Hello from London

For the last two weeks, I've been cruising around England.  Starting in London, to Saltaire, to Durham, to Langley Park, to Holy Island, to York, and now back to London.  Currently I'm on the train, passing by a multitude of sheep grazing in their fields.  

The last two weeks have certainly been interesting.  I was told that I was coming to clean out my aunt's house...which really turned into a kitchen renovation.  We might have gotten more accomplished during the time had decisions not been to hard to make...  Did feel as though I'd been lured here under false pretense for a bit, but I got over that.  Amidst the stress, I was reminded that I was in England and that I had better enjoy myself.  Which I chose to do.  We spent some time at Durham Cathedral, which was really beautiful.  We went to Evensong and to the Sunday service.  The choir was fantastic!  And the service was really beautiful, too.  Definitely filling.  We also went to Evensong at York Minster, which was gorgeous as well.  

My favorite evening out was at the Cross Keys Pub in Esh.  We met a man named Steve the night before at a Harvest sing-along at the local church who told us about the jam session at the pub.  He brought a guitar for me to play, and I got to jam with the locals.  And I got to play a few songs for them as well, which they really enjoyed.  There were a couple guitars, a piano, a bass guitar, a banjo, and two concertinas.  A beautiful sound!  Each person would sing their song, and everyone would join in full harmony on the chorus.  I bought a CD from one of the ladies.  It's called Hot Pants to Hot Flushes, and it's absolutely fabulous.

I'm definitely in love with the culture here.  I could definitely spend my life here singing and playing in the pubs.  

A few days before I left for England, I moved back to Saint John.  My placement in Miramichi is now over (and I miss them lots!).  Once I get back I'll be starting a new placement - details to follow.