cartography, and the art of coffee

Yesterday would have been my 33rd consecutive day at work, and due to the fact that the one "day off" was spent with a migraine, I don't think it counts. Therefore, I am conveniently ignoring its existence and labelling today my 33rd consecutive day at work instead. It would follow then, that yesterday was day number 32.

I was booked at Job A from 10-1, and Granddad gave me a lift there accordingly which meant I had to be up at 8. (The early morning wasn't too pleasant considering (I think) I have an upper respiratory infection at the moment, and my head constantly feels like someone has inflated a balloon inside it).

At Job A I learned by proxy about the onset, aetiology and presentation of various horrific and debilitating cancers while diligently taking notes to be typed up later. It was enlightening, yet slightly terrifying. (Un)fortunately I had to miss the second part of the lecture because of a compulsory (yet arbitrary) training session for Job B.

The journey to aforementioned training session was a pain in the ass, especially considering I made an unnecessary detour home to collect my uniform (which as the "unnecessary" suggests wasn't needed). Somehow I managed not to be late, even not knowing how to get to the destination - I had to purchase some onion rings in a nearby shop and ask the proprietor for directions (which he kindly gave).

Job B's training was all about coffee, and now if any customers ask questions like "what countries border the one where your coffee is from?" or "what is the ratio of Arabica beans to Robusta beans in your decaffeinated blend?", I can answer without fear of spreading misinformation. Demonstrations were also given on milk frothing (optimal volume, timing and bubble removal), milk pouring (optimal angle, rate and jug handling), and final presentation (optimal colour, temperature and cocoa sprinkling).

Training finished after just an hour despite being timetabled to last 4, so I decided to make full use of my travelcard and head to the British Museum to have a look at their exhibition on maps. But first I needed a brief respite from the overload of mental stimulation I'd encountered so far, and luckily one was forthcoming: hilarious birthday cards:

After laughing like a moron for a few minutes and feeling slightly foolish in front of the tourists floating around (the training venue was in a Central London market), I headed to the nearest underground station, asked therein for directions to the British Museum, and began my journey. In a weird (but convenient) twist of events, I saw a sign for the very exhibition I was heading to on the underground platform. I also noted with interest the location: British Library. This piece of news altered my journey slightly, and so I headed back up to ground, along a couple of streets, and through the doors of the British Library.

At first I just stood inside and soaked in the atmosphere - this is truly a magnificent building. The welcome hall is enormous, well designed, and attractive. Informative pamphlets were available, so I picked one up and was immediately amazed; their collection contains such items as original copies of Shakespeare's writings, hand-written Beatles lyrics, and Leonardo DaVinci's notebooks, not to mention thousands of rare and priceless books. I later found out the former 3 were on public display, and spent a short time drooling over them (what a nerd I am).

The map exhibition was good. Its idea is to provide a visual history of maps as an art form, and as devices of propaganda, displaying status and education. Several examples are given of each, all originals (some dating as far back as the 15th Century) and all interesting. The collection features the world's largest atlas, and the smallest, the first map of America as a nation, wartime propaganda maps, and many others. Realising that I know nothing about maps beyond how to read them, I joined a guided tour that started just after I went in, and in exchange for forfeiting the right to exhibition at my own pace, was accepted into the crowd.

I'm no reviewer, and I don't like spoilers so I shalln't go into the contents of the talk here. Instead I'll post this link to the exhibition, and strongly advise you to go see it for yourself. And for those of you short on money/time/intellect who need persuading, it's free/short/not too complicated.

cycling in the city

Had my trial shift for a certain sandwich delivery company today, following the interview I detailed in the last post. I intended to get up at 6.30, leave by 7 and cycle to the DLR station but instead I got up at 7, left by 7.15 and got the bus to the DLR station. Figured I may as well use my weekly bus pass, although the buses took longer than I allowed for and I ended up being half an hour late for the trial. I did manage to get the DLR for free though (entirely by accident!).

Introduced myself to the office team, explained why I was late and apologised, then had a complimentary coffee while I waited for my shadowee to arrive. Introduced myself to him (René) when he arrived, then selected a spare bike, watched him set up the trailer, and we set off into the streets. Literally.

It's been a while since I've cycled in the road, so it took a bit of getting used to. Especially in Central London with buses, taxis, trucks and cars all over the place! Was slightly daunting at first but became easier with time. First stop was a car repair place, then we went to a Citroen garage and made a delivery at an office.

There were 11 stops overall, and most were offices. It was interesting seeing the range of places available to work in, although for the most part it just made me glad not to be working there! People were generally friendly, and sympathised with René about a competitor stealing his business (sympathy doesn't cost anything; they still bought food from the competitor because it was cheaper).

The four hours went surprisingly quickly, and the cycling was really fun. After the last stop René gave me the bike with the trailer to cycle back to the depot, and it handled quite differently to the one I'd been riding thus far! Luckily though I took into account the wider turning circle and avoided tipping the entire thing over. Upon returning to depot I spoke to the office team again and told them I'd really enjoyed it, then thanked René for showing me the ropes, received five sandwiches in 'payment', wished him luck for the future, and headed home.

DLR journey was relaxing, and it was free for the second time today. I genuinely tried to pay, but there was no information booth at the station and the community support officers there had no suggestions. To be honest though, if TFL can't put the facilities in place to assist passengers who have a problem paying their fare, they probably don't deserve the fare.

Prolonged my journey home by experimenting with buses, then chilled for a while before heading to the Post Office to post something I'd sold on Amazon. Unfortunately I got stung by lack of research, and it cost me more to post it than the buyer paid for it. Annoying but educational I guess.

short paragraphs #1

Thursday:

Had an interview in London in the morning; bought a travelcard despite already being over budget for the week as I figured that one week over budget and a job is better than one week under budget and no job. Arrived in London earlier than planned so grabbed a £2 King Deal in BK and sat on a bench in Waterloo to eat it. Then walked to and along the river until I reached the bridge nearest the job; walked the rest of the way along back streets.

Several others were waiting for the interview, so I took a seat in the waiting area read the company literature. Eccentric lady called us all into a back room and began conducting a group interview - something I've not experienced before. Think it went well though, I was sitting in the middle and answered everything well because I had an opportunity to think of a response and listen to the others each time. Felt bad for the guy to my right because he had to go first from each time and his answers were weaker because of it.

Got called for an individual interview afterwards, asked a couple of questions, then was told that "a decision was being made about me now". This statement was accompanied by a frown, so I assumed I had been unsuccessful, but wasn't the case: trial shift was arranged for tomorrow. Unfortunately though, Friday was now triple-booked, meaning I had to decide how to go about resolving the situation. Pondered on the train home and sent a text and an email when I arrived; seems to have done the trick.

Friday:

Had a miniature lay in today, then got up and got ready for my first shift at my weekend job (despite the fact it wasn't the weekend). Arrived early again, so sat on a bench with a Boots meal deal and a book. Received tour of the kiosk and the upstairs storeroom, as well as my uniform (apron and camp hat), a run down of the company policy and procedures and a heap of forms to fill in. Also received complementary coffee which was nice.

Shift went well, it was 5 hours which seems to be fairly typical, and as with my trial I had a go at everything. Learned how the machines worked, the difference between Espresso and Cappucino, how to make sweet and savoury food simultaneously, and had a chat with each of my co-workers. Good start, I felt. Met Mum and Bro after work for dinner in Nandos which was nice, then got some sweets and headed to the flat via local supermarket. Had some cider when we arrived, then watched TV for a while before bed.

Saturday:

Had bacon and egg scramble for breakfast, then went for a quick walk on the beach with the remote controlled quad bike. Bro had the control but hasn't yet grasped the concept of steering, so he chased the quad bike around 'til the battery died. Got in the car when this happened and drove into town. Brief shopping trip followed, we had 38 minutes on the parking meter which proved long enough to get a few things, then headed back to the car and to the next item on the day's agenda.

Arrived at the zoo around noon. Got in for £0 with annual passes which is always a touch, then walked "the usual" route. Passed tigers, monkeys, baboons and boars, stopped for pizza, then saw elephants and small cats before stopping at the swing park for a coffee and looping back up to the gift shop via the gorillas. Was fun as always, but especially so with Mum and Bro. Headed home via supermarket to grab ingredients for tonight's dinner party; sat in the car park for 20 minutes listening to Classic FM while Bro slept, then did an extremely brisk shop.

Had a bath when we got back to the flat, then started cooking. First time I've cooked for more than 4 (that I can recall) so it was a bit intense, but the meal turned out well. I made mild beef burritos with poutine, salad, and an optional chilli mix. Sharon and co arrived in the final stages of preperation, and Connie and Dan gave me a hand with the last bits.

Ate together, then Bro went to bed and the rest of us started a game of Blackjack. A Lindt Rabbit was the prize at stake and after a long game it went to Sharon. Blackjack was fun, as was the whole evening, but personally I prefer Poker! Sat at the table talking afterwards, then went to bed shortly after Sharon and co left.

Sunday:

Miniature lay in again, then started getting our stuff ready and locked up the flat before heading to Grandma's. Drive there took around an hour, during which time me and Mum spoke and listened to music. Bro was watching a DVD.

First time I'd seen Grandma's new house, and I liked it. Smaller than their old one but in a good way; more cosy and homely. Had usual lunch (salad, chips and other bits) and apple pie, then went for a walk on the beach. Threw stones at the water for a while then turned back when we started getting cold. Saw the garage and garden when we got back and discussed how they could be improved, then had a coffee and a chat before leaving to go home. Michael gave me a couple of pairs of shoes which he doesn't wear any more, which was nice!

Drive home fairly uneventful. Got in and had bath, then got ready for curry at Uncle's. Mum and Bro dropped me off and stayed briefly, then played Wii with Uncle and cousin before eating Uncle's home made curry (with real panir cheese!). Cousin went to bed shortly after, then me and Uncle spent the evening talking, drinking and playing various video games. Ended up staying the night.

It was a good end to a good weekend.