Where's Wigan?

God's Plans

2010-05-30T18:43:00.002+01:00

Long time no write; hope to return here more often. We returned last month from a wonderful holiday in Florida with my family, where we were caught up in the first of what may turn out to be a number of grounded flights due to volcanic ash activity. In our case, the trip back home was postponed a week, and ended up being a fantastic way to extend the holiday with relatively little consequence. Nevertheless, the idea that something or someone had intervened to prevent us from completing our holiday and return back to where we were expected to be, was disconcerting to say the least. And for others there were more than inconveniences from their flight delays. Yet sometimes, and one of the things I've learned in these last few years since moving over here is that life's routine and your own daily expectations get upset - so you have to work with what you've got and make it the best situation you can. You give up your job, home, leave friends and family - and you sort it all out. It's like what John Lennon said, 'life is what happens when you're busy making plans'; you get stopped dead in your tracks - and adjust your course. So go and make your summer travel plans.. and enjoy!

Early Doors

2009-10-25T08:04:00.007Z

Some friends at work recommended to me, as I was looking to broaden my repertoire of British television viewing, a sit-com called Early Doors. The show was first aired in 2003 to 2004 but I believe can still be found on the telly as re-runs, though I'd never come across it. Recently, I saw a DVD of the first season at the library, remembered about the recommendation, and snatched it up. Initially I found the show frustratingly difficult to understand; the heavy Northern accents were too much for me to decipher. But then I discovered the sub-titles feature for the hearing impaired and it worked a charm!

I suppose you could compare it to the US show "Cheers" in that the show takes place in a pub and it explores all the characters of the pub, the owners and regulars. And like in Cheers, where the characters live has a lot to do with who they are. For Cheers, where they live is Boston; for Early Doors, it's an unnamed town in Northern England, though I'd heard Wythenshawe mentioned (which is in Manchester). Anyway, I write about this here because I found myself, by the time I'd viewed all six episodes, feeling a kind of affinity with the characters on the show and in turn with the real-life people who'd recommended the show to me, who I'm certain also found an affinity with those characters. Hmm, might it be that I am beginning to feel a sense of belonging here in the North of England, and Wigan in particular? Too bad I can't understand the language...

14 Days, 14 Days Rain

2009-09-06T09:30:00.006+01:00

My friend MC warned me about the weather in the UK. Downright depressing, she said or something to that effect. Funny thing is (and I don't mean funny ha ha) she was talking about the weather in London, where she lived for 10 years. The weather in the North of England, well that's a different story. People talk about the effect of the Pennine mountains and prevailing winds, but really all I know is that it's been cold and rainy here for the last two weeks and in the South East, relatively warm and sunny. However, there are some people who have taken this experience and made it work for them. Pierre Adolphe Valette was a French painter who settled here in Manchester at the turn of the last century and, inspired by the ambient atmosphere, created some of his most well known paintings. Surely, I can turn my grousing about the weather into something inspirational?

Twice Nice

2009-09-05T09:32:00.010+01:00

Well it's been almost a month since we're back from my blockbuster birthday holiday. Andrew planned this trip for months and unraveled it before me day by day in a kind of rolling surprise celebration. We started in Bath, England with some delightful pampering at the Thermae Bath Spa. On a pit stop (another surprise) we went to the Paragon Gallery in Exeter where, for my birthday present, I picked out a gorgeous print for our home. Next to Padstow where we indulged in all things Rick Stein, seafood celebrity chef (love him!). His presence there is so apparent, the town is also affectionately known as Padstein. We did loads while we were there, which was enough in itself. Little did I know however, that there was more, much more, to come. When we returned home for an overnight before heading out on the road again (somewhere in the North; Scotland perhaps?), Andrew announced we were instead going to New York City! Incredulous, I demanded to see the plane tickets... which were of course just email printouts (doesn't it lose something?), but there it was, proof of us travelling from Manchester to JFK the very next day. Not enough? We arrived in New York Friday afternoon, and on Saturday night, when we went to meet my parents for dinner, I came face to face with over 70 of my favorite people, family and friends, all gathered together (by Andrew) to celebrate my 50 years in this wonderful world.

Afterwards, we got to do some fantastic sightseeing, including a visit to Fire Island, the new High Line and a rip roaring dinner at Sammy's Roumanian! Here are some photo highlights of our trip...

Writing White Coppice

2009-06-28T09:10:00.005+01:00

Yesterday I attended a writing workshop sponsored by the folks from Rainy City Stories at one of the local libraries in Wigan. It was a poetry writing workshop where the focus of our writing was to be about 'place' and its meaning for us. I hadn't thought about it in that way, but really 'place' has played an unusually important part in my life lately, my being an emigre and all. Anyway, our first task was to write a triolet (sounds like "Frito Lay"), a poem with certain repeating lines. I chose to write about White Coppice, a place I wrote about on this blog in a very early post. Here is my triolet (my ode to White Coppice) and a couple more pictures from a visit there.

Because it gave me my first vista of England's North West
I love White Coppice
Each time you visit, it feels like a new discovery
Because it gave me my first vista of England's North West
Like stumbling onto Niagara Falls for the first time
with a cricket field stuck in time, stuck in my head
Because it gave me my first vista of England's North West
I love White Coppice

Dissimilate

2009-05-25T08:18:00.006+01:00

It occurred to me recently, as I listened to my "Harvard Business Review" podcast, that I clearly have not embraced the ways and means of my host country. I religiously watch Sky+ TV tapings of the "Daily Show with John Stewart", devour my weekly international edition (I use this term loosely) of Time magazine, and have lately been spending an inordinate amount of time listening to the Allman Brothers. I beg Andrew to take me to Costco's so I can stock up on the American products I long for, like Skippy peanut butter and Chicken of the Sea solid white tuna (though I note that I've had to compromise on the brands, since the ones I prefer are not available even at Costco, but close enough). It seems I am the embodiment of the stereotypical immigrant: the snivelling, obdurate emigre who comes to live and work in a new land yet refuses to assimilate. I can only now fully appreciate why adults who move abroad cling to the features, sounds and images of their home country; I suppose it's only natural. I realize we are most happy with and comforted by the things on which we were raised and are most familiar, and if I had been born here I would crave and seek that which I currently find not so much to my taste.

Dissimilar

2009-05-25T07:42:00.006+01:00

After our trip last year to Venice, Italy, I made a post on this blog, comparing the Grand Canal in Venice with the Leeds to Liverpool canal in Wigan. This year, we went to beautiful Paros, Greece but I'm hard pressed to compare the climes of Wigan with this sunny island in the Aegean. Five days home..... five days unrelenting rain. Ah, but there is an exception to every rule and we had a glorious day of sunshine in the North West on Sunday. Here are some photos from our trip last week. Also check out our new friends' blog on Paros (friends are new, not their blog!).

Home Strange Home

2009-02-15T08:24:00.004Z

Although we bought it in November, we didn't actually move into our new house until the end of January. And I mean house: no more flats or apartments; we've got ourselves a lovely four bedroom, mid-terraced Victorian home. We had wanted it to be 'ready' before moving in, but soon realized that making a home, especially with a 100-odd year old house, is a work in progress, probably up until you eventually move out again. I do love the place, but it feels a bit like we're living in someone else's house. Musty odors and creaky noises challenge my senses and test our skills to either eradicate or adapt to them. But I am thrilled to now be a UK homeowner, and for Andrew and me to make our house our own, warts and all.

Happiness New Year

2009-01-03T11:05:00.004Z

Not sure why I chose to write about a card game on 1 January 2009 (below), so I thought I'd top up my blog with a great big shout out to everyone: Happy New Year! Wishing you love, peace and happiness.

Zen and the Art of Playing Solitaire

2009-01-01T11:35:00.005Z

Lately, I've developed a nasty little habit of playing solitaire on my ipod, almost incessantly. Of course I understand completely that this simple form of entertainment keeps me from more lofty pursuits such as reading, writing or, say, playing a musical instrument. However, I've discovered some key principles coming out of this practice, the first one being, er, the importance of practice. By playing the game regularly and repeatedly, I've learned a great deal about how to improve my game. Not from reading about it, or because someone showed me, just from practicing. Something to keep in mind when engaged in doing more essential work. Secondly, I've learned not to regret anything. In the game's programme, you have the opportunity to 'restart' the game after losing, and I've found that playing the game again didn't change the outcome. In life, forget 'what if' and stick to what you are doing; don't bother with wanting to start over! Lastly, and perhaps harder to pinpoint the broader application, it is important to differentiate among the suits and colors; by blurring the lines in your mind, you miss the right moves and your progress in the game may be stalled. So look carefully and know where things fit in the world. Play on!

How long does an evening last?

2008-12-14T22:32:00.007Z

I had a wonderful evening with my work colleagues at our Christmas party this past Friday. We floated in a barge on the Manchester Ship Canal, enjoyed a good meal, good company and a bit of drink and karaoke. It was festive and fun. I suppose I brought that good feeling with me to sleep because that night I dreamed I was with my work colleagues again and we were making honey, just by clapping our hands. In my dream I thought, if we could make honey just by clapping our hands, then indeed anything is possible! What a fantastic, uplifting thing to imagine. I remember having the same feeling on another occasion: I was in the car with my friend Roya, when I saw a bumper sticker on a van which said something to the effect of, "yes, even you can train to become a carpenter". At that moment it occurred to me that, yes, even I could be a carpenter if I so desired; anything is possible!

Change is Good

2008-11-07T19:30:00.004Z

I was actually in the US during this historic presidential election, in of all places, Florida. Whatever your views, the prospect of having a new president, this new president, is opening our minds and hearts to the possibilities ahead. So many folks around the world have been cheering the US presidential outcome and its potential for positive change, change which can affect so many folks around the world... Let's hope for the best.

Art Schmart

2008-10-12T09:10:00.006+01:00

Yesterday, Andrew and I went to Manchester to attend the Buy Art Fair. Can't remember where, but I had seen something about it on the internet, gave them my name and address, and won a couple of tickets for free entry over the weekend. My idea was to buy some art for our new house (oh yeah, we're buying a house! - more about that once we're in). The event was held at Urbis, a space I mentioned in an earlier post. When we got there, Andrew took to it like oil and water (a bit like with me watching sports analysis shows on TV), but we managed to see the whole show, get a nice cuppa and I actually bought a couple of wonderful small ink drawings by Moose Allain. While having our nice cuppa we initiated a discussion about what makes something art and hence valuable (is it the artist's time spent, creating something completely new, or just resting on one's laurels - though not addressing how one got those laurels), deadlocked, and then moved on to more pressing topics like 'what's for dinner?'.

Catching Up

2008-08-27T07:16:00.013+01:00

There's some stuff I've been meaning to blog about but just didn't get to it, so I thought I'd tackle it here and now. A few weeks ago, we went to visit friends in Nottingham (hey Terri), and they took us to this really interesting "show" at the Galleries of Justice, about how the local Nottingham court and prison were used from the end of the 18th century up until the 1980s. What made the experience so memorable was the fact that we were lead through the exhibition by actors playing different roles such as the gaoler and an inmate. At one point the woman who played a mentally ill prisoner came out of her character to tell us some more current facts and it was fascinating to see her transformation - she had completely enveloped her character up until that moment. Good stuff.

Next up: A few months ago, Andrew and I went to see a fantastic show at The Octagon Theatre in Bolton called Once Upon a Time in Wigan - LIVE! The show was a re-make of an earlier production, this time accompanied by a live band. The story was about two couples who frequented the real-life, famous at the time, Wigan Casino, an all-night dance club that featured Northern Soul music. During the 1970s Northern Soul music was all the rage; it was and is essentially Motown or Detroit music from the US made popular and devotionally followed by kids from Northern England. But the trick here is that, for Northern Soul, the more obscure the song or the artist, the better. Wigan Casino was a place for the misfits and misunderstood of the country to come and meet, listen and dance all night to Northern Soul music. Now, there is a not so nostalgic element in that the Wigan Casino was shut down in 1981 because it had become a drug haven, but let's not dwell on that. Oh, the dancing! If you want to get a sense of what Northern Soul dance was like, and it's fantastic, check out the moves on the music video Mercy by Duffy.

Not taking sides or anything...

2008-08-11T08:15:00.006+01:00

Nothing beats my beloved Leeds to Liverpool Canal, but this grand canal might come in as a close second.

What's Your Favorite Place?

2008-08-11T07:46:00.007+01:00

I am drawn to Venice, Italy and have spent my most treasured times there with some of my most treasured people; last week I returned, this time with Andrew (my top treasure), for a long weekend. We discussed what makes it so special and romantic when, at first blush, it does look a bit neglected and unkempt. Well, countless people have written about this place, I'm sure quite eloquently; to me Venice is a delicate beauty, who transcends time and fashion, and remains just as you remember her.

Herban Gardening

2008-07-30T07:34:00.006+01:00

I had a lovely birthday on Monday and spent some time at Urbis, an exhibition centre and multi-purpose space in Manchester. Although I wasn't particularly bothered to see it, I went to their Urban Gardening exhibition and found myself surprisingly turned on over the concept of integrating urban life and nature; incorporating nature into urban life. Interestingly, there were two subjects in the exhibition that also happened to be featured in two of my 'friend-ly blogs' (see right hand column). There was a feature on peregrine falcons in Manchester in both the Urban Gardening show and Mancubist blog; in my brother's blog, Cincy to Seattle, he writes about getting more connected to nature and acknowledging what it provides for us (fuel, food), which is also explored in the exhibition. Check it all out for yourself if you're interested (I'm just planting the seed).

Other Places

2008-07-14T23:02:00.012+01:00

What a glorious day this past Sunday was, and our plan for the day matched perfectly the weather to the location. We first headed out to Formby, a town and beach near Liverpool. Now, the downside is, because it's a long walk to finally reach the sea from the shore and once you do, it's a long way until you can submerge into the water, so no one really goes to the sea to swim. The upside is there are no crowds, blankets, beach umbrellas, blaring music and the like as you'd find at let's say Jones Beach. Just an amazing unspoiled coastline with craggy dunes, pine forests and folks strolling along the rippled shoreline (see National Trust photo below) or fishing by the start of the sea.

We then headed over to Crosby beach to see the artist Antony Gormley's installation called Another Place : 100 castings of the artist's body made of cast-iron, scattered about and anchored into the shore line. As I stood by one of the statues, I became contemplative, considering the intermix of man, art and nature. Not a bad day at all.

Only South of 14th Street

2008-06-29T11:42:00.012+01:00

We just got back from a trip to NYC to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday. Big up to my family and friends - it was fantastic to see you all and I love you! Here are a few photos I took whilst doing the tourist thing (double-click on each one to getter better view).

uplifting words and hand me downs on Second Ave

shop in the Village with trainers for $1000

where am i, on the moon? no, somewhere in Soho

Feel like dancing on Lafayette Street

Quit Whinging America!

2008-06-11T17:37:00.009+01:00

Lately, the international versions of US news publications have been all about the rising cost of gasoline, which has reached a whopping $4 a gallon! But wait a minute, let's do the math: the average cost of petrol (gas) in the UK is 1.17 pounds per litre. There are about 4.5 litres to the gallon; approximately 2 dollars to the pound. That works out to be around $10 per gallon, more than double what Americans pay! Not to mention a UK sales tax rate of 17% and an income tax that borders 50%. If America really wants to curb immigration, reduce homelessness and ensure everyone has access to decent health care, why not try a little taxes. If we can handle it here, you can too.

Green Commute

2008-05-24T16:25:00.008+01:00

Yeah, I guess you could say my daily commute to work by public transportation is 'good' for the environment, but that's not what I mean by green. One of my favorite things to do on the train ride home from Manchester, about 10 minutes or so from reaching my station stop, is to put down whatever I'm reading, whether it's a book, this week's issue of Time or M.E.N., one of Manchester's daily rags. With conscious intention, I then look up at the window and let all the luscious landscape greenery fill up my eyes and touch my heart. From sheep grazing fields, to horse farms, to cricket pitches, the landscape of the area is rich and beautiful and provides the perfect ending to an otherwise ordinary workday.

Got Talent?

2008-05-18T09:59:00.012+01:00

Last night on TV's Britain's Got Talent, there was a terrific performance by a urban teen dance troupe from Birmingham which really wowed the audience. But they absolutely went crazy when Simon Cowell paid the dancers the ultimate compliment. He said their choreography was "as good as anything coming out of America", and that America was the benchmark for hip-hop dance. No ignominy for us, for the moment.

I've touched upon this topic in an earlier post, and have seen it over and over again since moving here... the U.S. is, and can continue to be, the world's hub for creativity and experimentation. No need for world-wide military dominance; America's creative and intellectual output can be a well received positive influence, reaching everywhere.

Americans Abroad

2008-05-10T19:17:00.007+01:00

While this isn't a political blog and I have no intention of musing daily about political issues, I did feel good about attending a Democrats Abroad gathering in Manchester the other week. Dems Abroad is the "official Democratic Party organization for some six million American citizens who live outside the United States". This gathering, which they call a "Speakeasy", is really just a chance for the handful of Americans living in the Manchester area to come together and talk politics or just wax nostalgic about home. I dragged Andrew and his son, who's currently studying poly-sci in college, along with me so this added a cool dual-national dimension. It makes for more interesting conversation plus I just love to mix it up! As for the election, I'm excited for the changes coming and look forward to voting in November by absentee ballot from the UK!

Rosie the Riveter

2008-04-26T09:43:00.005+01:00

Hey Everybody, sorry I've been away so long, but I've been wrapping my head (and body) around the fact that I'm once again a working girl! Okay, it's only a temp job and pays a mere pittance, but I really enjoy getting up in the morning, riding the train into Manchester with all the other working stiffs, and then winding my way round to my desk for a productive 9 to 5. It feels good, right. It has however, put me a little off balance time-wise and I need to get a bit more efficient in my tasks and chores. No more daily trips to Tesco for the evening's tea, but we're coming along nicely. And now, once again, TGIF has some real meaning.

Boca Jackpot

2008-04-02T15:21:00.013+01:00

Who knew that the way to bring people together is through some old fashioned wagering? Andrew, his daughter and I spent about a week in Florida visiting my family and, during one evening over dinner, my parents talked about this pastor who was trying to improve the attitudes and dispositions of his congregants by getting them to stop complaining. We all thought this a noble but doomed idea because complaining is pretty much a national pastime. In fact, my parents had given it a try after hearing about the pastor, but they lasted only a few minutes (come on, we were in kvetch country).

On the car ride home to our hotel, Andrew's daughter suggested that the three of us engage in a bet to see who could hold out the longest and refrain from complaining. We spent the next hour or so considering what constituted a complaint (criticism? yes; observations? maybe) and how much to wager (10 dollars each; winner takes all). I saw this moment as a spark in communications between us, but I'm sure she saw it as a surefire way to make a fast 20 bucks! Two days later, I was the first to cave when I began to compare the bright, open Florida sky to the dark and gloomy one back home in Wigan. Andrew caved next, while we were in New York, when he became a theatre critic after we saw A Chorus Line on Broadway. Like I said, an easy bet; next time I'm keeping my mouth shut.

Hop Scotch

2008-03-13T14:47:00.007Z

This week I spent a few days in Scotland tagging along with Andrew, had my first job interview (fingers crossed!), and now we're about to cross the pond for a nice long holiday in Florida with a couple days' bonus in New York City.
See you in a few weeks!!

Payback Playback Theatre

2008-03-05T20:49:00.005Z

This past weekend Andrew and I saw something a bit different, something I'd never heard of before. We went to see a performance by the Playback Theatre Manchester, a kind of improvisational theatre group where audience members tell true-life stories which are then acted out on stage. Interestingly enough, Playback Theatre was developed about 30 years ago in Dutchess County, New York and now has companies worldwide. Turns out, I needed to come all the way to England to discover and experience this fascinating performance medium! Using talented actors, musical accompaniment, minimal props, and of course the audience's stories, Playback provides suspense, drama, comedy and can evoke even more from the audience. Is there a Playback Theatre near you?

Oh yeah, I was the first person called upon to tell my story (we sat in the first row)... I described why I decided to dress up for the day (see post below).

Dress for Success

2008-03-03T22:43:00.008Z

Last week on one of my favorite TV shows, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Agyness Deyn, the new model-of-the-moment (who happens to be from North Manchester and is a real cutie) was interviewed. At one point she said something like "don't save your best for best", meaning don't keep your best clothes for only special occasions. At first this didn't really resonate with me, but over the last week or so, I've begun to take it to heart. Since coming to the UK, and because I'm not yet working, my wardrobe of work and dress clothes has remained pretty much untouched. I hadn't realized that not putting effort into dressing has had an insidious, deleterious effect on my outlook. But by taking some care, it's a bit like that expression "today is the first day of the rest of your life", and I've been experiencing an opposite, upbeat and expansive effect. Thank you Agyness, I am now happily dressing myself up every day, even if it's only to go food shopping or to the gym!

Anglophiling

2008-02-13T06:47:00.010Z

Ever since I was a kid, I loved all things English (P.G. Wodehouse, T. Rex, my 'Hylas and the Nymphs' poster), and now I live in England so it's kind of like a dream come true. But even while living here, I enjoy being transported to other times if no longer places... I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, based on the life of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, second wife to King Henry VIII.

Before leaving for the UK, I had some check-ups done and my dermatologist, upon hearing of my love adventure to a new land, suggested I read this novel. For one reason or another I just recently got into it. Now I hear a movie version is about to be released so I need wait only a couple weeks to see this fun and fascinating book played out on the big screen! Popcorn anyone?

Speak no errs

2008-02-12T21:47:00.005Z

Soon after I arrived here in Wigan, I joined a local speakers' club, the Standish with Wigan Speakers Club, a part of the Association of Speakers Clubs. Back in New York, I was a member of a local Toastmasters International club. Both organizations provide a place for colleagues to meet, in a comfortable and nurturing setting, to practice and improve their public speaking skills.

Moving to a brand new place, I thought joining would be a good way to meet new people and be in a somewhat familiar environment. I'm definitely glad I did; the members are great and it's always an enjoyable evening of fun and learning. Well last week I made my first speech (first with this club anyway) and the subject was... me and my blog! So, in addition to providing a link to my peeps back in the U.S., my blog is also a source for speech-making material. Not exactly awe-inspiring stuff, but it'll do.

New Year's Revolution

2008-01-17T11:23:00.000Z

It may sound daft, but here is my thinking... During our visit together, my friend Amy and I talked about a lot of things, one of them being the fact that, in just over a year, we will reach a major milestone birthday. In preparation for this big event, we want to make some big, bold moves. An overhaul of body and mind. In my case, having moved to a new country for a new life, being much loved and supported, and unconstrained by being otherwise unemployed, I am in a position to try and find work that will provide both remuneration and fulfillment. Here are my ideas laid bare for you, and for me, to see. In a dream I would like to be the Suze Orman of the UK, helping people break from the shackles of debt by spending less and saving more. And my other dream is to open a spa, with beautiful interior spaces and massage therapists who will provide some much needed tactile human contact. Let's see where these dreams lead...

Looking Down

2008-01-17T10:49:00.000Z

Here is some floor decor from recent trips I took within the UK and Prague...

Just York

2008-01-17T10:14:00.001Z

Last week, my dear friend Amy from New York came for a visit (my first U.S. guest!) and during her stay we took a side trip to York, a beautiful city in Yorkshire, in North East England. Walk along the city's walls which run for nearly three miles for a great perspective of the city. Here are a few photos from our trip (the one of the River Ouse is after a recent flood).

Finding the Familiar

2007-12-23T18:54:00.000Z

While I no longer get my bagels from Zabar's (actually, I never really got them there, but Zabar's is an iconic New York reference, so you get what I mean), and you can't find Nova Scotia Lox anywhere, I have found my home here and now I get my bagels from the bakery at Tesco (they're surprisingly good - soft and chewy) and the Scottish smoked salmon is about as good as any Nova I've had. So let's make a toast together with an everything bagel, lox and a schmear to much love, happiness and peace in the world... all the world over. Happy New Year.

My Faves

2007-12-08T18:01:00.000Z

I haven't mentioned it before but I just adore Jonathan Ross and his chat show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. He blows everyone else away - you've got to see him (maybe he's on BBC America?). I really enjoy his easy style and guilelessness. Anyway, last night he featured a really interesting singer, Adele. Check her out and listen to her music here. I can think of at least a few friends and family who will like her.

Measuring Up

2007-12-07T09:57:00.000Z

If I wanted to generalize based on first impressions, I'd say that the English like to have things in order. Everything, down to the thickness of one's duvet, is measured. Which is a very good thing indeed. And when it comes to cooking, the measurements in my cookbooks from home are not, errh, measuring up here. As I work with both (using a conversion table), I realize that the US system of measurements seems to have come out of the Middle Ages. Teaspoons and tablespoons; pints and gallons?? Have we not moved into more exacting technologies since the days of lords and serfs? My suggestion to US college students who want to be global leaders one day: learn the metric system!!

Englishmen in New York

2007-12-07T09:36:00.000Z

I got back from my trip to New York last week and while it was fantastic, it was way too brief to see and do all I wanted to. One recurring statement I heard from everyone was that the city was filled with... shoppers from England! Apparently it is the thing to do: finance your entire trip - flights and hotel - with the money you saved Christmas shopping in NY rather than at home in the UK. That's fine, but I'm waiting on a stronger US dollar. It is sad to note that in UK currency, the smallest denominational value in paper (as opposed to coins) is five pounds (about $10) while in the US, we're walking around with a wad full of notes worth about 50p each!

NYLon

2007-11-30T08:46:00.000Z

Before heading to New York for my first U.S. visit since relocating here, Andrew and I spent a few days in London while he was at a business conference. Given the 4 pound ($8!) price for riding the underground, we stuck close to our hotel location, near Westminster and Chelsea. Granted, this may have given me a somewhat skewed perspective of the city. Nevertheless, my general impression was that London was a lot like New York City, only without the neurosis.

New York can be an intimidating place; with all those smart, rich, beautiful people, the bar is set pretty high. However, these power people are permitted the aid of a psychotherapist in managing all their greatness. In fact, neurotic behavior is worn as a badge of honor (temper tantrums, absentmindedness, mental lapses: they're all seen as characteristics of the privileged), a kind of vehicle for creativity and high performance.

London, however, is in England and the English are not allowed such indiscretions as emotional outbursts or demonstrative behavior. Everything is accomplished seemingly without effort, and certainly not through some messy, stumbling, creative process. Reserved and detached, but near perfection... See the art of Millais which I saw here at the Tate.

Love Language

2007-11-13T08:44:00.000Z

I enjoy thinking about language and how it's used. It's even more interesting now that I am here, because I can compare and contrast the English and American variations. I've been toying with a few theories, and one of them I present here: in expressing activities, the English tend to use nouns, or object words while the Americans use verbs, or action words. A few examples:

Activity: English expression: American expression
sleeping late: have a lie in: sleep in
try something: have a go: go for it
consider something: have a think: think about
forgo something: give it a miss: skip it

Andrew and I are heading down to London for a few days. The image above was used in the flyer for my going away party given by my dear friends from work at nyc.gov. While I live a few hundred miles from there, we're going now to visit Mr. Big!

Wigan Walks

2007-11-06T16:57:00.000Z

It seems I've been posting more words than pictures lately, so here are a few photos from Wigan environs...

Wish upon the Moon

2007-11-04T15:50:00.000Z

This past weekend, Andrew and I went to the Cornerhouse, a great multi-media space in Manchester, to see the documentary film, In the Shadow of the Moon. The movie uses past TV and film footage, along with present day interviews, to follow the history of the NASA Apollo Space Program. At one point, after the completion of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing, we saw news clippings of people from around the world cheering, jubilant at how "we" - humankind collectively - had successfully walked on the moon. At that moment I thought, how wonderful it would be if the U.S. could be a unifying force in the world, a place that connected everyone. After all, it does feel like everyone around the globe has someone, a relative or friend, who lives in, or has passed through the States. What if the U.S. was a scientific and intellectual hub, where people came to study, learn and share, and sometimes ended up staying? What if being an American also meant being knowledgeable about the whole world, understanding its politics and ecology, speaking its language. I thought about the United States as a conduit - of good - for the world. Can we go there?

Audience: Antarctic Explorers

2007-10-29T11:02:00.000Z

Last weekend we went to The Lowry at Salford Quays to see a production of Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer, written and performed by Aidan Dooley. I heard about this show from my parents who had seen it at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City a few months ago. As discerning theatre goers, their rave recommendation really meant something to me. So when I discovered there was going to be a one-off performance near Manchester, I jumped at the chance to go. Well, Mr. Dooley's performance was nothing short of transporting. With minimal props, he used words and gestures to weave this incredible story of a man who traveled on expeditions with both Scott and Shackleton, yet remained relatively unknown after his death. And we, the audience, used our imaginations, sparked without the use video imagery or technological wizardry, to follow Tom Crean through his stark adventures. This was truly a participatory event. Go see it!

Up with Downham

2007-10-22T10:22:00.000+01:00

This past weekend I visited a number of villages around the Ribble Valley in Lancashire County including Hurst Green (near the beautiful campus of Stonyhurst College), Clitheroe and one of the loveliest villages I've seen, Downham (check out these pictures I found). One of the reasons it looks so picturesque and unchanged is because all the power and electrical lines were relocated underground. This move helped to ensure its place as the quintessential tranquil English village (and popular film and television location).

In keeping with my new found interest in pairing disparate places and things, New York City also maintains its power lines underground. After the Blizzard of 1888, when the weight of the snow brought down the lines, effectively shutting the city down, they were moved below ground. See the "before" picture above.

I would love to visit one now

2007-10-21T09:32:00.000+01:00

On one of my recent excursions through the Lancashire countryside with Jack, while observing the ubiquitous public footpath signs, I was reminded of the also ubiquitous onsen, or natural hot spring baths, in Japan. I remembered hearing or reading that there are so many onsen in Japan, if you wanted to visit a different one every week, it would take you 40 years! I wonder then, how many UK public footpaths could you traverse each week before exhausting them all (and yourself)? So what is unique, interesting and "ubiquitous" where you live? For the U.S., the great American Diner came to mind, where you're served unlimited coffee refills and can order just about anything available on earth. But what about your city, town, hamlet?

Picture Perfect Prague

2007-10-18T17:28:00.001+01:00

Seeing as it's a slow week, I thought I'd post some pictures from my trip to Prague last month when I was visiting my parents while they were traveling through Europe. Just so you know, the discount airlines (Easyjet, Jet2, for example), with super cheap fares throughout Europe, do exist, but their schedules frequently have you arrive late at night, so it's not always the best option. Fly the friendly skies!

Canna: Living Island

2007-10-12T10:16:00.000+01:00

I've just returned from a short trip to Edinburgh where I saw a fascinating photo exhibition on the Hebridean Island of Canna, the most westerly of the Small Isles in Scotland. In 1981, the island was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland. With only a handful of people living there, the Trust has worked to help the tiny island continue to thrive (they even went so far as to advertise for new residents!). The photos, both old and new, are so interesting especially because so much is still the same and the only way to tell the difference is that the recent photos are in color.

North & South

2007-10-09T14:22:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the comment on my last posting, I am inspired to write about another aspect of life here that comes up over and over again. Although England is about the size of the U.S. State of Louisiana, apparently extensive and deep rivalries exist throughout the country, from North and South, to East and West. And the difference in accents is only the audible aspect! History, social class and sport all contribute to the on-going conflict. In a nutshell, it's the power, prestige and pomposity of London in the South versus the grit from the mills and mines (and those that toiled in them) in the North. Given the fact that these industries have since shut down, the face of the North (and Northwest) is changing. I'm keen on reading this book by Charles Nevin, Lancashire, Where Women Die of Love, which explores all this, and have been waiting for it to be returned to the library so I can find out more!

Internet Explorer

2007-09-30T08:20:00.000+01:00

Everyone talks about how the internet and technology are making the world a smaller place. A couple of things happened to me this week which made me realize that, although the internet may be the vehicle, it's really who we are and how we use it which brings us together. A heady concept, but really just an excuse to mention these two events...

Jack, Andrew's dad, die-hard Wiganer, forwarded an email to me with a slide show link of beautiful photos of the 50 States framed inside a cutout shape of the U.S. Topped off with background music from "Oh Beautiful", it was corny but a sweet reminder of home.

Then yesterday, I went to a workshop from the Manchester Literature Festival called, "So You Wanna Be a Blogstar". Turns out one of the instructors was originally from New York City!! Apparently, the only two Americans in the UK Northwest were in the same room at the same time. Man, life is good.

Bring it on Leo

2007-09-27T07:29:00.000+01:00

I'm sure you all have been watching the incredible events unfolding in Myanmar; I'd been doing so from the CNN International TV channel in Prague, where I was traveling with my parents. How fascinating that the movement was inspired and ignited by that country's most revered group, its religious monks. This got me thinking... what group could have that kind of effect on the general population in the US (and now for me, the UK!)? Well that answer seems obvious: movie and TV stars. This also got me thinking... heretofore, I'd always cringe when seeing or hearing celebrities promote one cause or another, believing they had no credibility to speak on any of those subjects. However, after considering the powerful influence certain people can have on others (specifically the monks in Myanmar), my opinion on celebrity campaigning has shifted 180 degrees (hmm, is it the same in Celsius; was it ever in Fahrenheit?).

UK v. USA

2007-09-12T07:30:00.000+01:00

Well I've been here for nearly two months and I think I've come up with an analogy about the relationship between the US and the UK. Anthropomorphically speaking, the UK are like the proud parents of the US, their independent, feisty offspring. Like all parents, the UK want only the best for their children and hope they will turn out well, with lives that are as good or better than even their own. And the US have grown up to do very well indeed. However, in the end, the parents believe, and the kids will grudgingly agree on occasion, that father (and mum) knows best.

You can have any color, as long as it's black

2007-09-12T07:12:00.000+01:00

Well, it's been a while since I was last here, so I want to post something before I leave for Radlett, just outside of London, to visit my friend Colette for the Jewish New Year. Deciding what to see at the theatre is easy here in Wigan because there is only one theatre in town, the Wigan Little Theatre. I was expecting to see an amateurish production but instead, when we went there last night, we had a smashing time! The play, "Straight & Narrow" by Jimmie Chinn, was well written and the actors all gave great performances. I'm no theatre critic, but I have seen a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows over the years, and this rivaled any of them. Season tickets anyone?

No, not Punch & Judy...

2007-08-31T08:53:00.001+01:00

My initial curiosity was piqued at a local bookstore where they had a section called "Richard & Judy's Picks". When I enquired, I learned that these were the book recommendations of daytime TV talk show hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan (similar to Oprah's Book Club). Anyway, Richard & Judy have one of the most popular shows in the UK and they've been on TV together since 1988. I recently found the show while TV surfing (one of my important daily activities) and wasn't too impressed until I later learned that these two are married.. to each other!! Not only are they married but, at a distance, she looks as if she could be his... much older colleague! At first I was shocked and then fascinated... now I'm just obsessed. Check them out!

Does matter matter?

2007-08-30T21:31:00.000+01:00

Three days and three thousand dollars later, I've pretty much unpacked all the things I shipped from America. Did I really need to have them here? Could I not have just started all over? This whole process of packing and unpacking made me think a lot about possessions in general, and our attachment to them. I've observed that we often define ourselves by and through our possessions (and Madison Avenue only capitalizes on this fact). My move to England helped me to let go of this notion (somewhat). For example, I remember once thinking I needed a larger CD collection to show I was a music lover. Well I realized during the move that those CDs were just taking up valuable space and had to go! The conclusion I've come to is this: While having beautiful things is great and should be enjoyed, they could be lost or taken away at any time; so know that there is always more or nothing at all and you are still the same.

Canal du Midi

2007-08-27T11:42:00.000+01:00

While visiting my friend last week, we got a chance to walk along some of the Canal du Midi. The canal runs from the city of Toulouse down to the Mediterranean port of Sète and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Toulouse is a most enchanting place (when planning your next trip to France, try coming here instead of Paris) with incredible gardens and sumptuous architecture. Music lovers especially will rejoice.

I don't feel bad about my neck yet, but I do feel bad about my belly roll

2007-08-24T15:41:00.000+01:00

So I just got back from a visit with my friend Debbie (and her daughter Sarah) in Toulouse, and though we did have an excellent time, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the "foreignness" in my life (you know how you feel when traveling - 'vive la difference' - but then you have the comfort of knowing you are going back home, to the familiar?). Well my familiar is still pretty foreign! Anyway, I decided to take it easy and yesterday I went to the library and picked up a few books, including Nora Ephron's, I Feel Bad about My Neck. I'm not sure why I chose it; I guess I thought I would find it comforting, her being old and American like me, and today I began reading it. Notice how it's taken me two days to get into this: One day to retrieve the book from the library and one to commence reading. Things seem to take a lot longer for me to do over here and it's the tiny things that make me feel productive, for instance like getting the post or say, going to the library. Well, anyway back to this book, I'm enjoying it immensely. Even though she may have a personal trainer and have her hair done by a famous stylist, I could relate to at least something in every chapter (so far). One of the things I loved was her description of her favorite purse, a plastic, taxi-yellow bag with the Metrocard logo on it. While I never owned one, I have seen it and it made me feel nostalgic about NYC. What I really appreciated was her carefree, lighthanded depiction of the City with none of those glamorous, hip, New-York-is-the-greatest-city-in-the-world references. I HATE when I hear New Yorkers say this; it's meaningless - like my mother calling me beautiful (highly welcome but also heavily biased). It only really counts when someone else says New York is the greatest city in the world. Okay, getting to the title of this entry, and in the spirit of Nora Ephron's open disclosure, I haven't really stressed over the neck business yet but I have noticed shadows of portent (is that how you use the word? I need an editor!). What I do feel bad about are these cuddly rolls around my belly which never existed before but have recently developed over the last couple of years. Heretofore, I had always prided myself on having the coveted "flat stomach" and not only just when lying down. It seems this formerly firm, supple area which had always held itself in place, has irrevocably given way to something more like a Chinese shar-pei. But I'm okay with it.

Holiday Weekend

2007-08-18T04:43:00.000+01:00

I'm off to Toulouse, France to visit my friend Debbie for a few days. In the meantime, in response to Fred's comment, here's a map of the canals of England, Scotland and Wales (click on image for the full view) and a website with info on barging. Happy Motoring!

Bagel & Locks

2007-08-13T09:41:00.000+01:00

Jack and I went on a short walk along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal on Saturday and I got a briefing on the operation of the locks. These engineering marvels allow barges to move up and downhill along the canal. The locks isolate the barges and then raise and lower the water levels thus allowing the barges to move forward on their journey. However, like the movement of the barges themselves, the timing of all this effort is at a snail's pace. Very cool nonetheless, and a nice change from the breakneck speed we normally operate under.

Wigan Warriors - The Yankees of NW England

2007-08-12T19:28:00.000+01:00

On Friday, Andrew, his son James and I went to a home game of the Wigan Warriors, the most famous rugby league team in the UK. Please note that there are two types of rugby play, Union and League. Union is considered more posh and technically oriented while League is about getting down to brass tacks. JJB Stadium is where the home matches are held and it's a short 25 minute walk from our flat. The stadium is big enough to be exciting but small enough to see everything up close. And the game is great fun to watch (love the skimpy uniforms)! Interestingly though, I got to see a whole new side of Andrew. Let's just say he's one notch up (or is it down?) from a face painter!!

Gone Walking

2007-08-07T09:45:00.001+01:00

Jack, Andrew's dad, has introduced me to the world of UK Public Footpaths! There are 140,000 miles of protected public paths which criss-cross England and Wales. Paths are clearly marked and provide access to walkers regardless if the land is publicly or privately owned. See the photos of a canal footpath, access gate and common footpath sign. I'm hoofed... I mean hooked!

What's around?

2007-08-07T09:23:00.000+01:00

Here are photos of some locales nearby: the first is a view of the pond at Mesnes park; the second is a view at the top of Town Centre, the main shopping area. Both are just steps from our flat!

Mesnes Park also has an ice cream parlor on premises that sells the most delicious ice cream - when you come to visit we'll go to Frederick's and you'll see!!

Sunday walks

2007-07-31T09:13:00.001+01:00

This photo was taken by Andrew during a walk we took with his dad on Sunday. The spot is a place called White Coppice, not far from where we live and where Andrew used to play cricket. Nice, huh?! More walks to come...

Weekend Plans

2007-07-29T08:14:00.000+01:00

Originally the idea was to spend my birthday weekend in London. However, since I'd only just recently arrived, I was keen on exploring some places in and around Wigan. At the Wigan tourist info office (yes, Wigan has a tourist office!), I found material about Chatsworth, a.k.a. Pemberly from Pride and Prejudice. So that's where we went. It was absolutely beautiful; see the photos I took yesterday.

Bad hair day; or, we're not in Kansas anymore

2007-07-27T08:57:00.000+01:00

Okay, last week I had my first set back. I was spending the day in Edinburgh while Andrew was at a business meeting. The first half of the day was lovely, but then later in the afternoon it started to rain and the rain didn't stop. We had arranged for a meeting place at the end of the day but I couldn't find the exact location and I just felt like a sad soggy soul, standing in the middle of traffic, completely lost. I was pouting during the drive back, but then, right in front of us appeared this amazing end-to-end rainbow (Terri if you're reading this - do you believe it?). We both had never seen one before; a first for us in the UK.

Funny how things sort themselves out. Without the rain, no rainbow.

The Missing Serviette

2007-07-23T08:22:00.000+01:00

Recently, I went to Tesco, a massive supermarket akin to Walmart, to do some shopping. I found myself wandering aimlessly, trying to locate the paper napkins (strangely, there had been none in the flat). Eventually, after a ten minute, futile search, I broke down and approached a store clerk who directed me to the remote "party goods" section of the store. The only available napkins were of the fancy, party variety. Upon further investigation, I discovered that apparently the English do not use napkins at all!

Why is that; what does this mean? Are the English so different from us in their eating habits? I don't think so! Think fish & chips - greasy; bangers & mash - mushy.

Back in the US, napkin use is pervasive (dare I say wasteful - look, I'm trashing America already!). Cloth, paper, whatever; every meal comes with one or more napkins - standard.

Perhaps it is the power of suggestion or wishful thinking that explains this behavioral phenomenon: If one doesn't have a napkin, then one doesn't need a napkin. Or, to put it another way, making a mess is unlikely if one is prepared by not requiring the tools to deal with such an unlikely event.

Across the Pond

2007-07-22T14:27:00.000+01:00

Got a wonderful send off from friends and family (check out the fantastic cake made by my cuz Jordi) before leaving for the other side. Have been spending the first week here setting up my new life - got my new mobile and library card! More stuff to come... right now we're off to Tesco!!

This is Wigan

2007-07-04T02:13:00.001+01:00

This is where Andrew and I are living, a flat in a converted church in Wigan. More images can be found at wiganworld.co.uk

Literary References

2007-07-04T02:04:00.000+01:00

If you don't know Wigan, perhaps you've heard of George Orwell, author of 1984?? Well he also wrote about Wigan!