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Old Hall Short
See blog entry below for more details!
Who Let the Wwoofers Out?
Me, Karen from Illinois (or is it Margaret Atwood? You decide) and Niels from Germany.
I’ve just completed my first day wwoofing on this rather picturesque farm near Colchester, Essex.
In case you’ve never heard of wwoof, it stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. The only connection to dogs is that you may well be working like one.
Wwoof is a scheme in which you exchange your brawn for food and accommodation. Sometimes, you’re camping or living in a “caravan.” But at The Old Hall, wwoofers sleep in this awesome old manor house:
No sooner had I arrived than a cup of tea was thrust into my hand (how British!), and I was led on a tour of the property.
60 people (most of them adults, but a gaggle of kids as well) permanently call The Old Hall home, sharing an expansive, cheery kitchen where communal meals are taken. I’m told 80% of the ingredients are generated on the farm, including cheese, milk, and meat.
We volunteers are expected to work 6 hours a day, 5 days a week to earn our keep. Today we weeded a bean bed and hacked down some corn stalks like deranged, rural psychos (very therapeutic). I enjoyed wielding farm implements: it gave me an undeserved sense of power.
The other two wwoofers, Karen and Niels, were good company. Tomorrow, however, they’re off...leaving me all alone.
Not quite sure how I feel about that, since I feel a tad out of my element on a farm (don’t ask me whether I touched up my lip gloss at lunch). Like, if someone instructs me to feed the pig, I’m liable to help myself to a snack.
My Secret Life as an Erotic Comedy Scribe
I’ll tell ‘ya, the research for my Sex in Public Places bit in 2:The Magazine for Couples nearly killed me. I HAVE to start doing my research earlier than a day before deadline.
And while we’re at it, here’s a list of Board Games for Bored Couples.
St Lucia Hits the Heights
Up, Up and Away!
Goodbye Kensington Market, hello Kensington Palace!
Today marks the first day of my two-month travel writing blitz through England. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be rambling through the South Downs near Brighton, wading up to my eyeballs in manure as I partake of the WWOOF scheme on four organic farms and getting third degree burns at England’s largest bonfire night celebration on the fifth of November.
While I’m writing mostly for publication, I intend to keep this blog updated with little snippets, photos and videos. Plus, while a newspaper is equipped with sensible editors, a blog provides the opportunity to swear, be crass and overindulge in pathetic navel gazing that nobody cares about.
As I am about to board my British Airways flight to Heathrow, I thought I’d riff a little on FLIGHT WARDROBE.
First of all, anyone who wears jeans on a long-haul flight is a lunatic. Or maybe some people have a penchant for deep crease marks in their groin.
Here are my long-haul flight fashion tips:
1) Wear the most comfortable pants you can find. Lululemon has never failed me (see above).
2) Forget underwear. You don’t sleep in it in your bed, so you won’t feel comfortable trying to snooze in it on the plane, either (but sshhhh...keep this detail to yourself, this is not an ice breaker to use on a seat mate).
3) Layer! Layer! Layer! Today I am wearing a tank top, a short-sleeved hoodie and a jacket. Planes are notoriously chilly.
4) Open-toed shoes: are you crazy? (I’m staring at a dude with exposed piggies as we speak. Guaranteed that halfway through the flight he’s shivering and swathing his popsicle toes in the airline-issued blanket).
5) Sweater vests: a must if you’re on Stephen Harper’s campaign jet.
The Soft Goth Look
Sometimes, I dabble in a little fashion writing. Perhaps it’s a subconscious effort to offset that drab travel wardrobe.
You may recognize up-and-coming Toronto designer Lucian Matis from last season’s Project Runway. Read my feature on him HERE
Shi's So Lovely
What is it? Hand Crafted Jewellery by Shi Studio
Where is it? Victoria, B.C.
Describe it: If you want a lasting memento of Victoria’s Chinatown but shun the sweatshop-direct fans, tea sets and Hello Kitty paraphernalia, consider one of Shi Studio’s stunning pieces. Local designer Cory Judge paired sumptuous Chinese silk with glass and the outcome is eye-popping, one-of-a-kind jewellery. Shi’s selection ranges from elegant classics like pendants and earrings to edgier items like belt buckles, cuffs, chokers and cufflinks.
How much? From $48 (small earrings) to $135 (sterling silver cufflinks). Available at Oscar & Libby’s (770 Fort Street in Victoria) and online at www.shistudio.com
I’ve had this Shi pendant for years, and every time I wear it I get compliments.
FROM MY BIWEEKLY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
YES! This product has been tested and approved by REB
Flip Service
You thought it would be cool if your vaycay in The Holy City coincided with a music festival. But - by golly – you’ve really lucked out: it’s the second coming of Christ! What’s running through your mind? The possibility of eternal damnation? Mild surprise because he’s sporting a stylish goatee instead of a full beard?
No – you’re thinking: “how fast can I get this on YouTube?”
Savvy techie travelers whip out a Flip Ultra Video camera. Lightweight and shaped like a cell phone, The Flip records 60 minutes of high quality digital footage. A minimal number of buttons means no Spielberg talents required. The best part: a built-in USB arm so you can quickly upload your video before Jesus uploads you to heaven.
Comes in black or green and is available for $158.64 at Wal-Mart or online at www.theflip.com
FROM MY WEEKLY TRAVEL GEAR COLUMN IN
YES! This product has been tested and approved by REB
This Just in from Sweet Valley
Geek to Chic
Give your Look a Kick!
A.M. Hairstyles
Get Over That Crush
Erasing Last Year’s Bad Reputation
The Terminal: Naples
Facing a layover at Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli? Entertaining yourself is no sweat. For starters, there are thongs in the vending machine...
Read More...Liquid Viagra, or Just Twigs in Booze?
What is it? Homemade spiced rum
Where is it? St. Lucia
Describe it: Stumble into any of the cute wooden rum shacks on St. Lucia and your eyes will be drawn to a batch of this boozy brew – which looks rather like kindling steeping in Kool-Aid. It’s an “under-the-counter” libation, a.k.a. an aphrodisiac. Recipes vary and are handed down through generations. The flavourful (read: throat singeing) liquid is based on strong rum and may or may not contain honey, crème de menthe, anise, raisins, cherry, cinnamon roots, bois bande, grenadine and marijuana root. They say it will “put lead in a man’s pencil” and make a woman “squishy in the knees.”
How much? A shot is $3.50 Eastern Caribbean Dollars , which is $1.50 Canadian.
FROM MY BIWEEKLY FOOD AND SOUVENIR COLUMN IN
YES! This product has been tested and approved by REB
One Night Stand
Packing for a sleepover was a cinch when you were under 12: pajamas, fresh undies and enough sour candy to make your tongue bleed was sufficient. As an adult, the plot thickens. Even for just one night, you need a bag that can accommodate your dentures, knitting supplies and toupee! Luckily, there is an answer: The Lug Puddle Jumper Overnight Bag. An ideal size for a short jaunt, it’s laden with separate compartments, including a nifty nook that keeps your dirty orthotics (or running shoes, if you’ve still got your knees) isolated from the rest of your junk. It comes in a dazzling array of hues and, bonus: Lug is Canadian!
$75 online at www.lugtravel.com
FROM MY WEEKLY TRAVEL GEAR COLUMN IN
YES! This product has been tested and approved by REB
Break it to Them Gently...
TWO: THE MAGAZINE FOR COUPLES
SUMMER 2008
Even in relationships that boast an alarming level of intimacy, there is bound to be at least one topic that remains painfully awkward. (Case in point: There is no graceful way to inform your partner that the Afro is a hairstyle that should never be sported below the waist.) Nevertheless, allowing a gripe to fester may lead to even worse things: Frustration. Embarrassment. Vomiting. So we’ve endeavoured to help you soften the blow with these gentle memos.
Read on HERE 