Some neat musicians played at the open mic, and so did I. My Aunt and her boyfriend Bob, and my cousin who I had only met once when I was 9 showed up to hear me! It was great. Definitely good to reunite with my cousin again to.
The second day I took the tube down to the Embankment and tried to find the Tate Modern. I ended up wandering to Trafalgar Square where I took a look around the National Gallery. I wanted to go to Canada house, but it was closed for renovations. Later that night I met up with my mum's bestfriend's son at the Macbeth to watch his friend's band play, they were a sweet band! I then met his brother and his friends, which was cool, its nice to have some company. From the Macbeth we went to a retro hip/hop R n B nightclub! That was pretty cool too (since I've never actually been to a nightclub)! We then made our way back to his flat where I stayed the night.
The next day (today) I got up, and said goodbye to my new friends, and made my way by tube to the London Bridge. Wandered around Hayes Gallery, and then made why over the bridge up to Saint Paul's. As I was heading over there were soooo many police in riot gear, expecting a march with potential crazies.. that's the thing right? The easiest way to get to an Occupy is to follow the police! And that's exactly what I did. At St Paul's cathedral, which is absolutely monumental, there is a mass amount of tents set up for the Occupiers which is pretty cool! So I went to sit on the steps of Cathedral with everyone else, and from the speaker from below someone was saying that Peggy Seeger was going to be playing, as well as Billy Bragg, Chumbawumba, Leon Rosselson and a few others. They were all great! I got up pretty close too. We were all singing along to old traditional protest songs.. the evening ended with a pretty sweet set by Billy Bragg!
From St. Paul's I took the tube back to Hampstead... the tubes at that time of day are soooo packed! But I'm glad I made back in one piece!
Cheers everyone!
Friday, 28 October 2011
First Blog Entry!
Hi everyone!
Well, time for my first post on this blogspot -
For those of you who don't know yet, I am living in the UK with my parents! The place where I live is quite rural and definitely not what I'm used to, haha. Back home the general hospital was only a few blocks away, now its a couple villages away :O! I'm living in Northern Yorkshire close to the town of Selby, nearer to village of Camblesforth (don't worry, that's why google maps exist!)
The place I'm living in is a converted barn, it is all refurnished and strangely modern, but very nice. I am sure the family we switched places with is getting along nicely in our own home back in PG!
When we arrived into Manchester airport we were all a little bewildered and pretty tired, but we eventually made our way to the Jaguar that our swap family left for us. From the airport we drove to my Grandma's home at Ryland house, a quaint, 50 and over, apartment building. My Grandmother is an amazing lady, she is turning 91 next weekend, and she still has the charisma to argue with me over who's doing the dishes (oh Grandma!). It was great to be with her again. The next morning we went to Monday mass ( I never thought there was Monday mass!), there was surprisingly quite the turnout. After mass we wandered back to Ryland house and joined everyone in the lounge (every morning at Ryland house they have tea and toast (at the fine cost of 30p) for everyone in the building, its a great thing for the old folks who can't really go out much into the village!).
From Ryland house (thanks to the British navigating system in the Jag) we drove off into the country and found our way out to Hardenshaw lane where we will be living for the next 10 months.
We arrived at our new home only to discover that the place has a security code and that the alarm had started to go off, so there we were, 3 Canadians fresh off the plane, down a country lane, in jolly old England, with the alarm going off, thinking " oh no, the local police will be here any second :S". Mum and I rushed to the nearest house and knocked on the door, and sure enough a friendly Yorkshire woman opened the door and after a brief explanation of what was happening she said "Ah! You're the new neighbours!?? Well come in, come in, would you all like a cup o' tea?" (knowing that the alarm was going off). Typical. But awesome!
All is well though now! We're just getting over jet-lag and getting used to the lifestyle. My parents and I are slowly but surely getting our bearings straight.
Its great to be legal too! And its great to have the Black Dog (local pub) just a few doors down :D!
Cheers everyone!
-Benedict
Well, time for my first post on this blogspot -
For those of you who don't know yet, I am living in the UK with my parents! The place where I live is quite rural and definitely not what I'm used to, haha. Back home the general hospital was only a few blocks away, now its a couple villages away :O! I'm living in Northern Yorkshire close to the town of Selby, nearer to village of Camblesforth (don't worry, that's why google maps exist!)
The place I'm living in is a converted barn, it is all refurnished and strangely modern, but very nice. I am sure the family we switched places with is getting along nicely in our own home back in PG!
When we arrived into Manchester airport we were all a little bewildered and pretty tired, but we eventually made our way to the Jaguar that our swap family left for us. From the airport we drove to my Grandma's home at Ryland house, a quaint, 50 and over, apartment building. My Grandmother is an amazing lady, she is turning 91 next weekend, and she still has the charisma to argue with me over who's doing the dishes (oh Grandma!). It was great to be with her again. The next morning we went to Monday mass ( I never thought there was Monday mass!), there was surprisingly quite the turnout. After mass we wandered back to Ryland house and joined everyone in the lounge (every morning at Ryland house they have tea and toast (at the fine cost of 30p) for everyone in the building, its a great thing for the old folks who can't really go out much into the village!).
From Ryland house (thanks to the British navigating system in the Jag) we drove off into the country and found our way out to Hardenshaw lane where we will be living for the next 10 months.
We arrived at our new home only to discover that the place has a security code and that the alarm had started to go off, so there we were, 3 Canadians fresh off the plane, down a country lane, in jolly old England, with the alarm going off, thinking " oh no, the local police will be here any second :S". Mum and I rushed to the nearest house and knocked on the door, and sure enough a friendly Yorkshire woman opened the door and after a brief explanation of what was happening she said "Ah! You're the new neighbours!?? Well come in, come in, would you all like a cup o' tea?" (knowing that the alarm was going off). Typical. But awesome!
All is well though now! We're just getting over jet-lag and getting used to the lifestyle. My parents and I are slowly but surely getting our bearings straight.
Its great to be legal too! And its great to have the Black Dog (local pub) just a few doors down :D!
Cheers everyone!
-Benedict
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Our Leroy Bell on X Factor???
I was surfing the TV and started watching the X Factor tonight, October 6th....
For our first Coldsnap Festival, a look back here
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=leroy+bell+coldsnap+festival+youtube&docid=1060744988183&mid=17F43724BBACDD2E60F517F43724BBACDD2E60F5&FORM=VIRE1# , and a subsequent, I booked the highly talented and wonderful Leroy Bell, a singer songwriter from Seattle. He was very well received here in Prince George and Doug Cox the AD of Vancouver Island Musicfest also had him perform.
We all loved the man, he was great to deal with and a gem onstage.
I am staggered...started watching the X Faxtor and who is part of the last 64 but Leroy!
....most of me is absolutely horrified that the super talented Leroy tried out for this..why?????????
Part of me absolutely applauds him for having the guts, the gall to do it when
he IS already so highly regarded. The man sells out the Triple Door in Seattle, has had Elton John record one of his songs...I cannot get my head around it at all!
Welll..he got thru tonight to the final 32 and is in the Over 30's category....
He should not have to go this route.....I am at a loss for words here...I am
sure he knows what he is doing but I am shaking my head.
We leave for the UK October 22nd for the year so we will now have to
try and watch online from there!!!!
I guess I hope he wins it....there goes a man who is so confident enough in himself that he would attempt this market....sure has nerve...
Cannot believe this...check him out www.leroybell.com
here are some reviews on the man..
For our first Coldsnap Festival, a look back here
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=leroy+bell+coldsnap+festival+youtube&docid=1060744988183&mid=17F43724BBACDD2E60F517F43724BBACDD2E60F5&FORM=VIRE1# , and a subsequent, I booked the highly talented and wonderful Leroy Bell, a singer songwriter from Seattle. He was very well received here in Prince George and Doug Cox the AD of Vancouver Island Musicfest also had him perform.
We all loved the man, he was great to deal with and a gem onstage.
I am staggered...started watching the X Faxtor and who is part of the last 64 but Leroy!
....most of me is absolutely horrified that the super talented Leroy tried out for this..why?????????
Part of me absolutely applauds him for having the guts, the gall to do it when
he IS already so highly regarded. The man sells out the Triple Door in Seattle, has had Elton John record one of his songs...I cannot get my head around it at all!
Welll..he got thru tonight to the final 32 and is in the Over 30's category....
He should not have to go this route.....I am at a loss for words here...I am
sure he knows what he is doing but I am shaking my head.
We leave for the UK October 22nd for the year so we will now have to
try and watch online from there!!!!
I guess I hope he wins it....there goes a man who is so confident enough in himself that he would attempt this market....sure has nerve...
Cannot believe this...check him out www.leroybell.com
here are some reviews on the man..
A Change is Coming
Last summer I watched your band open for B.B. King, you weren't even through the first song and I was so diggin it. I bought this CD and you autographed it for me. A Change is Coming takes me to "back in the day", you know, the 70's, even though it is right here and now today. I have turned all of my friends onto your work, they all love you. Keep it comin' LeRoy. Thanks, SherryRead more...
A Change is Coming
We first saw LeRoy Bell perform in Prince George, British Columbia at the Cold Snap music festival and we were literally blown away. The 2 Sides to Every Story quickly became our most played CD of 2008 and so we were eagerly awaiting the latest CD. I must say that A Change is Coming is fantastic!! I was unsure how LeRoy could 'change' it up without losing the magic but this is what makes new music so wonderful as this latest CD has made us even bigger fans. Thanks LeRoy.Read more...
He leaves me wanting more!
The first time I heard Leroy Bell, I waspurchasing a pair of shoes @ Nordstrom and he was playing, for a promotion. I ended up staying and watching him for almost an hour. His sound and lyrics pulled me in. His message is so personal, but yet something so many can relate to. When I play his CD, my mood instantly picks up and everything seem 100% better. This is his 3rd CD I've purchased, and can't wait to see and hear him soon.
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