tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40910053510888857722024-02-07T13:22:07.785+00:00Talk Travel, Lifestyle, & Relocation with Eli in the U.K. Eli (that's me) In the U.K. is a compilation of informative articles and personal experiences as we—my family and I—discover life across the Atlantic on the adventure of a lifetime! Making the move? Hopefully this will help. Welcome aboard.Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-9199607922955658812017-01-12T19:00:00.004+00:002017-01-12T20:15:28.264+00:00The Skinny on BaconRecently, I was preparing my weekly meal plan and somehow ended up with two different recipes (from back home) that called for bacon, and one that required ham. So, off I went to the Coop to pick up said ingredients, and came face to face with an endless array of varieties and not at all what I expected for ham.<br />
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Over here (in southern England at least) they have bacon, streaky bacon, <i>rindless</i> bacon, back bacon. They have pork, they have ham and they have gammon. If you find this confusing, as I did, let me break it down for you:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Streaky bacon</b> is what we in East-coast Canada call bacon. This comes in both regular and smoked varieties, as well as their reduced sodium counterparts. Someone here told me this is more what you'd use to put in a sandwich or to flavour a dish. (Yes, I have no shame questioning innocent shoppers.)<br />
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<b>Bacon</b> is a thicker and wider sliced cut of what we call bacon, but there are [almost] no stripes of fat in it, only along one edge. Rather, there is actually kind of a filet of meat on these slices. This refers to the type of bacon the British would rather have with bacon and eggs.<br />
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Now, <b><i>rindless</i> bacon</b> is a variety of bacon as stated above, but with no rind on it. To me, it looks exactly the same as the bacon; wide, thick slices, no white stripes in it, only along one edge.<br />
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<b>Ham</b> is cut from the hind leg of the pork (same as gammon), and then cured or cooked. <b>Gammon</b> is also cut from the hind leg of the pig (same as ham), but it is sold raw. It has already been either air-dried or lightly cured, but still needs to be completely cooked. Technically they're the same, though shoppers and grocery store staff weren't able to explain the difference to me. Most of the time, if you ask someone for ham, they point you to the deli counter. I have yet to find a hunk of ham—like we would find back home—other than at the deli counter. Usually, it's with the sandwich meats or in pre-sliced prepared packages (like at Métro/IGA). Personally, I referred to BBC Good Food to better understand <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-and-prepare-gammon-and-ham" target="_blank">the difference between gammon and ham</a>.<br />
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If you're looking for what we—in Quebec—call "<a href="https://www.lafleur.com/fr/trucs-et-conseils/trucs-de-chef/la-cuisson-d-un-jambon/" target="_blank"><i>jambon toupie</i></a>", you can either buy gammon and cook it, or you can buy a chunk of ham from the deli counter. Gammon can be regular or smoked. (Gammon/ham here in the UK, from what I've understood from my American friends, is what they would call "Canadian Bacon" in the States and apparently also in some parts of Canada, though I've absolutely never heard bacon referred to as Canadian Bacon.)<br />
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<b>Pork</b>—from what I've come to understand after asking staff at different grocery stores as well as fellow shoppers—is raw meat sold in a variety of cuts, primarily used for roasting or stewing, and can also be found ground (minced). Not to be mistaken with gammon. <i>Whaaaa??</i> LOL<br />
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Speaking of stew, there's a really amazing stew recipe I've saved to my Google+ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/s8PLME">Traditional British Recipes</a> collection: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/236988/chef-johns-irish-pork-stew/" target="_blank">Irish Pork Stew</a>. If you are interested in learning about the history behind a full/traditional English Breakfast, during my research I found <a href="http://www.englishbreakfastsociety.com/full-english-breakfast.html" target="_blank">this article</a> at the English Breakfast Society both informative and entertaining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full English Breakfast—courtesy of Wikipedia.</td></tr>
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N.B. Some of the pictures above were taken by me, others are borrowed from Wikipedia (labelled for reuse), but as I buy these meats myself, I will photograph them and replace the ones I borrowed.<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-31028757723803768102017-01-03T14:35:00.005+00:002017-01-03T14:41:16.664+00:00Welcome to 2017!Before I start this entry, I would like to wish everyone a happy New Year! Hopefully this year will see you all safe, happy and healthy, and bring whatever projects or dreams you are working on to fruition.<br />
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My dreams and projects include this blog, some short story writing on Wattpad, and outlining my first novel. I've been working on it on and off for three months or so, but being my first attempt, and with no formal training (not to mention my tendency to procrastinate), I am finding it something of an uphill battle. No worries, I will continue to plod on, if only for my own personal satisfaction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on writing!<br />
(Books: Outlining Your Novel by K.M. Weiland<br />
and The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gorke.)</td></tr>
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As promised, without further ado, here is my very first blog entry of 2017.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It is now officially more than one year since we moved to England, and I can't believe how fast time has passed! Last year around this time, I was trying to be positive and up-beat, if only for my husband and kids, but I was raw from leaving my family and friends, our home, and everything I'd ever known.<br />
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Luckily, we are far from the days when my grandparents immigrated to Canada in 1957: Our "adventure" was agreed on by the four of us (though my little one wasn't very pleased about it); the move was researched and planned in great detail; our goals for travel and exploration were clearly defined; and most importantly, our eventual return to Canada was conceded.<br />
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Also, today's world-travellers are equipped with long-distance tools such as Skype or Facetime, we have the internet to send/receive messages instantly, and even international calling has greatly improved, not to mention gotten affordable. I remember calling my aunt in Italy from Canada every Christmas and Easter, hearing that pause between messages... Remember that? "Seeing" and hearing our loved ones regularly, even though we can't physically touch them, makes it possible for me to survive abroad.<br />
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So, so far, I'd say that we are accomplishing what we had originally set out to do. We get out regularly as a family to see the sites here in Southern England, and we have travelled to four countries (for a total of 49 days) in 2016, something that would not have been possible budget-and-time-wise had we been living in Canada.<br />
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Technically we have 2 more years here, although our current plans are to move in roughly 1.5 years so as not to face another split school year. Upon our return to Canada, our oldest will be going to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEGEP" target="_blank">cégèp</a> (something like college, for those living in Quebec), and that will be a big enough challenge as it is.<br />
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Travel plans for 2017 include Ireland, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. Despite there being enough breaks/holidays during the school year, we have learned that travelling does take its toll, so in order to enjoy ourselves to the fullest and appreciate what we see and learn, we will take it down a notch this year.<br />
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As you know, over the Christmas holidays, the four of us travelled to Italy again, this time to visit the more southern cities of Florence, Pisa, Rome, and sort-of Pompeii. Seeing as this entry is not about our trip, stay tuned for my guides to these famous places in the near future.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bucket List Item: The Vatican, December 24th, 2016.</td></tr>
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-1351291102511754202016-12-16T18:53:00.003+00:002016-12-16T18:53:50.318+00:00Holiday HiatusFor the past couple of weeks, I have been organizing a Christmas holiday to Southern Italy. And as with everyone else, I have also been making sure that all the details and preparations for a traditional family Christmas (our first away from home) would be ready upon our return. Much stress was involved and I just about had a break-down last weekend (calling my dad in tears, miserable as anything)... So, you can imagine that my writing time has suffered accordingly. Please forgive this short hiatus. Eli in the UK will resume business as usual on the week of January 3rd, 2017.<br />
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Thank you all for your understanding. :)<br />
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While I'm at it, let me take one last minute to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season—<br />
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-66200797211852053052016-11-29T16:30:00.002+00:002016-12-05T18:09:02.962+00:00Four Days in North WalesThe last week of October was school half-term, so we took off for a week in Northern Wales. We travelled from the train station behind our house all the way to Colwyn Bay—almost a 7-hour train ride, with two changes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Colwyn Bay train station.</td></tr>
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If you're looking for a lovely Wales get-away, keep reading for our itinerary and reviews! :)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Renting a car in Northern Wales is pretty cheap (a Ford from Hertz was less than £70 for 5 days). We spent the entire week at the <a href="http://www.carregbranhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">Carreg Brân hotel</a> in <a href="http://www.llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch</a>. No joke. It's the village with the longest name in Britain! There's not much to it (ironically), other than 58 characters! ;) But being able to say we stayed there was pretty cool.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Volvo dealership—I HAD to get a shot of that sign. lol</td></tr>
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The hotel was tricky to find, but once there the staff was friendly and helpful. We had booked more than a month in advance, and were lucky to get a room for four. It was actually two rooms with adjoining doors that we just left open; one with a queen-sized bed, the other with two twins (which was great for keeping sibling arguments at a minimum).<br />
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The morning of our first full day, we explored part of Snowdonia, first visiting Swallow Falls which was beautiful, but something of a rip-off. Then we took a two/three-hour <a href="http://www.visitbetwsycoed.co.uk/The-Area/Walking/" target="_blank">hike</a> from behind St-Mary's church in Betws-y-Coed (pronounced Be-tous-ee-co-ed) to Llyn Elsi, a mountain lake in the Gwydyr Forest.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallow Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Llyn Elsi</td></tr>
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Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (or Llanfairpwll for short), is on an island above the coast of North Wales called <a href="http://www.visitwales.com/explore/north-wales/anglesey/must-do-list" target="_blank">Anglesey</a>. The island's south-eastern side is home to <a href="https://visitbeaumaris.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beaumaris</a> (which comes from the French for "beautiful marshes"). That's where we headed on Wednesday morning, to visit the small village and its castle.<br />
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Afterwards, we drove back towards <a href="https://naturalresources.wales/out-and-about/places-to-go/north-west-wales/newborough/newborough-forest/?lang=en" target="_blank">Newborough</a> (ironically—this is the area the original occupants of Beaumaris were forced to resettle after Edward I decided to build his castle) on the island's west coast. Once there, we "raced the tide" on a small hike/walk through forest, sandy dunes and windy beaches, to the small "island" of <a href="http://www.anglesey-history.co.uk/places/llanddwyn/" target="_blank">Llanddwyn</a>, named for the church of St. Dwynwen, which is now only a beautiful ruin overlooking the Menai Strait. I think this may have been my favourite part of the trip.<br />
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If you like the outdoors, visiting ruins, and talking nice long walks across woods, dunes, and beaches I <i>highly recommend</i> the walk to Llanddwyn island. If you go, make sure you know the tide times!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3z5V8ag4cD7ofirzg_Z_yLufqsTpqZihzTqaw2NW_YTslGa8eVb7KYqQ26sKfsVuA0sOncFW7qdMrqrkqHIMEzJsjJxIrDqSjgSjHJ84K_uT-xM279cZOA1ybUv6rO4K7MdRFxQsvEAh/s1600/wales_lght2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3z5V8ag4cD7ofirzg_Z_yLufqsTpqZihzTqaw2NW_YTslGa8eVb7KYqQ26sKfsVuA0sOncFW7qdMrqrkqHIMEzJsjJxIrDqSjgSjHJ84K_uT-xM279cZOA1ybUv6rO4K7MdRFxQsvEAh/s320/wales_lght2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of the church of St-Dwynwen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HBBzV33Q4cVGQyWNKohHD14YFBFACOXoaieHnrSxMVknDj7ZMO8r6S-w1AWYS-SdfZcv67EZhD7QVbiok_aQik8X12maqiQtPOiZBlZTYeidYS4VC9yyEbGVe1Ei_wr8ZqIxSPRpl-_G/s1600/wales_lght3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HBBzV33Q4cVGQyWNKohHD14YFBFACOXoaieHnrSxMVknDj7ZMO8r6S-w1AWYS-SdfZcv67EZhD7QVbiok_aQik8X12maqiQtPOiZBlZTYeidYS4VC9yyEbGVe1Ei_wr8ZqIxSPRpl-_G/s320/wales_lght3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path on the island of Llanddwyn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74ZxlUDjR92_HM3KruJFCiu9vNcfSqkmBkWS3ju4-d1n83kwWcP2coFmxryJud9FCbSSDRsRxNTPe0-nqAPv-fB32nRwbVLkCd8RtvltKw6j4F5yE2LmF3NcS-HctSMze9BR66Gwwtky/s1600/wales_lght.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN74ZxlUDjR92_HM3KruJFCiu9vNcfSqkmBkWS3ju4-d1n83kwWcP2coFmxryJud9FCbSSDRsRxNTPe0-nqAPv-fB32nRwbVLkCd8RtvltKw6j4F5yE2LmF3NcS-HctSMze9BR66Gwwtky/s320/wales_lght.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the distance, Tŵr Bach, beacon of Llanddwyn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Thursday, we visited the heart of <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/destination?dest_mid=/m/0ct24&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjCmMaN6Y7QAhWFDMAKHVIoBQ8Qri4IfzAR" target="_blank">Caernarfon</a> (pronounced Car-nar-ven) and <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/caernarfon-castle/?lang=en" target="_blank">its imposing castle</a>. There were a lot of people as entrance that week was free due to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-37605835" target="_blank">Poppies Weeping Window</a> "exhibit" in place for Memorial Day. The city of Caernarfon is home to the legend of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/history/sites/themes/society/myths_mabinogion_macsen_wledig.shtml" target="_blank">the Dream of Macsen Wledig</a>, which spurred Edward I's (and his wife <a href="http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/plantagenet_29.html" target="_blank">Eleanor de Castile</a>) <a href="http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofWales/The-English-conquest-of-Wales/" target="_blank">takeover of Wales</a> in the 1200s. A short walk brought us to the remains of a Roman Fort, the <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/segontiumromanfort/?lang=en" target="_blank">Segontium</a>, which wasn't much to see really, and reminded me a lot of the ruins we saw in Aquileia (Italy).<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUHGvU7yh55F0KuacLtksOjsDW41yaFemH_YMx7jMUs_DTBFFAOwxIaSJkoDrOccE8SNUmEA3keYbLlr5GoqpPbOAMMEyVFRkhD3nFKE6oQVS75VWsZwX9HK2TGYh-FdPzPPYhlXtV-HB/s1600/wales_crnv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUHGvU7yh55F0KuacLtksOjsDW41yaFemH_YMx7jMUs_DTBFFAOwxIaSJkoDrOccE8SNUmEA3keYbLlr5GoqpPbOAMMEyVFRkhD3nFKE6oQVS75VWsZwX9HK2TGYh-FdPzPPYhlXtV-HB/s320/wales_crnv.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies Weeping Window display at Caernarfon Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we were done, since it was early enough still, we drove the meandering and dangerously narrow <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A498_road" target="_blank">mountain roads</a> to <a href="http://www.criccieth.co.uk/" target="_blank">Criccieth</a> (pronounced Crick-ee-eth) castle, and walked through the ruins built on the very windy peak of a rocky peninsula by the first "true" Prince of Wales. (By the way, learning about the Llywelyn the Great and the <a href="http://www.snowdoniaheritage.info/en/theme/29/princes-of-gwynedd" target="_blank">Princes of Gwynedd</a> was a very interesting piece of history!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfXXVjr6_GQwiUjytQLJUcAPeQQkGTIb6qpQ0GC9Io0Iey2aQo9Qkatsw6nvryY858GabudtPZBI8YvmS978NDftONtbAhrkduirhHSgDcSzoEXqsT-DVg9494awvCmBVYdFzdRLYry2G/s1600/wales_cceth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfXXVjr6_GQwiUjytQLJUcAPeQQkGTIb6qpQ0GC9Io0Iey2aQo9Qkatsw6nvryY858GabudtPZBI8YvmS978NDftONtbAhrkduirhHSgDcSzoEXqsT-DVg9494awvCmBVYdFzdRLYry2G/s320/wales_cceth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Criccieth Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the last day, we left really early to visit <a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/conwycastle/?lang=en" target="_blank">Conwy Castle</a> and a small segment of its walls. This castle is similar to Caernarfon but on a smaller scale. We were pretty much the first people inside and had the place mostly to ourselves. And it was perfect timing too, because the sun decided to show itself as we climbed one of the highest towers we've seen to date. What spectacular views! We were done in plenty of time to return the car and take the train home.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz9WuyzQUMLZ-0_G1Td8JG_YKoVZ1nY5j1IJUjE3sUa0Sk24vxpKwnGJ5NVrF2XtVfEwPy9MD9NH3xYrkqeq6oazueHvqdQxcwf4ydWNZszpGG8e3czDzGCJ_FmLJ0njW5M88sLhVgi_E/s1600/wales_cnwy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz9WuyzQUMLZ-0_G1Td8JG_YKoVZ1nY5j1IJUjE3sUa0Sk24vxpKwnGJ5NVrF2XtVfEwPy9MD9NH3xYrkqeq6oazueHvqdQxcwf4ydWNZszpGG8e3czDzGCJ_FmLJ0njW5M88sLhVgi_E/s320/wales_cnwy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning at Conwy Castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all, I'd say Wales has something of Scotland in it. The weather was kind to us all week, something the locals told us was unseasonable ("we haven't had a proper rain in months!" lol), allowing us to explore the outdoors nice and dry.<br />
<br />
One thing I would have added to our outing would have been the deep mine tour of <a href="http://www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk/" target="_blank">Llechwedd Slate Caverns</a> after the walk in Betws-y-Coed. But the internet at the hotel was down all week, and a bug on my husband's phone kept showing no service, so we weren't able to see how far it was and were afraid to get there too late. Oh well, can't always do everything!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
<b><u>Planning Your Trip</u></b><br />
<br />
Here are a few links I found helpful while researching and organizing our holiday:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.celticos.com/useful-welsh-phrases" target="_blank">Useful Welsh phrases</a> (and how to pronounce them).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.trailsnorthwales.info/trails-2/" target="_blank">Walking/hiking trails</a> and <a href="http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/mountain-walks" target="_blank">mountain walks</a> including easy to read maps.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/information_centres-15.aspx" target="_blank">Information centres and points</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://cadw.gov.wales/Traveltrade/explorerpass/?lang=en" target="_blank">Explorer Passes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.visitwales.com/explore/traditions-history/recipes" target="_blank">Traditional Welsh recipes</a>. You might not want to make these recipes yourself (though I strongly suggest trying your hand at the rarebit) but at least read the names of these local dishes so you know what to try when you visit!</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<br />
Oh, just <b>one last word of advice</b>: I learned the hard way that it was very handy to have local cab company phone numbers on this trip. If you're going to be in any particular city, make note of the taxi company phone numbers of those particular cities. Reason being, there are like maybe one or two cabs in service at any given time. Some times, you can actually call the neighbouring city's cab company and get quicker service. (There was no way we could walk to the car rental place from the train station, despite what Google Maps had to say about it...)Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-30068357967871744972016-11-18T13:15:00.001+00:002016-11-18T13:56:52.410+00:00Changing Page FormatI've spoken about paper sizes in the UK before, how they differ from what we are used to in Canada (and the USA). Today, I'd like to give you a quick update in case, like me, your word processing software still thinks it's in Canada...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>As many of you may know, I am working on writing a novel, and this blog is a bit about trying to keep the juices flowing, as it is to share my discoveries in this new life abroad.<br />
<br />
This being said, in today's day and age, everyone uses word processing software of one kind or another—writers, students, business people, etc. My software of choice is <a href="https://www.openoffice.org/" target="_blank">Apache OpenOffice Writer</a>, namely because it's free, but especially because my husband is a big believer in open-source software and that's what he installed on my computer. (Secretly, I also think it's because Microsoft is a big contention point for him in general, so he tries to find alternatives at every opportunity. And yes, ironically I use Microsoft 10 Home edition.)<br />
<br />
Anyhow, as I've mentioned, I think my computer still thinks we're in Canada despite the fact I've changed the time zone on it and all my browser searches yield UK results. Even though our printer is "British", the word processor on my computer continues to send things in the old "American" standard 'Letter' format. Since I am trying to write a novel, it's imperative that the pages come out right when I'm printing something. Not to mention that my kids' school projects would also look better in the correct format.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, here's a quick step-by-step guide to changing the page size in your word processor. (To the best of my knowledge, it's the same steps for Mac OpenOffice users.)<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Changing the Page Format in OpenOffice (v 4.1.1)</div>
<ul>
<li>Open an OpenOffice document.</li>
<li>Click 'Format' in the file menu, and click 'Page'.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75B3RfV61ChmiBi4Sms4uXNbY6ktyzC9mzRiUx9c-TmDi_Nk7Axkk8Ww0-01PVo3D3ysm-isI0R9lH9T9zk_oWLWpeNjM3-hZBRxWlP5Uz4TZQHneQtdCb50nEUZkLihk42xPGkc4ZDsU/s1600/opnoff_gui01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75B3RfV61ChmiBi4Sms4uXNbY6ktyzC9mzRiUx9c-TmDi_Nk7Axkk8Ww0-01PVo3D3ysm-isI0R9lH9T9zk_oWLWpeNjM3-hZBRxWlP5Uz4TZQHneQtdCb50nEUZkLihk42xPGkc4ZDsU/s400/opnoff_gui01.gif" width="310" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>In the dialog box that appears, select the 'Page' tab to view the page's current settings.</li>
<li>In the drop-down menu to the right of 'Format', select 'A4'. (This is the standard letter/paper size in the UK.) If you're paying attention, you'll notice the Width and Height change, as well as the 'page' thumbnail to the right.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ8FPWeSDmUFGducF3w3090LUUOLPC8IoIbk27oapvyQNgJv_SvRAGQwBa6xb3JxCrFyfVIHb_pdkwPe6OkFG0rTLOoF6sy3_0ItvKkwr9oKhFeTSfmP8nnyuBhdkbs0F13cELCDuYSN5/s1600/opnoff_gui02.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ8FPWeSDmUFGducF3w3090LUUOLPC8IoIbk27oapvyQNgJv_SvRAGQwBa6xb3JxCrFyfVIHb_pdkwPe6OkFG0rTLOoF6sy3_0ItvKkwr9oKhFeTSfmP8nnyuBhdkbs0F13cELCDuYSN5/s400/opnoff_gui02.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUR-_g8JVAe8Sw-nloGwk35aHVwIP9aDXQIEZMCc-LS6kAKccyXbCU2UaZYqyHHCXJ1FFZBaodODQgtLmyH8Z3sc1zNUdMt3MigpGcWcFTbA0rBgXHYCmAlRz28OaBfYmjDVXL_ukzq9e/s1600/opnoff_gui07.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUR-_g8JVAe8Sw-nloGwk35aHVwIP9aDXQIEZMCc-LS6kAKccyXbCU2UaZYqyHHCXJ1FFZBaodODQgtLmyH8Z3sc1zNUdMt3MigpGcWcFTbA0rBgXHYCmAlRz28OaBfYmjDVXL_ukzq9e/s1600/opnoff_gui07.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait Dimensions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<ul>
<li>Click 'OK'. The page's settings will have changed, and your document will be the right size to view/print in the UK, without clipped edges or other unforeseen complications.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">For people going <i>from</i> the UK <i>to</i> Canada (or the USA), you'll want to use 'Letter' for regular-sized paper, and 'Legal' for legal contracts/documents.</span><br />
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Now, if you plan to stay in the UK for a long period of time, you might consider making this format [size] the default page setting, so you don't forget to switch the format every time you open/save/print a document. This is especially useful if you have kids, since they normally pay absolutely no attention to these kinds of details—it's hard enough to actually get them to do their homework, right?<br />
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To be able to save it as the default, you need to turn it into a template first. It's super easy—if I can do it, anyone can!<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Setting the New Format to Default</div>
<ul>
<li>Create a new OpenOffice document, and repeat the above steps to turn the blank document into the correct A4 format.</li>
<li>In the file menu, click 'File', find and click 'Templates', then click 'Save'.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGvJeuCJ9_wf4WfyJjZ9e-lB6yDfXMXlafJ_dMtIerfjAKgCaJ8UWIjPK_gULdskC4oztDdaopks8_lYVAvQgvTKpp6hfE3rR4GquyhQgj124K5w6zAuEHk6m0imI1bPziTeIMuwAAI1A/s1600/opnoff_gui03.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGvJeuCJ9_wf4WfyJjZ9e-lB6yDfXMXlafJ_dMtIerfjAKgCaJ8UWIjPK_gULdskC4oztDdaopks8_lYVAvQgvTKpp6hfE3rR4GquyhQgj124K5w6zAuEHk6m0imI1bPziTeIMuwAAI1A/s400/opnoff_gui03.gif" width="248" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>A dialog box will open. Type in a name for your new template (where it says 'New template'), then click 'OK'.<br />You've just created a template! <span style="background-color: yellow;">☼</span> Huzzah! <span style="background-color: yellow;">☼</span> </li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfkqQ7JE8lGwSqpPeIs1ER4VBa0dXO-zLDvwRZbT1dJAvhttMyJy7gHiRykpyKF5rxk8YQfgKiBVfGittFiM8bi8rdeE7h-4FqGYLOl5jaBvpkXFqyfw8UWEblAVolAh97reFxDzrXU2B/s1600/opnoff_gui04.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfkqQ7JE8lGwSqpPeIs1ER4VBa0dXO-zLDvwRZbT1dJAvhttMyJy7gHiRykpyKF5rxk8YQfgKiBVfGittFiM8bi8rdeE7h-4FqGYLOl5jaBvpkXFqyfw8UWEblAVolAh97reFxDzrXU2B/s400/opnoff_gui04.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I named my template 'UKA4'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Now, go back to the file menu, click 'File', click 'Templates', and click 'Organize'.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDmDNX3S5UPpj4mAZDBaMN46QykJC0CIaM8aHkSkcRQ_NCLRREOSFZug7tbSZMnbEwRrvi_lekDbY58Xacm4kbL9pkT-BIYb0V2a-kDa3YT6TsgYnNRqd22qcUd6Xeqv4XYzW6ePOFdl8/s1600/opnoff_gui05.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDmDNX3S5UPpj4mAZDBaMN46QykJC0CIaM8aHkSkcRQ_NCLRREOSFZug7tbSZMnbEwRrvi_lekDbY58Xacm4kbL9pkT-BIYb0V2a-kDa3YT6TsgYnNRqd22qcUd6Xeqv4XYzW6ePOFdl8/s400/opnoff_gui05.gif" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>A new dialog box will appear. Double-click the 'My Templates' folder on the left-hand side.</li>
<li>Select the template you named.</li>
<li>To the right you will see a 'Commands' drop-down menu. Click it and choose 'Set As Default Template'. Then click 'Close' (the button above 'Commands').</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJepCpdLUSR9m8DlqMgN94vrnvnTa7Qq9Aczjl-WfYnJFE0Cz1GmLetSBEdnKwyUXXzitOhUYRCCrNK0DVQx2J6GIGzOs6TlO-K039eGmEVzuNkSz71Rv-uMozWpk1u9LLhcj_0_UtyvxM/s1600/opnoff_gui06.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJepCpdLUSR9m8DlqMgN94vrnvnTa7Qq9Aczjl-WfYnJFE0Cz1GmLetSBEdnKwyUXXzitOhUYRCCrNK0DVQx2J6GIGzOs6TlO-K039eGmEVzuNkSz71Rv-uMozWpk1u9LLhcj_0_UtyvxM/s400/opnoff_gui06.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Presto! You now have the correct page sizes for writing and printing in the standard UK 'A4' format. By setting it as the default, you won't have to format documents every time you open/create one.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Before you print your document</b></u>, make sure the printer's settings are also based on the current format of your document so no clipping/empty spaces occur. In my case, as the printer was bought in the UK, it is already set up to print 'A4'.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
Once you've set the 'A4' format as the new default in your word-processor, if you open an older document, the information contained on that document will still have its old page settings.</blockquote>
Prior to moving here, all my documents were 'Letter' size/format. If I open one of those now that the default setting is 'A4', if I click 'File' > 'Format' > 'Page', it will display 'Letter' under the 'Page' tab. I will have to manually change the format of those older documents if I plan to print them on A4. Either that, or simply deal with the white space and minor clipping.<br />
<br />
It's more of an issue if your document has images on it. If that's going to be a problem for you, since I'm really no expert, I suggest you check out the <a href="https://forum.openoffice.org/en/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=69535" target="_blank">OpenOffice forums</a>.<br />
<br />
If you're a Word user on Windows, this entry might help guide you a bit, but you might prefer to <a href="https://support.office.com/en-GB/article/Page-Setup-Paper-options-369f13ef-3137-42d3-a077-3f3291eb4657" target="_blank">check with the experts over at Microsoft</a>. The following link is more specific to <a href="https://support.office.com/en-GB/article/Page-Setup-Paper-options-in-Word-2016-for-Mac-3ba2f701-6db9-4f34-a30e-e43ba5292735" target="_blank">Word for Mac users</a>.<br />
<br />
If you're a Mac user with Apple Pages documents to modify, visit their how-to guide, <a href="https://support.apple.com/kb/PH23637?locale=en_GB&viewlocale=en_US" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
I suppose the software possibilities are endless, so I'll leave you with the most-used products info I can think of.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
Last but not least, if/when you need to go back to the previous 'Letter' format (as I will, when we move back to Canada), simply return to the file menu, click 'File', click 'Templates', and click 'Organize'. In the dialog box, under the 'Commands' drop-down menu, select "Reset Default Template' and choose 'Text Document'.</blockquote>
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<br />
Hopefully this guide will help you with your own—and your kids'—projects. Happy writing!<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-82364930628919805702016-11-08T09:15:00.000+00:002016-11-10T16:58:52.313+00:00Pub Review: The Bishop on the BridgeSunday morning was bright and sunny despite the low temperature of 0°C. On a whim, we decided to head to nearby Winchester, to visit Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace). As with all our days out, we love to combine ruins and history with a hearty meal at the pub—especially on Sundays, when roast is on the menu.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I hadn't read the "fine print", and the castle is only open from April to October. However, I was extremely glad to have made the trip, as we got to discover another lovely pub, <a href="http://www.bishoponthebridge.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Bishop on the Bridge</a> (another pub under the <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fuller's</a> banner).<br />
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<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RElZ7GwWhAyksRcxM-iuOyg8qJRJH9u8_H6ewvg45UsaW8Wno0yKcKfIKtaLZ8XTduCygpdfAlxOj4k6e03XXD_EbjWRp72X4LOs-eVIMYatO-6GrUtbLJ1mlL7MaUJcGanKuBTkTsUx/s1600/bishbrdg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RElZ7GwWhAyksRcxM-iuOyg8qJRJH9u8_H6ewvg45UsaW8Wno0yKcKfIKtaLZ8XTduCygpdfAlxOj4k6e03XXD_EbjWRp72X4LOs-eVIMYatO-6GrUtbLJ1mlL7MaUJcGanKuBTkTsUx/s400/bishbrdg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bishop on the Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This pub is ideally situated on the edge of the river Itchen. The garden has an amazing view, as do the east-facing windows. It's not a typical-looking pub—you won't find exposed beams and worn, scuffed floors here. Inside, it's nice and bright, with (what I'd call) a charming mix of contemporary-meets-farmhouse. It was quite cozy inside, what with a small fire burning towards the front of the large, open dining room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6DC3lM-6fX7G_nR5cs0WfKzjTNvg9EpnTvwZwBBNAdz0B7xAP-s1RoIjjMrCon0iueuTbT3fQJ5zrlSezvOkW3JzSLZcI-C6E_DSTIx8bufYp3zS8Ubo-SW8b8z285T-hXaFAELQhjSw/s1600/bishbrdg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6DC3lM-6fX7G_nR5cs0WfKzjTNvg9EpnTvwZwBBNAdz0B7xAP-s1RoIjjMrCon0iueuTbT3fQJ5zrlSezvOkW3JzSLZcI-C6E_DSTIx8bufYp3zS8Ubo-SW8b8z285T-hXaFAELQhjSw/s400/bishbrdg2.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Pub<br />
If you look closely, you can just make out the fire place<br />
by the brick at the back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The staff at the bar were very friendly and happy to be of service. As with most pubs, we ordered at the bar and a server brought the food to our table. The food was served in a reasonable amount of time—remember, everything is made fresh! Seeing as I seem to be on a mission to taste every nut roast possible, I ordered a plate of that, and it came with red cabbage, carrots, parsnips, roast potatoes, and naturally, a Yorkshire pudding (or "pud" as the chefs called it). My husband ordered the <i>bangers and mash</i>, our eldest had a wild boar burger, and our youngest the pork roast. The waitress offered up a free side-dish of cauliflower and leeks in a creamy, cheesy sauce.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Nut Roast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Everything was very good, though the sausages were a bit dry, as were the roast potatoes. The portions were very big. This time 'round, we tried the <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/beer/explore-our-beers/firecracker" target="_blank">Firecracker</a>, a darker ale, surprisingly good and without all that heavy/thick flavour that tends to come with darker beers.<br />
<br />
If it's a nice day out, or you happen to be there with your dog, the garden will be your spot of choice for sure (though I believe pets are welcome inside too). As of 3:30 there was even live music. Hand cream awaits you in the <i>lavatories</i> upstairs, where everything is very clean and updated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulHkR4z7Oes-SGKV28veDaSHlPIaHoKEYP-yc-KFSdsJFu-NVF9xkCwdgOSCYp26OAAtt-JsL-rJFnnnzDD-IH-8UFAeKV9e8hRT_idQ4jGiNoTRkaTiVCCn8E7GZMQXuAirg8hzTpspo/s1600/bishbrdg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulHkR4z7Oes-SGKV28veDaSHlPIaHoKEYP-yc-KFSdsJFu-NVF9xkCwdgOSCYp26OAAtt-JsL-rJFnnnzDD-IH-8UFAeKV9e8hRT_idQ4jGiNoTRkaTiVCCn8E7GZMQXuAirg8hzTpspo/s320/bishbrdg4.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden View of the River Itchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear access to the river path.</td></tr>
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Overall, we had a wonderful meal, and left happy and quite full. This pub gets five pints out of six!<br />
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<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Want to make a day out of it?</div>
You could head to these nearby places, or just wing it!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wolvesey Castle (April-October)<br />
<a href="http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/" target="_blank">Winchester Cathedral</a><br />
Jane Austen's house (and <a href="http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/events/jane-austen-tour-and-cream-tea/" target="_blank">tour</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/winchester-farmers-market" target="_blank">Winchester market</a><br />
<a href="http://www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall" target="_blank">The Great Hall</a></blockquote>
Possibilities in Winchester are just about endless. But there is probably something for everyone! And remember to grab a bite at the pub, you really won't be sorry!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
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<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-47745678709245125242016-11-02T23:09:00.000+00:002016-11-02T23:10:42.850+00:00Bring Your Dog to the UK (Part 2)This article is a follow-up to <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/bringing-your-dog-to-uk-part-one.html">Bring Your Dog to The UK (Part 1)</a>. The governmental changes made to the health certificate are pretty minimal, so I am continuing with this series to bring you a step-by-step guide for bringing your dog to the UK from Canada.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="subtitle">
Step 2: Print the Form</div>
So, now that you've read up on the steps you need to take, here's a link to <a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/text-texte/terr_anima_export_certif_pets_noncom_eu_en_1383826336564_eng.pdf" target="_blank">the current form</a> on the CFIA's website. <u>One form is good for up to FIVE pets</u>. Print the English form since that facilitates things in the UK.<br />
<br />
Personally, I printed two copies of the form: the first as a rough draft to practice on, the second for the official version. Originally, I had trouble finding the <a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/eu-non-commercial-/instructions/eng/1432236482375/1432236483281" target="_blank">instructions for filling out the form</a>, so I've provided a link for that too, although now it seems to be within easy reach.<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
The British have this <span style="font-size: small;">"strike-out" technique</span> whereby, instead of circling, high-lighting, underlining, <i>white-out</i>-ing, they take a ruler and strike-out the non-relevant statement or phrase. Know this.</blockquote>
<div class="subtitle">
Step 3: The Microchip</div>
Does your dog have a 15-digit microchip? According to the CFIA, here are your options:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">• </span>If your dog is <b>not</b> micro-chipped, take an appointment with your vet and get it done ASAP. <u>Make sure it's a 15-digit ISO world standard microchip</u>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">• </span>If your dog has a microchip but it is not 15-digit, you will either need to a) have it re-chipped at the vet with the 15-digit ISO world standard microchip, b) travel with your own scanner for the microchip your dog does have, or c) check with <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-health-welfare/heathrow-animal-reception-centre/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">the veterinary authorities at Heathrow Airport</a> to see if they have the scanner your microchip requires.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">• </span>If your dog has a clearly readable tattoo instead of a microchip, and it was <u>applied <i>before</i> July 3, 2011</u>, you don't need to get the microchip.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ccff00; float: left; font-size: 60px; margin: -10px 30px 0 0; text-shadow: 0 0 0.5px #000000;">⚠</span> It's important to get the microchip issue straightened out right away, because all tests and vaccines that have a time-sensitive
stamp for the certificate must be done <i>after</i> the correct 15-digit microchip is linked to your pet.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Step 4: Rabies Vaccination</div>
The United Kingdom takes rabies very seriously. The NHS confirms there has not been a human-related case of rabies since 1902<span style="font-size: x-small;">¹</span> due to severe quarantine laws and the introduction of the "Pet Travel Scheme" (which is what we're talking about).<br />
<br />
So, <b><u>the rabies vaccine must have been administered <i>after</i> the 15-digit ISO world standard microchip was put in</u></b>. If the microchip changes, whether or not your pet has already had a rabies vaccine, it will need to be re-vaccinated against rabies <u>at least 21 days <i>before</i> entrance into the UK</u>.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep the original official certificate of vaccination</b> (or get a certified copy) from the administering vet, with the rest of your documents—it will be needed by the CFIA vet when you have the Health Certificate stamped. It must include the date of the vaccination, the name and manufacturer of the vaccine, the batch number of the vaccine, the from-to validity of the vaccination. It must also have the microchip/tattoo number, and the administering vet's official stamp/signature.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
For those who are wondering, the rabies titer test is a blood test that measures your dog's current level of immunity to the disease.<br />
<br />
Though apparently certain cities/countries have same-day blood test results, my vet did not have access to anything like that. Typically, 30 days after getting the initial rabies vaccine, your vet will take a blood sample from your dog and send it to the lab. Results can take anywhere from three to six months to be processed.<br />
<br />
As per UK standards, <b>a titer test is not required</b> for dogs arriving from Canada.</blockquote>
Incidentally, my veterinarian clinic is French-speaking, and the main vet went out of his way to re-do the certificates in English, without me even asking.
The entire staff of <a href="http://www.veterinairesamson.com/" target="_blank">Clinique Veterinaire Samson</a> is really devoted! <i>Merci Dr. Dumont & Co.!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Estimated Timeline</div>
To give you an idea of timeline,<i> </i>there is normally a one-week period between getting your pet micro-chipped and having the rabies vaccine given. Before a vaccine can be given, your pet will need a full check-up to determine his state of health. The microchip can be inserted during the routine health exam.<br />
<br />
Since the rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days prior to your arrival in the UK, and the Health Certificate must be stamped no more than 5 days prior to your arrival in the UK, your best bet would be to start the process at least two months before leaving. Trust me: Allow for errors.<br />
<br />
If, like me, your dog was already micro-chipped and vaccinated months before your departure, you've got a bit of a head start.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for the next part of this guide, which will probably be ready by next week!<br />
<br />
<br />
Foot Notes //<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
¹ Except in 2002, when a bat conservationist from Scotland succumbed to a type of rabies called European Bat Lyssavirus after being bit by a bat.</span>Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-73542620387847839932016-10-25T10:12:00.000+01:002016-10-25T10:12:00.971+01:00Pub Review: The Hung Drawn And QuarteredAfter spending 4+ hours visiting the <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/" target="_blank">Tower of London</a> on a beautiful Saturday in October, our family was looking forward to a lovely pub meal. How fitting was it that we discovered this particular pub on our way to the Tower? It was so perfectly named that we decided then and there that this was where we'd be having supper. Here's my review...<br />
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It was 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday night in London. The autumn sun was making itself scarce and the rain had begun to fall. So, naturally the pub was full. After we asked if there was a table available for the four of us, the waitress went around and kindly asked a couple who was already seated (with drinks), to take the last available table for two and leave us the larger table. (Thank you to that couple for making it possible.)<br />
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Inside, the fancy decor wasn't what I expected from a pub, though it was very nice (Victorian style?). Large chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, and richly-framed photos of kings, queens, and famous nobles adorned the walls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJZXWo1RJa0es_OdUKB9Lw_92bNebzwJSwG8yGL_6AS8GzceMEppKPQhLFwPhYKkbpr-xmDEmHMF6aKj-fNR8WR8JDGB15dsfetxCBi5MWpoE7GyazMXBBQKII6CEqT0gjHq-Es6pjaLB/s1600/pubhdq3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJZXWo1RJa0es_OdUKB9Lw_92bNebzwJSwG8yGL_6AS8GzceMEppKPQhLFwPhYKkbpr-xmDEmHMF6aKj-fNR8WR8JDGB15dsfetxCBi5MWpoE7GyazMXBBQKII6CEqT0gjHq-Es6pjaLB/s400/pubhdq3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiz0drly9szqUn0ZAlI94sGY0BbmYHRlqT7dU65hmVhNN9mLEfkTV6VncwgcLpCqHmJVBif9ODc2m2vc-ijHpvP96pCxtsAM-dTY6a24MeCZs_JwNWG7uiSVLGF4R201B8bIXeAtMUo9l/s1600/pubhdq4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiz0drly9szqUn0ZAlI94sGY0BbmYHRlqT7dU65hmVhNN9mLEfkTV6VncwgcLpCqHmJVBif9ODc2m2vc-ijHpvP96pCxtsAM-dTY6a24MeCZs_JwNWG7uiSVLGF4R201B8bIXeAtMUo9l/s320/pubhdq4.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
There seemed to be some kind of misunderstanding between the servers
who would be waiting on us, but the one who'd got us our seat "won the
battle", and continued to serve us.<br />
<br />
The menu emphasized pies, which I took to be a specialty of the house, especially with an item called "house pie" which changes regularly. But there was something for all tastes, and a children's menu as well. (FYI: My 12 year old was very disappointed with his chicken salad, which turned out to be plain chicken served over watery mixed lettuce, but didn't seem to have dressing and had very little flavour.) Overall, the pies were very good, though not so much the chips or mashed potatoes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ktb8-kLjUFV9OpoKekAegdwwqITXQ2s0Mo2HT6knLHE303_hWdp6Lc_rNHc2UgBKGsyX2co9RxHPVmnYHSNMhvoW_npCNYTjv2E1ZLm1YF0ut0iFZf5_JSMG1zZCPLz2mzdaYs3Vfdud/s1600/pubhdqf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ktb8-kLjUFV9OpoKekAegdwwqITXQ2s0Mo2HT6knLHE303_hWdp6Lc_rNHc2UgBKGsyX2co9RxHPVmnYHSNMhvoW_npCNYTjv2E1ZLm1YF0ut0iFZf5_JSMG1zZCPLz2mzdaYs3Vfdud/s400/pubhdqf1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Overall, I give this pub four and a half pints out of six.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7bJHU7Jeug9eZ3yJloVz-etFawrPvIRT1zps2eK6VYYGKkzLGpmq8k02ZKb8yDje2IlNNvXJDvIQCT74EimtVchFhdSGbgRg_UbH3yPMXHfRSBlzIYq70gtyfqQXJggjvlkFAHmdPP4G/s1600/45pints.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7bJHU7Jeug9eZ3yJloVz-etFawrPvIRT1zps2eK6VYYGKkzLGpmq8k02ZKb8yDje2IlNNvXJDvIQCT74EimtVchFhdSGbgRg_UbH3yPMXHfRSBlzIYq70gtyfqQXJggjvlkFAHmdPP4G/s1600/45pints.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Incidentally, this pub is owned by <a href="http://www.fullers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fuller's Brewery</a>.
My husband recommended their London Pride ale which I very much
enjoyed—it has a light but full flavour, and the tang keeps everything
fresh. I bet a cold bottle of this on a hot summer day would be just
perfect.<br />
<br />
If you're in the neighbourhood, and are looking for somewhere to eat, I would certainly suggest the <a href="http://www.hung-drawn-and-quartered.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hung Drawn & Quartered</a> for it's overall charm, service and menu.<br />
<br />
Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-74904299881989383502016-10-18T11:08:00.000+01:002016-11-18T16:11:28.767+00:00UK Non-Emergency NumbersAs discussed in a recent post, the UK has a different number to dial for emergencies and non-emergencies. These numbers may reach the same personnel, but the rules regulating why/how to reach them are quite different.<br />
<br />
Below, you will find important numbers and details you should have handy in case you need to reach local law-enforcement or medical services during a non-emergency.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="subtitle">
101 | Non-Emergency Law-Enforcement</div>
To reach the <b>police</b> only. To report a crime <u>not currently</u> in progress (i.e. stolen property, public vandalism, etc.) or to make a general enquiry, dial 101<sup>1</sup>.<br />
<br />
If you are <b>hearing/speech-impaired</b>, a text phone is available by dialing 18001 101.<br />
<br />
Here is <a href="https://www.police.uk/contact/#alternative-numbers" target="_blank">a list of alternative non-emergency numbers</a> directly from the <i>police.uk</i> website. (For business purposes, direct dial numbers should still be used.) Many police forces also have an online presence. <a href="https://www.police.uk/contact/force-websites/" target="_blank">Find your local law enforcement online</a> for up-to-date information and alternative ways of contacting them.<br />
<br />
Complaints with regards to dogs<sup>2</sup>, fly tipping<sup>3</sup> or vandalism should be directed to <a href="http://www.gov.uk/find-your-local-council" target="_blank">your local council</a>, <u>not</u> the police.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P5_hjtmDG6iKJ-wab8x45jvOEQC52AdbkXAHNHmVcC8XrIlouC3WjND6AK651GAwPTV1ZG8z6UoZv8GCbeYjY7VJTEtlRk4EvAQKUN-GYJV3lWgUkJXvDqR8r1mBgHvGhxg_MRAWmUHu/s1600/101_police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3P5_hjtmDG6iKJ-wab8x45jvOEQC52AdbkXAHNHmVcC8XrIlouC3WjND6AK651GAwPTV1ZG8z6UoZv8GCbeYjY7VJTEtlRk4EvAQKUN-GYJV3lWgUkJXvDqR8r1mBgHvGhxg_MRAWmUHu/s400/101_police.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/westmidlandspolice/6800316262">West Midlands Police</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Some Facts About 101</div>
The 101 service is only available if you are dialing from within England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, regardless of the time of day or how long the call lasts. The 15p charge<sup>4</sup> goes to the telephone providers, not the police or the government.<br />
<br />
The system automatically determines your location to connect you to the local police department covering that area. Wait for the recorded message. <br />
<br />
These calls are answered by officers and staff of the local police force to ensure that qualified personnel with local knowledge are responding to/dealing with the issues appropriately.<br />
<br />
Local police have access to professional interpreters and can arrange to have a translator to assist with your call.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1576910265"></span><span id="goog_1576910266"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgSpfdSyMzWcgGRNL9YBBNL0BxDorNAhxXhHXS5q7allfevZbOm4za83tX9r7eZo09kQhSI5CkSQbDpJQJevU_bQfhtHn350xCzp4fjZvsjOtwV73E4gq0IbzU6XzHSXLnafG-HsBMN6Q/s1600/111nhs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgSpfdSyMzWcgGRNL9YBBNL0BxDorNAhxXhHXS5q7allfevZbOm4za83tX9r7eZo09kQhSI5CkSQbDpJQJevU_bQfhtHn350xCzp4fjZvsjOtwV73E4gq0IbzU6XzHSXLnafG-HsBMN6Q/s400/111nhs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thespeakernews/20154025971" target="_blank">Day Donaldson</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHS_111" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
111 – The Non-Emergency Medical Number</div>
Dial 111 to reach the NHS non-emergency number, for advice on <u>non-life-threatening</u> illnesses and minor injuries. The service is available nationwide 24/7.
Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. (111 replaces the former NHS
Direct service.)<br />
<br />
If you are <b>hearing/speech-impaired</b>, a text phone is available at 18001 111.<br />
<br />
The NHS also has a sign-language service, available online between 8a.m. and midnight. <a href="http://www.interpreternow.co.uk/nhs111/" target="_blank">Visit the NHS BSL service</a>. <br />
<br />
When you call 111, you
speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare
professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your
symptoms and direct you to the best medical care. (This is the same service as <a href="http://sante.gouv.qc.ca/systeme-sante-en-bref/info-sante-8-1-1/">Info-Santé 811</a> in Quebec.)<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Other Useful Links & Important Phone Numbers</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://crimestoppers-uk.org/" target="_blank">Crimestoppers</a> | <nobr>0800 555 111</nobr></li>
<li>National <a href="https://www.mi5.gov.uk/contact-us" target="_blank">Security Service MI5 Anti-terrorist</a> Hotline | <nobr>0800 789 321</nobr></li>
<li><a href="http://www.btp.police.uk/" target="_blank">British Transport Police</a> (railway police) | <nobr>0800 405 040</nobr></li>
<li><a href="https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/" target="_blank">Victim Supportline</a> | <nobr>0808 168 9111</nobr></li>
<li><a href="http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/" target="_blank">Action Fraud</a> | <nobr>0300 123 2040</nobr></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/" target="_blank">NSPCC</a> Helpline (the leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK) | <nobr>0808 800 5000</nobr></li>
</ul>
<a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/emergency-services-uk-dial-999.html">Click here for a complete list of Numbers to dial in case of an emergency in the UK.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sources //<br />
<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/Emergencyandurgentcareservices/Pages/NHS-111.aspx">NHS.uk</a>, <a href="https://www.police.uk/contact">Police.uk</a>, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/topic/health-protection/emergency-response">Gov.uk</a><br />
<br />
Foot Notes //<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<sup>1</sup> The effectiveness of dialing 101 seems to be <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11916888/Dont-bother-calling-101-non-emergency-number-because-lifes-too-short-says-top-policeman.html" target="_blank">contested</a>.<br />
<sup>2</sup> Penalty for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/dog-fouling" target="_blank">dog fouling</a>.<br />
<sup>3</sup> The illegal dumping of any waste onto a site with no licence to accept waste. Penalty for <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-penalties-to-crack-down-on-fly-tipping" target="_blank">fly tipping</a>.<br />
<sup>4</sup> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/call-charges" target="_blank">Call charges</a> for particular phone numbers. <br />
</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-72195379325007139882016-10-14T12:49:00.001+01:002016-11-18T16:09:17.812+00:00Emergency Services UK Dial 999So. You've moved to the U.K., and like me, a few weeks in, you realize you're no longer in 9-1-1 territory. You probably don't have any family or close friends in this new
country, and reaching out to new colleagues or acquaintances might not
be the greatest idea. So, knowing how to quickly and efficiently reach local emergency services is a must in your survival toolkit. Ditto for your children's.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are IN the UK, <b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">in case of an emergency, dial 999</span></u></span></b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are <b><span style="color: #4c1130;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">hearing/speech-impaired dial 18000</span></u></span></b> for a text phone.</div>
<br />
Keep reading for a complete list of the most important <b>nationwide numbers</b> to have at hand. A printer-friendly cheat sheet will be available shortly from the <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/downloads.html" target="">downloads page</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbBx101RvElbY1tTYOhrd26mE-W7i8XiE021t4YL23pKXBar3IKHoW97fRHE3h190qspaCU3U5O5IXueqYiQN5QSTT3zGHuIOEWarquw5yttEZwc7T-iNqfeQzBXa6Er3hxqmTDfdhxIM/s1600/emrgplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbBx101RvElbY1tTYOhrd26mE-W7i8XiE021t4YL23pKXBar3IKHoW97fRHE3h190qspaCU3U5O5IXueqYiQN5QSTT3zGHuIOEWarquw5yttEZwc7T-iNqfeQzBXa6Er3hxqmTDfdhxIM/s320/emrgplan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <a href="http://jphotostyle.com/handwriting/e/emergency-plan.html">JPhotoStyle.com</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
999 | Emergency calls</div>
This number is for emergencies only. Dial 999 when/if:<br />
<ul>
<li>a crime/fire is happening <u>right now</u>;</li>
<li>a suspect involved in a serious crime is nearby;</li>
<li>there is a car accident; </li>
<li>someone is in <u>immediate</u> danger.</li>
</ul>
<br />
If you are <b>hearing/speech-impaired</b>, a text phone is available on 18000.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Some Facts About 999</div>
In the UK, both 999 and 112¹ connect to the same service. There is no priority or charge for either of them.<br />
<br />
999 is accessible via SMS for <a href="http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/" target="_blank">pre-registered</a> users.<br />
<br />
You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone when driving, except to call 999 when it is unsafe or impractical to stop.<br />
<br />
In London, <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/999-service-available-in-150-languages-6951898.html" target="_blank">the 999 service is available in 150 languages</a>.<br />
<br />
In Ireland, the 999/112 service is able to respond in English, Irish, Polish, French, German and Italian.<br />
<br />
Not all emergency authorities have EISEC, a technology allowing for call location data to be electronically transmitted to the relevant ECC. In rare cases the operator still has to state their location and the caller's number verbally, in which case, please be patient and don't speak over the operator.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
How Emergency Calls Go</div>
When you dial 999/112, an operator will answer and ask, "<b>Emergency. Which service?</b>" You should know which service you need ahead of time.<br />
<br />
Throughout the UK, there are four emergency services with 24/7 Emergency Control Centres (ECC):<br />
<ul></ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Police • </b><b><b>Fire Brigade</b> • </b><b><b>Ambulance service</b> • Coastguard</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs_FCFQzUr7aQu4rLwhWBfRMMzc3plne6J6Fdd7aZNahHntHAEYXMUy7jikYdauYVoqHw1Tzy8tdv_g6l2NsImsFCmKSNyqTHca3LAfXuQZa6HV3UYkml2PC1R9HyqNJlJ22HcCDlY4Kh/s1600/emergncy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbs_FCFQzUr7aQu4rLwhWBfRMMzc3plne6J6Fdd7aZNahHntHAEYXMUy7jikYdauYVoqHw1Tzy8tdv_g6l2NsImsFCmKSNyqTHca3LAfXuQZa6HV3UYkml2PC1R9HyqNJlJ22HcCDlY4Kh/s400/emergncy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/conner395/13981580468" target="_blank">Dave Conner</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
In turn, these four have access to Lifeboat service, Mountain
rescue, Cave rescue, Moorland search and rescue, Quicksand search and rescue
(operating in the extensive quicksands of Morecambe Bay), Mine
rescue, and Bomb disposal (provided by the military). <br />
<br />
Emergency operators will connect you to the ECC you require, in the area you are (or appear to be) calling from. <u>If you are unsure which service you need, the operator will route the call to police</u>. If the incident requires more than one service, the service you ask for will alert the other services for you (the operator has to also contact each emergency service individually, regardless of whether you are still on the line).<br />
<br />
For a more in-depth idea of emergency calls, <a href="http://www.nwas.nhs.uk/our-services/calling-999/what-happens-when-you-call-999/#" target="_blank">read more</a> on the NHS's website. <br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Non-Emergency Calls</div>
There are specific numbers to call for non-emergencies (i.e. to report a stolen car, or to request medical advice). As this entry is already very long, I will leave you with the numbers to use in an emergency. For the follow-up post, click on to <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/uk-non-emergency-numbers.html">UK Non Emergency Numbers</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Foot Notes //<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
¹ The European emergency number 112 is also used in the UK. <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/112-united-kingdom" target="_blank">Read more</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-38998400888482957302016-10-10T13:28:00.000+01:002016-10-31T13:35:11.964+00:00U.K. Time Zone GMT/BSTThe last thing on our minds (understandably) when we moved from Montreal to the South Coast of England was time zones. I mean, naturally, we realized we were going five hours "ahead", that we'd be jet-lagged, and all of that. But we didn't think of how the difference in latitude and longitude would affect the length and rhythm of our days.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In my opinion, it's a lot easier travelling east as opposed to west because usually you get a late flight, sleep on the plane, then land at your destination in the morning, local time. (Obviously, that's not a rule, but most people I know have travelled this way.) Which means, you're sort of rested, and if you're active all day, pushing it to eight or nine p.m., you should be fine getting a good enough night's sleep and quickly sliding into the new rhythm of things.<br />
<br />
Our move to the UK happened at the very end of December, when the sun in Southampton sets at just about the same time as it does in Montreal. So there was nothing out of the ordinary for the first weeks as far as circadian rhythms go.<br />
<br />
But as the weeks progressed and the month of May rolled around, my husband and I started really noticing how much brighter it was here in the evenings. Often, I would be late preparing supper and getting the boys to bed because my eyes told me it was about <nobr>8 p.m.</nobr> when it was actually almost 9! By mid-June, I was even waking up earlier due to the sunlight filtering through our bedroom curtains as early as 4:30 in the morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
UK Time Zone Facts</div>
The entire United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) is set in GMT +00:00. However, they only use GMT from October to March. From March to October, they use BST (UTC +1).<br />
<br />
"<u><b>Spring Forward</b></u>"<br />
As a rule, in the UK (and all of Europe since 1996), clocks "spring forward" <u>on the last Sunday in March</u>, at 1 AM. As in Canada, this is so there is less light in the mornings and more light in the evenings.<br />
<br />
This period of the year is known as:<br />
<ul>
<li>British Summer Time (BST) (considered a time zone; UTC +1)</li>
<li>Daylight Saving Time (DST)</li>
<li>British Daylight Time (BDT)</li>
<li>British Daylight Saving Time (BDST)</li>
<li>and it is exactly the same as Western European Summer Time (WEST) </li>
</ul>
<br />
"<b><u>Fall Back</u></b>" <br />
In the fall, the UK (and all of Europe since 1996), turns the clocks back by one hour <u>on the last Sunday in October</u> at 2 AM, thus returning to GMT 00:00. People also sometimes refer to it as Winter Time, and it's exactly the same as Western European Time (WET).<br />
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<div class="subtitle">
What's In It For Me?</div>
Daylight Saving Time in most of Canada and the USA starts on the second Sunday in March, and ends on the first Sunday in November. <b>This means, it's easier to talk to our family and friends back home during the time change, because for two weeks in spring and one week in autumn, there is only a four-hour time difference between us</b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_ui_tk4QNQhq_bl84GwMzQotzQj3T3WDNvqtCE_lgcuweiFr4wQryN7m8yn_lcJxrweb4aR6nXiiB949ZBnKkF-2xlyb6ih7fo_GZQ-2X12Yd7BMGOm6vqfkZdowqPyXR46Uf5bQFhIk/s1600/timechange.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_ui_tk4QNQhq_bl84GwMzQotzQj3T3WDNvqtCE_lgcuweiFr4wQryN7m8yn_lcJxrweb4aR6nXiiB949ZBnKkF-2xlyb6ih7fo_GZQ-2X12Yd7BMGOm6vqfkZdowqPyXR46Uf5bQFhIk/s400/timechange.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next 5 years' worth of Daylight Savings dates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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On a cold March morning in Quebec, when the snow still covers the ground and temperatures hover just below freezing, seeing the sun rise around 6:30 a.m. reminded me that sunny days were on their way. Just as we were getting used to that welcome early-morning light, we had to advance the time and suddenly it was dark again when my son left the house for school.<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, once we'd moved to England, I didn't even notice that we'd set the time forward: it was bright out before BST, and it was still bright once we set the clocks ahead. However, as I mentioned before, the days were so long, it really messed up my internal clock.<br />
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You know how, when your kids are in school, the month of May and June tend to be a struggle at bedtimes? It's just so bright out, no one wants to be in bed at 8 o'clock. Well here, school finishes in July, and the June sun sets just before 9:30. At 10PM, it's still "bright-ish" outside. We still haven't gotten over it. Even if it plays with routine and bedtime, it's nice to be out walking the dogs and still see that bright sky.<br />
<br />
Now, as we approach the winter season, my husband and I have also noticed how quickly the light fades from the sky. Naturally, the sun is setting earlier and earlier, but in my mind it seems drastic compared to the more gradual shift in Montreal. <br />
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<div class="subtitle">
Summer and Winter Solstice</div>
On the longest day of the year, Montreal (QC) observes approximately 15 hours and 41 minutes of sunlight, whereas Southampton (Hampshire) observes 16 hours and 50 minutes of sunlight. That's over an hour more!<br />
<br />
But then, on the shortest day of the year, Montreal will have 8 hours and 42 minutes of sunlight, when Southampton will only have 7 hours and 50 minutes, which is almost an hour less.<br />
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If you'd like to know more, visit <a href="https://www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change" target="_blank">the official UK clock</a>. Compare <a href="http://www.sunrisesunset.com/" target="_blank">sunrise and sunset</a> calendars or <a href="http://www.drikpanchang.com/seasons/season-summer-solstice-timings.html" target="_blank">Summer</a> and <a href="http://www.drikpanchang.com/seasons/season-winter-solstice-timings.html" target="_blank">Winter</a> Solstices around the globe. If you plan on doing a lot of travelling in Europe, check out <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/time/europe/general-information.html" target="_blank">Europe's Time Zones</a>.<br />
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<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-11352674138282877742016-10-05T12:33:00.000+01:002016-10-06T16:56:22.487+01:00Pub Review: The Barleycorn InnWell worth the detour if you want delicious food, great service, and a pleasant atmosphere! On <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/elis-pint-points-system.html">Eli's Pint Points system</a>, this pub gets Six Pints. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>From the street, this pub is a flat, white facade of a building with a long parking lot to its side. It is so close to the curb, you almost wonder how anyone can exit from the front safely. Had I gone by appearances only, I might have chosen any number of other pubs in the small town of <a href="http://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/places-to-visit/bishops-waltham-p195881" target="_blank">Bishop's Waltham</a> rather than this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXZn-7mojjx7it_odweuYj-JEVwtWlge1IVhCJwJK1pYFuhfaQB8aFsoiGbjbRFB6h5LvRDdipNrIz3Uh5_fvnUvyvxE5c-2dl41EdtRQSgRd71ezO8iR5tfSpY6Yh68F6PncqDE7H0tM/s1600/brlycorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXZn-7mojjx7it_odweuYj-JEVwtWlge1IVhCJwJK1pYFuhfaQB8aFsoiGbjbRFB6h5LvRDdipNrIz3Uh5_fvnUvyvxE5c-2dl41EdtRQSgRd71ezO8iR5tfSpY6Yh68F6PncqDE7H0tM/s320/brlycorn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But boy would I have missed out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thebarleycorninn.com/" target="_blank">The Barleycorn Inn</a> is anything but plain. The service was dynamic and efficient, and the staff very friendly and welcoming. There's a very large rear garden with different seating options such as bistro tables on the covered patio, round tables with parasols on an elevated patio, then a few steps up from there and you can eat at picnic tables in the grass. At the back of the garden, there's even a large play area for the kids. Dogs are welcome on leads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtkGNUaP_RRGKgm-oY5NNBlN7bkNDIcIJAobJ6gHECWUFXSqIixY7BuhyphenhyphenaecXbr4MG2M77QhsaITcc8bPLR0atNIVhyphenhyphenVqzkS5m9KGMP6A4pWljKPhuFpVTN8EKMQORGAE4lefMlqXDn0H/s1600/brlycorn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtkGNUaP_RRGKgm-oY5NNBlN7bkNDIcIJAobJ6gHECWUFXSqIixY7BuhyphenhyphenaecXbr4MG2M77QhsaITcc8bPLR0atNIVhyphenhyphenVqzkS5m9KGMP6A4pWljKPhuFpVTN8EKMQORGAE4lefMlqXDn0H/s320/brlycorn3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inside, the atmosphere is typical British pub, with wooden benches covered in cushions, mismatched chairs and worn wooden surfaces smoothed by decades' worth of happy patrons. <br />
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We went on a Sunday afternoon, around 1:30pm, and due to the lovely weather, we chose to eat outside on one of the grassy area's picnic tables. Since it was Sunday, the menu was a variety of roasts and a few other options. My husband ordered the roast gammon, my youngest ordered the roast chicken, and I ordered the nut roast with vegetarian gravy. Our eldest chose the chicken and leak pie since he's not a big fan of roasts.<br />
<br />
The food arrived in a timely manner, on all different plates (something I love about pubs a lot of the times). It was absolutely delicious. Everything was delicious. The potatoes were crisp on the outside yet soft on the inside and had this mustard-seed coating (not a sauce, and not on all the potatoes) that gave so much flavour! The edges of the nut roast were a bit dry, but I like that texture, and with the gravy poured over it, it was just right. Each roast plate came with a square of stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding. Even our eldest—the typical pizza-hamburger-teenager—repeated several times how good the pie was. For me, the nicest surprise was the vegetables arriving in one big terrine set in the centre of the table.<br />
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Dogs are welcome inside at the public bar area, as well as out in the garden. "Doggy bags" supplied. While we were inside ordering, I also noticed a small shelf with half a dozen rolled blankets, something some pubs offer guests who chose to sit outside in colder weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaKxYtgFL_UUz32nlVqWBjTTCVY-3xrZwBJcisfcrwa21WX0TFmh9YlkYkaAaCZvOUqI0r7Udv2TGO6lx1E-JXzf1eC_xuBtQNjYHloYemdXqOsuJc_zSdSW-KaGIOZg8jMjGs8S6xb4N/s1600/6pints.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaKxYtgFL_UUz32nlVqWBjTTCVY-3xrZwBJcisfcrwa21WX0TFmh9YlkYkaAaCZvOUqI0r7Udv2TGO6lx1E-JXzf1eC_xuBtQNjYHloYemdXqOsuJc_zSdSW-KaGIOZg8jMjGs8S6xb4N/s1600/6pints.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pub is definitely worth Six Pints.</td></tr>
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We made an afternoon of it by visiting <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bishops-waltham-palace/" target="_blank">The Bishop's Waltham Palace</a>, a free site within the English Heritage network, with parking, literally a five-minute walk.<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Barleycorn+Inn,+Basingwell+Street+Lower,+Bishop's+Waltham,+Southampton+SO32+1AJ,+UK/Bishop's+Waltham,+Southampton+SO32+1DH,+UK/@50.9534284,-1.2150746,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x48746c77f0b71901:0xa5815cd9d499b2cc!2m2!1d-1.211765!2d50.9535597!1m5!1m1!1s0x48746c70ba7b19f3:0xb77d1892ab85bc9b!2m2!1d-1.2161902!2d50.9537064" target="_blank">Check the map for directions.</a><br />
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-37524752558876133242016-09-29T09:31:00.001+01:002016-10-06T16:57:04.207+01:00Site Updates and MaintenanceHello fellow readers!<br />
<br />
I just wanted to apologize for the funky look of the site for the next week or so. I'm trying to make it more functional whilst still keeping the content available!<br />
<br />
Thank you for your understanding.<br />
<br />
By the way, if you have any input with regards to content or functionality, let me know and I'll try to work it into the design.<br />
<br />
P.S. The Read More link leads to the individual updates/changes I've made. <br />
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Update 9/29/2016</div>
Added a drop-down monthly archive menu to the sidebar.<br />
Added top menu navigation; organized links to big categories. (Need to play with design and code of this feature, but it's mostly functional—it takes a couple of clicks before the link takes you to the corresponding page.)<br />
Created dedicated page (<a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/archives.html" target="_blank">List of All Posts</a>) to list all posts by title/date under Article Archive in top menu. (Need to play with design of this page still, but it's functional.)<br />
Removed background image.<br />
Changed text and title styles for homogenous look .<br />
Inserted the "Read more" function to shorten the main page.<br />
Added "Related Posts" feature to individual posts.<br />
Created a <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/downloads.html" target="_blank">Downloads</a> page for easy access to printer-friendly PDF "cheat sheets", under Resources in top menu.<br />
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<div class="subtitle">
Update 9/30/2016</div>
Removed "<a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/links.html" target="_blank">Other Expats</a>" link from sidebar and made designated page for off-site links to other blogs and websites.<br />
Published "<a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-this-blog.html" target="_blank">About This Blog</a>" page, under "About" in top menu.<br />
Added a link to "About This Blog" in sidebar, to the about page.<br />
Cleaned up the site header.<br />
Removed disclaimer in footer. (Disclaimer can now be found on About This Blog.)<br />
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<div class="subtitle">
Update 10/3/2016</div>
Added Random Posts to sidebar.<br />
Updated several older posts with original images. <br />
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<div class="subtitle">
Update 10/5/2013</div>
Created Eli's Pint Points system and <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/elis-pint-points-system.html">explanatory page</a> to Resources.<br />
Created <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html">Important Links</a> page, listed under Resources.<br />
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-20026065729977767672016-09-28T14:15:00.001+01:002016-10-06T16:57:15.737+01:00The Kitchen Helper Cheat SheetsSupper is hectic in every household—especially for young families—with busy schedules, shift work, overtime, missed trains, kids, team practice, etc. If you're like me, you don't always have time to get on your phone or tablet, or run to the computer to check recipe conversions or ingredient substitutes. For this reason, I've put together a Kitchen Helper Cheat Sheet for those of you who are Canadian expats in the UK, like myself.<br />
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For the past week, I've done a lot of research and worked really hard to pull this set of "cheat sheets" together. Having been living in England for the past 8½ months, I'm all too aware of the frustration caused by running back and forth to the computer to get gram-to-cup conversions because I cook from a British cookbook, but we still haven't bought a scale!<br />
<br />
On this (hopefully helpful) group of cheat sheets, you will find:<br />
<ol>
<li>Gram-to-cup conversions of common ingredients;</li>
<li>Liquid (and herbs and spices) conversions including common-Imperial-Metric measures;</li>
<li>Oven temperature guide (electric oven in Fahrenheit & Celsius, convection/fan oven, gas oven);</li>
<li>Cake pan sizes in centimetres and inches;</li>
<li>A glossary of British cookery terms "translated" to "Canadian".</li>
</ol>
<br />
Since I've covered all the bases (I think) with weights and measures converted from the common US cup to both the Imperial and Metric systems, these sheets will likely come in just as handy for any American expats in the same situation. Actually, I suppose anyone at all who uses recipes from the UK will find these pages helpful. These documents will also continue to be useful if/when you return to Canada with your British recipes.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
List of Kitchen-Related Documents</div>
For your convenience, I've made various printer friendly versions in PDF format, depending on what you need, with extra space to write your own notes or scribble terms or conversions that you use a lot.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMaW54OTJWdFpkUG8" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Cheat Sheets</a><br />
Full set of 7 pages.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMQXFNZlRoel9sZ2s" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Cups to Grams Common Ingredients</a><br />
Page 1 only. (Item 1 only.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMYUdSZ3R0QnJWNkE" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Liquids+Herbs</a><br />
Page 2 only. (Item 2 only.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMV0pBUzMxY2ZQMGM" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Measurement Conversion Guide</a><br />
Pages 1 & 2. (Items 1 and 2.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMS0lHX09lUU9rNEU" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Oven Guide</a><br />
Page 3 only. (Items 3 and 4.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMMm45NWlEeWh5WFE" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Cheat Sheets ABR</a><br />
Everything except the glossary; 3 pages.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzFkb8owiKdMODFTcjhCRE45Zlk" target="_blank">The Kitchen Helper Glossary</a><br />
Only the glossary; 4 pages.</blockquote>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
°°°</div>
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Sources</div>
If you still need help finding what you need, here are the best links I've found to help you in the kitchen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.onlineconversion.com/weight_volume_cooking.htm" target="_blank">Online Conversion's Ingredient List</a>. You can find the ingredient of your choice and then choose from what measure to what measure you need it converted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/conversion-guides" target="_blank">BBC's Good Food Conversion Guide</a>
There is a sugar temperature guide on BBC's page, as well as both a
Volume and Weight converter for Imperial to Metric at the bottom of the
page.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/how-to/44/cooking-conversions.aspx" target="_blank">All Recipes Dot Com Cooking Conversions</a> With extra measures for porridge and dry ingredients by weight (Imperial ounces).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jsward.com/cooking/conversion.shtml" target="_blank">John Ward's Metric Kitchen</a> This site also gives you length conversions if you need to know how thick to slice your carrots, or what size to cube your <i>aubergine</i>. There are also recipes to practice with.<br />
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-45040685004380217382016-09-22T13:33:00.001+01:002016-10-06T16:57:26.710+01:00Internet HookupFor anyone from Canada or the USA (excluding those who live in remote areas, maybe), getting an internet connection is a simple process that usually takes about two hours from start to finish. But when you move to the UK, trust me when I say it can get very frustrating, so be prepared.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/power%20adapter" target="_blank">an earlier post</a>
I mentioned how getting an internet hookup is a long, painful process,
except I didn't get into the details because I was talking about
electricity.<br />
<br />
In Quebec for example, the process would go something like this:<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Call Company </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">» Provide Details </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">» Make Payment </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">» Remote Hookup </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">» Ta-daaa!</span> Sometimes, the provider doesn't have a link established to your house already, so they might need to send someone out, so let's say in that case it can take up to 48 hours.<br />
<br />
By early December 2015, we had finalized the paperwork for our rental in England and obviously knew we would need an internet connection as soon as possible. So I went to my network of Canadians in the UK and asked about internet companies, stating my purpose of getting hooked up as soon as we moved in.<br />
<br />
And then, everyone laughed.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Who are the major broadband providers in the UK?</div>
First things first. The major companies offering broadband (and other communications services i.e. television) are BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and Plusnet (<a href="https://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/providers" target="_blank">here's a comprehensive list of all providers</a>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1jMVR2trmzpBEI81B5U0BsiHIoVsKKLbwMF0jBjUY10U9563HqZLrZCDBIz_M5lNJOqALMRKbgcKx4Ywb_c5PIe4v_MgoI5S8BeKXLftMgy6Jm7-ANhi7Y2eTB47GnfZinFfbKZ-kU0X/s1600/brdband.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1jMVR2trmzpBEI81B5U0BsiHIoVsKKLbwMF0jBjUY10U9563HqZLrZCDBIz_M5lNJOqALMRKbgcKx4Ywb_c5PIe4v_MgoI5S8BeKXLftMgy6Jm7-ANhi7Y2eTB47GnfZinFfbKZ-kU0X/s320/brdband.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which to choose?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
People have strong opinions on each provider—as we tend to have when it comes to our media services. The main comments I got from people in my network went something like this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>HAHAHA <img src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v5/ud0/1/16/1f602.png" />😂<img src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v5/ud0/1/16/1f602.png" />😂 right!? It took us over a month to get hooked up when we moved.</i>" </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And: </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>I had loads of probs with BT.</i>" </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That about sums it up.</blockquote>
Naturally, I was unconvinced, certain that if I organized things properly, we could get our internet connection in a couple of days, despite it being the Christmas holidays. Ignorance is bliss, they say?<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Next, researching the most active provider in our soon-to-be-neighbourhood.</div>
Considering I come from a province struggling to offer a competitive telecom market, having all these options made my head hurt. I discovered <a href="https://www.streetcheck.co.uk/" target="_blank">this website</a>, with a wealth of postcode-specific statistics. You enter a valid UK postcode and you are instantly granted demographic information, housing prices, crime rates, etc. for that area, as well as who the main broadband suppliers are.<br />
<br />
If you haven't already bought or rented a place, but you're looking for a city or county to settle in, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_postcode_districts_in_the_United_Kingdom" target="_blank">Wikipedia has a very thorough list on postcodes by district</a>. Just find the name of the city(ies) you're looking at, copy the postcodes, and you suddenly have a great way to measure the pros and cons.<br />
<br />
So. I had a postcode. I chose the top two contenders for our area. Then I called them to open our account and get things rolling. Can't be that complicated—get all the details taken care of, then once you land, turn the switch on. Mhm, yeah. No.<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Patience, grasshopper.</div>
Turns out you need to have an active bank account <i>in</i> the UK even just to open the telecom account. They won't take credit cards. They don't accept your Canadian HSBC bank account, even if you're linking it to the UK one. Even if you mention your complicated international-move situation. Basically, I couldn't even get the set up done with details like name, UK address, etc.<br />
<br />
So. To open an account with a telecom company, here's what you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>a UK address (to obtain this, you will need proof of employment and immigration paperwork, among other things)</li>
<li>an active bank account in the UK (for which you need <i>all</i> your paperwork, your residence permit, and a UK address, among other things)</li>
</ul>
<br />
You have all this ready now, so you call the broadband company back. You open your account. You set up your details. You chose your packages. Yes, the house is hooked up to their service... <i>But</i>...<br />
<br />
But they need to mail you the modem. Yes, you read that correctly. They must send you a modem even if your house is linked to their service. How long will that take? About fourteen days.<br />
<br />
For the next 10 days, you mooch off Costa's free WiFi to get your email, whilst drinking countless cups of coffee and discovering the British Toastie. In the evening, you mooch off Beefeater's WiFi to FaceTime with family back home, because anyway, after all the coffee you drank at Costa's there's no way you can fall asleep. You go to the shops and mooch <i>their</i> WiFi so you can flip through GumTree ads for a used table and chairs.<br />
<br />
Every single day you pray the modem will arrive early. And on day twelve, here it is! Two whole days early! Suddenly, you're just <i>so happy</i> the last twelve days are instantly forgotten. You read the manual and get it all set up, but in your excitement you don't notice the sticker and leaflet that says the connection date is two days from now.<br />
<br />
Deflated, but not one to give up, you call the company (with your Canadian cell because you don't have a connection yet) and say "Hiya! I got the router! Can you connect it? You know, make it work? Gimme WiFi?"<br />
<br />
The employee is unphased by the hope in your voice. "What is the date on your router?"<br />
<br />
"It's the 14th. But I have the router. It's here. It's all plugged in!" You're still on a high from all that coffee.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry, you'll have to wait until that date. There's nothing I can do."<br />
<br />
How is this possible? Your forehead is against the wall and you're struggling to comprehend.<br />
<br />
Interpreting your silence as acceptance, the employee asks mechanically if there's "anything else I can do for you today?"<br />
<br />
"Seriously. You can't change the start-up date to today? All the physical elements are here, ready. I just need the juice."<br />
<br />
"No, I'm sorry, you'll have to wait until that date. There's nothing I can do."<br />
<br />
You hang up, miserable. You look at the mess of twist-ties and torn plastic wrapping and wires on your living room floor. It looks like Christmas—without the happy ending.<br />
<br />
So to you I say, get organized, choose wisely, and be patient. There is a ton of free WiFi available in the UK. Heck, they even have free WiFi on public transit. Hopefully this post has clarified things and prepared you for what to expect. And hopefully I even made you chuckle a little bit...<br />
<br />
Please feel free to vent below, or to share your experiences with broadband hookup. We could all use a laugh! ;)<br />
<br />
Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-48287688969942503282016-09-16T19:00:00.000+01:002016-10-06T16:57:39.872+01:00Choosing a School in England: Ofsted ReportsSeptember has always meant back to school time for me, a time that, as a student, I would look forward to from the first week of August. Now as a parent, I have come to look forward to September as a nice break from the kids, one where I can fully focus on my writing.<br />
<br />
When we moved to Hampshire at the end of December 2015, my youngest was already registered to start school here right after the holidays, but we had a bit of trouble with the secondary school for my oldest. In another post, I will break down the process that went into registering my boys from back home in Canada, but for now, let me explain something that seems to guide people's choices when choosing a school here, and on which I partly based my own decisions.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs3Ze0JCta8sli7HrI6k04DpzrNA7CrxcmzFgXHRI7e_vHPWjaZh_Gg3gOerq0aMm2q_Dc5olEOFj3_L-cquwpsqVlrALkpn0HbwzjH2K9Wgs_N8zWny2LrpZ6BnSOwHGT2oRCOUfbb62/s1600/ofsted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs3Ze0JCta8sli7HrI6k04DpzrNA7CrxcmzFgXHRI7e_vHPWjaZh_Gg3gOerq0aMm2q_Dc5olEOFj3_L-cquwpsqVlrALkpn0HbwzjH2K9Wgs_N8zWny2LrpZ6BnSOwHGT2oRCOUfbb62/s320/ofsted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
What is Ofsted, and why do I need to know about it?</div>
There's this handy little tool in England called <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted" target="_blank">Ofsted</a>, which stands for <i>Office for Standards in Educ<span class="_Tgc">ation</span></i><span class="_Tgc"><i>, Children's Services and Skills</i>. <b>It </b></span><b>is basically an independent department, that inspects and regulates schools at least once every three years, and that reports directly to Parliament.</b> Become familiar with it <u>before</u> choosing a school, or maybe even before choosing a home. I say this, because Oftsed scores have a big impact on how people choose a school for their kids, some even moving to the catchment area¹ of a higher-scoring school to increase their child's chance of getting in.<br />
<br />
Ofsted judges these elements within each school:<br />
<ul>
<li>Overall effectiveness</li>
<li>Effectiveness of leadership and management</li>
<li>Quality of teaching, learning and assessment</li>
<li>Personal development, behaviour and welfare</li>
<li>Outcomes for children and learners</li>
<li>The effectiveness of early years and sixth form² provision, where applicable</li>
</ul>
<br />
And then rates the school with one of the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Outstanding</li>
<li>Good</li>
<li>Satisfactory</li>
<li>Inadequate</li>
</ol>
From my research and participation in the <a href="http://www.netmums.com/" target="_blank">Netmums</a> forum, I have come to understand that everyone dreams of an "Outstanding" school, and "Good" is also perfectly fine. Satisfactory and Inadequate are to be avoided. You will also find schools that are listed as <b>Academy Status</b>³. Some Academies are considered better than schools rated "Outstanding".<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
This being said, let me share my own view.</div>
Ultimately, I think it ends up coming down to personal choice, but if you plan on staying in England for a long time, and dream of your child getting into Oxford one day, then (rumour has it) choosing a high-scoring school will facilitate that. In our case, the school in our catchment area was listed as "Inadequate" but weeks before we moved their new report came out and they were just points away from "Outstanding". In my opinion, a school that is working so hard to improve is way better than one sitting on its haunches at "Outstanding". So far, I am seriously impressed with the quality of the school my boys are attending.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Find an Ofsted Report </a><br />
<a href="https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/parent-view-results" target="_blank">Learn what parents think of their kids' school</a></blockquote>
For people moving to Scotland, the equivalent is <span class="_Tgc"><a href="http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/inspectionandreview/" target="_blank">Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education</a>; for those going to Wales, look at </span><span class="_Tgc"><a href="https://www.estyn.gov.wales/" target="_blank">Estyn</a>; and
for Northern Ireland, it's the <a href="https://www.etini.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Education and Training Inspectorate</a>. I am not familiar with any of these, but at least I can point you in the right direction.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Footnotes //</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">¹ Catchment area: a dedicated zone or district based on the child's home address.<br />
² Sixth form college is a type of school where young people aged 16-19 study advanced schooling. Need to know more? Check out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_form_college" target="_blank">sixth form college</a> on Wikipedia.</span><br />
³<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="_Tgc"><a href="https://fullfact.org/education/academies-and-maintained-schools-what-do-we-know/" target="_blank">Understanding Academy Status</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=3348&picture=pencil">Elisa Xyz</a> of PublicDomainPictures.net </span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="_Tgc"> </span> </span>Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-30794439225462766592016-09-06T10:52:00.000+01:002016-10-14T15:58:02.412+01:00National Speed Limits—Yes, plural!So, you want to drive in the UK. Patience, grasshopper. There is so much to learn about, for starters, roundabouts! And driving on the opposite side of the road. (<i>Do not</i> make the mistake of saying "the wrong side" of the road, as you will likely not hear the end of it. ;) )<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>One of the most important things to know is what this sign means:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQoA4JyYgWFVtqWWfDClhFK3GDOYMiVjtF6jRmES4TkIRS0ItGS-9UgrHOeRwhdT-5mxbSVIQjoVPUXBdjRxC3kdX8YW7xE09ZZqr7fh96Bu6K3nBbNhMQwPxAL3AEmSVgDCHo4eJgaJK/s1600/natsplmt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQoA4JyYgWFVtqWWfDClhFK3GDOYMiVjtF6jRmES4TkIRS0ItGS-9UgrHOeRwhdT-5mxbSVIQjoVPUXBdjRxC3kdX8YW7xE09ZZqr7fh96Bu6K3nBbNhMQwPxAL3AEmSVgDCHo4eJgaJK/s320/natsplmt.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Speed Limit Sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That is the sign indicating National Speed Limit, in other words, <u>the maximum allowable speed on a given road</u>. But beware! This limit is VARIABLE depending on what kind of road/sector you are in. I've made a pictograph to help you along, based on the current speed limits in the UK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJog2NBBIEzXSWBcEOSJj5laJgiOoOf1EuIdkEVRh6s1S8vdplnCVZv1_9Ulays4WrsG4RJYS37jYmn5GihQLt-EKVvn-mvY56suRaTRbOitiU_rjNQYW0uN3Cp1YLgoEu4BE4JuojUS/s1600/speedlimits.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kJog2NBBIEzXSWBcEOSJj5laJgiOoOf1EuIdkEVRh6s1S8vdplnCVZv1_9Ulays4WrsG4RJYS37jYmn5GihQLt-EKVvn-mvY56suRaTRbOitiU_rjNQYW0uN3Cp1YLgoEu4BE4JuojUS/s320/speedlimits.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>The above pictograph is good for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans and dual-purpose vehicles only.</b></u> If you're towing a trailer or caravan, the limit changes for you. If, like me, you wonder what a car-derived van or a dual-purpose vehicle is, here's the sum-up from the Gov.UK site:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"As a general rule, from the outside, [<b>car-derived vans</b>] will look like the
size of a car, but on the inside the vehicle will look like and function
as a van [..]."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"A <b>dual-purpose vehicle</b> is a vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods [..]." </blockquote>
Naturally, motorhomes, motor caravans, minibuses, buses, coaches, and
goods vehicles all must follow vehicle-specific speed limits, even when a
speed limit sign is in effect. Also, though they are all part of the
United Kingdom, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have
different limits for Goods Vehicles.<br />
<br />
If you're wondering about your vehicle, I would refer you directly to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles" target="_blank">page I got that info from</a>. Also, I highly recommend you get familiar with the "fine print" by reading up on <a href="https://www.gov.uk/speed-limits" target="_blank">speed limits in the UK</a>. If you've got Twitter, follow The Highway Code <a href="https://twitter.com/HighwayCodeGB" target="_blank">@HighwayCodeGB</a>.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, that will be of significant help to you, at least in the beginning. Rules in Canada seem simpler to me since we don't have a "National Speed Limit", and instead rely on the panels along a given street.<br />
<br />
Speed limits aside, I've noticed that people drive very fast here. They come careening down my residential street which is in a curve <i>and</i> a school zone—the school is a five minute walk from my front door—and on the highway, they go even faster. My husband is very careful about not speeding, but he drives at the limit (or maybe up to 5mph over it) and he's been over-taken by an old lady, and by a scooter! Still, he was the unfortunate victim of one of those speed cameras during our first or second month,
despite being super careful, but what can you do.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, the minimum fine for speeding is £100 and 3 points off your license. As it was my husband's first offence, he was offered to either take the penalty or attend a driving course on speed limits. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/speeding-penalties" target="_blank">More on speeding penalties.</a><br />
<br />
If you'd like me to make a printer-friendly version of the basics, post in the comments, and I'll try to squeeze that in to my schedule! :)<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-39776885499632859032016-09-02T13:56:00.000+01:002016-10-10T14:31:36.871+01:00Baking in the UK: SugarAh, sugar, how sweet thy name. And how filled with calories!<br />
<br />
There is currently a trend in the kitchen where sugar is substituted by
various things such as apple sauce, honey, maple syrup or agave to make cooking and
baking healthier. And perhaps a sweetener by any other name would taste as sweet, but I'll leave it up to you to decide.<br />
<br />
In my kitchen, using alternatives often ends up with dessert just sitting there because my sweet-toothed husband doesn't find it sweet enough. Which brings me to my subject today, as a follow up to <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/baking-in-uk-flour.html" target="_blank">my last post about flour here in England</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKwVt9tD3-RbGpKl9W-6DemT3qHakN3Y4RXlMe-uiCyjJqnkmTcqouoSi6fMqUqdMbrQry67wYkfdapNvELau6nfWB404sedclPh9Bq4fj54xwX0krwP8BMECNsrCo4vNT7UtgDV90396/s1600/bakesugr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKwVt9tD3-RbGpKl9W-6DemT3qHakN3Y4RXlMe-uiCyjJqnkmTcqouoSi6fMqUqdMbrQry67wYkfdapNvELau6nfWB404sedclPh9Bq4fj54xwX0krwP8BMECNsrCo4vNT7UtgDV90396/s320/bakesugr.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The entire baking aisle at the grocery stores here had me daunted, not just the flour section. Back home in Montreal, I was used to the usual granulated sugar, brown sugar (light and dark), and icing sugar. Here in southern England, I am faced with:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
White granulated sugar<br />
White caster sugar<br />
Icing sugar<br />
Golden granulated sugar<br />
Golden caster sugar<br />
Demerara cane sugar<br />
Light soft brown sugar<br />
Dark soft brown sugar<br />
Half spoon sugar (sweetener)</blockquote>
<br />
Got all that? And like the bags of flour, they all come in different sizes, probably due to the fact that there is simply no space here to store anything.<br />
<br />
<b>White granulated sugar</b>, <b>icing sugar</b>, and <b>light and dark soft brown sugar</b>, are pretty much what we know. Well, we call soft brown sugar simply brown sugar back home, but when you see it in the bags here, you won't think twice about its use.<br />
<br />
<b>Golden granulated sugar</b>—do not confuse this with brown sugar in British recipes, no matter what you read online! I made a banana bread with brown sugar when the recipe called for golden granulated sugar, and it didn't turn out sweet at all! Golden granulated is in fact "raw", "unrefined" sugar. It has a natural golden colour, and tastes a bit like molasses. (<b>Golden caster sugar</b>, is a finer grind of this type of sugar.)<br />
<br />
Things get a bit trickier when looking at caster sugar, and its golden counterpart. British recipes do call for this particular sugar, so allow me to clarify it for you. In America,<b> caster/castor sugar</b> is apparently known as Superfine sugar (not to be confused with 10x Superfine which refers to icing/powdered sugar). It comes from the same plant and is refined the same way as granulated sugar. The only difference is <u>it has been ground more finely</u> than the granulated kind, making it quicker to melt, and supposedly aiding in achieving a lighter, airier structure. You can make your own caster sugar by throwing granulated sugar into a food processor or coffee grinder. The best substitute for golden caster sugar (in Canada/USA) would be Superfine sugar.<br />
<br />
<b>Demerara cane sugar</b> is a much less refined version of cane sugar, with a pale golden colour, a crunchy, coarser grain than granulated, and a mild caramel flavour. It is often referred to as/confused with Turbinado and Muscovado (which are similar types of sugar), yet from what I can tell, they are just as viable an option, health-wise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcchleLF8e4hfAABaD5AKpx0bzUxyoZIE23d8z4jzpRtsyDiZtiYJgEoLgfv2WYNfAMD_McUH0GTG7a0TYcEb_2GMaSFitQPZ42RfaxiqmhWvC2EHd5uqAimVxexKqcH2KfHcZxIZQ6r/s1600/sugar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggcchleLF8e4hfAABaD5AKpx0bzUxyoZIE23d8z4jzpRtsyDiZtiYJgEoLgfv2WYNfAMD_McUH0GTG7a0TYcEb_2GMaSFitQPZ42RfaxiqmhWvC2EHd5uqAimVxexKqcH2KfHcZxIZQ6r/s320/sugar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of an aisle of sugar at Asda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For your information, though I have not seen <b>half spoon sugar</b> listed as an ingredient in any of my recipes, it is regularly on the shelves here, so allow me to explain... Half spoon sugar is essentially granulated sugar mixed with artificial sweetener (aspartame, acesulfame, etc.) allowing for half the calories with all the taste. When baking, if you're using half spoon sugar, <u>only put in half the required amount</u>. For instance, if your recipe asks for a cup of sugar, use only half a cup of half spoon sugar. One ick with this product (you know, aside from the artificial crap in it), is that your cake may lack a bit of body since sugar adds to the air ratio in your mix, so you might have to add more baking powder.<br />
<br />
With regards to baking and sweeteners, some of you may ask: "What about <b>treacle or black treacle</b>?" Well. Treacle is a golden syrup made during the sugar-refining process. Black treacle is treacle's darker version, and what we call molasses.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nigella.com/ask" target="_blank">Nigella</a> is well-placed to answer questions related to cooking and baking in the UK vs the Americas. Also, if you're an avid baker with plenty of cupboard space and don't mind stocking up on sugar, <a href="https://www.bakingmad.com/faqs/which-sugar-should-i-use/" target="_blank">here is a list of what sugar to use to get specific results</a>.<br />
<br />
For those interested in sugar, here's <a href="http://www.sugar.ca/Nutrition-Information-Service/Consumers/About-Sugar/Types-of-Sugar.aspx" target="_blank">an interesting link</a> from the Canadian Sugar Institute that I found whilst researching the subject.<br />
<br />
One last thing to think on: Go refined or <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/4812446/So-wonderfully-unrefined.html" target="_blank">unrefined</a>? Now that is the question.<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-91341525171074046962016-08-30T15:32:00.002+01:002016-10-10T15:06:36.940+01:00Baking in the UK: FlourDaunting.<br />
<br />
Daunting, daunting, daunting.<br />
<br />
Daunting when you're standing in the baking aisle at Asda with a shrieking kid and a half-empty cart. Daunting when you realize British recipes are in grams and you brought all your measuring cups and spoons. Daunting when you're so happy you <i>actually brought</i> that cookbook from home, only you forgot the measuring cups and realize they are hard to find in the UK.<br />
<br />
Obviously, the internet is your friend in that you can order just about any tools you need—once you actually have an internet connection. Chances are though, you likely won't be baking until you feel comfortable in your new habitat. At least, that's how it is for me: I can't bake, I can't sing, and I can't drink wine until I am feeling mostly like my normal self.<br />
<br />
This said, let me give you a bit of a run-down if you're ready to bake in the UK, or if you've not moved yet and are reading this from Canada in the hopes of packing the right stuff.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>A few words about flour. In England, I have found more flour than I ever thought existed. Plain flour and self-raising flour are the two most commonly used here. But you can also find wholemeal flour, bread flour, seed and grain flour, coconut flour, sponge flour, pasta flour, cake flour, and any variety of these types of flour—such as very strong white bread flour, brown bread flour, organic wholemeal flour, extra fine white flour, etc. You will also find cornflour, which actually isn't <i>flour</i> flour, and should not be confused with what we Canadians call cornmeal (or polenta flour). All these types of flour also often come in so many different sizes, it can be quite a challenge to leave with exactly what you needed.<br />
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Can you see why I said it was daunting? You want to make banana bread because you've got two or three overly ripe bananas—because food seems to spoil faster here—sitting on your mini counter in your new flat (read: taking up space you can't afford to give to said bananas) and you're faced with five shelves filled with bags of flour in a variety of types, sizes, brands, and prices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27rb5M_a9TRjda60fjhgg1bOQX8yKCVMa2qdcc81ztLVZo5hw6-2EqyE_cD9vfYsCFMG01cJFaWoYwRc2QQmyhK8FJHT-woL1_g5f3feP6d9NaauMkIq6DadEydrC0zDLe1-rMdoPYeif/s1600/bakeflr.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27rb5M_a9TRjda60fjhgg1bOQX8yKCVMa2qdcc81ztLVZo5hw6-2EqyE_cD9vfYsCFMG01cJFaWoYwRc2QQmyhK8FJHT-woL1_g5f3feP6d9NaauMkIq6DadEydrC0zDLe1-rMdoPYeif/s320/bakeflr.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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So. <b>Plain flour</b> is what we call all-purpose flour.<br />
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<b>Self-raising flour</b> is generally a low-protein, low-gluten flour that has a raising agent (i.e. baking powder, baking soda, etc.) already mixed in. Due to its low-protein content, this would be the best choice to make cake or something that needs to be light and airy.<br />
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Note: Self-raising flour loses its "raising power" if it's kept too long. It has been suggested that, for people who don't eat eggs, the use of this type of flour does the eggs' work. (If you're back in Canada and trying to make your own self-raising flour, <a href="https://www.nigella.com/ask/self-raising-flour" target="_blank">ask Nigella</a>!)<br />
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<b>Wholemeal flour</b> is what we call whole wheat or wholegrain flour. It is a less-refined flour, made with the entire wheat "berry", including bran and germ, making it more nutritious and higher in fibre than other flours. It is also coarser in texture and has a shorter shelf life. (<b>Seed and grain flour</b> is typically a wholemeal flour with the addition of seeds and rye.)<br />
<br />
<b>Bread flour</b> has a higher protein count than plain/all-purpose, which helps with gluten development and gives more elasticity and density to breads and other types of dough (think pizza!). Generally speaking, you can probably substitute bread flour and plain/all-purpose flour but the texture may be different.<br />
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<b>Cake flour</b> is flour that is ground finer than all-purpose flower and is likely the lowest protein flour available, perfect for baking things that need to be light and fluffy. <b>Sponge flour</b> is cake flour that may be ground even finer and may possibly have an even lower protein count, suggesting it will make the cake even lighter/fluffier.<br />
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Note: If you are trying to replicate cake flour for whatever reason, <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/the-easy-way-to-make-cake-flour-substitute-baking-tips-from-the-kitchn-44521" target="_blank">here's an easy recipe</a>. <br />
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Incidentally, if you want to make polenta, corn flour is <i>called</i> polenta here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AkEacE6WparxetdW-BRq62TORgucHG4XsnzLLYVhFzkpxf26JDatHTBWHxVROOO-W5lnXPrx4iGBGRp_xEG7pPMawMS4q7Q7pPZ95KgVcEkya1vWxgbGrC2JMHmQ0jLJzoO-C1ZU2GlV/s1600/flour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AkEacE6WparxetdW-BRq62TORgucHG4XsnzLLYVhFzkpxf26JDatHTBWHxVROOO-W5lnXPrx4iGBGRp_xEG7pPMawMS4q7Q7pPZ95KgVcEkya1vWxgbGrC2JMHmQ0jLJzoO-C1ZU2GlV/s320/flour2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the shelves dedicated to flour at the local Asda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ofo0xze4YhVoRVLqhl0zs1vclTDSgox6JorzVCnGOCB8sL7GKJAoe06774RSwzFftEIVr6m0oQV9C1oGsfOX6qPJdnesfOE7kFbB5OVlEjXnk0EnAELtkGHYQCBeuRj-o1bmSb1BVqjs/s1600/flour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ofo0xze4YhVoRVLqhl0zs1vclTDSgox6JorzVCnGOCB8sL7GKJAoe06774RSwzFftEIVr6m0oQV9C1oGsfOX6qPJdnesfOE7kFbB5OVlEjXnk0EnAELtkGHYQCBeuRj-o1bmSb1BVqjs/s320/flour3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the shelves dedicated to flour at the local Asda.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A word on other baking ingredients. If you're looking for <b>baking soda</b>, they call it <b>bicarbonate of soda</b>. And <b>cornflour</b> here is actually what we call <b>corn starch</b>, what you would use to thicken gravy.<br />
<br />
Once I'd finally started feeling like my normal self again, and gotten a hold on the baking goods situation, I researched conversions for various measurements (from mass to cups) and found many excellent resources. Because you can't expect 100g of butter to equal the same amount of cups as 100g of flour, right? So <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/the-kitchen-helper-cheat-sheets.html">I made a series of printer-friendly PDFs to help you out in the kitchen</a>. Go ahead and take a look!<br />
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Happy baking!<br />
<br />Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-66318201880270343412016-08-27T17:52:00.000+01:002016-11-02T16:59:57.992+00:00Bring Your Dog to the UK (Part 1)When we finally decided to go through with the move, one of the first questions we were asked was: "What will you do with your dogs?"<br />
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My response? "What will I do with my kids?!"<br />
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In other words, it was not a question. Both our dogs are rescues, and moreover, I would never abandon any pet without a really good reason. They're in my will for Pete's sake!<br />
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But I won't kid you. <u>It's a long and costly process, with many time-sensitive steps</u>, which I will try to cover here to help anyone planning to bring over their dog. <br />
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<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffdecc;">• Last updated: November 2nd, 2016 •</span></div>
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<div class="subtitle">
Is This Guide For You?</div>
This guide is specifically written for YOU to bring YOUR DOG (not new-born puppy) to the UK from QUEBEC, WITHIN 5 DAYS of you moving, to KEEP as a pet. So if you're bringing over a cat or other pet, or if you plan to sell the animal in the UK, or you're bringing it over for someone else, or someone is shipping it to you six or more days before/after you yourself have moved, the following steps may help point you in the right direction, but don't quite cut it.<br />
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In either case, I suggest you use my entry as a guideline but make sure you're speaking to your vet to ensure you've got your specific situation covered.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="note-box">
As of Sept. 1, 2016, changes will be made to the health certificates for pets travelling to the EU (UK). Anything stamped prior to August 31, 2016 (inclusively) will be accepted by the EU until December 31, 2016. These changes are reflected in my guide.</blockquote>
The CFIA has created a <a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/eu-non-commercial-/checklist/eng/1458696196390/1458696197155" target="_blank">helpful checklist</a>
to ensure you're filling out the correct form, as well as helping you
keep track of the documents you will need to keep together. (<i>Wish I'd had one of those last year...</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="subtitle">
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With the Basics</div>
First things first, get onto the government of Canada website for the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), and follow their menu to get to <a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/eu-non-commercial-/eng/1321396665054/1321464473817" target="_blank">Non-commercial Export of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to the European Union</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">¹.</span><br />
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You will want to read over that first page to get a basic idea of the various steps you will need to complete to bring your dog with you.<br />
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As mentioned on the CFIA website, <u>it is strongly recommended to get current info from <a href="https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad" target="_blank">the UK's veterinary authorities</a></u>. Often, local vets don't fill out these forms or complete the necessary tests on a regular enough basis to be up-to-date. (For example, my vet thought we still needed the <a href="http://www.pettravel.com/passports_bloodtitertest.cfm" target="_blank">Titer</a>'s test for the UK, which we did not need. Luckily, I had already done my research and I knew what we needed, so I didn't have the test done. It would have been a costly mistake.)<br />
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<div class="subtitle">
Stay Organized</div>
At this point in time, may I suggest you <b>get yourself a large envelope or portfolio where you can consolidate all official paperwork</b> so it stays organized and doesn't get misplaced. Don't forget, you're moving; things are likely to be accidentally lost or discarded.<br />
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Foot Notes //<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
¹ Seeing as websites change all the time, here's a map of sorts to help you find your way if the above link changes:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><nobr>Canadian Food Inspection Agency ></nobr> <nobr>English ></nobr> <nobr>Animals ></nobr> <nobr>Terrestrial Animals ></nobr> <nobr>Exports (or Pet Exports) ></nobr> <nobr>Pets (Dogs, cats and ferrets) ></nobr> <nobr>European Union ></nobr> <nobr>Non-commercial Export of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to the European Union.</nobr>
</span></blockquote>
Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-19852418879308913952016-08-23T14:44:00.002+01:002016-10-06T16:58:57.689+01:00Italian Itinerary (Part Two)As mentioned <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/italian-itinerary-part-one.html">in my last entry</a>, in early August we spent some 15 days in north-east Italy, where my family originates from. If you're planning a trip in that area, or are hesitating about where to go in Italy, you might want to take a peek at our itinerary spread across <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/italian-itinerary-part-one.html">the last post</a> and this one. Due to the fact that we were there to see family, keep in mind the itinerary we spread across fifteen days can actually be done in a week or less, depending on where you're staying and how you're travelling.<br />
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<i>So, where was I..?</i><br />
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<b><u></u></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><u>Longarone, Erto e Casso</u></b><br />
Early one afternoon, we drove to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longarone" target="_blank">Longarone</a> (in the adjoining region of Veneto) to see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajont_Dam" target="_blank">Vajont Dam</a> which is over 860 meters high, and is unfortunately known for the tragedy that occurred in October 1963. We weren't there for the guided tour, though I suspect the view from the dam must be remarkable. There's a small kiosk about 200 yards or so up the hill from the entrance to the dam, where you can pick-up a free flyer in English (there are flyers in a variety of languages) with details and testimonials from those who survived the catastrophe.<br />
<br />
Incidentally, the letter "j" does not exist in the Italian alphabet,
however, they recognize it as being the "long i". It is pronounced as a
"y"—e.g. Vajont sounds like <i>Vayont</i>. For instance, nonna calls my son
Yeremy. <i>Snicker.</i><br />
<br />
From there we drove to the mostly abandoned mountain town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erto_e_Casso" target="_blank">Casso</a>¹—population 35—climbing a steep and narrow winding road with our rental Fiat 500 in first and second gear almost the entire way. For those of you who doubt to ever make the journey, MagicoVeneto, an independant amateur site, <a href="http://www.magicoveneto.it/Friuli/Vajont/Casso-Diga-Vajont-Erto-e-Casso.htm" target="_blank">has posted beautiful photographs of the little town</a>. The homes and buildings in Casso are now mostly used as vacation residences, the village being a mite far to commute every day for work and groceries. But if you're looking for a place to hole-up for a few days, in spectacular surroundings, you might want to consider Casso. (Secretly, I'd want to rent there, and dress up in medieval garb then wander the streets in-character. <i>Wink-wink.</i>)<br />
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<b><u>Poffabro</u></b><br />
On a different day, we walked around <a href="http://italia.indettaglio.it/eng/friuliveneziagiulia/pordenone_frisanco_poffabro.html" target="_blank">Poffabro</a>, another small mountain town in the area, larger than Casso and certainly more inhabited. You arrive at the bottom of the town, where there is a lovely fountain and a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. A seriously fantastic view. The village is quaint, and reminded me a lot of the french provincial town of Bonnieux—it has that old-time European flavour that people love to see in movies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY-IYWzNqa0YaaDPci5s_vDhMipP2vXncIey0XVP7V6nQ85qYuknNlcT3wOO33zdTb6T8QfrLClHdPscm4JqSCQycYOIF9LiPkdFAhmDGaPS1dvzaA4g2bha1nDAvOcvmEELOr3C5F8Qd/s1600/poffabro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY-IYWzNqa0YaaDPci5s_vDhMipP2vXncIey0XVP7V6nQ85qYuknNlcT3wOO33zdTb6T8QfrLClHdPscm4JqSCQycYOIF9LiPkdFAhmDGaPS1dvzaA4g2bha1nDAvOcvmEELOr3C5F8Qd/s320/poffabro.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you haven't decided what time of year to visit, can I suggest Christmas time? Annually since 1997, between mid-December and mid-January, Poffabro residents install Nativity scenes in their windows and storefronts, along the cobbled streets and under canopies, for all to enjoy. The "event" is called <i>Poffabro Presepe Tra I Presepi</i> (or something along those lines, depending where you look), and <a href="http://www.pordenonewithlove.it/evento/Poffabro-presepe-tra-i-presepi-1982" target="_blank">the next one will be held from December 11th, 2016 to January 15th, 2017</a>. (<i>Presepe</i> means crib, and its plural form is <i>presepi</i>, in case you were wondering.)<br />
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Jennifer wrote about it on her blog, you might like to <a href="http://luxeadventuretraveler.com/poffabro-presepi/" target="_blank">check it out</a>.<br />
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<b><u>Piancavallo</u></b><br />
We spent one afternoon in <a href="http://www.turismofvg.it/Locality/Piancavallo" target="_blank">Piancavallo</a>, enjoying the <a href="http://www.cioff.org/events-festival.cfm/en/315/Italy-Festival_Internazionale_del_Folklore_Aviano-Piancavallo_" target="_blank">International Folklore Festival</a> dancers from Mexico, Roumania, and Russia. This little Italian city is mostly known for its winter sports, being nestled right up on the slopes, and home to one of Friuli's indoor skating rinks. (Both our boys laughed about the rubbish bins looking like <a href="http://www.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/dalek/" target="_blank">Dalek</a>. LOL) However, every summer they are host to the Folklore Festival for about 10 days. In my opinion it's well worth the visit, even if you only stay for a few hours. As with everywhere in the region, beautiful mountain vistas abound. From this vantage point, you can get a really close look at <a href="http://www.visitdolomites.com/en/dolomites/veneto" target="_blank">the Dolomites</a>, the pale crag-like mountain range in the Alps. Remember to bring something warm to wear if you visit, as the air can get quite chilly at 1200+ feet above sea level.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6xBMZ8X5-eDVjea8Cu_u1SzeYDiCxuWeWGvRjsOkjufZSTEtvDsLI9F2RBZZ06qlF50hxqBokwnOJtnv3EY50lZj5-Iw8GEJ_0r_J7G5Xepi8Inn6gRwN5OWDtbUYB9PUoRFGMyphDIq/s1600/mexff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6xBMZ8X5-eDVjea8Cu_u1SzeYDiCxuWeWGvRjsOkjufZSTEtvDsLI9F2RBZZ06qlF50hxqBokwnOJtnv3EY50lZj5-Iw8GEJ_0r_J7G5Xepi8Inn6gRwN5OWDtbUYB9PUoRFGMyphDIq/s320/mexff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contagious smiles of Mexico.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><u>Barcis</u></b><br />
One afternoon we went off on our own, drove to <a href="http://www.turismofvg.it/Lakes/Lake-of-Barcis" target="_blank">Barcis</a>, a beautiful little lake town that seems to be the length of one main road. The lake is just gorgeous. People go swimming here, and the view is magnificent, with the mountains rising right out of the water on the opposite bank. Fishing is currently prohibited as they are repopulating the lake. There is <a href="http://www.friulviaggi.it/lang1/tourist-train.html" target="_blank">a little train</a> (looks like a kids' ride) that offers a one-hour ride around the town and somewhat into the mountains for roughly €6 per person.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDACEzhq009ueKLkqomWE2N12LQlZfqlZ5T5MfQt0WvrCoe-J8Q61MXhjvbGgH8tHblQwLaejU35BtnkLVHC1T8cfctU6Sg-k8Th4Yp0uOkNAB9Wtv48wFTkDGInF5Ng9G8JX497PA5SlK/s1600/barcis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDACEzhq009ueKLkqomWE2N12LQlZfqlZ5T5MfQt0WvrCoe-J8Q61MXhjvbGgH8tHblQwLaejU35BtnkLVHC1T8cfctU6Sg-k8Th4Yp0uOkNAB9Wtv48wFTkDGInF5Ng9G8JX497PA5SlK/s320/barcis.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lago di Barcis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Bibione</u></b><br />
Almost everyone has heard of the golden sands of <a href="http://www.lignanosabbiadoro.it/en/beach/" target="_blank">Lignano Sabbiadoro</a> (in the neighbouring region of Veneto). <a href="http://www.bibione.com/en/discover-bibione" target="_blank">Bibione</a> is another busy beach city just south of Lignano—in fact if you walk north-east along the beach in Bibione, go past the lighthouse, and follow the land, you will eventually reach Lignano beach. If you're not staying at one of the hotels, you can rent a beach umbrella (which comes with chairs as well, and free parking) for about €19. We rented an umbrella for half a day (€9), and I liked it because it gave us less to carry, plus the chairs were more comfortable than just laying on the sand. The sand was soft and clean, the water refreshing for August, but you could walk into the ocean quite a ways without the water getting too high. It is very crowded, so my advice would be to either walk east along the boardwalk until you reach a less crowded spot, or go early in the morning to rent an umbrella. You can bring your own umbrella and chairs, but you are only allowed to set them up behind the rentable ones. Or else, you can set yourself up at the water's edge with just a towel.<br />
<br />
<u>Beware:</u> Italian law dictates that you do not buy products or services from unlicensed vendors. You can be fined big time if you get caught. This said, you will see a lot of unauthorized vendors peddling their wares on the beach, whether or not law enforcement is around, so it's on you.<br />
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<b><u>Udine</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.turismofvg.it/Locality/Udine" target="_blank">Udine</a> is an old Venetian-style city with hustle and bustle. It is crowned by <i>Castello di Udine</i> with a courtyard offering remarkable views of the city from all sides. Walking down from the castle, you can watch the copper-covered <i><span title="Men of the Hours">Huomini delle Ore</span></i> come to life every hour as they strike the bell atop the <i><span title="Clock Tower">Torre dell'Orologio</span></i>. There is lots to see and do in Udine, including regular festivals and events, eating and shopping!<br />
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For those who like to learn culture and tradition, here's a little song they used to sing about the castle of Udine. The song linked is sung in <i>Furlan</i> (Friulano), the dialect spoken in Friuli, full lyrics below.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Furlan Version</b></div>
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<i>(Chorus) Oh ce biel cjscjel a Udin/oh ce biele zoventût</i></div>
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<i>Zoventût come a Udin/no l'si cjate in nissun lûc</i></div>
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<i>A bussâ fantatis bielis/no l'è un frêgul di pecjât</i></div>
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<i>Ind'ai bussade une brute/e il plevàn a mi à cridât</i></div>
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<i>Il plevàn mi à dât par penitince/di bussâle ancje doman</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Italian Translation</b></div>
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<i>(Chorus) Oh che bel castello a Udine/oh che bella gioventù</i></div>
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<i>Gioventù come a Udine/non si trova da nessuna parte</i></div>
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<i>A baciare le belle ragazze/non c'è un minimo di peccato</i></div>
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<i>Ne ho baciata una brutta/ed il prete mi ha sgridato</i></div>
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<i>Il prete mi ha ordinato come penitenza/di baciarla anche domani</i></div>
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<b><u>Spilimbergo</u></b><br />
On August 13th, my aunt and uncle suggested we head to <a href="http://www.comune.spilimbergo.pn.it/fu/the-town-of-mosaic/index.html">Spilimbergo</a> as the sun started to set, to take in <i>La Macia</i>, a sort of historical/renaissance re-enactment carried on throughout the city that weekend. Many go dressed in traditional garb. There are food stalls offering things like mead and traditional dishes, and vendors selling hand-made replicas of period jewellery and weapons. You can pay a small price to participate in activities like archery, or spin a friend on the wheel of torture or hit the target to dunk him in a barrel of cold water. There are also fire-eaters and jugglers performing on corners, and drummers walking the cobbled streets. It was fantastic. Definitely a must-see!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFUSxnxTchWTcaCB0Iyznw6C7FM2rLF15B6aXVm-Xrr8Q2cRxQzfRlDCiImw2wXqF0YNxdlLReIaphscVHxSW6pOUPUC0t9iqp7weVktnuMvKKzpp0n_Nm92YtxVUhOiVTfXOS1z300Ac/s1600/spilim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFUSxnxTchWTcaCB0Iyznw6C7FM2rLF15B6aXVm-Xrr8Q2cRxQzfRlDCiImw2wXqF0YNxdlLReIaphscVHxSW6pOUPUC0t9iqp7weVktnuMvKKzpp0n_Nm92YtxVUhOiVTfXOS1z300Ac/s320/spilim.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Spilimbergo is a really beautiful little place. I don't remember it from my last visit in 1992 because I was too young. But if you're in the area, I would suggest you stop here for a few hours and check out what's going on. <u>Wear comfortable shoes!</u> The cobblestone streets really take their toll.<br />
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<b><u>Venice</u></b><br />
We also spent a day in <a href="http://www.venice-tourism.com/en" target="_blank">Venice</a>. Take the bus or train from wherever it is you're staying, because parking is between €24-€30 in the lots outside the famous island city. The tide was high, so other than the occasional smell, the air didn't distract me from all the sights to see. Venice is beautiful, pedestrian, and very, very commercial. Gondola rides are €80 a pop, so we decided to enjoy them from our perch atop several of the little bridges rather than flagging a ride. It was a really hot day, and I liked that several of the shops had stalls out on the pavement, with fountains of cool water dripping over fresh fruit and coconut pieces rather than sweets and <i>gelato</i>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite obviously Venice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since everyone and their mother has heard of Venice and its charms, I'll leave it at that.<br />
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<br />
Up high in the night sky, the darkness above the Alps is probably the best place to <u>view the Perseids in August</u>. Traditionally, the shooting stars on the 10th of August are considered to be the Tears of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_of_Rome">San Lorenzo</a>, who endured a martyr's death on this day.<br />
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<b><u>A Few Other Notes</u></b> <br />
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<u>Groceries and shopping:</u> Grocery stores close at odd hours in little towns like Maniago, so try to keep that in mind if you're staying in an apartment or plan to save some cash by eating in. Shops usually open in the afternoons and grocery stores are usually closed by 8PM. Also, Wednesdays have iffy schedules, and if a cafe has no patrons it is likely to close early.<br />
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<u>About dogs:</u> Dogs are everywhere! And despite laws against it, so is dog poo! Also, dogs tend to be left outside, and may do a lot of barking to accompany the roosters who crow at all hours.<br />
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<u>School holidays:</u> School runs from September to early June, from Monday through Saturday, until 1PM-ish. Keep this in mind when planning your holiday, avoid the rush if you can.<br />
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<u>Law enforcement:</u> There are five types of law enforcement units in Italy, but only three you will most likely see while out and about. Polizia are normally those who give tickets, and Carabinieri are the higher-ups who have the power to make arrests and intervene physically (as well as give tickets). They can often be found standing at the side of the road, waving a white pallet with a red circle at random vehicles. You are meant to pull over and prepare your paperwork in this case. There is also the Guardia di Finanza, who are under federal jurisdiction, dealing in money-related crimes. Here is <a href="http://www.understandingitaly.com/profile-content/italian-police.html">a guide to understanding Italian law enforcement</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy">A Canadian's official guide to Etiquette in Italy</a><br />
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<br />
Seeing all the family like that filled my soul up with something I had been missing these past 8 months, and even though I will miss them, hopefully their energy will sustain me for the <i>next</i> few.<br />
<br />
Looking back at the things we visited and experienced, I feel we've given our children a veritable picnic basket of culture. Here's a quick sum-up:<br />
<ul>
<li>Examined Roman ruins in Aquileia</li>
<li>Visited a renaissance festival in Spilimbergo</li>
<li>Watched dancers at a Folklore Festival in Piancavallo</li>
<li>Admired jellyfish in the bay of the capital city of Trieste</li>
<li>Explored a giant cave over 100 meters underground</li>
<li>Discovered the leftovers of a mostly abandoned city in the mountains</li>
<li>Relaxed at the beach in Bibione</li>
<li>Strolled a WWI cemetery and memorial</li>
<li>Toured the little town where my father was born</li>
<li>Watched shooting stars in the inky sky above the Alps</li>
<li>And ate a whole lot of pizza!
</li>
</ul>
<br />
Footnotes//<br />
¹ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Casso is in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region. The region of Veneto is so close they can be easily confused.</span><br />
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Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-6285410207773480042016-08-18T16:08:00.000+01:002016-10-06T16:59:12.329+01:00Italian Itinerary (Part One)As I sat there looking out the kitchen window at the foothills of the Italian alps, I thought what better subject to write to you about (when I got back) than my most recent holiday. After all, travelling Europe was the motivation behind this whole move to the UK, so, it is pertinent to write about.<br />
<br />
The beginning of this entry was Made in Italy™. ;)<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>For this, our third trip since moving to the UK, we flew to Venice then drove to the eastern edge of the boot, right up into the north where my family originates from. There, nestled in the region of <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/friuli-venezia-giulia" target="_blank">Friuli</a>, on the opposite side of the alps from Austria, is a quaint little city called <a href="http://www.nipmaniago.it/en/the-territory/the-mountain-district/maniago" target="_blank">Maniago</a>. The whole sector is quite spectacular in its small-villages-climbing-the-mountains kind of way, but whenever I mention it, no one really knows what I'm talking about.<br />
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Friuli offers something for everyone, complete with views of cresting peaks of green and tan as far as the eye can see. Exquisite cities like Trieste and Venice¹ can be reached in a reasonable amount of time by car, bus or train, and the golden sands of <a href="http://www.lignanosabbiadoro.it/en/beach/#null" target="_blank">Lignano</a>¹ are but a short hour-and-a-half away.<br />
<br />
Because my family lives in this area, we booked 15 days to ensure plenty of time to visit everyone and still see the sights. Usually, when I plan a holiday, I do a few weeks' worth of research, compiling data from various sources. Then I pull things together in a linear way, so that there's a bit of everything without too much time spent back-tracking. This trip was different, as my dad and nonna would be flying in from Canada, and we haven't seen them since our move in December 2015. Thus, we went with the flow.<br />
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So. What <i>did</i> we do?<br />
<br />
First of all, as we landed in Venice around 10:30PM on Sunday night, my uncle warned me to go through Conegliano and not Portogruaro, as trucks would be on the road <i>en masse</i>. (In Italy, vans and commercial rigs aren't allowed on the roads on Sunday due to all the traffic. So they stop wherever they are at, and resume travel at 10PM Sunday night. <u>Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary. Also plan for tolls if you're driving.</u>)<br />
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<b><u>The little town of Maniago</u></b> is quite lovely, sitting at the foot of the alps, with its red-roofed houses and charming bell towers. There's the Piazza Italia, with its central tiered fountain, where people meet and go about their business. <u>Every Monday morning the market is held here</u>, and locals gather to buy fresh vegetables and local cheese, along with clothes and other items. The piazza is bordered by a variety of small shops selling clothes, knives (the city was once famous for its <span title="factory producing knives and other cutlery"><i>coltelleria</i></span> <a href="http://www.duecignicutlery.it/en/home.html" target="_blank">Due Cigni</a>), cured meats and fresh baked goods. It is also home to Maniago's city hall, a few cafes, a gelateria, and some bars. If you look up towards the mountains, on one side you can see "the four walls" of Castello di Maniago, now nothing but a ruin. Take via Castello out of the piazza all the way to the end and follow the asphalted path up the mountain to view the crumbling stone walls up close, and get a bird's eye view of the gardens below which once belonged to the Counts. At night, the castle is illuminated, nothing extraordinary mind you, but worth a look if you happen to be there. The bell tower in the piazza rings the hour between 7AM and 11PM (or something like that), and can be heard all around the village. On the other side of town, there's a little church with its own bell tower, and a small monument commemorating the local boys who fell in the great wars. Age-old houses mix with new ones—new ones that look age-old and thus fit right in—crawling along the street's edge, with red clay pots bursting with flowers on the window sills and beautiful wooden shutters that dull the sun's intensity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xXHC1gopeKoOnRp7xnWb5-OcOGTbtsSPXy-y92x6jqPeMbouBTj-NtHC7TRob9QAlNp-oUWBfcQCJcXruXGC6uwMeUAaII5wFvVQqvIsPuOBDsQ8tX2yoGoNYlIQYg_Ye6CZ0F8ZZ-0Z/s1600/mania.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xXHC1gopeKoOnRp7xnWb5-OcOGTbtsSPXy-y92x6jqPeMbouBTj-NtHC7TRob9QAlNp-oUWBfcQCJcXruXGC6uwMeUAaII5wFvVQqvIsPuOBDsQ8tX2yoGoNYlIQYg_Ye6CZ0F8ZZ-0Z/s320/mania.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Parrocchia San Mauro Martire, in Maniago.</i></td></tr>
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Long ago, before the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/46%C2%B010'05.8%22N+12%C2%B041'46.3%22E/@46.1682861,12.6939977,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d46.1682861!4d12.6961917" target="_blank">chiesetta Fontanute</a> was built, Maniago's citizens would fill water bottles with the water pouring straight from the mountain. Since then, some have capitalized on water, and locals now pay for their "fresh water" at various depots around the town. However, you can still find the <i>fontanute</i> spewing ice-cold water from a tiny pipe shoved into the mountain side, as it has done for decades. I drank from it, as I did back in 1992, though now <i>they</i> say we shouldn't as the water hasn't been tested. (I wonder who <i>they</i> are.) If you'd like to at least feel it drip on your fingers, click on the link to find the church. When you're there for real, go to the left of the church, towards the mountain, there's a worn little path that will lead you right to it. (Coordinates for your itinerary: 46°10'05.8"N 12°41'46.3"E)<br />
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Now enough with the homeland, what else did we see?<br />
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<u><b>Aquileia</b></u><br />
For those who like Roman history and/or archaeology, you may want to visit for a few hours. <a href="https://followinghadrianphotography.com/2016/05/05/aquileia/" target="_blank">Aquileia</a> was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquileia" target="_blank">originally a Roman city</a>, so there are many ruins to be seen: mosaic floors in pristine condition, the <a href="http://www.basilicadiaquileia.it/index-en.html" target="_blank">Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta</a>, ruins of the <span title="Roman amphitheatre">old Roman port</span>, etc. On a really hot day, across from the basilica, you can drink deliciously cold water from a large faucet set in stone above an overflowing basin. There's also the bell tower you can visit for a small fee (which we skipped). In front of the tower, there's a tall column topped with a wolf, the symbol of Rome. Make sure to stroll through the cemetery behind the church before you go; it's really peaceful, with rows of iron crosses lined by white stone walkways, and a beautiful bronze and marble sculpture depicting an angel raising the fallen soldier to Heaven. If you have time, you may like to visit the city's <a href="http://www.museoarcheologicoaquileia.beniculturali.it/index.php?en/1/home" target="_blank">National Archaeology Museum</a> nestled in an old building with tall pyramids of stone urns displayed within the fenced lawn. The rest of the group didn't care to visit the museum, so we missed it and I can't really say if it's a must-see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC09PwKmLm6U5O6ZxvMplm8gD6VujVg4Zc08ScC0wt1YS2xfoJkWxbdbJdb3gtcM3dB9YWwwklJNb85TQuMwpJGHvNGYgiAo7LrS3qPaEzDCNtp-byUYfYmsQay0MdZTiP4TYRWwT1QWt/s1600/basil_aqui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUC09PwKmLm6U5O6ZxvMplm8gD6VujVg4Zc08ScC0wt1YS2xfoJkWxbdbJdb3gtcM3dB9YWwwklJNb85TQuMwpJGHvNGYgiAo7LrS3qPaEzDCNtp-byUYfYmsQay0MdZTiP4TYRWwT1QWt/s320/basil_aqui.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On our way to Aquileia, we stopped at the <a href="http://www.itinerarigrandeguerra.it/code/33055/Memorial-of-Redipuglia?UrlBack=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5pdGluZXJhcmlncmFuZGVndWVycmEuaXQvUE9JL01hcD9GaWx0ZXI9MjIxNiNGaWx0ZXI9MjIyNSZQYWdlclN0YXJ0SW5kZXg9OA%3D%3D" target="_blank">Sacrario di Redipuglia</a> for my husband (the WWI & II history lover), a cemetery and monument built on either side of a valley created by the <i>autostrada</i>. On one side, the cemetery goes up and up, and you can read eloquent statements regarding the various regimens that served in the war, and their traditions remembered by locals. Across the road, steps leading forever upwards bear the names of soldiers and commanders, in alphabetical order (no rank higher than another), which reminded me of the Canadian War Memorial in Vimy, France.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oyJOV-eNFC6g24FMijwTd1KDd5jqdu0JQNCBhp5gua_CkNUVeywvPr-AIjqsulX2GicPa-6KYzYYHj23Mf1eIfeo-beZ9huBulCrsd_ufV0NNchiLWk8aVnt74U2GU2WXVlNIVKe2c33/s1600/redipug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0oyJOV-eNFC6g24FMijwTd1KDd5jqdu0JQNCBhp5gua_CkNUVeywvPr-AIjqsulX2GicPa-6KYzYYHj23Mf1eIfeo-beZ9huBulCrsd_ufV0NNchiLWk8aVnt74U2GU2WXVlNIVKe2c33/s320/redipug.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Unknown Soldier<br />
What does my name matter? <br />
Shout into the wind: infantryman of Italy!<br />
And I will sleep happily."</td></tr>
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From there, we headed towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmanova" target="_blank">Palmanova</a>, a walled city—that if seen from the sky—is shaped like a star. For history buffs, this city has much to offer. For shopping buffs, it is known for its outlets. ;)<br />
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<b><u>Trieste</u></b><br />
A visit to Friuli is not complete without a stop in <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/friuli-venezia-giulia/trieste" target="_blank">Trieste</a>. This is the capital city of the region, and it was all cleaned up in 2009, in anticipation of Hillary Clinton's presence—or more ironically, her absence, due to a fractured elbow—at the G8 summit in June that year. It is a coastal city, with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Trieste in the Adriatic Sea. In the harbour, we were lucky to see incredible white jellyfish ringed with a delicate purple line pulsing gracefully along. (This species is called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizostoma_pulmo" target="_blank">Rhizostoma Pulmo</a>, or Barrel jellyfish, and is known as a gentle giant as its sting is very weak to humans.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrel Jellyfish</td></tr>
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After seeing the capital's city centre, onward we went to see the <a href="https://www.turismofvg.it/ProxyVFS.axd/null/r41827" target="_blank">castle and cathedral of San Giusto</a>.
The castle offers great panoramic views of the city (and a very nice
breeze on a hot day), with a terrace on the ramparts. The cathedral—not
as cool inside as I would have liked—was small, but pretty, the domed
ceiling of its apse painted with a kind of reflective paint that seemed
to sparkle despite the dimmed lighting within.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV_nWwQO5n_Njfg0U7Kk-1IAJAtMwcHWRPeX9lAusiDVxFboUiTozmrcA-l8gZSY98tKbJWOi5E-LsY4XGRGp60kAWcXf4-B6hbcymxG4UyDcC7bQeGycriXPgg2nckgNCvNJhGLCxwkt/s1600/cast_sangiust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghV_nWwQO5n_Njfg0U7Kk-1IAJAtMwcHWRPeX9lAusiDVxFboUiTozmrcA-l8gZSY98tKbJWOi5E-LsY4XGRGp60kAWcXf4-B6hbcymxG4UyDcC7bQeGycriXPgg2nckgNCvNJhGLCxwkt/s320/cast_sangiust.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Castello San Giusto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Before reaching Trieste, we stopped for a guided tour of the <a href="http://www.grottagigante.it/page/grotta-visit" target="_blank">Grotta Gigante</a>, a cave over 100m below ground. Five hundred steps down, then another 500 back up again. <u>Wear appropriate shoes, bring a warm sweater, and don't touch the stalagmites.</u> The whole tour lasted about an hour, and the belly of the cavern was spectacular to see. Well worth the visit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCAFzfOt6ZGBiA2LBNmd6CuipcZNKDMUcd3O3hy65TQVni6jnEcCwaoiU-214nwc9p1G1PEai_ZhxKa_W8h1Ru6l-2n8M4wQsGqUM6HDUQgUXHsReztFWTGLySffXKpH9vGvET5Z-oLrs/s1600/grotta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCAFzfOt6ZGBiA2LBNmd6CuipcZNKDMUcd3O3hy65TQVni6jnEcCwaoiU-214nwc9p1G1PEai_ZhxKa_W8h1Ru6l-2n8M4wQsGqUM6HDUQgUXHsReztFWTGLySffXKpH9vGvET5Z-oLrs/s320/grotta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Grotta Gigante, about 2/3 of the way down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We finished the day in the very packed area around <a href="http://www.castello-miramare.it/" target="_blank">Castello di Miramare</a> (<i>any <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sissi_(film)" target="_blank">Sissi</a> amateurs?</i>), just walking the grounds and admiring the views as the sun turned the castle's walls a blinding white despite the late hour. A long beach lines the road toward the castle, so if you plan on visiting this particular spot, you might want to head out early (parking is limited) and make a day of it by bringing swim suits and towels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd0MH8rZBVb05xr0OtCIXo7erXPb1__e4ZdM1G_YABpC6YDtSaq6NHRUnItJHDSzjc154JmW5QyT_NpcTzMa7lCljNUgQg3A1YXsor-6S39NUNg1ag5oNgIPa8eAZ3RNud95ywORjVrHo/s1600/miramare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd0MH8rZBVb05xr0OtCIXo7erXPb1__e4ZdM1G_YABpC6YDtSaq6NHRUnItJHDSzjc154JmW5QyT_NpcTzMa7lCljNUgQg3A1YXsor-6S39NUNg1ag5oNgIPa8eAZ3RNud95ywORjVrHo/s320/miramare.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear terrace of Castello di Miramare.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have plenty more to say about the places we saw, but this post has gone on long enough. I will be back early next week with <a href="http://eliintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/italian-itinerary-part-two.html">Part Two of this subject</a>. Once it is complete, hopefully it can be a helpful resource to anyone planning a similar trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
Footnotes//<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">¹ Venice and Lignano are in the Veneto region, and not in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia.</span><br />
<br />
Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-82796318628389024512016-08-11T23:47:00.000+01:002016-10-06T16:59:23.099+01:00What's On TellyOn January 1st, 2016—New Years Day—Ikea delivered our sofa, and the mattress for our double bed. The delivery boys had been out <a href="http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/be+on+the+piss" target="_blank">on the piss</a> the previous night, but there they were, bright and early, with nary a wink, to carry in our heavy furniture cheerful as anything. Thank you boys, that meant a lot to us.<br />
<br />
The arrival of a sofa in our mostly empty house seemed at the time like the most prodigious thing. No more need to lean one twin mattress against the wall whilst the other acted as a seat. No. Now we could sit on our new sofa like civilized people instead of a bunch of squatting hobos, and watch Netflix on the <strike>telly</strike> ZTE.<br />
<br />
Back in Laval we used to have "movie nights" on weekends. We would get take-out or order a nice pizza and watch a movie as a family. The kids loved it, we loved it, and anyway, what other purpose is there to having an enormous flat-screen television in the basement? So, one of the first things we did once the sofa arrived, was have ourselves a traditional movie-night. We got pizza from Asda (because it's really cheap (seriously, three 12-inch pizzas for £7!) and because we were already there), heated it up in our tiny oven (oops, should have used the big oven for it, but I still wasn't used to the two-oven scenario), and watched... wait for it... drum roll...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018ttws/episodes/guide" target="_blank">Sherlock</a>. Season 1, Episode 1.</div>
<br />
We all loved it. My uncle laughed when I told him about it, and asked if we were trying to drown ourselves in English pop culture right off the bat. Anyhow, we went through that series like mice through a chunk of Emmental. The first season was amazing. The second season was good. The third was mostly <i>meh</i>, but I won't get into that since I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone. Watch it anyway, even if I called it <i>meh</i>. BBC is finishing up the fourth season, fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW23CId2sSWV1Km1aTravL5VPxIVS7QfxycZ5ZvDbwh5i8dQ-_7nntNIbD6CuN84U39S07km91YX48t9niwstBy6zV6HOFgi7bz8Sv11an7UN2Z9FlT7R5dZT2tWHhrQNE5Sf5YHETyLgh/s1600/drwho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW23CId2sSWV1Km1aTravL5VPxIVS7QfxycZ5ZvDbwh5i8dQ-_7nntNIbD6CuN84U39S07km91YX48t9niwstBy6zV6HOFgi7bz8Sv11an7UN2Z9FlT7R5dZT2tWHhrQNE5Sf5YHETyLgh/s320/drwho.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Doctor Who tribute. lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Right now we are positively devouring <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006q2x0/episodes/guide" target="_blank">Doctor Who</a>, at the speed of 1-3 episodes per weekend. Because, you know, you watch one episode, and it's so good you watch the next one, but the next one is <i>to be continued</i>—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRIxp-riuWg" target="_blank">WOT?</a> (<i>à la</i> David Tenant)—and you just <i>have</i> to see the follow-up, because, you know, the youngest kid <i>needs</i> closure to be able to sleep (<i>mhm, sure, keep telling yourself that</i>), and the next thing you know it, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkOjAEPBKVI" target="_blank">allons-y</a>!</i> It's entirely out of our hands.<br />
<br />
The oldest is hooked on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mjlxv" target="_blank">Merlin</a>, and hubby and I have just discovered <a href="https://www.starz.com/series/outlander/episodes" target="_blank">Outlander</a> on Prime. I know these are all series available in Canada too, but it's fitting that we're watching them here. It's a wonder you'd think, with all this <i>telly</i>, that we manage to get out to explore our new world at all. However, never you fear... We get out and about plenty! But that's a story for another time.<br />
<br />
Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-57600451150642686752016-08-08T15:57:00.000+01:002016-10-07T09:35:34.726+01:00Things You Might Miss MostEvery couple of years, my cousins from Italy fly to Canada to spend a few weeks with the family. And every time they come, they leave with things like peanut butter, instant hot-chocolate, and graphic t-shirts.<br />
<br />
Naturally, when I was doing my pre-move research, other than the obvious such as clothes and personal items, I wanted advice on which of my favourite—read <i>essential</i>—things are not available in the UK.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Here is a short list of things that are not available here, that you might want to bring with you. If you know of any others, please add them in the comments section, as this could definitely become a reference page!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Tylenol (acetaminophen)</li>
<li>Advil Liquigels (Ibuprofen is available here, but not the Advil brand, and nothing in "liquigel" format that I have found.) </li>
<li>decent deodorant</li>
<li>food & snacks (see below) </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Many Canadians in the UK insist that the meds here are not as strong or don't work as well as the meds from back home. And the last thing you want when you're sick is to be without the medicines that you trust.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cough/cold/flu medications</b> are the most commonly complained about. NyQuil is my brand of choice, so we brought a few bottles with us. However, the UK has its own version called <a href="http://www.dayandnightnurse.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw2ua8BRDeusOkl5qth4QBEiQA8BpQcGuy83HJoII18mHhK-JZsYu0CpQuwOOdutGepkN5OhoaAu1o8P8HAQ" target="_blank">Night Nurse</a>. I haven't tried it yet, so I couldn't say if it works as well or not. <a href="http://www.lemsip.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lemsip</a> is kind of like NeoCitran except not as strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also stocked up on Tylenol, though so far the UK equivalent <a href="https://www.drugs.com/paracetamol.html" target="_blank"><b>paracetamol</b></a> has done the job for our 11 year old's headaches. The only ick with the Tylenol has been knowing whether or not it can be taken with other drugs, because even pharmacists draw a blank when you say acetaminophen.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly, and no one mentioned this to me, and it never turned up in my research, but let me tell you: deodorant in the UK just doesn't work. They mostly sell aerosol cans of spray-on deodorant, but there are sticks as well as roll-ons. Most have aluminum or titanium in them. And I've tried them all, and none of them get me through a 12-hour stretch without reapplying. Highly annoying. Also, for any of you ladies using a deodorant stick on the inside of your thighs (to prevent chafing in a skirt), sadly, so far I haven't found a single stick that does the job.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.boots.com/" target="_blank">Boots</a> is a big pharmaceutical chain across the UK, so maybe taking a few minutes to see what they have and the ingredients involved might help you make a more informed decision. If you're into natural medicines, <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/" target="_blank">Holland & Barrett</a> might be a better resource for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Foods & Snacks:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cheese Whiz • Cheetos • Clamato juice • coffee cream • Coffee Crisp • Goldfish • Kraft Dinner (there's a frozen one but it doesn't really taste the same) • Lipton Noodle Soup (or any reasonable facsimile) • maple syrup • Montreal Steak Spice • Nibs • Old Dutch potato chips • relish • root beer • Ruffles potato chips • saltine crackers • Shake 'n Bake • Twizzlers </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For obvious reasons, the Food & Snack list could go on and on. The items that have made the short list are those most-missed by our fellow Canadians abroad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLezHoLC-UJ6mWICdk9oVMR5t6eNi9m20vaPrtPbWEdpZ6DjZQMK-FoeySPhkTDbf00-wjOaArFRSRw0cZgApBPkoGweFw7Ofkgy3q8CaNd_nWQisUgFQC-umBnQT8MPCyZMDwbHHexD7z/s1600/miss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLezHoLC-UJ6mWICdk9oVMR5t6eNi9m20vaPrtPbWEdpZ6DjZQMK-FoeySPhkTDbf00-wjOaArFRSRw0cZgApBPkoGweFw7Ofkgy3q8CaNd_nWQisUgFQC-umBnQT8MPCyZMDwbHHexD7z/s320/miss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
They have tons of chips (called <i>crisps</i> here), so that's not really an issue. "Savoury crackers" can do the trick if you're having a cracker-craving, although nothing beats a good saltine, and I <i>have</i> seen Ritz Crackers in some stores. There are all kinds of chewy candies to replace your Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers, Maoam and Strawberry Shoelaces for instance. Burton's Daily Fish'n'Chips are on my next-to-try¹ list, because I've been craving Goldfish like a mad-woman. Only the ones I've seen so far are salt and vinegar flavoured, so I'm holding out for the red or brown sauce ones.<br />
<br />
In
my opinion, foregoing my favourite snacks and eating the things that
are available here is part of the experience. But I won't deny my
terrible longing for a saucy-cheesy-all-dressed pizza, or a perfectly
brewed Timmies double-double. Also, our move here is temporary. The
yearning is still there, but it's tempered by the knowledge that I will
have those things again one day, and frees me to enjoy the special things
here that I will miss when we return to Canada.<br />
<br />
Plus, the allure of visiting the UK might draw family and friends to your door. Family and friends with suitcases filled with your favourite treats and pain relief!<br />
<br />
More grocery-related posts forthcoming.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMQ5hEQW-pA545Shg4egoA5bgmASjAz3rmpeowg7PLSFnaEomnDr4sgGX8iVtzn_8PB5JUSQPHBwwN1Ze6LGwb9QOSHNp_2rtuTWKAqSK00wMWMi41FChGWNao89ytvfREGNERQT7XZZe/s1600/cntlvwo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMQ5hEQW-pA545Shg4egoA5bgmASjAz3rmpeowg7PLSFnaEomnDr4sgGX8iVtzn_8PB5JUSQPHBwwN1Ze6LGwb9QOSHNp_2rtuTWKAqSK00wMWMi41FChGWNao89ytvfREGNERQT7XZZe/s320/cntlvwo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you living in the UK and perhaps missing something that isn't listed here?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or maybe you plan to move and already know what you'll be carrying over in bulk...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leave a comment, it might help out a fellow Canuck!</div>
<br />
[¹Edit: As of October 2016, I have tried both the brown and red sauce
Daily Fish'n'Chips, and wow, they absolutely cannot replace Goldfish
crackers, despite their fishy shape. Firstly, they aren't crunchy and
dry, they are more like Ritz-textured. The red sauce ones taste like a
poor man's version of ketchup chips. The brown sauce tastes a bit like
gravy, but bland.] Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4091005351088885772.post-59510929004302040612016-08-04T10:59:00.000+01:002016-09-29T15:28:10.826+01:00Riding a Bicycle in the UKSo you want to ride your bike in the UK. Smart idea. It's good for your health, good for the environment, and in certain really busy cities, it'll save you a bundle in parking and fuel, not to mention a tax exemption. A lot of people ride their bikes here, despite the rain and the damp, and the roads that go up and down. Here are the principle rules to follow for cyclists in the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The information in the following post is based on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code" target="_blank">Highway Code</a> for England, Wales and Scotland. (The Highway Code in its entirety is probably a must-read if you have the time. But I will be covering more of it at a later date.) For detailed instructions on how to use the road (whether on your bike or in a car), read <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203" target="_blank">Using the road</a>. Furthermore, the government has created a <a href="http://www.cycletraining.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cycle Training</a> program, where you can learn first-hand about all the rules, as well as riding techniques and safety measures.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that a road is also called a carriageway, and a sidewalk is referred to as a pavement in British English. A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_carriageway" target="_blank">dual carriageway</a> is a type of highway; bikes are allowed on these, though to me it seems a bit suicidal.<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Shoulds:</u></b><br />
<br />
1) Wear appropriate clothing.<br />
<ul>
<li>Helmet. If you're out in the dark, red/white reflectors on the back/front make you visible from a different point of view.</li>
<li>Clothes that won't get tangled in the chains and other parts of the bike—think socks over pant legs, visible colours, no long necklaces, etc.</li>
<li>A reflective vest or band over your clothes. (So many people do this in the UK that you won't feel embarrassed to do it too!) You can pick one up at Halfords (pronounce the L), a reasonably priced store for car and bike parts and services.</li>
</ul>
<br />
2) Use designated zones when available. <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cycle-route.com/" target="_blank">Cycle routes</a>. <i>Actual</i> bike paths found all over the country.</li>
<li>Toucan crossings. This is a wide area of the street, painted a dark-greenish colour, with a dotted line along two sides. Press button, wait for light, ride across. You can cross at <a href="http://www.2pass.co.uk/crossing.htm#.V5iOgjX_ZDo" target="_blank">other crossings</a>, but walking your bike, not riding it.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203#rule178" target="_blank">Advanced stop lines and cycle boxes.</a> These are designated areas on certain streets allowing you to ride between the sidewalk and cars on your own "marked road", and to wait, stopped, ahead of traffic at intersections until the green light says go.</li>
<li>Cycle tracks. These are marked zones, usually away from the actual road, usually shared with pedestrians. There are two types of cycle tracks: segregated and unsegregated. The segregated one will show you which side of the track to use, with pedestrians using the other side. This doesn't grant "right-of-way", so always use caution.</li>
<li>Cycle lanes. A cycle lane is a designated area along the road, marked with a solid or dotted white line.</li>
</ul>
<br />
3) Other things you should do.<br />
<ul>
<li>Never ride more than two abreast, and single-file only in a bend.</li>
<li>Use <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/signals-to-other-road-users" target="_blank">hand signals</a>.</li>
<li>Install a bell on your bike. </li>
<li>Be cautious and considerate of others on the road.</li>
<li>As a cyclist, you are allowed to use most bus lanes. But don't pass between the curb and the stopped bus.</li>
<li>Install white front reflectors and spoke
reflectors. (Also see "The Musts" below.)</li>
<li>For cyclists riding in areas without
street lighting, the use of a steady front lamp is recommended. (Also see "The Musts" below.)</li>
<li>When in a <b>roundabout</b>, it's safest to walk it. Car accidents in roundabouts are common, so imagine bringing your bike in there. If you plan to ride around, read <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203#roundabouts-184-to-190" target="_blank">Using the road</a>.</li>
<li>Dismount before crossing a train or tram track when advised by a "cyclists dismount" sign. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><u>The Musts:</u></b><br />
<br />
1) Be visible at night (or in the dark): <br />
<ul>
<li>Lights: Your bike <u>must</u> have white front and red rear lights that you turn on and <u>that stay on</u>. Not blinking ones or regular reflectors, though they are also a good way of staying visible.</li>
<li>Reflectors: Your bike <u>must</u> also have a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.</li>
</ul>
<br />
2) Other things you <b><u>must</u></b> do.<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't ride on the sidewalk.</li>
<li>One person on a one-person bike, two people on a two-person bike, etc. In other words, no passengers.</li>
<li>No holding on to moving vehicles.</li>
<li>Obey all traffic signs and lights.</li>
<li>Do not cross the stop line when the light is red. Use <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/using-the-road-159-to-203#rule178" target="_blank">advanced stop lines and cycle boxes</a> when available.</li>
<li>Make sure your brakes work. </li>
<li>Cycle-only crossings. You can ride across these junctions, but wait for the green cycle symbol.</li>
</ul>
<br />
With regards to The Musts listed above, those points are clearly indicated in the Highway Code. They are part of the law, but you will see people doing them, as people do all over the world. Just be aware that you can be caught and fined for breaking the rules. <br />
<br />
If you're really into riding your bike, and are looking for a way to meet new people, you can try <a href="https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/rec-Social-Cycling-Groups-0" target="_blank">British Cycling</a> or <a href="http://www.cyclinguk.org/project/community-cycle-clubs" target="_blank">Cycling UK</a>. Or, as with any other hobby you'd like to get involved in, you can always look into <a href="http://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank">Meetups</a>.<br />
<br />
Have fun, and please stay safe!Elisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02385479885032986970noreply@blogger.com0