Well everyone,
I have safely returned home. Man, is it simple here. It just feels like simple ol' Apeldoorn.
Anyway, in the last week in Wimpole, there was quite a ruckus.
David stabbed himself in the head with a pointy branch of a tree.
I was invited to dine at Ffanni's home.
I got a little something from the staff+volunteers and a little something from Philip.
I went back home.
Well, to split these things up, we'll start with the stabbing. (ooh, sounds exciting)
We had to chase LBJ (Little Brown Job (The little annoying lamb which ran about on the parterre and in the gardens. Small story short: premature born, yew died, lives on its own) on the parterre on Wednesday morning and suddenly David knelt down and held a hankerchief on his head, which became red. He apparantly stabbed himself in the head with a tree branch, which was sticking out. It looked worse than it actually was so even though it had bled pretty bad, David was up and running in an hour.
That evening, I dined with Ffanni and her husband Marty. This was truly lovely! Their house was stunning! When we drove up the !DRIVEWAY!, I saw the HUGE house and the GREAT garden... Yup, this is a nice place ^^
Anyway, we ended up talking and discussing lots and lots of things, such as astronomy, religion, airplanes (Marty was a pilot), food and Dutch habits. I did not expect it to be such a great evening! Anyway, Ffanni proposed that if I ever came back, I could sleep at their place. Which is a really nice offer so it makes my threshold for going back lower.
On Thursday (my last day @ work), the staff plus the volunteer gave me a little present. They gave me the Wimpole book with a card which the volunteers had signed, each with a little message... That's real nice!
On Friday, I had my last stroll around and Philip gave me Coldfeet Rock (a sort of powdery liqourice) and after they finished working, Philip and Janet gave me a lift to Royston station. We said our goodbyes and there I stood, ready to go home, a little bit depressed, since it was so great...
And yet the adventure had only begun! I arrived at London's King's Cross and I lifted my heavy suitcase up and down some stairs because the elevator (or should I say lift) decided to break down that very moment. When I entered the SUPERHOT underground, a message was announced... Dear God. Sign problems. No possible alternatives to go to Victoria. I'm not gonna bloody walk that whole distance! But I did not need to. The Circle Line regained service and so I went to Victoria. On the wrong coach. Apparantly, I figured out (while in the wrong one) that the metal pipes have actually been coloured to the colour of the line! Ah. So 2 station further, I left the Metropolian line and went on the Circle line. Which was even hotter. Yay.
Finally after half an hour, I arrived at Victoria, drained and soaking with sweat. I walked through the Main Hall and arrived at the Coach Station. Right, now I only need to wait ... maybe... five hours? So there I waited, at some cafe... And then I checked in with Eurolines. Okay, the bus should arrive 20:30, departing 21:00. Fine.
21:00: No Bus.
21:40 Bus, Not ours, but the bus leaving 22:00
21:50 Our bus. We just have to load everything in...
22:00 I load everything in. Too much luggage! I have to bloody pay the man, however, I had to wait until Belgium...
22:20 Finally going! Next to a Papoea talker who talked about work with some bloke and made calls to another bloke.
4:30 Stopping in Belgium. I had to pay the man 5 euro! Ah well, he explained why, and I'll support him XD So no explaination on the Internets!
Around 5:00, when it became light, the Papoea guy stopped talking. I couldn't sleep anymore so I was annoyed. But I was almost home! We were expected to arrive at 8:00, I expected to arrive at 9:15 or something. I arrived at 8:35. Quite good.
So there you are! My interesting trip home! Like I said last year. If you want to experience something truly awkward? Go with Eurolines! If you want to travel better, go with something else, preferably plane!
Thanks for the support and nice things during this time! I'll let people know if I passed the course or not.
Cheers!!
-Joost signing out.
donderdag 2 juli 2009
vrijdag 19 juni 2009
Well, this is truly the final countdown..
Hey people,
This is probably the last time you'll read about me, since next week about this time, I'm running about to pack everything and arranging my lift to the train station. (Philip said he could take me, but you'll never know)
Anyway, my sweetheart will leave me tomorrow. We'll take her to Cambridge Train station and then it's a goodbye to Wimpole for her.
Then I still have to be here for a short week. Sunday Plant Sale (again) and a few days of work left...
So, this Sunday was the Plant Sale which I helped with building up and everything. Halfway the day, I went to the Farm to see the Sheep Dog Demonstrations with Runner Ducks. Rianne helped with that and she got a certificate of that =P But it was not too busy on the Plant Sale, because lots of people were at the Farm and some people did not want to pay 3 pounds to see the plant sale (as well as the rest of the gardens...) But we made 400+ pounds which is nice, but regarding that the restoration costs 80,000 pounds, 400 pounds is just a simple amount. Let's just hope the Plant Sale this Sunday will be better...
The rest of the week, I've been working in the Walled Garden, watering the Tomato plants and taking care of them(which is a task I have to do next week myself since Philip and Janet are 2 days off) but I'll manage myself.
I baked a cake on Monday night and took it with me to afternoon tea on Tuesday. I got some very good compliments foor my baking skills! I made a 'Speculaas' cake with Vanilla icing and chocolate 'Hagelslag XXL' on top of it.
My hay fever has gotten quite worse this week, and I hope it will not last too long..
I still have to see how I can get everything in my suitcase since I have to bring sooo much stuff back to people... And myself included.
I'll guess that this is a sort of goodbye to my stay abroad. Such a shame that I have to leave everything here behind me... Although I can't wait to get home...
It's just that this whole place is 'WIMPOLE' and at home, it's just simple 'Apeldoorn'. I lived on a bloody Estate (although it was a small crappy flat) and I lived near some very beautiful gardens (and still for another week) ...
Thank you for ALL your reactions (yes that was sarcastic) and a genuine thanks for the people who actually did respond or comment on my stories!
I hope to see you guys back home... And I'll keep contact with the Wimpole Gardeners (especially because they want my delicious cake.)
See you all and THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Cheers and TA,
-Joost
This is probably the last time you'll read about me, since next week about this time, I'm running about to pack everything and arranging my lift to the train station. (Philip said he could take me, but you'll never know)
Anyway, my sweetheart will leave me tomorrow. We'll take her to Cambridge Train station and then it's a goodbye to Wimpole for her.
Then I still have to be here for a short week. Sunday Plant Sale (again) and a few days of work left...
So, this Sunday was the Plant Sale which I helped with building up and everything. Halfway the day, I went to the Farm to see the Sheep Dog Demonstrations with Runner Ducks. Rianne helped with that and she got a certificate of that =P But it was not too busy on the Plant Sale, because lots of people were at the Farm and some people did not want to pay 3 pounds to see the plant sale (as well as the rest of the gardens...) But we made 400+ pounds which is nice, but regarding that the restoration costs 80,000 pounds, 400 pounds is just a simple amount. Let's just hope the Plant Sale this Sunday will be better...
The rest of the week, I've been working in the Walled Garden, watering the Tomato plants and taking care of them(which is a task I have to do next week myself since Philip and Janet are 2 days off) but I'll manage myself.
I baked a cake on Monday night and took it with me to afternoon tea on Tuesday. I got some very good compliments foor my baking skills! I made a 'Speculaas' cake with Vanilla icing and chocolate 'Hagelslag XXL' on top of it.
My hay fever has gotten quite worse this week, and I hope it will not last too long..
I still have to see how I can get everything in my suitcase since I have to bring sooo much stuff back to people... And myself included.
I'll guess that this is a sort of goodbye to my stay abroad. Such a shame that I have to leave everything here behind me... Although I can't wait to get home...
It's just that this whole place is 'WIMPOLE' and at home, it's just simple 'Apeldoorn'. I lived on a bloody Estate (although it was a small crappy flat) and I lived near some very beautiful gardens (and still for another week) ...
Thank you for ALL your reactions (yes that was sarcastic) and a genuine thanks for the people who actually did respond or comment on my stories!
I hope to see you guys back home... And I'll keep contact with the Wimpole Gardeners (especially because they want my delicious cake.)
See you all and THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Cheers and TA,
-Joost
vrijdag 12 juni 2009
Exciting week! (not)
Another week gone!
We start with Saturday, since it was the STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL! Without strawberries. Yep, makes a lot of sense. Anyway, I bought a sweater and a jacket with old school patterns on it, which I like and we bought some food (yes food, what else.) But other than that, it wasn't too much fun, since every person there was either alternative (wearing dreads, full-coloured clothing and looking like they haven't washed too much (BTW, not saying that every alternative person is like that, it was just the typical stereotype who wandered around that festival) or Caribbean people that tried to sell you their fried chicken. Sorry for the stereotypes, but those were the people to walk around.
This week was rather quiet since we had the Thursday off (Three day weekend!) and since I didn't work on Sunday because of the pouring rain, (no visitors, so no need for Car Parkers), I worked three days this week. And in those three days, I helped putting up two more bamboo wigwams for the bean structures. After that, I put my rage into destroying the bottoms of around 100 pots. Took me about three hours. Ah well, now Janet can use them for the tomato plants.
Anyway, there hasn't happened a lot this week... Bit of a shame really. I worked on some school projects on that Sunday, on Monday, we set up those wigwams and I ruined the tomato pots... Tuesday, we planted some odds and sodds of Dahlias and weeded through the potato fields, and removing last year's potatoes from another field and on Wednesday, we weeded through the entire potato field again.
Well not something really exciting as you can see...
Last full week for Rianne, she'll leave me the 20th of June... =(
Time flies pretty fast now.
Our plan was to take the video camera with us to work the last week (Rianne this week, I next week) to record people and surroundings and whatnot. I think it is a nice souvenir to take home. I just have to think where the bloody hell I am going to fit all that crap I have now ^_^;
See you next week! Last time probably!!
Cheers,
-Joost
We start with Saturday, since it was the STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL! Without strawberries. Yep, makes a lot of sense. Anyway, I bought a sweater and a jacket with old school patterns on it, which I like and we bought some food (yes food, what else.) But other than that, it wasn't too much fun, since every person there was either alternative (wearing dreads, full-coloured clothing and looking like they haven't washed too much (BTW, not saying that every alternative person is like that, it was just the typical stereotype who wandered around that festival) or Caribbean people that tried to sell you their fried chicken. Sorry for the stereotypes, but those were the people to walk around.
This week was rather quiet since we had the Thursday off (Three day weekend!) and since I didn't work on Sunday because of the pouring rain, (no visitors, so no need for Car Parkers), I worked three days this week. And in those three days, I helped putting up two more bamboo wigwams for the bean structures. After that, I put my rage into destroying the bottoms of around 100 pots. Took me about three hours. Ah well, now Janet can use them for the tomato plants.
Anyway, there hasn't happened a lot this week... Bit of a shame really. I worked on some school projects on that Sunday, on Monday, we set up those wigwams and I ruined the tomato pots... Tuesday, we planted some odds and sodds of Dahlias and weeded through the potato fields, and removing last year's potatoes from another field and on Wednesday, we weeded through the entire potato field again.
Well not something really exciting as you can see...
Last full week for Rianne, she'll leave me the 20th of June... =(
Time flies pretty fast now.
Our plan was to take the video camera with us to work the last week (Rianne this week, I next week) to record people and surroundings and whatnot. I think it is a nice souvenir to take home. I just have to think where the bloody hell I am going to fit all that crap I have now ^_^;
See you next week! Last time probably!!
Cheers,
-Joost
vrijdag 5 juni 2009
It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN (tu tu tuuuu tuuuuuuu....)
Hey people,
Yep, another blog from the gardener...
This week, I've been helping David putting up some hoops with fleeces to protect the crops against pigeons and all sorts of animals which include fazants, rabbits and even small deer.
Anyway, this was a nice week, with really good weather and enjoyable breezes.
On Friday evening, we went out! YAY PARTAY!... However, we sat in two pubs(I almost got barred from one because I wore shorts =S), drank beer and sat again in a DANCECLUB. Yes. Sitting in a danceclub, well, that was mighty good fun.
But during that night, I talked to Richard Morris' fiancée who knew some Dutch words including 'Godverdomme' Well, that's the first thing you need to know!
Saturday, we went to walk to the Gothic Tower, I was beautiful! We took our cameras with us and filmed a lot. We walked through the whole park and saw lots of wildlife. Maybe you'll see some pictures later today (otherwise next week, since Rianne has to make them smaller.) In the evening, we went on a Bat Walk with the Forester! It was enjoyable, however, lots of small kids running around, not interested with the bats which we saw (4 species!) The only part was that we had to walk through the whole bloody park again. Ah well, some excercise for us XD
Well, on Sunday, my week begun again. I worked in the Car Park and there was a Countyshow going on in the Arena field (just in front of Wimpole Entrance), so it wasn't too busy in our Car Park... It's so funny to work in the car Park, the blokes there are funny yo talk with and I've learnt some English scolding like 'tossers' and 'c*nts' and several other nice English words. ^_^
After that, Rianne invited me to go over the Countyshow with her, which was really nice. We bought (yes again, I know, but it is rare!) FUDGE (Mars, White Choc, Strawberry Cheesecake, Jack Daniels)... And we ate a Ostrich burger and had a nice refreshing cool drink (not). We bought a "cooled" drink but the bloody thing was lukewarm! Yuck!
Anyway, it was nice that day and we saw some owls and other birds of pray.
This week, there was a program called 'Springwatch' and it tells you all about the life in the countryside which is up and alive now. It was really cute to see all those little chicks grow and fledging their nest...
Well, it was (and still is btw) National Volunteer Week! So we recieved and extra tin of biscuits in the Staff Room XD. Some volunteers celebrated their birthdays, so they brought in several cakes and cheese scones.
I've chatted to some Garden staff about weeding techniques, and apparantly they have a flamethrower for weeding o_O. We talked about every man being mesmerized by flames and fire. They agreed. So luckily, there hasn't been a change in the nature of man over here.
I lost my gloves this week. Couldn't find them, so Andy gave me his hand-me-downs the day after I lost them. But before I got them, I had to weed with my bare hands. Not a problem. That is, until you grab a branch of nettle which is in between the other weeds. Ouch. So my hands burned the rest of the day... Nice. But Andy's gloves were sandy inside, so before I worked, my hands were already very dirty. Sigh. But Philip found my gloves inside a blue pot =S anyway, I've got them now.
Just a quarter after Philip gave me my gloves, I heard David shout at him because it looked like he was rotavating the part where we had planted Dahlias, but he did not, he rotavated just behind them. Then, after 4 minutes or so, David shouted a Phil again, so I did not look up, since I thought David wanted to ask something about a weird weed growing (which was a beetroot from February... But apparantly, Phil fell with the rotavator on its side and Phil did not move a lot. So we ran to him and helped him up, but he was laughing when we reached him, so I guess he was alright. He had some scratches which bled, but he said he was alright. The rotavator didn't start for a while, so we checked it but it had a dead man's switch on it, so the engine just shut itself off.
Today, we went to Tesco again to buy thingies XD We are so bad buying all this delicious food! But then again, they only have it here in the UK! For instance, they have LOADS of different flavours Lay's (Walkers) Baked here! We have THREE! They have around 8+ flavours!
Same with normal crisps! We have the normal Salted and bla bla crap, they have bloody sausage and pickle flavours! Three types of smoked sausage, ham and beef! Prawn Cocktail(not that I like that.) Builder's Breakfast(Egg, buttered toast, sausage and tomato sauce)
Anyway, I'm going to miss those nice flavours... But then again, I cannot wait untill I finally can drive my motorcycle again and play my games! ^^
Tomorrow, we're going to Cambridge again, Rianne needs to speak to the girl who sold us the t-shirts, one shirt was washed but suddenly it got black stains on it... anyway, wel'll see about that.
So this was my report of this week, see you next week! Bye!
If I've forgotten something, I'll update it tomorrow in Cambridge XD
Cheers,
-Joost
Yep, another blog from the gardener...
This week, I've been helping David putting up some hoops with fleeces to protect the crops against pigeons and all sorts of animals which include fazants, rabbits and even small deer.
Anyway, this was a nice week, with really good weather and enjoyable breezes.
On Friday evening, we went out! YAY PARTAY!... However, we sat in two pubs(I almost got barred from one because I wore shorts =S), drank beer and sat again in a DANCECLUB. Yes. Sitting in a danceclub, well, that was mighty good fun.
But during that night, I talked to Richard Morris' fiancée who knew some Dutch words including 'Godverdomme' Well, that's the first thing you need to know!
Saturday, we went to walk to the Gothic Tower, I was beautiful! We took our cameras with us and filmed a lot. We walked through the whole park and saw lots of wildlife. Maybe you'll see some pictures later today (otherwise next week, since Rianne has to make them smaller.) In the evening, we went on a Bat Walk with the Forester! It was enjoyable, however, lots of small kids running around, not interested with the bats which we saw (4 species!) The only part was that we had to walk through the whole bloody park again. Ah well, some excercise for us XD
Well, on Sunday, my week begun again. I worked in the Car Park and there was a Countyshow going on in the Arena field (just in front of Wimpole Entrance), so it wasn't too busy in our Car Park... It's so funny to work in the car Park, the blokes there are funny yo talk with and I've learnt some English scolding like 'tossers' and 'c*nts' and several other nice English words. ^_^
After that, Rianne invited me to go over the Countyshow with her, which was really nice. We bought (yes again, I know, but it is rare!) FUDGE (Mars, White Choc, Strawberry Cheesecake, Jack Daniels)... And we ate a Ostrich burger and had a nice refreshing cool drink (not). We bought a "cooled" drink but the bloody thing was lukewarm! Yuck!
Anyway, it was nice that day and we saw some owls and other birds of pray.
This week, there was a program called 'Springwatch' and it tells you all about the life in the countryside which is up and alive now. It was really cute to see all those little chicks grow and fledging their nest...
Well, it was (and still is btw) National Volunteer Week! So we recieved and extra tin of biscuits in the Staff Room XD. Some volunteers celebrated their birthdays, so they brought in several cakes and cheese scones.
I've chatted to some Garden staff about weeding techniques, and apparantly they have a flamethrower for weeding o_O. We talked about every man being mesmerized by flames and fire. They agreed. So luckily, there hasn't been a change in the nature of man over here.
I lost my gloves this week. Couldn't find them, so Andy gave me his hand-me-downs the day after I lost them. But before I got them, I had to weed with my bare hands. Not a problem. That is, until you grab a branch of nettle which is in between the other weeds. Ouch. So my hands burned the rest of the day... Nice. But Andy's gloves were sandy inside, so before I worked, my hands were already very dirty. Sigh. But Philip found my gloves inside a blue pot =S anyway, I've got them now.
Just a quarter after Philip gave me my gloves, I heard David shout at him because it looked like he was rotavating the part where we had planted Dahlias, but he did not, he rotavated just behind them. Then, after 4 minutes or so, David shouted a Phil again, so I did not look up, since I thought David wanted to ask something about a weird weed growing (which was a beetroot from February... But apparantly, Phil fell with the rotavator on its side and Phil did not move a lot. So we ran to him and helped him up, but he was laughing when we reached him, so I guess he was alright. He had some scratches which bled, but he said he was alright. The rotavator didn't start for a while, so we checked it but it had a dead man's switch on it, so the engine just shut itself off.
Today, we went to Tesco again to buy thingies XD We are so bad buying all this delicious food! But then again, they only have it here in the UK! For instance, they have LOADS of different flavours Lay's (Walkers) Baked here! We have THREE! They have around 8+ flavours!
Same with normal crisps! We have the normal Salted and bla bla crap, they have bloody sausage and pickle flavours! Three types of smoked sausage, ham and beef! Prawn Cocktail(not that I like that.) Builder's Breakfast(Egg, buttered toast, sausage and tomato sauce)
Anyway, I'm going to miss those nice flavours... But then again, I cannot wait untill I finally can drive my motorcycle again and play my games! ^^
Tomorrow, we're going to Cambridge again, Rianne needs to speak to the girl who sold us the t-shirts, one shirt was washed but suddenly it got black stains on it... anyway, wel'll see about that.
So this was my report of this week, see you next week! Bye!
If I've forgotten something, I'll update it tomorrow in Cambridge XD
Cheers,
-Joost
vrijdag 29 mei 2009
Countdown! (As seen in the sidebar!)
Hey people,
Today, after 4 weeks, I'll be in the train back to London to go back to Holland!
Happy days!... Yet it is a shame that I have to leave this beautiful place.
My plan is to take the camera with me in the last week, to record people in the gardens.
Anyway, the last week was nice, we went on a sightseeing tour in Cambridge, which was nice because we heard a lot about Cambridge. For instance:
-There was something like a Pub Race, which made students go past every pub (14) in a street, take an ale in everyone of them and pass (of pass out) the finish line!
Now, there are only 4 pubs left (unfortunately).
Another thing was that the university systems. Apparantly, there was a phylosophy test which had one question on it; 'Why?' And when females were allowed on the university, the guys wore black and hung the flag halfpole, because they thought it would be the death of the university.
The punting tour (small gondel-like boat) was enjoyable as well.
I've had a lot of fun in the car park on Sunday and Monday. Monday was quite busy because of the Bank Holiday Monday (Damn! It looks like they just fling them around in the year!)
But the weather was enjoyable...
The Medieval Merriment wasn't that impressive, it was just a bunch of tents, one show, and 5 shots of the longbow for £3. EXPENSIVE.
This week, I've been planting Dahlias again, yet we did something else from Tuesday afternoon onwards. We started planting Salvias and Geraniums in the Parterre, but because I worked quite hard on them, I created a blister on my right hand.
Thursdays, I burnt my left hand with hot water (just off the boil) when I wanted to pour in some for tea.
Then, after a few hours, when helping putting up a metal frame, I stabbed myself in the place of my blister, so yesterday was not my day... Today, the weather is really nice and we'll go out tonight! Tomorrow, we'll visit the Gothic Tower/Folly and go on a twilight Bat Walk with the Forester.
It feels a bit depressing to go back to Holland because I had such a great time here, but it fills me with joy that I'll be here for another 4 weeks (exactly). And I can always come back to Wimpole... It's a shame I have to miss out the Tomato Festival! Apparantly, they grow 60-something varieties of tomatoes! Black ones, white ones, red ones with yellow stripes! And you can taste them all! Such a shame. But it is nice that the people here want to send photos of all the things I've done and I will miss.
Well, this was an interesting week and I'll see you next week! With three more weeks to go!
(Some photos of this week will be uploaded! Probably some pics of Rianne with her 'babies' -_- Ah well. In the pictures, you can also see Ginger, the garden cat ^^ She just wanders around... I think I told you before about her...)
Cheers!
-Joost
(And Thomas, TA for your response!)
...
(TA is slang here for Thanks or Thanks A lot)
Today, after 4 weeks, I'll be in the train back to London to go back to Holland!
Happy days!... Yet it is a shame that I have to leave this beautiful place.
My plan is to take the camera with me in the last week, to record people in the gardens.
Anyway, the last week was nice, we went on a sightseeing tour in Cambridge, which was nice because we heard a lot about Cambridge. For instance:
-There was something like a Pub Race, which made students go past every pub (14) in a street, take an ale in everyone of them and pass (of pass out) the finish line!
Now, there are only 4 pubs left (unfortunately).
Another thing was that the university systems. Apparantly, there was a phylosophy test which had one question on it; 'Why?' And when females were allowed on the university, the guys wore black and hung the flag halfpole, because they thought it would be the death of the university.
The punting tour (small gondel-like boat) was enjoyable as well.
I've had a lot of fun in the car park on Sunday and Monday. Monday was quite busy because of the Bank Holiday Monday (Damn! It looks like they just fling them around in the year!)
But the weather was enjoyable...
The Medieval Merriment wasn't that impressive, it was just a bunch of tents, one show, and 5 shots of the longbow for £3. EXPENSIVE.
This week, I've been planting Dahlias again, yet we did something else from Tuesday afternoon onwards. We started planting Salvias and Geraniums in the Parterre, but because I worked quite hard on them, I created a blister on my right hand.
Thursdays, I burnt my left hand with hot water (just off the boil) when I wanted to pour in some for tea.
Then, after a few hours, when helping putting up a metal frame, I stabbed myself in the place of my blister, so yesterday was not my day... Today, the weather is really nice and we'll go out tonight! Tomorrow, we'll visit the Gothic Tower/Folly and go on a twilight Bat Walk with the Forester.
It feels a bit depressing to go back to Holland because I had such a great time here, but it fills me with joy that I'll be here for another 4 weeks (exactly). And I can always come back to Wimpole... It's a shame I have to miss out the Tomato Festival! Apparantly, they grow 60-something varieties of tomatoes! Black ones, white ones, red ones with yellow stripes! And you can taste them all! Such a shame. But it is nice that the people here want to send photos of all the things I've done and I will miss.
Well, this was an interesting week and I'll see you next week! With three more weeks to go!
(Some photos of this week will be uploaded! Probably some pics of Rianne with her 'babies' -_- Ah well. In the pictures, you can also see Ginger, the garden cat ^^ She just wanders around... I think I told you before about her...)
Cheers!
-Joost
(And Thomas, TA for your response!)
...
(TA is slang here for Thanks or Thanks A lot)
zaterdag 23 mei 2009
Apple Store (I don't count it anymore...)
Hey people,
Yet again, I'm in Cambridge, we'll probably go on a punting tour ^^ Something we did not do last year!
Today and tomorrow is the ' Medieval Merriment' at Wimpole, so it is a big festival thingy right now.
We'll go and pick up the shirts Rianne ordered. She is part of a video which some Work Experience girls made on the farm... She milked the goat on the beat of the music.... Dear God. So check her blog to see the horror. (No need to remind you that her blog is www.rianne-wimpolefarm.blogspot.com...)
I'll return my microphone for my iPod. The guys here at the Apple store told me it would work with my iPod Touch. It doesn't.
So I'll talk to you guys on Friday again!
(BTW, Happy Birthday Janneke! And you too Reinder, on Monday!)
Cheers,
Joost
vrijdag 22 mei 2009
Hey people,
Yet again another week has passed. I'm halfway through! Yippee!I like the fact that I will be home after the amount of time I've already spent here, but then again,it's a shame that I have to leave this place. It is just so magical.
Anyway.
Saturday we went to Cambridge again, you probably noticed =POn sunday, I worked in the car park. It rained and it was so busy that we stood there for two hours and left after that. XD
Monday I worked in the gardens again and we planted Dahlias... Yup, big surprise =P
But I've been working with David a lot, which is really enjoyable because he is such a nice bloke.
Tuesday I've been working with David again, planting Dahlias and we enjoyed our afternoon tea after some speed planting with the dahlias...
It's quite funny that I've been part of the 'Dahlia Team' since a few weeks and that David has been treating me as a colleague. (By the way, David is the bloke on the pictures, tieing up the bamboo structure XD)
On Wednesday, we started lifting potatoes from an area. Last year's potatoes that is.Apparantly, they forgot to lift most of the tubers, which resulted in them growing again.During the lifting, there was a bloke who came onto the field and wanted to take some photos of volunteers. So he took some photos of me ^^ while I was posing for him, and doing my job. I told him about why I came here and sorts. Apparantly, it does not get published. =( Unfortunately. But I'm probably in a magazine, so I'll bring it back when we get it!
Thursday, we planted Dahlias again. This time however, we had to prepare a whole border, rotavate it with a rotavator and think of a planting scheme. So we did that and it was quite hard work. When I showered, I noticed I somehow got a bit of a tan XD
And today, we're internetting, we'll maybe go to the Gothic Tower (since the weather is quite enjoyable).
Saturday going to Cambridge again! (have to pick up soe t-shirts for Rianne...)Sunday working in the Car Park as well as Monday! (Bank Holiday Monday! Again.)
I'll be back next week, probably updating tomorrow again...
Cheers!
-Joost
Yet again another week has passed. I'm halfway through! Yippee!I like the fact that I will be home after the amount of time I've already spent here, but then again,it's a shame that I have to leave this place. It is just so magical.
Anyway.
Saturday we went to Cambridge again, you probably noticed =POn sunday, I worked in the car park. It rained and it was so busy that we stood there for two hours and left after that. XD
Monday I worked in the gardens again and we planted Dahlias... Yup, big surprise =P
But I've been working with David a lot, which is really enjoyable because he is such a nice bloke.
Tuesday I've been working with David again, planting Dahlias and we enjoyed our afternoon tea after some speed planting with the dahlias...
It's quite funny that I've been part of the 'Dahlia Team' since a few weeks and that David has been treating me as a colleague. (By the way, David is the bloke on the pictures, tieing up the bamboo structure XD)
On Wednesday, we started lifting potatoes from an area. Last year's potatoes that is.Apparantly, they forgot to lift most of the tubers, which resulted in them growing again.During the lifting, there was a bloke who came onto the field and wanted to take some photos of volunteers. So he took some photos of me ^^ while I was posing for him, and doing my job. I told him about why I came here and sorts. Apparantly, it does not get published. =( Unfortunately. But I'm probably in a magazine, so I'll bring it back when we get it!
Thursday, we planted Dahlias again. This time however, we had to prepare a whole border, rotavate it with a rotavator and think of a planting scheme. So we did that and it was quite hard work. When I showered, I noticed I somehow got a bit of a tan XD
And today, we're internetting, we'll maybe go to the Gothic Tower (since the weather is quite enjoyable).
Saturday going to Cambridge again! (have to pick up soe t-shirts for Rianne...)Sunday working in the Car Park as well as Monday! (Bank Holiday Monday! Again.)
I'll be back next week, probably updating tomorrow again...
Cheers!
-Joost
zaterdag 16 mei 2009
Cambridge Middle?
Hey people!
Back in the Apple store...
Rianne is currently waiting for somebody so she can buy the new Apple Ipod Nano! She will show you (and tell you) when she will be on her blog. I myself am going to buy a Nintendo DSi. I would get the UK Adaptor, but I've found a simple way to order a normal EU one. And considering I cannot play R4 on DSi, I've found the R4i, which works with DSi, thank god for the pirates XD (But I'm innocent, because I just use it for music and picture storage (oh wait, that works with DSi without R4 =P)
I can call with my iPod soon! You'll hear about that as well!
I have to go, because there will be training sessions soon here!
Cheers!
-Joost
Cambridge 2! Apple Store AGAIN!
Hey people,
Yet again, we are in Cambridge XD
Enjoying the weather =\
We'll see what we'll do today. I guess I might blog about it later today, but we're going to starbucks and HMV and where ever we go XD
Cheers!
-Joost
(And people! Give a comment or anything! Sjeez, has this blog died or anything?)
vrijdag 15 mei 2009
Friday again!
Yay, here I am, typing a blog again.
Not a lot happened last week, but I'm going to Dominator Hardcore Festival on the 25th of July ^^
When we were in Cambridge, we bought some stuff: Fudge, Chocolate, Games...
We will probably go to Cambridge this Saturday and buy some games... Maybe I will buy a Nintendo DSi! XD Oh boy, poor me here in England =P
Anyway, Saturday was real enjoyable, we went to Starbucks twice (when does it come to Holland? And I don't mean Schiphol.)
I've been doing lots of things in the Gardens, planting DAHLIAS (Yep, probably will be doing that another week) and lifting Tulips, which felt like killing my motherland. I helped them correct another Dutch mistake. A Dahlia called 'Vuurvogel' was written on the label as 'Vervogel' so I told them. They knew the mistake, but the lady who writes the labels makes more mistakes, even in English.
Rachael came back from her 'holiday' in New York, but I saw her just a few seconds and she was gone, so that was fun.
Janet allowed me to take Black Tulips from the garden back to the flat.
I finally can use my phone again. Yippee!
I'll probably update again in Cambridge.
(God are these blogs getting boring! I just do most of the same work in Gardens, so no point in telling you most of that...)
Cheers,
Joost
Not a lot happened last week, but I'm going to Dominator Hardcore Festival on the 25th of July ^^
When we were in Cambridge, we bought some stuff: Fudge, Chocolate, Games...
We will probably go to Cambridge this Saturday and buy some games... Maybe I will buy a Nintendo DSi! XD Oh boy, poor me here in England =P
Anyway, Saturday was real enjoyable, we went to Starbucks twice (when does it come to Holland? And I don't mean Schiphol.)
I've been doing lots of things in the Gardens, planting DAHLIAS (Yep, probably will be doing that another week) and lifting Tulips, which felt like killing my motherland. I helped them correct another Dutch mistake. A Dahlia called 'Vuurvogel' was written on the label as 'Vervogel' so I told them. They knew the mistake, but the lady who writes the labels makes more mistakes, even in English.
Rachael came back from her 'holiday' in New York, but I saw her just a few seconds and she was gone, so that was fun.
Janet allowed me to take Black Tulips from the garden back to the flat.
I finally can use my phone again. Yippee!
I'll probably update again in Cambridge.
(God are these blogs getting boring! I just do most of the same work in Gardens, so no point in telling you most of that...)
Cheers,
Joost
zaterdag 9 mei 2009
Small update
I'm in Cambridge right now! In the Apple Store in Cambridge (which may sound familiar to some of you... ;))
The bus was a bit weird, it just stopped where people stood, no real bus stops or anything o_O
Ah well, might as well enjoy the surroundings XD
At least we made it to Cambridge... You'll hear all about that next Friday!
I'm going to enjoy the nice weather and students (Eh Mark? XD)(Just a joke Rianne =P)
Cheers!
-Joost
vrijdag 8 mei 2009
Me time!
Hey everybody!!!!
It took me a while, but here I am!
Last week we went into the office, we were only allowed on the internet until 4 pm.Apparantly, the office closes at 3 pm, so we actually can go online until then.So last week, Rianne went on the internet and I just checked my emails before we got kicked out.Here is a double-bill of my blog!
I'm not sure where I left my blog (as I am typing this offline) but I guess friday after I updated it!
Friday:That evening, I taught Rachael how to play poker and some other games.Then I called Rianne because she was a bit scared about flying for the first time... Poor girl =(But I will see her tomorrow! YAY!
Saturday:I showered, ate, watched tv... just relaxed a bit until Rianne would arrive!She called me when she had to fly within 1 hour, she sounded scared, but excited.She called again after she landed, she was pissed off because the security threw some of her belongings away(Chocolate spread, conditioner, shampoo, etc.)She called Richard to pick her up and I was too busy doing the dishes with Rachael to pick her up.Richard was late himself so we could pick Rianne up together.We drove to Cambridge and picked Rianne up, which was nice because I missed her for two weeks (yes, classmates, I know you have to miss everybody for 10 weeks...)She was tired so we did nothing that evening.
Sunday:I showed Rianne around on the Estate, which was nice because of the sunshine.Not really a lot happening.
Monday:Before work, Philips came to me with a list of Dahlias. The brochure was Dutch and he asked if I could translate the colours in English!I'm glad to! It's just that some colours seem gibberish to mee, so that was hard to translate! =PI could translate 'rood met een geel hart' but 'velvetpurper met honinggele toppen' was a bit difficult. =P Talking with arms and legs worked out fine. =PI edged the Parterre and the Dutch Garden today. Rachael joined us today in the gardens, she will be working here this week.Was a tad bit boring, but still, fairly ok weather.
Tuesday:I made a bamboo structure and I was busy with that the whole day!(See pictures)I worked with David(see pictures) all day, which was nice. Rianne payed us a visit.Not really a lot happening today.
Wednesday:We finished the last bit of the bamboo structure and started weeding for a bit.Then I helped planting red cabbages (Cappucio or something) in the fruit cage (yep, makes sense)Then I helped move the compost to a new border.In the evening, we went to Tesco's with
Rachael.
Thursday:Queens day! We started on the White Dahlia border today and while we were working there, Rianne called me that her friend told her that there was an attack on the queenin Apeldoorn.(In case you do not know, I live there) That shocked me and I was a bit fed up that I could not stop and go check it on the internet or anything.I called my mom in my lunch break so she could explain what happened. (It has been a week since the attack so my next reaction is from now)This is the only part of my blog where you read about this, because I think people are taking it too far with the whole 'OMG ITs SO BAD' attitude.Sure, seven people died (My condolonces) and a lot of people injured, but that doesn't mean you should throw away the 'Even Apeldoorn Bellen.' slogan, Centraal beheer Achmea!That's just over my sympathy limit. Canceling the funfair/carnaval... The queen herself is not dead!Damn. And all those crappy 'OMG ITS SO BAD' hyves that were made... I can understand that there is one made! But I've been invited to FOUR hyves!That's just pathetic.In the evening, we watched a nice movie.
Friday:We relaxed a bit and went on the internet, Rianne did everything she wanted, I just checked my emails.
Saturday:We TRIED to go to Cambridge, but the bloody bus did not turn up. TWICE. We were
quite annoyed with that so we tried to go on the internet, but the Office is closed on weekends (Bugger).
Sunday:Worked in the Car Park, it wasn't so busy.
Monday:Worked in Car Park again, Bank Holiday Monday craziness! Saw a Dutch family from Capelle a/d Ijssel =P 'Goed volk!'We cooked and the fire alarm went off! Real nice! It stopped screaming after a few minutes because we opened every window...Damn, that's a loud noise.
Tuesday:We lifted Tulips from the Parterre (looks quite boring now)then we worked at Dahlia Border again! Yay!After our usual Tuesday afternoon tea, I helped Ffanni with the washing up and we talked a fair amount of time...
Wednesday:We worked on Dahlias! Woohoo! The whole day! Lucky me!I saw the 'Master Plan' today, so I'm involved in the making of the borders now! *Feels important*
Thursday:Guess what I did? Dahlias! We discussed the 'Master Plan' because it was not on scale, so we had to check again.During lunch break, Janet brought in small finger sandwiches, because there should have been a meeting for 12 people, two turned up, so we had the sandwiches =PWhile we cooked today, the bloody fire alarm went off! From a small puff of smoke! and it went on and on and on for a quarter!We couldn't turn it off because we simply did not knew how! Then George came in to put it off.He explained to us that he gets a message on his pager and comes in an instant.Mark from the farm an Philip came in as well to see what the ruckus was about. We felt quite ashamed and embarrassed because of a bloody baguette!Sorry! ^^We watched a movie tonight...
Friday:We picked up Janet's bike from behind the Walled garden, went with it to the Farm to change height of the saddle and handlebar and now we're on the Internet!Well Rianne is at the moment =PWe actually have no proper food anymore to cook, so we'll just make what's in the flat.
We tried to arrange a shop-lift (If you catch my drift ;P) but that did not work out just yet.
So this was the double-bill of my blog, and I hope to see you next week.We'll go to Cambridge for real tomorrow (Have to cycle quite the distance -__-; )So you'll hear all about that next week!I heard from Chris, that I HAVE to go on internet next Tuesday, so I could help them with the Tulip names XD It's good to be Dutch!
So I'll ask Rianne nicely if I can go online now, so until next time!
Cheers,
-Joost
It took me a while, but here I am!
Last week we went into the office, we were only allowed on the internet until 4 pm.Apparantly, the office closes at 3 pm, so we actually can go online until then.So last week, Rianne went on the internet and I just checked my emails before we got kicked out.Here is a double-bill of my blog!
I'm not sure where I left my blog (as I am typing this offline) but I guess friday after I updated it!
Friday:That evening, I taught Rachael how to play poker and some other games.Then I called Rianne because she was a bit scared about flying for the first time... Poor girl =(But I will see her tomorrow! YAY!
Saturday:I showered, ate, watched tv... just relaxed a bit until Rianne would arrive!She called me when she had to fly within 1 hour, she sounded scared, but excited.She called again after she landed, she was pissed off because the security threw some of her belongings away(Chocolate spread, conditioner, shampoo, etc.)She called Richard to pick her up and I was too busy doing the dishes with Rachael to pick her up.Richard was late himself so we could pick Rianne up together.We drove to Cambridge and picked Rianne up, which was nice because I missed her for two weeks (yes, classmates, I know you have to miss everybody for 10 weeks...)She was tired so we did nothing that evening.
Sunday:I showed Rianne around on the Estate, which was nice because of the sunshine.Not really a lot happening.
Monday:Before work, Philips came to me with a list of Dahlias. The brochure was Dutch and he asked if I could translate the colours in English!I'm glad to! It's just that some colours seem gibberish to mee, so that was hard to translate! =PI could translate 'rood met een geel hart' but 'velvetpurper met honinggele toppen' was a bit difficult. =P Talking with arms and legs worked out fine. =PI edged the Parterre and the Dutch Garden today. Rachael joined us today in the gardens, she will be working here this week.Was a tad bit boring, but still, fairly ok weather.
Tuesday:I made a bamboo structure and I was busy with that the whole day!(See pictures)I worked with David(see pictures) all day, which was nice. Rianne payed us a visit.Not really a lot happening today.
Wednesday:We finished the last bit of the bamboo structure and started weeding for a bit.Then I helped planting red cabbages (Cappucio or something) in the fruit cage (yep, makes sense)Then I helped move the compost to a new border.In the evening, we went to Tesco's with
Rachael.
Thursday:Queens day! We started on the White Dahlia border today and while we were working there, Rianne called me that her friend told her that there was an attack on the queenin Apeldoorn.(In case you do not know, I live there) That shocked me and I was a bit fed up that I could not stop and go check it on the internet or anything.I called my mom in my lunch break so she could explain what happened. (It has been a week since the attack so my next reaction is from now)This is the only part of my blog where you read about this, because I think people are taking it too far with the whole 'OMG ITs SO BAD' attitude.Sure, seven people died (My condolonces) and a lot of people injured, but that doesn't mean you should throw away the 'Even Apeldoorn Bellen.' slogan, Centraal beheer Achmea!That's just over my sympathy limit. Canceling the funfair/carnaval... The queen herself is not dead!Damn. And all those crappy 'OMG ITS SO BAD' hyves that were made... I can understand that there is one made! But I've been invited to FOUR hyves!That's just pathetic.In the evening, we watched a nice movie.
Friday:We relaxed a bit and went on the internet, Rianne did everything she wanted, I just checked my emails.
Saturday:We TRIED to go to Cambridge, but the bloody bus did not turn up. TWICE. We were
quite annoyed with that so we tried to go on the internet, but the Office is closed on weekends (Bugger).
Sunday:Worked in the Car Park, it wasn't so busy.
Monday:Worked in Car Park again, Bank Holiday Monday craziness! Saw a Dutch family from Capelle a/d Ijssel =P 'Goed volk!'We cooked and the fire alarm went off! Real nice! It stopped screaming after a few minutes because we opened every window...Damn, that's a loud noise.
Tuesday:We lifted Tulips from the Parterre (looks quite boring now)then we worked at Dahlia Border again! Yay!After our usual Tuesday afternoon tea, I helped Ffanni with the washing up and we talked a fair amount of time...
Wednesday:We worked on Dahlias! Woohoo! The whole day! Lucky me!I saw the 'Master Plan' today, so I'm involved in the making of the borders now! *Feels important*
Thursday:Guess what I did? Dahlias! We discussed the 'Master Plan' because it was not on scale, so we had to check again.During lunch break, Janet brought in small finger sandwiches, because there should have been a meeting for 12 people, two turned up, so we had the sandwiches =PWhile we cooked today, the bloody fire alarm went off! From a small puff of smoke! and it went on and on and on for a quarter!We couldn't turn it off because we simply did not knew how! Then George came in to put it off.He explained to us that he gets a message on his pager and comes in an instant.Mark from the farm an Philip came in as well to see what the ruckus was about. We felt quite ashamed and embarrassed because of a bloody baguette!Sorry! ^^We watched a movie tonight...
Friday:We picked up Janet's bike from behind the Walled garden, went with it to the Farm to change height of the saddle and handlebar and now we're on the Internet!Well Rianne is at the moment =PWe actually have no proper food anymore to cook, so we'll just make what's in the flat.
We tried to arrange a shop-lift (If you catch my drift ;P) but that did not work out just yet.
So this was the double-bill of my blog, and I hope to see you next week.We'll go to Cambridge for real tomorrow (Have to cycle quite the distance -__-; )So you'll hear all about that next week!I heard from Chris, that I HAVE to go on internet next Tuesday, so I could help them with the Tulip names XD It's good to be Dutch!
So I'll ask Rianne nicely if I can go online now, so until next time!
Cheers,
-Joost
vrijdag 24 april 2009
FREE AT LAST!
Hello everybody,
Yet again a week has passed and there has happend a lot the last week. I write everything down what I cannot type on my laptop (which was the whole last week =P) but I forgot to bring it with me, so I'll just have to remember them. You'll hear most of it in the next blog I presume.
Because of the Easter holidays, they have chocolate eggs to give away. They've ordered 2000 eggs, Cadbury gave 5000. So I have got 4 eggs already given to me, could become more. XD
Friday, I felt even worse after being on a computer so I went ' home' and enjoyed laying in bed.
Saturday, I went cycling to Arrington, because I wanted to go to Orwell. Sounds logical! Anyway, I turned left, where I should've turned right. Therefore, instead of riding a flat piece of land, I traveled over all hills (or so it seemed) in Cambridgeshire. I was exhausted when I arrived in Arrington, but I saw when the bus leaves to Cambridge, so yay, I could go back again. Oh, side note, I had a pulsing headache and I think fever all day. When I got back, I laid in bed the whole day, I felt wrecked.
Sunday. I enjoyed the nice day. By laying in bed. With: -Headache -Fever -All sorts of pain which made my day crap.
Monday. I worked in the gardens. (SUPRISE SUPRISE!) But that never is any fun with a headache! At least Philip and Andy had given me my own pair of gloves! *proud* But it was quite a nice day, not regarding the pains I had.
Tuesday. Did quite a lot of work today. During work, there was a photographer walking around, making official photos for some magazine. There was a photo taken of me working with 2 other volunteers, so maybe I'll be in that magazine! And during afternoon tea break, he also made some photos, where I probably am in the picture, so I hope I do make it to a English magazine!
Then I planted some Neptia plants, one volunteer called catnip, and since I have no idea about plants, I believed her.
Wednesday. I almost arrived late because I had to make lunch without proper food. They gave me some working boots, which are quite nice, but I guess that working boots hate me, because every pair I've had so far in my life, still keep scraping against my big toe. Anyway, we worked in the Parterre. We edged the paths and weeded them.
Thursday. Today, I actually came in late! DAMN! It appeared that they were just walking out, so no worries. But I tried to make lunch without actual food, so that's kind of hard to do. We worked in the Walled Garden again, cutting Rhubarb (whatever the hell that is) and putting compost on the Dahlias. I then watered the main paths. During lunch, I gave ' stroopwafels' to the gardeners, which they enjoyed! Then I helped with planting some plants. In the evening, Rachel took me to her friends in Cambridge and we went drinking in a pub, then to the cinema: 'The boat that rocked' Quite a nice film. Didn't expect that. But it was fun, being under people my age(Or should I say, at least 3-5 years older =P) Returning to Wimpole at 11.42 pm, I saw a lot of stars, so you can bet on it that I will be star spotting in the next weeks!
Friday. I worked in the gardens yet again, this time we worked on the Parterre (behind Hall) again, edging and weeding the whole thing. After coffee break, we went to the walled garden where I weeded between garlic and watered the new grass turf. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer! I can't wait for my sweetie to arrive tomorrow! I want to show her lots of things..
I'll try to upload the photos to the slideshow!
Until next week (probably)!
Cheers!
--Joost
---TINY UPDATE!---
Photos have been uploaded! Enjoy!
Cheers!
--Joost
Yet again a week has passed and there has happend a lot the last week. I write everything down what I cannot type on my laptop (which was the whole last week =P) but I forgot to bring it with me, so I'll just have to remember them. You'll hear most of it in the next blog I presume.
Because of the Easter holidays, they have chocolate eggs to give away. They've ordered 2000 eggs, Cadbury gave 5000. So I have got 4 eggs already given to me, could become more. XD
Friday, I felt even worse after being on a computer so I went ' home' and enjoyed laying in bed.
Saturday, I went cycling to Arrington, because I wanted to go to Orwell. Sounds logical! Anyway, I turned left, where I should've turned right. Therefore, instead of riding a flat piece of land, I traveled over all hills (or so it seemed) in Cambridgeshire. I was exhausted when I arrived in Arrington, but I saw when the bus leaves to Cambridge, so yay, I could go back again. Oh, side note, I had a pulsing headache and I think fever all day. When I got back, I laid in bed the whole day, I felt wrecked.
Sunday. I enjoyed the nice day. By laying in bed. With: -Headache -Fever -All sorts of pain which made my day crap.
Monday. I worked in the gardens. (SUPRISE SUPRISE!) But that never is any fun with a headache! At least Philip and Andy had given me my own pair of gloves! *proud* But it was quite a nice day, not regarding the pains I had.
Tuesday. Did quite a lot of work today. During work, there was a photographer walking around, making official photos for some magazine. There was a photo taken of me working with 2 other volunteers, so maybe I'll be in that magazine! And during afternoon tea break, he also made some photos, where I probably am in the picture, so I hope I do make it to a English magazine!
Then I planted some Neptia plants, one volunteer called catnip, and since I have no idea about plants, I believed her.
Wednesday. I almost arrived late because I had to make lunch without proper food. They gave me some working boots, which are quite nice, but I guess that working boots hate me, because every pair I've had so far in my life, still keep scraping against my big toe. Anyway, we worked in the Parterre. We edged the paths and weeded them.
Thursday. Today, I actually came in late! DAMN! It appeared that they were just walking out, so no worries. But I tried to make lunch without actual food, so that's kind of hard to do. We worked in the Walled Garden again, cutting Rhubarb (whatever the hell that is) and putting compost on the Dahlias. I then watered the main paths. During lunch, I gave ' stroopwafels' to the gardeners, which they enjoyed! Then I helped with planting some plants. In the evening, Rachel took me to her friends in Cambridge and we went drinking in a pub, then to the cinema: 'The boat that rocked' Quite a nice film. Didn't expect that. But it was fun, being under people my age(Or should I say, at least 3-5 years older =P) Returning to Wimpole at 11.42 pm, I saw a lot of stars, so you can bet on it that I will be star spotting in the next weeks!
Friday. I worked in the gardens yet again, this time we worked on the Parterre (behind Hall) again, edging and weeding the whole thing. After coffee break, we went to the walled garden where I weeded between garlic and watered the new grass turf. Now I'm sitting in front of a computer! I can't wait for my sweetie to arrive tomorrow! I want to show her lots of things..
I'll try to upload the photos to the slideshow!
Until next week (probably)!
Cheers!
--Joost
---TINY UPDATE!---
Photos have been uploaded! Enjoy!
Cheers!
--Joost
vrijdag 17 april 2009
--FINALLY!!--
Well,
Even though I am typing this on my laptop so I can take to the computer where I can internet on,
It still is a blog =P
This is my third day, I do not know why I haven't started blogging on my laptop earlier...
Oh, now I remember, the bloody plug adapter is made so well that my laptop charger does not fit.
Every other plug does, just my laptop charger doesn't.
Anyway, my trip took about 17 hours (including waiting and all that) I sat next to a Chinese guy of whom I now have a phone number and some material about the Chinese language.
There were also 2 girls, going to London to party and then go back to Holland. They had shirts with shrooms on them, hmm I wonder where they went.
The only thing they knew was a number that they had to call when they were in London.
I was picked up in Royston by Richard (farm manager) who drove me to Wimpole. Dammit! Driving on the left never eases me.
This made me feel like the driver without having a steering wheel... Anyway,
I arrived at Wimpole where Richard introduced me to Rachel (the girl I will be staying with for the next 10,5 weeks and who already is here for a year or so.)
She showed me around a bit and then let me come to my senses a bit. After I unpacked in my room for 5 minutes, Linda brought me a cup of tea! How nice! Rachel cooked a shepards pie or something together with Linda (who was staying for Easter)
They shared some of their food with me, as the nearest supermarket was a 5 minute drive away, that would mean 15 min by bicycle... which would mean endless on foot.
But it was nice and they took great care of me.
Well, Linda gave me some of her things as she thought I needed to eat something, so I have had some wheat chunks for breakfast, yum.
The second day, I had to meet someone in the ticket office around 10. I would have to help in the car park, as today (Bank Holiday Monday)
would be a very busy day. I was introduced to Terry (Manager) Max and Thomas (assistants). I helped out in the car park and
gave people directions about where to park their car. We stopped about three 'o clock and I was told to relax.
Fine by me, but I am supposed to work somewhere around here, and that's hard if you do not know where to go, now is it?
'Come to the estate officce at half past 8.' is the only thing that was told to me.
At dinner, Rachel had a friend over for dinner, with whom she had Indian takeaway. She forgot that I did not have any food,
so my meal consisted out of Cup-A-Soup instant soup (Thanks, mum) and a half flattend ham&cheese croissant. Yum.
Today (Tuesday) I went to the estate office where I met Philip Whaites, Head Gardener, who is supposed to be my mentor for the 10,5 weeks.
He introduced me to the whole lot of gardeners and put me together with Andy, whom I worked with a lot today.
I began with hoeing and raking the weeds along the paths in the Walled Garden. I had come across some tulips named: 'APPELDOORN' I live in APELDOORN! WOW!
One hour later, Andy called me to him and said it was tea-time. Oh yeah, let's enjoy that!
So we had a cup of tea while I was introduced to the whole lot. Of course, there is always a problem with the pronouncing-my-name-issue, but they managed fairly well.
Then I hoed and raked another three or four hours in the sun (yup, it was hot.). Then we had a lunch break.
I told people that I did not have anything to eat really, just instant soup and the croissant I ate at lunch. The gardeners had pity with me, so
one gardener insisted that we went shopping after lunch, which we did. I bought a fair amount of things, mostly easy food, just the simple stuff like rice and sorts.
Then when we got back at the estate, I unpacked my groceries and went back to the garden, where I hoed some more. Then it was time for tea, again. Blimey! I almost felt like I did not have to work, but the shopping took so long.
After another delicious tea time (this happens only of tuesdays), I helped andy to pot a few plants. I can be proud of them and can show people:
'LOOK! I'VE PLANTED THOSE! ^_^' Especcially when Rianne comes here =D.
Then I helped Philip to hoe through some leftovers from the removal of fresh vegetables. He had cut some stuff up for me, so I could taste them, I believe they were Shonozia and Cauliever or something,
but they resembeled like selery(the second one) and a carrot (first one).
Another volunteer told me to get some books at the second hand shop, which was 2 metres away from my flat,so after washing my hands, I bought three of them for a pound!
I might buy another set...
When I got home, Rachel wasn't there (she would be out with her friend, eating out as well.) so I took a chicken and pasta salad,
ate it, ate a dessert and watched the Simpsons on the telly.
I have to work in the gardens again tomorrow, but I'm not sure what to do.. I'll probably upload this blog then XD
I'm really looking forward to see Rianne and walk her through the gardens, they are so beautiful!
The only word I could not stop saying was 'Wow.'
I'll try to post some pictures when I get the chance, but then everything has to work out on the computer I use.
Maybe it'll work to put some films I made on youtube.
I'll quit blogging, otherwise my laptop will be empty by the end of the week..
Cheerio!
And regards from Wimpole Stable Block Flat!
--Joost
--UPDATE--
FINALLY ON A PC NOW!
Well, Wednesday, I worked in the garden and we had a storm overnight, so I had worse expectations about the rest of the day, but it was better than I expected. I've weeded under the hedges and I've laid woodchips around the place which took until 5 PM. Together with Rachel, I went shopping at Tesco's, and there is so much to buy! God, maybe it isn't good, me staying for ten weeks...
Anyway, on Thursday, we had another storm overnight and I worked in the Pleasure Paths (the path towards the Gardens) and I had a pulsing headache the whole day! I still have actually...
Anyway, we edged the paths (which looks quite nice now! I'm proud!) until morning tea break and after that, I weeded under the trees along the pleasure paths.
Then I cutted some plants so they will grow even better.
Then I ate and showered. Today, I worked with two other people to help and make a new path. We succeeded! YAY! It looks beautiful and it will be more beautiful later this month.
While I'm typing this, my brother proposed to his girlfriend on national television! I cannot watch it yet (-_-;) because of some protection on this computer. DAMMIT. But I'll look if I can do anything about it.
CLICKY to see the video (I thought around 6:10, she would join the hostess..)
I wanted to upload some videos and stuff, but the blocker blockes:
Youtube, hotmail photo uploader, webmail, Hyves, and some other things...
I called to the Technical Support and they opened a browser with I could see all those things,
but unfortunately, I cannot upload videos on youtube -_-;
Maybe until soon! Otherwise, until next time.
Cheerio!
--Joost
Even though I am typing this on my laptop so I can take to the computer where I can internet on,
It still is a blog =P
This is my third day, I do not know why I haven't started blogging on my laptop earlier...
Oh, now I remember, the bloody plug adapter is made so well that my laptop charger does not fit.
Every other plug does, just my laptop charger doesn't.
Anyway, my trip took about 17 hours (including waiting and all that) I sat next to a Chinese guy of whom I now have a phone number and some material about the Chinese language.
There were also 2 girls, going to London to party and then go back to Holland. They had shirts with shrooms on them, hmm I wonder where they went.
The only thing they knew was a number that they had to call when they were in London.
I was picked up in Royston by Richard (farm manager) who drove me to Wimpole. Dammit! Driving on the left never eases me.
This made me feel like the driver without having a steering wheel... Anyway,
I arrived at Wimpole where Richard introduced me to Rachel (the girl I will be staying with for the next 10,5 weeks and who already is here for a year or so.)
She showed me around a bit and then let me come to my senses a bit. After I unpacked in my room for 5 minutes, Linda brought me a cup of tea! How nice! Rachel cooked a shepards pie or something together with Linda (who was staying for Easter)
They shared some of their food with me, as the nearest supermarket was a 5 minute drive away, that would mean 15 min by bicycle... which would mean endless on foot.
But it was nice and they took great care of me.
Well, Linda gave me some of her things as she thought I needed to eat something, so I have had some wheat chunks for breakfast, yum.
The second day, I had to meet someone in the ticket office around 10. I would have to help in the car park, as today (Bank Holiday Monday)
would be a very busy day. I was introduced to Terry (Manager) Max and Thomas (assistants). I helped out in the car park and
gave people directions about where to park their car. We stopped about three 'o clock and I was told to relax.
Fine by me, but I am supposed to work somewhere around here, and that's hard if you do not know where to go, now is it?
'Come to the estate officce at half past 8.' is the only thing that was told to me.
At dinner, Rachel had a friend over for dinner, with whom she had Indian takeaway. She forgot that I did not have any food,
so my meal consisted out of Cup-A-Soup instant soup (Thanks, mum) and a half flattend ham&cheese croissant. Yum.
Today (Tuesday) I went to the estate office where I met Philip Whaites, Head Gardener, who is supposed to be my mentor for the 10,5 weeks.
He introduced me to the whole lot of gardeners and put me together with Andy, whom I worked with a lot today.
I began with hoeing and raking the weeds along the paths in the Walled Garden. I had come across some tulips named: 'APPELDOORN' I live in APELDOORN! WOW!
One hour later, Andy called me to him and said it was tea-time. Oh yeah, let's enjoy that!
So we had a cup of tea while I was introduced to the whole lot. Of course, there is always a problem with the pronouncing-my-name-issue, but they managed fairly well.
Then I hoed and raked another three or four hours in the sun (yup, it was hot.). Then we had a lunch break.
I told people that I did not have anything to eat really, just instant soup and the croissant I ate at lunch. The gardeners had pity with me, so
one gardener insisted that we went shopping after lunch, which we did. I bought a fair amount of things, mostly easy food, just the simple stuff like rice and sorts.
Then when we got back at the estate, I unpacked my groceries and went back to the garden, where I hoed some more. Then it was time for tea, again. Blimey! I almost felt like I did not have to work, but the shopping took so long.
After another delicious tea time (this happens only of tuesdays), I helped andy to pot a few plants. I can be proud of them and can show people:
'LOOK! I'VE PLANTED THOSE! ^_^' Especcially when Rianne comes here =D.
Then I helped Philip to hoe through some leftovers from the removal of fresh vegetables. He had cut some stuff up for me, so I could taste them, I believe they were Shonozia and Cauliever or something,
but they resembeled like selery(the second one) and a carrot (first one).
Another volunteer told me to get some books at the second hand shop, which was 2 metres away from my flat,so after washing my hands, I bought three of them for a pound!
I might buy another set...
When I got home, Rachel wasn't there (she would be out with her friend, eating out as well.) so I took a chicken and pasta salad,
ate it, ate a dessert and watched the Simpsons on the telly.
I have to work in the gardens again tomorrow, but I'm not sure what to do.. I'll probably upload this blog then XD
I'm really looking forward to see Rianne and walk her through the gardens, they are so beautiful!
The only word I could not stop saying was 'Wow.'
I'll try to post some pictures when I get the chance, but then everything has to work out on the computer I use.
Maybe it'll work to put some films I made on youtube.
I'll quit blogging, otherwise my laptop will be empty by the end of the week..
Cheerio!
And regards from Wimpole Stable Block Flat!
--Joost
--UPDATE--
FINALLY ON A PC NOW!
Well, Wednesday, I worked in the garden and we had a storm overnight, so I had worse expectations about the rest of the day, but it was better than I expected. I've weeded under the hedges and I've laid woodchips around the place which took until 5 PM. Together with Rachel, I went shopping at Tesco's, and there is so much to buy! God, maybe it isn't good, me staying for ten weeks...
Anyway, on Thursday, we had another storm overnight and I worked in the Pleasure Paths (the path towards the Gardens) and I had a pulsing headache the whole day! I still have actually...
Anyway, we edged the paths (which looks quite nice now! I'm proud!) until morning tea break and after that, I weeded under the trees along the pleasure paths.
Then I cutted some plants so they will grow even better.
Then I ate and showered. Today, I worked with two other people to help and make a new path. We succeeded! YAY! It looks beautiful and it will be more beautiful later this month.
While I'm typing this, my brother proposed to his girlfriend on national television! I cannot watch it yet (-_-;) because of some protection on this computer. DAMMIT. But I'll look if I can do anything about it.
CLICKY to see the video (I thought around 6:10, she would join the hostess..)
I wanted to upload some videos and stuff, but the blocker blockes:
Youtube, hotmail photo uploader, webmail, Hyves, and some other things...
I called to the Technical Support and they opened a browser with I could see all those things,
but unfortunately, I cannot upload videos on youtube -_-;
Maybe until soon! Otherwise, until next time.
Cheerio!
--Joost
maandag 23 maart 2009
STARTED MY BLOG!
Dear all,
I just started my own blog, which I have/want to make in thought of the Stay Abroad project I have to do for Hogeschool Utrecht. I'm studying for my bachelor study of being an English teacher on a secondary school/high school.
So.....
I have to stay abroad for 10 weeks, starting April the 13th. First I tried to work at the YHA hostel in Cambridge because I had a good experience there. However, after 3 months of calling and e-mailing(with only a month before the project), there suddenly was no work anymore. I was freaking out and send an e-mail to the same place where my fiancée is going to work at; Wimpole Estate (http://www.wimpole.org/) and it was almost settled within a week. I just had to send all the papers around.
Anyway, This blog is going to be about all the perils and fun stuff I witness and experience during my 10 week stay. I travel by bus on the 11th of April and I should come back the 27th of June. (this is actually 10,5 weeks, doesn't matter...)
So I'll try to keep in touch when I'm gone and I will post my first real message again from England. The only problem is that there is no wireless internet, so I have to try and update this blog from a desktop PC (if I am allowed to use it...)
Cheerio,
--Joost
---UPDATE---:
Well, I'll be leaving within two days! It's quite thrilling...
I'll probably be working in the gardens area!
My fiancee has also made a blog about her stay in Wimpole (she'll stay 8 weeks, two weeks after my arrival and she leaves one week before I leave.)
CLICKY <--This is her blog.
--Joost
I just started my own blog, which I have/want to make in thought of the Stay Abroad project I have to do for Hogeschool Utrecht. I'm studying for my bachelor study of being an English teacher on a secondary school/high school.
So.....
I have to stay abroad for 10 weeks, starting April the 13th. First I tried to work at the YHA hostel in Cambridge because I had a good experience there. However, after 3 months of calling and e-mailing(with only a month before the project), there suddenly was no work anymore. I was freaking out and send an e-mail to the same place where my fiancée is going to work at; Wimpole Estate (http://www.wimpole.org/) and it was almost settled within a week. I just had to send all the papers around.
Anyway, This blog is going to be about all the perils and fun stuff I witness and experience during my 10 week stay. I travel by bus on the 11th of April and I should come back the 27th of June. (this is actually 10,5 weeks, doesn't matter...)
So I'll try to keep in touch when I'm gone and I will post my first real message again from England. The only problem is that there is no wireless internet, so I have to try and update this blog from a desktop PC (if I am allowed to use it...)
Cheerio,
--Joost
---UPDATE---:
Well, I'll be leaving within two days! It's quite thrilling...
I'll probably be working in the gardens area!
My fiancee has also made a blog about her stay in Wimpole (she'll stay 8 weeks, two weeks after my arrival and she leaves one week before I leave.)
CLICKY <--This is her blog.
--Joost
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