If you're one of my regular readers, you might have noticed that I've made a few small changes to the blog recently (besides actually posting something for a change, that is). Namely, I've added some extra pages. I've started with an About Me page, which is an expanded version of what you see in my sidebar. I've also added a page called "The Resident Tourist," which is a collection of links to some of my favourite London attractions and events, and one called "A Child's-Eye View of London," which is pretty self-explanatory. The "expanded" version of the blog is a work in progress, so I'll be adding more things from time to time.
My aim is to keep Accidentally English the personal blog it was from the beginning, but with more practical tips and information for others who are (or are planning to be) accidentally English, accidentally French, accidentally Spanish, or whatever. It might also encourage me to post more often (although please forgive me if the blog goes inactive for a while again when Crumpet 2 arrives in the next few days). Happy reading!
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Monday 26 March 2012
Back in the Driver's Seat
Well, we finally did it. After lots of talk and a fair amount of arm-twisting, I finally managed to convince The Other Half to buy a car. As of about two weeks ago, we are now the owners of a Volkswagen Polo... and just in time for Crumpet 2, who is due one week from today. Wow, I feel so (British) middle class.
I have personally driven the car once since we bought it. It isn't so much the car that I think I'll have such a hard time getting used to; it's gaining confidence on the other side of the (crowded, very narrow) roads. Incidentally, this was the first time I had driven here in the UK since I passed my driving test back in the spring of 2008. I did okay, but I did feel like I was fifteen again, with my newly acquired learner's permit. Only this time I had a nervous husband sitting next to me telling me not to get too close to the shoulder instead of a nervous father. Of course, having two children to shuttle here and there means I'll have lots of time for practice, but for now I'm happy to let The Other Half take the wheel until I no longer have my big belly in the way.
Ironically, our purchase comes at a time when petrol prices are the highest they've ever been, so we won't be planning any marathon road trips anytime soon. But owning a car has certainly given me back a sense of freedom that many Americans take for granted.
I have personally driven the car once since we bought it. It isn't so much the car that I think I'll have such a hard time getting used to; it's gaining confidence on the other side of the (crowded, very narrow) roads. Incidentally, this was the first time I had driven here in the UK since I passed my driving test back in the spring of 2008. I did okay, but I did feel like I was fifteen again, with my newly acquired learner's permit. Only this time I had a nervous husband sitting next to me telling me not to get too close to the shoulder instead of a nervous father. Of course, having two children to shuttle here and there means I'll have lots of time for practice, but for now I'm happy to let The Other Half take the wheel until I no longer have my big belly in the way.
Ironically, our purchase comes at a time when petrol prices are the highest they've ever been, so we won't be planning any marathon road trips anytime soon. But owning a car has certainly given me back a sense of freedom that many Americans take for granted.
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