Much has occurred. For the last weeks, I have been working near flat-out at a Berlitz Language School, as an English teacher. It was amazingly fun, but at the same time, completely exhausting. The only disadvantages of working at this particular school are the rather obsessive business people who want to learn perfect English in one week. It is perfectly possible to improve someone’s spoken English in a week. Fluency, however, requires a little extra. Further, the pay is terrible, but still significantly more money than I would be able to make in a waitressing or till job.
But, all work and no play makes for no holiday! So, WOMAD and Stokes Bay festivals were my “holiday times”, and both were amazing fun. WOMAD was many degrees hotter than expected and somewhat less muddy than it was last time! But to an extent, that actually made it worse – some of the community spirit that makes W so special had gone. Also, many of the “regulars” hadn’t returned after last time’s shambles, so much of the music was more popular. It was entertaining, but certainly not from the depths of the earth. I did, however, come across two amazing artists emerging at the moment: Sa DingDing (China) and Hotel Palindrone (Austria). Do check them out!
Then Stokes Bay, which was also great fun, although rather different. I went with a lovely group of friends and absolutely adored seeing Bellowhead and Show of Hands. Most of their songs have been stuck in my head ever since! I am looking forward to the world music scene in Toronto, although I am certain that I won’t find material to rival any of the above!
About Toronto – I have only just confirmed my accomodation, I haven’t confirmed my courses and have no idea where I will be staying until the university starts. I don’t have a clue how to pick up the university cards, don’t know how the food system works and still don’t have an e-mail address. Oh, and i’m staying with some rather lovely nuns. How incredibly medieval! (Sorry… The academic world will thwack me for that…)
I’m sure I shall be posting more interesting stuff reasonably soon – although my next posts may well be in Toronto! Wish me luck!
Updates…
August 19, 2008 at 8:37 pm (Comments)
I am, as usual, a disgrace. I apologise.
Much has occurred. For the last weeks, I have been working near flat-out at a Berlitz Language School, as an English teacher. It was amazingly fun, but at the same time, completely exhausting. The only disadvantages of working at this particular school are the rather obsessive business people who want to learn perfect English in one week. It is perfectly possible to improve someone’s spoken English in a week. Fluency, however, requires a little extra. Further, the pay is terrible, but still significantly more money than I would be able to make in a waitressing or till job.
But, all work and no play makes for no holiday! So, WOMAD and Stokes Bay festivals were my “holiday times”, and both were amazing fun. WOMAD was many degrees hotter than expected and somewhat less muddy than it was last time! But to an extent, that actually made it worse – some of the community spirit that makes W so special had gone. Also, many of the “regulars” hadn’t returned after last time’s shambles, so much of the music was more popular. It was entertaining, but certainly not from the depths of the earth. I did, however, come across two amazing artists emerging at the moment: Sa DingDing (China) and Hotel Palindrone (Austria). Do check them out!
Then Stokes Bay, which was also great fun, although rather different. I went with a lovely group of friends and absolutely adored seeing Bellowhead and Show of Hands. Most of their songs have been stuck in my head ever since! I am looking forward to the world music scene in Toronto, although I am certain that I won’t find material to rival any of the above!
About Toronto – I have only just confirmed my accomodation, I haven’t confirmed my courses and have no idea where I will be staying until the university starts. I don’t have a clue how to pick up the university cards, don’t know how the food system works and still don’t have an e-mail address. Oh, and i’m staying with some rather lovely nuns. How incredibly medieval! (Sorry… The academic world will thwack me for that…)
I’m sure I shall be posting more interesting stuff reasonably soon – although my next posts may well be in Toronto! Wish me luck!