The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Yesterday we ventured to the outside world - finally - after all the illnesses, fevers and bad cough. I was so happy! We went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I am a MAJOR fan of the books. I got them as a Christmas present from my uncle when I was six years old. I was reading them all the time throughout the years and I love them! The books are pure magic. I am fortunate to have them in two big hardcover editions, which are sturdy and full of the coloured original illustrations. I remember that there was a time when I was reading all stories so often, that I've known them by heart. My personal favourite is The Horse and His Boy, which I have also in English, French and I also recently purchased one copy in Spanish - I am mad! But I know the story by heart, I know all the sentences and it's a good way to learn a language - to read something you know so well - only in a "slightly" different manner. 

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - the movie - was of course made in a Hollywood style. There were some over the top scenes, but in the end - I liked it. Of course, as a usual practice, they've altered the storyline and bended it for better filming, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I was really impressed by the fact that they've managed to actually insert a meaning into a movie - we can see the internal struggles of the characters and how they are giving in or how they are trying to fight with them. I was surprised by it, because the book differs in that respect - it's more about the journey, while the movie is about different journey - the one which takes you to the darkest places of your own mind and soul. So, now I am very interested in watching Black Swan.

Today I wanted to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (I am SO behind), but because Boyfriend has (so far) a mild attack of the kidney stones, we've stayed inside. I also wanted to see two exhibitions in the National Gallery, but this also had to be postponed for the next weekend.

Snow already melted

Didn't even survive one day

OK, there WAS some snow yesterday, but it melted and right now it's back to minus temperatures with nothing to compensate for the coldness. Everyone was updating their statuses on Facebook, friends calling and posting pictures - who knew that a little bit of frozen water can give so much? On the other side, people stranded at the airports, railway stations and in the cars on the motorway would beg to differ. Even Boyfriend recived an e-mail from work which encouraged people to take as much work home as possible in case they won't get to the office toady. Of course all around London everything is still, but because living in a big city generates lots of fumes and heat - we won't have that much snow. Sniff, sniff... To celebrate I drank new raspberry Breezer. I hate rum therefore I'm not a fan of Breezer, but this flavor tastes like a watery juice - perfect for me AND it has ONLY 100 calories! Winner!

I didn't go to WE today. I decided to stay and finally study some Spanish. Today it's 1st of December so I have only like a MONTH to revise and enrol on a nice intermediate-level course! It's actually making me sick right now. I waste so much time on the Internet and reading that I don't have anything left to study! On Saturday we went to buy me some books - and I have one for legal Spanish and one for preparation for DELE. These are the new ones. In addition, I have the lastest issue of Elle in Spanish, at least 5 different revision books, El Hobbit, Grammar and Vocabulary in Nutshell... Just please - I need some motivation! Today there are no excuses - I need to sit down and revise!

Weekend is over

Another lazy weekend behind me. I HAVE TO do something constructive next week. No more sitting, eating and just turning from one side to the other on the bed all day! I need to DO something!

I'm going to the WE office every day and sometimes it's fun and great and sometimes I'm just nervous and not completely sure what to do. On Friday I had to make like 20 calls to chase some insurers to find out if they've received out letter of claim. Today I wrote a long and strong letter of complaint to the "Immigration Specialists" who only took the money from a nice lady and used the fact that she doesn't speak English. She's working in a supermarket and living here with her 6 year old daughter and her Ukrainian boyfriend for whom she's sponsoring the visa. He is not working 1 year, because he can't legally work and won't do something illegal to jeopardise his chances of actually getting a visa. They started the application process over a year ago, paid like £920 (at least it was only HALF of the fee) and they are in the same point. That stupid firm completely ignored them. She went to a different one and the application is proceeding. She is still not in the worst position - some people paid £3000 and NOTHING was done! This is simply outrageous!

I've finally plucked my courage and filed some job applications today. But I'm seeing everything in the dark colours - I've sent them, but there's nothing for me and I know that no one will call. I also had an emotional talk with my parents during weekend - every time it is so exhausting and depressing that I'm left feeling low thorough the day. (And that is also one of the reasons why I'm keeping everything low on weekends.)

I'm thinking what would be the best way for me to revise Spanish. I need to sit on my ass and just read something and study. But I was also thinking about going to Mexico or Spain - maybe for some voluntary work to do. I'd need 3-6 months to really RECALL all my vocabulary and grammar. Then I would pass advanced certificates easily. I'm not even thinking of going there to do some PROPER job although I may look for it. But let's be realistic. No one wants me in London - who would want me over there? 

First day at the WE Office

OK, so I finally went to the office today I did some work. Unfortunately I won't be paid, but at least I will get some experience to put on my CV! And the owner of the company aka director is really friendly so I'll have no problems with agreeing with him. There are also two nice girls women and I have no problems talking to them. All in all, it's good for now. Also, I'm free whenever I'll have any interview which is great because gives me hopefully much needed flexibility. 

Today I had to make a couple of calls - in Polish and English! I have no idea which ones were more stressful, but I think those in Polish. I have completely no idea how to deal in Polish on a professional manner - I would never be able to write a formal letter in Polish when in English it is like my second nature. 

The office deals with personal injury claims, car accidents and some bookkeeping and accountancy. It also helps people who don't know English and confirms my biggest fears - that actually for a foreigner it is possible to live in the UK for 10 years without knowledge of the English language! For me it is very sad - I think that one of the reasons you want to emigrate to another country is to learn about the culture, embrace some experiences and get to know the real people. I admit that in London it is hard to find and befriend real English man and women because of the all diversity, but it's not impossible! I honestly pity people who just come here and set their own boundaries to only keep close with each other. We only live once!