Dutch Day

The 30th of May is the national day for Holland and Marja has been talking about it for as long as we could all remember! Just like the other strange traditions, this made us laugh...Marja explained that all the people in Holland will decorate their houses in orange (the national colour) on the night on the 29th. They then all wake up really early on the 30th and go to one of than many national car boot sales. Throughout the day people eat orange food, dress in orange and wear orange face paint. They then ALL go out clubbing until early the next day (young AND old people) and dance to cheesy Dutch songs such as "Kedang Kedang".
Today we decided to celebrate the day with Marja. However, she had dancing until late and during the day we found out that there had been an assassination attempt on the Dutch Queen and people had died. So, Marja was really upset and didn't want to celebrate.
Amelia and I decided that she couldn't miss out on something that she'd been talking about since we met her. We went to the party shop near Exeter college and bought orange streamers, plates, cups, cutlery and an orange feather duster (we figures Marja would appreciate it..). Wr the proceeded to the big Sainsbury's where we bought only orange food; Jaffa cakes, Fanta, Red Leicestershire cheese, icing mixture, orange sweets, houmous, orange crisps, oranges...
Back at college we took the key to Marja's door from the lodge and broke in to her room to decorate in orange. We covered the bed in orange sheets and HUGE orange balloons and set up all the orange food (tahini on the houmous to make it orange and decorated the cupcakes with icing and orange sweets). We then got Alice and Tom to help and hide before Marja came back from dancing. As she came into the room Tom turned on the "Kedang Kedang" song on her laptop before she turned on the light ...as soon as the lights went on we all jumped out and shouted "Happy Queen's Day!" She was SOOO surprised!

Rainy Day but Plant Tute Too!

Had the best tute in the world! As Caroline has left Hertford there are now only 3 biologists so i got to have a tute with Timothy Walker by myself. This was great as I got to be my nerdy plant self without feeling self conscious. Bets tute i've had in Oxford so far.

The most colourful meal

Amelia and I decided to make a lovely fresh spring meal. It's been the best one so far made at Hertford. We cooked prawns, mixed bulgar wheat with red pepper and cucumber and added an amazing home-made Greek salad. We must break all stereotypes of students having a bad diet!

The day..

...I forgot to take a picture. I don't remember what happened or why.

Talia's House

I had the best night's sleep and lie-in for a while. Ben rang in the morning to see if I wanted to go on an adventure to Whitam woods so we decided to meet later on. Talia also wanted to come but needed to pick up her bike from her house in Marshton (which she said was about 20mins away). We walked for about 45mins before arriving exhausted and hot! So, we wandered around her house playing Israeli and Mexican music(Enrique Iglesias and Belinda) and made ourselves at home. Then Ben rang to see what had happened to us and seemed a bit upset - apparently there wasn't any time left to go to Whitam. So, we made ourselves some sandwiches, took some chocolate and apples (healthyness!) and cycled along to the University parks.
We found a spot with really long grass mucked around taking pictures in the long grass. I got Talia to hide in some cow parsley (but I then got stung by some hidden nettles as I tried to take the pic) we then also made grass angles which ended up looking a bit wierd.Talia then found some daffodils and tried to make a mutant with two flowers. Afterwards, we cycled back to college and I realised just how much I had missed having a bike..

Exeter Ball

Finally, the long awaited Exeter Ball! We went early on in the day to collect out wristbands for entry to the ball. Before setting off Amelia had to adjust my dress as the back went a bit too low - her room was FULL of people waiting and getting ready. Once outside we took lots of pictures and has Sam (Talia's boyfriend) take a few with my camera. Everyone looked so colourful in their different black tie dresses and the guys looked really smart in their suits. We also took some pics in OB quad to the enjoyment of the porters and students in the library.
We set off to the ball around 8ish (as it was just at the other side of Radcliff Square) just as the sun was setting. Exeter's front quad had a huge dodgem car ride set up and various food and drink stalls surrounding it. We ate hogroast, salad, couscous, pitta bread and homemade humous in the dinning hall which had been decorated like the Mad Hatter's tea party. Along the tables were rows of trays with jam tarts and various different tea pots and balloons filled with helium. At the end was a jazz band playing music which gave it a summery atmosphere. Once outside, we had a go on the dodgems and them went to the shisha tent. Here we tried to blow smoke rings and pass the smoke along. I then went for a walk with Emily and Tom around Exter's high walled garden. From here they'd even managed to project "We're all mad here" onto the Rad. Cam. ! For the rest of the night we went on the dodgems, drank, ate freshly made doughnuts, held the snake charmer's snakes, went to the silent disco, danced and just wandered around the college. By the end we were all exhausted and people started to go home early. However, I stayed with a few to dance right until the end in one of the huge tents set up in the back quad. We also managed to take some decorations from the silent disco including HUGE daisy chains (one which now surrounds my notice board), plastic glittery butterflies and ladybirds which I sneaked into Tom's pocket throughout the night. We then headed back to Hertford exhaustedd but happy - it had been worth the wait.

Collections

Had collections in the afternoon which went Ok. Afterwards, people came to my room for tea and to sort out last minute Exeter Ball stuff. Tom (my college finace) decided to try on my super-cool Primarni heart-shaped glasses.

Locked in before collections..

Didn't do much today asides revision although the day was just as beautiful! I had a few breaks to clear my head which included sitting on the lawn with Sinnead, Emily, Tash and the other Hertford girls after lunch. Also went for a short walk with Amelia around the centre but, other than that, I've been locked in my room writting notes in preparation for tomorrow. Am slightly nervous as the questions will be compulsory but there is only so much you can do in a day. I have decided to do my best, see what happens, and sort out a revision timetable for the real thing!This evening we built a gingerbread house mum had given me before leaving Oxford. It had meant to be a present for Regina last Christmas but it turns out that our aunt had bought her the same gift. Since then it had just stayed at the back of the cupboard at home. Ok, so it wasn't in one piece and we didnt have any icing or smarties to decorate it with, but it still tasted good!

Crayfishing by the Canal

First day back in Oxford. I woke up to a lovely sunny morning and went with Sarah to the market after breakfast to get some fruit and veg. Later, we all had lunch in hall (which was PACKED) and I went back to my room to attempt some revision but who can revise on such a beautiful day? After trying to force myself to work I got a text from Ben to see if I wanted to go Crayfishing in the canal. I didn't even know there was a canal close by, let along one where you could catch crayfish! So, I set off to the famousLeckford house which didn't turn out as bad as everyone seems to make it. Ok, so it is quite far out of town but apart from that it seemed really nice. We walked along with some other second years past the river and towards the lock via a corner shop for some beer. The walk along the canal was BEAUTIFUL especialy as the sun shon through the tree branches whose leaves shaded the grassy path which was dotted with daisies and bluebells. We set up the lines at the lock and sat with out legs dangling over the edge obove the water below. It was so peacful and relaxing (even though i'm not that keen on beer..even if it is Mexican Corona >_<) that it didn't matter that we didn't catch anything at all. Once we'd given up on catching something, Ben and I walked back towards Leckford along the river path and past Port Meadow where we'd had te bonfire the term before. After, I walked back to college to do some work. It felt so good to be back in Oxford, even with exams looming ahead :)

Back to Oxford

In the morning I met with Jeremy (fellow Oxford Biologist) at Kew Gardens to have a look round. We both LOVE plants so it was nice to be with someone that is as interested in them as me. It was a really hot day which was perfect for us to go on the tree walk. However, going inside the hot houses was quite sticky and humid (more than normal) but not so bad when we went into the underground aquarium. In the evening mum drove me back to Oxford along with my stuff (somehow the amount of stuff i've brought this term has increased considerably since last term...). As we drove on the motorway out of London we watched the most beautiful sunset. Once in Oxford, everyone helped to take it up the many flights of stairs to NB5/15. We then all went to Amelia's room for tea and to watch Titanic and the buffness that is Leo *sigh*. It was good to be home.

Hummingbird Bakery

Today I met up with Anna P after she finished work and we went to Portobello market. I havedn't been in such a long time but its really pleasant during the week days - away from all the touristy crowds which swarm it on saturdays and sundays. We were looking for a dress which I could wear to Exeter Ball but didn't have much luck. We tried every shop including this strange very expensive vintage one where celebrities go and you have to ring a doorbell to go inside... We tried all of Anna's favourite shops and had no luck. However, we did pass the Hummingbird Bakery (renound for having the best cupcakes in the entire world!) and this cheered us up! I brought back two pink cupcakes - vanilla and chocolate - one for me and one for Chesca.

Tick tock

Cliche picture and title I know, I but honestly don't feel asif I have enough time to get through everything in time for collections. They say you can't learn everything but I just don't know where the cut-off point is in terms of what to revise.

French toast (and revision)

and the revision begins...

Down House

After having left Amanda's house (and stroking the yowling caseopeah goodbye..)we went straight to Down House (where Darwin lived). Ok, so the weather was slightly dull and grey but we still had a good time. The house was CROWDED and slightly claustrophobic. As usual, you had the idiot who coudln't read the signs like "please do not touch any objects", "no photos" etc ... and the screaming kids. However, once we got out into the garden it was a lot nicer (although cold and wet!). Chesca and I walked around and took pics of the huge drops of water hanging off the leaaves in the flower beds. Then, we went to the greenhouse which was painted a lovely bright blue. Among the orchids and sundew plants was a sac filled with spider eggs. Tiny spiders were crawling out of the cracks in the wood and it was the type of thing that made you shudder. However, it did make a really good picture so I spent about 1/2 an hour getting shots of them climbing up the thin silk threads to the plants.

Walk in the woods

The next day we drove with mum and dad to this really ugly town as Amanda said it would be better to visit Darwin's house the next day. In fact, she had organised for us to meet some of her friends in the village for tea later on so we were all a bit confused. The couple we met lived at the other side the woods at the back of Amanda's house. They had both lived in Bangladesh for most of their lives and were keen biologists. We had tea and cake and spoke about agriculture, genetic engineering and other interesting issues. Later, the man showed me and Chesca his map of where he'd travelled around the world and encouraged us to visit as many places as possible. Sometimes its hard to see the bigger picture when you're stuck in the school system and the only goals people give you are to pass your exams.
Before having supper with Amanda Chesca and I took a walk back through the woods, passing the old Church on the way and finally through a field with horses. As we took pictures, the sun began to set and gave a warm spring glow. We sat and talked for ages and then found this stream where we both took pics for ages. I took this picture as Chesca sat watching the water. Later, we walked to this field with horses and I took more pics as Chesca stroked them.... I was too scared that they'd nip me >_< ! We then went to the local pub with mum, dad and Amanda to have a pre-dinner drink. The pub was warm, welcoming and really pretty - It was a relaxing break from London.

Visiting

We all wanted to get out of London for a while so mum and dad suggested we visit their friend Amanda in the countryside. Her house was AMAZING with lots of books, little porcelain figures dotted about, old white furniture, lots of montage furniture, vases of flowers everywhere and the loveliest dressing table. On the walls were different water colour painting and sketches and the curtains all matched the girly duvet covers...We ate with silver cutlery and thin crystal glasses (I almost broke one and was SOOO embarassed!). In all, it was the type of cottage Chesca and I always talk about having when we're older and married.

Lazing about in Llamas

Went with Chesca to Llamas with the bike..it was a lovely sunny day so there were also loads of families out. We found our usual spot on the huge field and talked for ages, lay in the grass to look at clouds and picked daisies. This picture is of Chesca as she twiddled a daisy in her fingers..we tried to press it but it was slightly battered by then!

Easter Sunday

I was awoken by mum in the morning (around 5:30am) before the sun had started to rise. Its a tradition that we started a few years back about going to Church for the New Fire Easter Service at 6am. So early but well worth it! I've always loved driving down Ealing Broadway in the early morning (it reminds me of when we used to wake up to hear the dawn chorus in Perival Woods when I was a kid) as there is absoultly NO-ONE around. Once at Church, we met up with the rest of the early risers who'd made it (everyone looked very tired!).
The service starts with the lighting of the fire outside the Church which is used to light the Easter candle. Then we proceed into the dark Church dimly lit by the pre-dawn light and everyone's candle is lit. The service is then followed by hymns and various Bible readings (my favourite is the first one when people talk about the creation of Earth and the "creeping things that creeped on the ground" ^_^. Everyone also brings instruments so we make as much noise as possible when the vicar pronounces that Jesus has risnen (Chesca always gets really embarassed when dad brings this old fashined hooter which is REALLY loud).
After the service we went for breakfast in the Church hall complete with croissants, cereal, yoghurt, toast and other yummy things. Some people stay until the 10am service but we all went back home and started to get ready for the Easter meal. Mum had to sing in the choir for the 10am servce so Chesca and I tidied the house mealwhile. Later, Talida and Chris arrived for Easter Lunch followed by the Easter egg hunt...ok, so we're a bit old for this but its one of those traditions you can't stop! Chesca and I stayed outside to take pics while everyone else went for some tea next to the fire.. The sky was overcast with thick clouds and it had just rained so the light was really clean and clear which is why the pics turned out so detailed. I've never appreciated that type of weather so much..

The Woman In Black

Went with mum and Chesca to watch The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden. We'd been planning to go for YEARS so it was great to finally go! Although there were only 2/3 actors they were amazing and the atmosphere was also brilliant...even better than the type you get when watching a scary film in the cinema.

Watercolours

Pic-nic day

Met up with Poweel, Seb, Alex, Tom and other people for a pic-nic in Walpole park but it was COLD! So, I accompanied Poweel to Primarni to buy some jeans to put under the summer dress she was wearing. Later went to the pub and on the way found this sign <3

IKEA

Chesca: Its just so Swedish!

Bible in Temple Church

After going to the ever-excitingness that is a trip to Chancery Lane Clinic I wandered around London with mum. We walked down to the Temple Church where I took this pic and then found a hidden courtyard and garden where all the uber-rich lawyers were having their lunch and reading The Sun around a fountain. I'd never seen such a beautiful place (maybe it was just the cloudless blue sky and sunshine). Later, we visited Dad as St Mary le Strand which I love because the Church is like an island haven amongst all the busy London traffic. We then proceeded to Covent Garden where we had lunch in a Church garden and mum started talking about another Church in Mexico for clowns where there is a display of painted eggs for each one. I laughed so much because it sounds CRAZY and I'm sure it was just a weird dream she had!
After lunch we went back on the underground to South Kensington where we fought the HUGE Easter holiday crowds to the Natural History Museum. It has to be my favourite place in the world. We saw the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition followed by the brilliant exhibition on The Origin of Species. I was amazed and inspired by the photos in the first exhibition but loved the Darwin one far more - its ridiculous that some people STILL don't believe in natural selection!

Bambi and another day of revision.

forget-me-not

Woke up in Sam's parent's bed (would like to point out that they were AWAY!!), got changed, had breakfast and went home. Spent the rest of the day taking pictures in the park and wandering around enjoying the sunshine. I found a huge patch of different daffodils by the tennis courts near Llamas and sat down to take some pics...I may have been sitting on some fox poo which isn't too nice >_<
On my wander back home I saw this amazing bright yellow car which is always parked in the road. Beneath the tire was a forget-me-not plant which looked like it was about to get squashed by the car if it moved an inch. Decided to take a pic of it before it did.

Cocktail party

Went to work in the morning at the market which was really nice as the day wasn't too bad an I got to see some old friends. Later, Alex came and surprised me with flowers :) I met up with Poweel in Ealing Broadway outside Sainsbury's to go to Sam's house for his muchos-awaited cocktail party. For once I was the one who arrived early and had to wait for poweel while this creepy guy started chatting to me and talking about people having "no respect nowadays". There was also some crazy Italian guy swearing and shouting at people about bus passes. I love Ealing.
At Sam's we took this pick while we got ready and then went to enjoy the evening which included a cocktail bar with many yummy drinks :) Don't remember too much apart from the fact that the drinks were good, we had Tequila shots and Poweel attacked me with a bunch of lavender (?!)

Mum and Fudge

Mum says Fudge only loves her because she feeds him. "He sees me with the face of a fish!"

Anna's world

Even more revision. It was a beautifuly sunny day and I had to sit at home learning about I
invertebrates. I got really frustrated and claustrophobic so took my camera and book to Llamas park. The sun was just setting and everything was basked in a pink/golden glow (the type you get after a hot summer's day). People were walking their dogs, playing football on the field, kids were playing on the swings and it was a typically perfect evening in the suburbs. As I walked about taking pictures, I noticed a girl sitting on this slope looking out onto the field reading a book. It looked like the perfect place to be so I quickly took her spot once she'd left. I took my book out and began reading in calm for the first time this vacation. Occasionaly I'd watch the people walking by, the couple leaning their heads on one another on the bench in the distance and all the other things going on. I guess I could've taken some really good shots of what was happening around me but I hate looking like a pap and people usually notice too. However, I loved the colour of the warm evening light on the pages of my book as I opened it and began to read....

Chesca practices piano

More revision..Marianne came round to teach Chesca piano as part of her DofE.