Great Expectations

Great expectations are a complicated fact of life. Sometimes, we can make our expectations so great in size, that the only possible outcome is a bit short of what we had in mind. Other times, we can have no expectations at all, be taken by surprise, and end up with an outcome that is beyond great in character, far surpassing anything we could have ever imagined. As far as expectations are concerned, the latter are the greatest of them all.

My expectations for the tulip fields of Lisse, just outside Amsterdam, were of the former class of great. I have dreamed of visiting the tulip fields since I first went to Amsterdam, almost 10 years ago, whilst studying abroad in college. The tulip season runs for about 6 weeks, from late March to mid-May, and if you've ever seen photos of these fields in full bloom, you can understand why my expectations were so great in size. Fields of bright colours, extending as far as the eye can see. A stunning work of art, signed by nature. We've been talking about visiting these fields since we moved here, and this weekend, made the trip. Suffice it to say, my expectations were bordering on grandiose. And, true to form, could only fall short. Unfortunately, after arriving late Friday night, we woke up on Saturday morning to discover that the fields of tulips have yet to blossom at all this year. We visited Keukenhof Gardens, which, to be fair, is showing the early signs of spring, with a large amount of different flowers in bloom, and a few pots of tulips scattered throughout (which Bryan reckons were probably grown inside, then transplanted to the outdoors, hence being in full bloom long before the tulip fields have shown any colour). But beyond the maintained grounds of the gardens, the rolling fields of tulips have yet to mature this year. The one colour to be seen is that of the daffodil fields, which are breathtaking in themselves, but alone at the moment in their plight to prove that spring has arrived. From an artistic standpoint, spring in Lisse is a work in progress for the time being. The canvas has been prepped and primed, the yellow daffodils have been completed, and now, visitors must sit back and patiently await the rest of the painter's palette.

Inside Keukenhof Gardens

Having finished up at the Keukenhof Gardens by about 1:00 on Saturday afternoon, we decided, with a bit of hesitation and disappointment, to abandon the expectation of and search for blossomed tulip fields, and change our course of action all together. Thus began the rest of our weekend, the portion of our trip that came with no expectations at all (well, at least none that I was aware of at the time). We walked back to our hotel, rented his and hers bicycles from the hotel lobby, grabbed a map outlining the 24 km round-trip route to the sea, and headed west. And, it was, absolutely grand in outcome. With the sun shining overhead, and bicycle paths largely uncluttered (a definite advantage to arriving early in the tulip season), we cycled through the countryside, parked our bicycles at the start of the sand dunes, took off our shoes, and hiked the rest of the way to the seaside.

Heading west, to the Sea

We walked a bit along the coastline, taking photos and enjoying the warm sea breeze. As I stared off in the distance, contemplating how wonderful the afternoon had turned out after all, I turned around to see Bryan, kneeling in the sand. On just one knee. To be honest, I was in such a state of surprise that I don't remember all of what he said. But, what I can tell you, is that he did ask me to marry him, and I did say yes!

I spent the next hour asking him all sorts of questions, as I am sure most women do. Perhaps my favourite story is that of the ring itself, which has been in the making for about 8 months now. Some of you may remember our Australian friends, Matt and Nicole, who moved back home last July (featured in our blog article Homeward Bound #1). Well, Matt is a jeweler by trade, and with Bryan's input (only knowing that I like a square princess cut, with a yellow stone), designed and created a stunning ring that passed through UK customs about 3 weeks ago, in preparation for this weekend. What I love about the ring, aside from it being perfect for me and my personality, is that it was created by someone we know, someone we became friends with on this adventure in London, someone we actually met for the first time in San Sebastian, Spain, my favourite place on earth. Thus, the ring carries with it the spirit of our lives in London, the sentiments of our holiday last year in San Sebastian, and the specialness of an Aussie couple that we will forever call our friends. We closed out the day with an evening walk and Italian dinner in Amsterdam, overlooking one of the city's lovely canals.

Now, that is a lesson in great expectations. And, as it turns out, a touch of yellow is the only colour this canvas needed after all.

Love to you all!

-B&B

"The best things in life are unexpected, because there were no expectations." - Eli Khamarov

Experiential Learning

"To serve, to strive, and not to yield." This is the motto of the Outward Bound Trust, an educational charity that provides young people with the opportunity to challenge themselves, take risks, and develop their confidence whilst participating in adventurous, outdoor activities.

Last Monday, I traveled with 19 7th grade students, and one other teacher from school, to the Outward Bound Residential Centre in Aberdovey, Wales, for a week-long adventure course. Accompanied by professional Outward Bound instructors throughout the entire week, we pushed, challenged, encouraged, and motivated our students to try new activities. Through building a raft, learning to canoe, pier-jumping into the sea, hiking, rock-climbing, and overnight camping, the students had ample opportunity to become independent and resourceful learners, work as a team, and develop their self-confidence. As the adults, our role was to supervise in the background, motivate and cheerlead, ease the homesickness, do a bit of parenting, and enjoy the early mornings with a cup of coffee, overlooking the sea.

My Outward Bound Top 9:

1) Top Moment of Community: 19 7th graders, four adults, standing around six mini camping stoves in darkness, cooking communal pots of re-hydrated pastas and rice, sharing, laughing, and eating.

2) Top Most Exasperating Question: "Ohhhhh Miss, how much further?" Whether on a 6-hour coach from London to Aberdovey, or on a 6-hour mountainous hike with heavy rucksacks, let me assure you that this question wears out, quickly. Learned a few distraction techniques as a result - like telling stories from my own childhood to pass the time, or offering to race a child up the hill, since the infusion of competition seems to dull the whinging just a bit.

3) Top Moment of Teaching: Showing a 7th grader, a child who is 12 years old, how to tie her shoe laces. Humbling.

4) Top Outdoor Activity: Exploring the ruins of an old Welsh castle - climbing the stone remains, on a warm sunny day, overlooking rolling hills of sheep and horses, and feeling, if just for a moment, like a small child on top of the world.

5) Top Moment of Nostalgia: Accidentally interrupting a group of giggling 7th graders playing a game of Truth or Dare. Whoops. :)

6) Top Student Quote: On having to wake up at 7:00 am for breakfast, "But Miss, my tail isn't bushy until 8." My reply: "Well, this week, we are just going to have to be bushy at 7."

7) Top Moment of Motherhood: Informing the girls that eating Oreos and Sour Cream & Onion chips, in bed, at 10:00 pm, isn't really the best idea. Oh, and making sure I always had enough sunscreen for myself, and for everyone else.

8) Top Lesson Learned: Standing back to let kids struggle, in a safe and supportive environment, is actually a remarkable way to teach. Encourage, cheer, and applaud - yes, the more the better. Coddle, takeover, or do - not so much. Turns out that true accomplishment, pride, and confidence comes from recognizing momentary defeat, trying again from a different angle (or just a bit harder), seeing something through, and earning a sense of mastery.

9) Top Photograph: Taken on our day hike through the mountains. It doesn't get much better than this.

It was a powerful learning experience for all of us - so much so that I actually teared up on the bus ride back to London, reflecting on how far the students had come in one week, and how proud I felt about their achievements and willingness to take calculated risks with encouragement. Throughout the week, a few of them cried, some of them matured beyond their years, most all of them whinged at some point or another, and nearly all of them left Wales with a new-found sense of pride and self-esteem. I witnessed transformations and personal achievements, tested my own patience and ability to let students fail in order to learn, and experienced all of the above in the most serene, breathtaking natural environment. This experience was, undoubtedly, the highlight of my professional career to date. What that means for me, from a professional standpoint, I'm not really sure at the moment. All I know is that I feel completely honored, humbled, fulfilled, and let's be honest...exhausted :). Now that's a rewarding place to be.

-Brandina

"Experiencing this heart-beating and emotional journey to Aberdovey, Wales, has made me realise that I have more inside than what others see of me." - Year 7 Pupil

Over the Hill

A crazy thought - this past Tuesday, the 1st of March, marked the half way point of our UK visas - 18 months since they became valid, and 18 months left until they expire. We've become the American-in-London veterans now, giving advice, sympathies, and travel recommendations to the newbies. Guess that means we are now officially over the hill...

And, just for the sake of photographic evidence - same two trees, all four seasons:

-B&B

"Time's fun when you're having flies." - Kermit the Frog

Perfection

It's been a while, and yet no time has passed. This is the nature of true, everlasting friendships.

This past week, one of my dearest friends from college, Meredith, came to visit and stay with us in London. Taking advantage of a fortunate coincidence in holiday breaks from our respective educational jobs, Meredith arrived in London last Saturday, and left again for San Francisco this morning. It was probably the most time we've spent together since we were roommates in college, and though our lives have evolved quite a bit since then, nothing at all has changed between us. To sum up this past week with Mere, I have only one word: PERFECTION.

And, here's why....

PEOPLE magazine extravaganza! With a weekly subscription to People Magazine, and no time during the school week to indulge, Meredith schlepped six People Magazines across the pond, and they became a regular fixture in our low-key evenings (and, as you might imagine, my encounters with People Magazine are very few and far between since we've moved to London). An absolute treat for both of us.

Evening meals to rave about. We began the week with dinner at Wagamama, one of Meredith's favourite restaurants in London, and ended the week with a traditional pub dinner, to satisfy Mere's love for Fish & Chips. And on the nights in between, Bryan completely spoiled us with his cooking :). Thank you handsome....

River walk, on a beautiful day. Perhaps my favourite walk in this city, beginning at St. Paul's tube station, crossing the Millennium Bridge, and meandering along the river towards the Tower Bridge, complete with lunch from the vendor stalls at the Borough Market, enjoyed on a quiet bench overlooking the Thames. Divine.

Film, and lots of it. Taking advantage of ₤3.50 Tuesdays at the historic Coronet Cinema in Notting Hill, we logged a double feature together on Tuesday - Never Let Me Go in the afternoon, and The King's Speech in the evening with Bryan, followed by a late-night trip to nearby Gelato Mio. Brilliant.

Even moments of silence were allowed, appreciated, and perfectly comfortable. We fluctuated between catching-up, laughing to the point of tears, and enjoying the city side-by-side in silence, the combination of which was most refreshing. As someone once wrote, "The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had."

Ceramics! On the top of my to-do list in London, since we moved here, has been to spend an afternoon at the Biscuit Ceramic Cafe in Greenwich, for not only is Greenwich one of my favourite areas of this city, but the idea of drinking tea and creating my own ceramic masterpiece has always sounded lovely. And, lovely it was - painting, sipping tea, and watching the week's one and only rainy day from the comfort of the coffee shop (and yes, you read that correctly - only one day of rain during the week - we lucked out for sure!)

Tea & cake is best when enjoyed on a daily basis, and did we ever enjoy it; from proper afternoon tea at Harrods, to the Orangery at Kensington Gardens, to Bryan's farm cafe, and my local coffee shop by work. We had lovely cakes, lots of tea, and spent one afternoon reminiscing for hours about Santa Clara. As far as tradition is concerned, the British definitely have afternoon tea & cake down right, and when in London, one must oblige.

It's ok to sleep-in on holiday! Perhaps the most luxurious part of the week was sleeping in, lazily getting ready together during the late morning hours, and spending half days on the town. We packed a lot in to the week, but did so at the most delightful pace.

O the bargain shopping! From fantastic sales to souvenir missions, from High Street Kensington to Portobello Road, from standard British pie & mash to Dutch pancakes, we did it all, enjoyed every minute, and refueled along the way :)

No rushing, no hurrying - we have no where to be, and all the time in the world to get there. Our very simple, yet blissful motto for the week.

Perfection is a difficult thing to achieve. That being said, I'm fairly certain that we did it. I miss you already Mere! Thanks ever so much for traveling so far to see me, and for being a wonderful roommate once again.

-Brandina

P.S...Thank you Mum ♥

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." ~Elisabeth Foley

The Perfect Speed

Friday night, we met at the train station after work. In theory, meeting at the train station is a rather romantic event - both parties carrying overnight bags, scanning the crowds in search of one another, excited for a quick weekend away. In reality though, we must say, Kings Cross St. Pancras International train station is anything but romantic on a Friday during the evening rush hour. But, that's beside the point really. Just having the opportunity to do it is poetic in and of itself. We met around 5:30 pm, and hopped aboard a 6:10 regional train bound for Dover, UK, a small port town that sits on the Southeastern Coast of the UK, serving as the portal to the English Channel. As you may remember, the last time we were in Dover was during our stressful, high-speed flee from France, after crossing the Channel via Ferry from Calais, trying desperately to make it home to London during the Icelandic volcanic ash ordeal. Fortunately, our visit to Dover was much slower and relaxed this time around. We stayed at a cozy Bed & Breakfast, with a quaint downstairs Bistro, lazily waking up to a morning blanket of seaside fog and the sound of seagulls, quite reminiscent of Monterey Bay, CA. We explored the Dover Castle, the 2nd most visited landmark in the UK (behind Stonehenge), took a long walk to view the infamous White Cliffs of Dover, achieving their white appearance from a surface of pure white calcium carbonate (chalk), and closed out Saturday with a delicious dinner, Bryan indulging in locally-caught fish & chips. And just as quickly as we arrived, we left again, boarding the 10:44 am train back to London this morning, watching the idyllic UK coastline disappear in the distance.

Dover Castle

The White Cliffs of Dover

-B&B

"Perfect speed isn't moving fast at all; perfect speed is being there." - Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Two of Us, Together

Our newest item of flat decor.... which I finally completed this afternoon!
Inspired by a photo taken of us last summer in Worthing, UK.

"Two of Us, Together"

Acrylic on Canvas, 30 cm x 60 cm

-Brandina

"...then when we get to the ocean,
we're going to take a boat to the end of the world...
two of us together, we can do anything..." - Dave Matthews Band

Simply Irresistible

We'd like to take the opportunity to dedicate this blog entry to

two of life's simply irresistible pleasures - Chocolate & Beer.

Last weekend, after a very long week of work, we escaped our hectic London lives via the Eurostar, for a short weekend away in Bruges, Belgium. Having only just heard of Bruges after Bryan recently watched the Hollywood film, "In Bruges," and consequently our impetus for planning the trip (seriously!), Bruges turned out to be charming through and through. A quaint medieval town, with original architecture dating back to the 1100's, Bruges boasts all of the visual pleasures of a European hideaway - the Bell tower, the impressive churches, the canal boats, the cobblestone streets and bridges, and the charming store fronts selling Belgian waffles and handmade lace. For the tired and weary, Bruges is a perfect place to recharge - with its busy season in the summer months, January turned out to be an exceptionally peaceful, quiet time to visit, which quite frankly, could not have been more welcome.

But more importantly, being a Belgian town, Bruges provides its guests with the opportunity to just relax and indulge in chocolate and beer. Belgium, as a country, is home to hundreds of locally brewed beers, most famous for its white beers and fruit-infused varieties, and literally countless retailers of chocolate. And, to be fair, Belgian chocolate is quite possibly the most intoxicating chocolate we've had to date - absolutely divine in taste, smell, and texture (trust me, we sampled enough to know!) Despite being a relatively tiny town, Bruges has plenty of both, making for the perfect, most pleasurable weekend away.

View from the Bell Tower

The Streets & Canals of Bruges

The Vismarkt (fish market)

St-Janshospitaal (the oldest building in Bruges)

The Prinselijk Beijnhof ten Wijngaarde (Benedictine convent)

The Burg, a medieval square

-B&B

"I want to lock it all up in my pocket. It's my bar of chocolate. Give it to me now." - Veruca Salt, from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory