If you don't live in the UK, you will be blissfully unaware of Brad Pitt's new zombie film, World War Z, which has consumed Glasgow. I am all for Hollywood investing millions into the Glasgow economy and I generally like movies, but the Zombie takeover is quickly turning sour for me.
Why?- My morning commute to work requires me to walk trhough George Square in the center of Glasgow. Over the past week this particular area has been transformed into something meant to resemble Philadelphia. This has meant replacing street lights, bins and signs. They even painted crosswalk stripes and shipped over dozens of American cars, taxis, buses and trucks to populate the streets surrounding George Square.
At first, it was fun to see the changes each time I passed on my way to work, during my lunch break, or on my way home. Then the barriers started going up, as they closed off various sections for filming. Each day, I have had to find a new convoluted route into work and back again, following the maze of barriers, security guards, and, most annoyingly, spectators who feel the need to clog the already narrowed walkways in order to oggle the set decor and loiter around the area in the hope of catching a glimpse of Brad Pitt.
I would find the whole experience interesting and even fun, but after more than a week of the madness it is wearing on me. This morning it took me an extra 25 minutes to get from the Underground to my work- a walk that normally takes about 2 minutes. Apparently today they are shooting scenes of the zombie invasion and needed more space to work in, plus a buffer zone to prevent people from interfering with filming.
One aspect of the whole mess that I still find quite amusing is seeing the ridiculous outfits, high heels, and layers of fake tanner that have emerged around the set. Word gets around that Brad Pitt is in town and every woman under the age of 60 starts strutting her stuff around town.
If you wish to see pictures of aforementioned zombie invasion, simply do a google search. I promise you'll find hundreds of hits.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Immigration triumph
After paying more than a month's salary and waiting for hours in a crowded waiting area at immigration, I was officially granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK(aka permanent residency) in July! This may not seem like much to you, but in the life of an immigrant this is pretty exciting and brings me one step closer to citizenship.
Most people are completely unaware of how costly, complicated and stressful the immigration process can be. There are definitely moments where you feel like some sort of circus animal jumping through pointless hoop after pointless hoop.
Thankfully, I am now only a year and one more hoop away from dual citizenship (which if you pay the correct fee, comes with the added bonus of a British passport). This means I'll have two passports, one in blue and one in maroon, which should allow me to color coordinate my travel attire and accessories way easier. I wonder if I will get a letter from the Queen welcoming me into her kingdom?
It is easy to laugh and joke about the whole situation, but I am truly thankful for my permanent residency. Legal immigration is a costly process, both financially and emotionally. Only another immigrant can really understand the uncertainties and worries that come with moving abroad, knowing you have only been granted temporary rights to your new life. There is never a guarantee that the next stage of the immigration process will go smoothly. (Even while we were sitting waiting for our interview appointment, we saw others' meetings end in tears.)
In my case, everything went mercifully smooth and I was able to walk into work the next day and present proof of my new immigration status! Stage two complete.
Most people are completely unaware of how costly, complicated and stressful the immigration process can be. There are definitely moments where you feel like some sort of circus animal jumping through pointless hoop after pointless hoop.
Thankfully, I am now only a year and one more hoop away from dual citizenship (which if you pay the correct fee, comes with the added bonus of a British passport). This means I'll have two passports, one in blue and one in maroon, which should allow me to color coordinate my travel attire and accessories way easier. I wonder if I will get a letter from the Queen welcoming me into her kingdom?
It is easy to laugh and joke about the whole situation, but I am truly thankful for my permanent residency. Legal immigration is a costly process, both financially and emotionally. Only another immigrant can really understand the uncertainties and worries that come with moving abroad, knowing you have only been granted temporary rights to your new life. There is never a guarantee that the next stage of the immigration process will go smoothly. (Even while we were sitting waiting for our interview appointment, we saw others' meetings end in tears.)
In my case, everything went mercifully smooth and I was able to walk into work the next day and present proof of my new immigration status! Stage two complete.
Skye
Scotland is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I am still constantly amazed at how many shades of green you can find on a hillside here. This week, Ross and I decided to take advantage of our new car and remaining annual leave days to get out of town. Destination: The Isle of Skye.
The Isle of Skye is an island located west of mainland Scotland and only about a 3-4 hour drive from our home. (Surprisingly this was Ross' first visit to the island.)
After good breakfast at our local cafe, we headed out of town, past Loch Lomond. We stopped off at the Green Welly Stop for a bowl of Cullen Skink, and a browse around all the Scottish paraphernalia, before driving up through Fort William and Glen Coe. (For those who were wondering 'welly' is a shortened version of Wellington boot, or as it is referred to in the States, a rubber rain boot.) A couple hours later, we arrived at Kyle of Lochalsh, where we stopped again. This time for some tea/coffee and treats. Lochalsh is a seaside town, where the bridge between mainland Scotland and the Isle of Skye is located. (If you look closely you can see the bridge in the background below.)
If you think the picture above looks overcast and grey, welcome to my world. Other than magnificent greenery, Scotland's landscape is most frequently permeated with the oppressive greys and whites of cloud cover. Wind and Rain are in the forecast here what seems like everyday. So far I don't mind the Scottish weather- rain and cold are still a sort of novelty to me. I like having a reason to wear coats, scarves and mittens. I am conscious that the novelty may wear off at some point, so ask me again in a few more years what I think about Scotland's 'mild' climate.
A further drive along the west coast of Skye brings you to Portree, the quaint capital of Skye, and up to the Old Man of Storr. We started up the trail to see the Old Man of Storr, but the recent rain meant that the trail was muddy. Ordinarily mud wouldn't stop us, but neither of us had a change of footwear and Ross didn't want to dirty the new car. (The car has replaced the flat screen TV as his favorite toy.)
Portree was brimming with tourists, but that didn't take away from it's charm. We spent part of Friday roaming in and out of its little shops, admiring all the local arts and crafts. The economy of towns like Portree rely heavily on tourists, so it was actually nice to see that people are still coming and spending money here.
Our B&B host told us that the population of Skye more than doubles during the summer months. In the winter it can be a bit dead, but this is unsurprising when you remember the cold, icy and blustery weather Skye endures. (I should stop here and mention that the B&B we stayed at was definitely the best B&B I've ever been to! Ros Muire B&B is definitely worth looking up if you are even heading to Skye.) We also learned that most landowners in Skye are required to keep a minimum of three sheep, but that if you own 15 or more you qualify for a farm subsidy of around £15 per head. If you ever wondered why there are so many sheep in the highlands, this is probably why!
Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed our short visit to Skye- a much needed break from the stresses of work and flat problems. I'll leave you with the view from our room at the B&B- absolutely lovely! (And no, my poor photographic skills definitely do not do justice to the beauty of Skye.)
The Isle of Skye is an island located west of mainland Scotland and only about a 3-4 hour drive from our home. (Surprisingly this was Ross' first visit to the island.)
After good breakfast at our local cafe, we headed out of town, past Loch Lomond. We stopped off at the Green Welly Stop for a bowl of Cullen Skink, and a browse around all the Scottish paraphernalia, before driving up through Fort William and Glen Coe. (For those who were wondering 'welly' is a shortened version of Wellington boot, or as it is referred to in the States, a rubber rain boot.) A couple hours later, we arrived at Kyle of Lochalsh, where we stopped again. This time for some tea/coffee and treats. Lochalsh is a seaside town, where the bridge between mainland Scotland and the Isle of Skye is located. (If you look closely you can see the bridge in the background below.)
If you think the picture above looks overcast and grey, welcome to my world. Other than magnificent greenery, Scotland's landscape is most frequently permeated with the oppressive greys and whites of cloud cover. Wind and Rain are in the forecast here what seems like everyday. So far I don't mind the Scottish weather- rain and cold are still a sort of novelty to me. I like having a reason to wear coats, scarves and mittens. I am conscious that the novelty may wear off at some point, so ask me again in a few more years what I think about Scotland's 'mild' climate.
A further drive along the west coast of Skye brings you to Portree, the quaint capital of Skye, and up to the Old Man of Storr. We started up the trail to see the Old Man of Storr, but the recent rain meant that the trail was muddy. Ordinarily mud wouldn't stop us, but neither of us had a change of footwear and Ross didn't want to dirty the new car. (The car has replaced the flat screen TV as his favorite toy.)
Portree was brimming with tourists, but that didn't take away from it's charm. We spent part of Friday roaming in and out of its little shops, admiring all the local arts and crafts. The economy of towns like Portree rely heavily on tourists, so it was actually nice to see that people are still coming and spending money here.
Our B&B host told us that the population of Skye more than doubles during the summer months. In the winter it can be a bit dead, but this is unsurprising when you remember the cold, icy and blustery weather Skye endures. (I should stop here and mention that the B&B we stayed at was definitely the best B&B I've ever been to! Ros Muire B&B is definitely worth looking up if you are even heading to Skye.) We also learned that most landowners in Skye are required to keep a minimum of three sheep, but that if you own 15 or more you qualify for a farm subsidy of around £15 per head. If you ever wondered why there are so many sheep in the highlands, this is probably why!
Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed our short visit to Skye- a much needed break from the stresses of work and flat problems. I'll leave you with the view from our room at the B&B- absolutely lovely! (And no, my poor photographic skills definitely do not do justice to the beauty of Skye.)
It turns out...
Yes, it really has been almost a year since my last post. No excuses this time- the blogoshpere just has not made it into my priority list for a while. It turns out adult life eats energy like my dad's black lab, Amos, eats all food stuffs- as quickly as possible. (Not that it matters, but the aformentioned dog also frequently eats non-food items pretty quickly too. He is definitely not a picky eater.)
It isn't that I don't what to share my life with those of you who bother to read my drivel. Every couple months, usually after I receive a card or letter from one of you thoughtful people, I decide that I should get it together and start being a better correspondent. I plan in my head all of the cards and letters and blog entries I will write. Then I get home after a long day at work, greet my sweet husband, and... nothing ever comes of it. It turns out I am weak on the follow through. But don't worry- this is not a half-baked promise to get better at this. I will continue to write as and when I am able or have something special to share. (Which in reality translates to a flurry of posts over the coming week and then...perhaps nothing for a while.)
I did want to mention, however, that my blogging or lack thereof is definitely not a reflection of how often I think of those people I no longer get to enjoy daily relationships with. It turns out that starting a new life abroad doesn't mean you care less about the people you leave behind.
It isn't that I don't what to share my life with those of you who bother to read my drivel. Every couple months, usually after I receive a card or letter from one of you thoughtful people, I decide that I should get it together and start being a better correspondent. I plan in my head all of the cards and letters and blog entries I will write. Then I get home after a long day at work, greet my sweet husband, and... nothing ever comes of it. It turns out I am weak on the follow through. But don't worry- this is not a half-baked promise to get better at this. I will continue to write as and when I am able or have something special to share. (Which in reality translates to a flurry of posts over the coming week and then...perhaps nothing for a while.)
I did want to mention, however, that my blogging or lack thereof is definitely not a reflection of how often I think of those people I no longer get to enjoy daily relationships with. It turns out that starting a new life abroad doesn't mean you care less about the people you leave behind.
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