Tuesday, February 17, 2009

a day and a half

So it's official! hehehehehe but before I share about today's big event let's pause to remember Junsang!!! Yep! My next door neighbor M remembered his birthday. We all love him but more the person who made him real..
So came back after the oath taking which actually made me felt like I graduated when I started hearing the music 'Land, Hope and Glory' and asked to march with other candidates while our guests were watching. I was nervous and a bit proud yet still nervous because I never thought of the magnitude of the event. Well, it was truly formal and we were sworn in a courtroom. Now that was my first so it was slightly daunting plus a picture of the Queen before us and the great British flag with two dignitaries seated in front meant business.
It only took half an hour but we were in Cambridge prior to the event for 4 hours.. so imagine us wandering in the city with my high heels trying to explore its beauty. Cambridge is a big pedestrian city so cars are very much limited in the city center so a good pair of shoes is needed. And guess what?? I forgot to bring trainers but can't really wear them since I was wearing a dress..I suppose I could but never mind I had to walk barefooted for 5 minutes to relieve my feet. It's the third time and I should have learned..It happened in Venice, London then Cambridge..always the wrong shoes..next time I shall remember.
So what did I have today apart from affirming my allegiance to her Majesty which was like the one below? I also received the leather cover of my new passport.Not bad and some paperwork from the home office.












We decided to have lunch before the event and the restaurant we intended to dine in was not open till seven. So we ended up in an Indian restaurant. We didn't have time for anything else so we ordered a sizzling Tandoori dinner. No time for hot stuff since we only had an hour to spare..
The faux pax that I committed today was when I was talking to one of the dignitaries and was asked what made me want to become British.. I unfortunately replied 'I don't know.'Thank God he wasn't the Queen otherwise she would have taken it back. But then I said 'This is my home now.' I actually told him that when I was in the Philippines I was itching to go back to the UK and told Alex I wanted to go home. And yes this is home indeed.
Now since Alex couldn't drink we ended up the day at home with this bottle of Chateau Pey La Tour. I couldn't help adding this other bottle to my collection. It's half price so couldn't resist.Jaime asked before if I would recommend it. After trying ..definitely. Great with roasts and cheeses.. Peppery taste and very easy to drink..So cheers everyone or should I say long live the Queen?!

4 comments:

myoce said...

HYDS,

CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING A BRITISH SUBJECT !!!

And I enjoyed your narration..

Luv U, myoce

[sob sob...I wrote a few lines before but I got problem loading page error]

Hydee Pole Photography said...

Thanks Myoce!! It was a mixed feeling. I felt exhausted but good it's over. ;-)

Love, Hyds

jaime said...

Congratulations too, Hyds! How does it feel to be a British citizen? Any sense of patriotic feelings? Britain sure has a long history and rich culture, you will have all the time and chances to explore, all the best!

Thanks for recommending the wine to me. Hubby and I will definitely try it :) Hehe, sure wish my cooking is good enough to match!

love ... jaime

Hydee Pole Photography said...

Thanks Jaime! I must admit there was a feeling of relief. We had fought for me to be in this country and now I'm part of it. The sense of patriotism came out when I first sang the national anthem. It was certainly moving.
I'd like to enjoy Britain through my photographs and perhaps one day show to the world the beauty of this country. What makes the British truly British?
I hope you will enjoy the wine.I just found out the 2007 was a gold medalist and it was a vintage wine for 10 years! I learned only when I read the paper cap inserted between its neck. Typical! I should have just kept it in the rack ;-(
Love, Hyds