Its almost 3 months now that i've been here, and I have met some pretty amazing people. In Butlins, it's like we have our own world. Its a mix of Big Brother, Jersey Shore and your first year of college. It is also known as 'the bubble'. About 500 team members live on site, and we are the bubble. Everyone is switching rooms, dating eachother, and out drinking a lot, its just a different world. In the real world, couples wouldn't move in together as quick as they do here, rumours spread like wildfire, and we all live off of microwave meals or team diner for two quid. Most people live with the same team that they work with, but not everyone. There are different style accommodations to live in. I live in a four share. In my room it should be me and another girl, then across the hall lives two girls, and we all share a washroom, and open kitchen / living room. Other accoms are the same style, but only shared between two people. Then there is the 'couples accom' which is one bedroom for two people, and a shared bathroom and kitchen / living room. Lastly there is singles. One washroom and kitchen shared between a few people, no living room, but everyone in that accom has their own bedroom which they don't have to share. Since I have been here, lots of the reds have moved around. I switched accoms shortly after coming here, into the one that I am currently in. I lived with Chloe, but she moved into a couples accom with her boyfriend. So i have my own room, which is nice and big, until they move in someone new. In my accom I have two other girls, who are moving out into their own accom. So another red is planning on moving in with me. I'm currently in the midst of painting and re doing the accom so its how I like it, before they move in other people with me. Its strange because back home, I never really cared if my room was a mess, or if I let dishes pile up a little bit in the kitchen, I would just put it off and do it later. Here, its not like that at all! Now that I basically live on my own, my room is almost always tidy, and the kitchen makes me cringe if its not clean. If the living room has stuff lying all over the place, it stresses me out! I never used to be like this, but the bubble has changed me. Talk about growing up fast! Making mama proud for sure!
There is currently around 30 redcoats on the team. They are in need of more, so i'm assuming in the next few weeks we will get some newbies. All of the reds had to audition to get their job, and fight for it with 100s of other hopefuls. I would say everyone has some sort of talent. Singing, dancing and hosting are the most popular. The entertainment team is full of outgoing, loud, and unique characters. Of all of the Butlins, Bognor Regis has the tallest female red, and the shortest, the youngest redcoat & only canadian (yours truly), two magicians, a Guiness Worlds Record adjudicator, many singers and dancers, and a whole ton of characters. Not only is there 30 reds, but there is also Billy the bear, Butlins main man, and his scottish girlfriend Bonnie Bear. Then the skyline gang which is made up of Mimi, Candi, Pip, Bud, Sprout, Dude and their dog Rainbow. Dino and Darwin are two dinosaurs that are best friends and like hanging out at the Shoreline hotel a lot. Barney, BJ & Baby Bop; Angelina Ballerina; Fireman Sam and Naughty Norman Price; Pingu; Bob, Wendy & Spud; Ludo another big green dinosaur, and lastly Cedric the seagul. My job has given me the opportunity to hang out with the characters I grew up watching on tv, and allow me to meet the most amazing people.
Other teams here are Splash, which are the lifeguards that work in the water park. Then there is the Sports Coaches & Leisure so all of the people that work with the kids on football, archery, the rock climbing wall, stuff like that. Fun fair team which is indoor, outdoor, and a lot of them work overtime in Safety. Resort safety, which is security, they work the venues at night, overlook the resort and work the gates. Then there is the restaurants like Papa Johns, Bar Rosso, and the Beachcomber. There is also Bars, which work Center, Reds, Hotshots and Jaks. Those are all of the different teams that I have become friends with so far! All together we make `one big hearted team`.
For an update on whats been new with me,just lots of work, and i`m always doing something new in details. For example, I was a cheerleader at a wrestling show last Saturday. I went out with the bad team, at first I was really nervous about doing it, but by the end, its become my new favorite shift! Last week I took part in the `Best of British Garden Party`which was a family sports day basically and everyone was split up into the four different countries: Wales, England, Ireland and my team, Scotland. It was alot of fun as I got to participate, characters came out, and it was the first day of it, so it was all trial and error. Last night I did party dances on stage with Billy and Bonnie which was a first, and was absolutely adorable! In Center Stage we have had around eight reds going on stage instead of just the regular three for party dances, creating WOW moments for families. Its such a good laugh having all of us on stage, stuff like that is why I love being a redcoat.
A few weeks ago, Butlins hosted a Special Needs Hockey Tournament. Of all the places in England, Butlins Bognor is where they stayed. It was a Canadian team, and I was so happy all week! Canadians were everywhere, we were taking over bognor!! Brianna, a friend from home, was one of the coaches and it was amazing to see her. She was my first and only friend from home that i`ve seen so far. I was working while they were down but fortunately in between shifts and after work I went out with them. Made a new friend named Cody, hes 18 and his uncle played on the team. He was down to party so I took him out at night on resort to show him how we do it at Butlins. His first night out he ended up being escorted from the Shoreline hotel to his room because he passed out in the washrooms. I found this out from security the next day, because he was so drunk he didn`t even remember! To say the least, I know he enjoyed his time in England. Brianna brought me stuff from my mom which included a teddy bear that I now sleep with, chocolates, tootsie rolls which you can`t buy in England, and last but not least, TIM HORTONS. Thank god for that!!! To the brits reading this, Tim Hortons is the Canadian version of Costa or Starbucks. To the canadians reading this, moving to a country without Tim Hortons is harder than you`d think!! The Canadians all left and then it was an adult weekend. I went out on the Friday night, nothing out of the ordinary there, but then sat out the Saturday and Sunday. Just wasn`t feeling it, and needed to chill out and have a relaxed weekend. So I did some painting, walked around town, watched movies, played Black Ops and hung out with Matt the whole weekend.
We are back onto regular breaks now but because schools in, its mainly young families with tots, and grandparents. Not as full, so its not too hectic. This weekend coming up is the Footballers weekend. Its 3 days that Butlins hosts all of these football (soccer) dads and sons. Im a bit nervous about this one because apparently its a nightmare of a weekend. I work in Center stage until one in the morning on Friday by myself, but then I have Saturday off which isn`t too bad. Once we get through this weekend, the next three in a row are all adult weekends. Should be a good time and I probably won`t have to work too much so I want to do a bit of travelling.
Tomorrow I am off to London as long as the weather is half decent, with Matt. For those back home that have yet to see facebook, I am now in a relationship. To answer the basic questions i`ve already been asked.. No, he is not a redcoat, hes resort safety, a few years older than me, tall and yes, he is british. Things are going really good here. I love my job, my accom is coming along, and I have a great guy that I get to see all the time. I`m a very happy and lucky girl. Sorry it took so long for an update, but this is whats going on, on my side of the pond!
4/30/2012
4/01/2012
Ministry of Sound & Minehead
Its been about two weeks now since my last post, so i've got quite a bit to update on. To start, the past two weekends have been adult weekends, the first being 'School Reunion' and the second was 'Icons Weekend'. I have had most of the adult weekends off, so School Reunion was the first one I had to work for. We don't wear our Redcoat uniform for the adult weekends, as the adults tend to make fun of, or harass us for it. Instead, we wear our casual grey track pants, and a red zip up sweater that says 'Events Team' on it. We don't swan the Skyline and we aren't out half as much as we are during regular family breaks. Billy the bear doesn't make any appearances, nor do the rest of the characters we have. We mainly work the reception and check in, and then work the doors for some of the venues. This is the best time for training for new shows and stuff like that, as barely any Reds actually work this weekend.
Friday and Saturday night, I worked at the Silent Disco. We hand out the headphones, explain how it all works, and send them into our sports bar, Hotshots. Friday night it wasn't too busy so the four of us working the doors got to have our headphones on and dance around the whole night. I worked with two out of my three roomies, and my old room mate too. We finished at about 130 in the morning. So we went home, got changed and went out to party for the night. It was weird because although it was around 2am by the time we even got to the bar, it just felt like 10 oclock, tons of energy, and the start to a good night! We started in Center Stage, by this time there were no more shows or acts going on, it was just a live DJ. Tons of people in costumes filled this venue, and kept the party going. After a good amount of drinks, and some dancing, we headed down to Reds. Reds isn't normally a busy venue, but that night it was packed. Full dance floor, bars were busy, it was a good time. We partied until about 5am when they did last orders at the bar. Made it into our accommodation just before 6am. I would say that was one of my best nights in England, until the night after. I slept in that day until about noon probably, as I didn't have work again until late that night for another night of the Silent Disco. Saturday night in Reds was 'The Ministry of Sound', this is an unreal DJ that has a sweet stage set up and the act is well known in England. Because of the Ministry of Sound, and Center Stage with its live DJ and shows, we all figured that the Silent Disco would be a dead venue. In the Skyline to start the night off for the guests, the skyline stage has a DJ there until about 10 or 11pm I think. So as our venue opened up, that DJ was just finishing, and the shows up in Center and Reds were just starting. From the beginning of our night until the very end, we were lined up out the door, and jam packed inside. It was crazy! So many people were coming into the venue, we didn't have enough headsets, and unfortunately didn't get to enjoy listening to the two different DJs. It was still a good night, and we finished up around 2 in the morning. After work, we went home, got ready and went to Reds to see the Ministry of Sound. It was busier than the night before and the DJ was unreal. We stayed out until at least 5 or 6 in the morning. It was a messy but fun night as always. I absolutely love the adult weekends, they are the best time to let loose and have a good night out with the team, as most people are off. Unfortunately that weekend was a big one for training as there are a ton of new shows starting up. So not too many Reds were out. Still a good time none the less.
After that adult weekend, we were back on family breaks for the midweek. It was really quiet for both midweeks as school is in, so its mainly young parents and tots. Its good because we get to bond with the kids, and see the same faces over and over, helps to add sparkle to each families holiday. The next weekend was the adult Icons weekend. I decided to take a holiday from the 'Butlins Bubble' and go to Minehead for the weekend. It wasn't really planned, I just decided a few days before that I would go by myself because I had the whole weekend off. It should have been about a four hour journey from Bognor to Minehead.. it ended up taking SEVEN hours. Seven whole hours alone.. on a bus, train, car, subway, and foot. It was quite the adventure. Bryn & Louis walked with me from Butlins to the Bognor train station. Two minutes before my train was supposed to come, I was told that it was cancelled so I had to take a different one and get off at the next stop to change over. So i got on the train, and found another person going to London, so we stuck together for the traip. His name was Damion, really nice guy, and would have been lost without him. On the train for about 10 minutes, then at that station had to get off and wait 30 minutes for another train.. Repeated this for 3 stations. At this point, I should have turned around knowing that it was going to be one hell of a trip to get to Minehead. After a few hours, I was near London.. Then a voice on the train said that we were no longer going to London Victoria.. but London Bridge instead. Without a choice, I had to get off at the Bridge and then take the Subway to figure out how to get to Paddington Station. To get another train to Taunton. By this time, the sun has set, it is no longer warm outside, and I am standing alone in the London Bridge Underground in hightops, jean shorts, a leather jacket, animal print headband, and a huge animal print luggage bag. Not to mention I had diamond aviators on. The only person that would have stood out more than me would be someone dressed as Wheres Waldo. I looked like I was heading to L.A., not Minehead. I figured out which platform to be on, but to make sure I was in the right place, asked a girl that looked nice.. she replied in an Australian accent, "I'm lost too". Just perfect! Now there are two foreigners lost in the London underground. A nice young guy, also lost, came up to us to ask for help, which of course we couldn't give. Instead, we all got on the tube together and figured out where we were supposed to go. Cracked open a beer, had a few laughs, and enjoyed the short London Underground journey. Once we all split up, I made my way to get onto my last train of the day. It was a straight two hour journey to Taunton, where Nancy picked me up and then we drove to Minehead from there. Arrived around midnight, got changed, and hit the pub. It was absolutely dead, but i got to see friends that I haven't seen in six years! It was so weird, but such a good laugh. The next day myself and a few of the girls took a bus to taunton for some shopping then headed back to Minehead for another night of drinks and a fun. Started at the Hairy Dog, had a few drinks, saw some friends from the night before, then we all headed to another bar. This one was much busier Saturday night! Saw a ton more people that I knew and stayed out til about 4 in the morning. The next day, had some troubles about getting back to the train station, but with Ellie and Calums help, sorted myself out. It was only about a 5 hour journey home which I was really happy about.
This brings us to this past week. It was an average week, did the same old stuff, had some party dance training and got our new uniforms. We have our redcoat which is just a little bit different from last years. We now wear black pants, a white tucked in top, and black heels. We also have a black dress to wear for some details. In a few more weeks we will get our casual uniforms, but for now we just wear our old ones. My first time up on stage was last night. I did my party dances and only messed up once. It was so nervewracking getting on stage in Centre as it seems so busy, with a full dance floor of kids looking up at you to follow your steps. When I only messed up once, it was a huge relief as everyone messes up when they are on stage. Today I have spent a lot of time on activities as I will hopefully become an activities Red instead of just a general Red. Activites consists of doing arts and crafts with the Get Busy: 5-8's, stage school, circus skills and arts with Club Red: 9-12s, and stuff with the VIPs: teens. Its a lot of fun because we get one to one time with kids and get to know them better on a personal level, instead of just sitting with them when shows are on. Its really awesome. They become your friend for that week and when they come back, they ask about you, get your autograph and pictures with you. Mini Celebrity? Hell ya. As it's easter weekend, we are full house and every venue is busy. I don't think a single Red had the day off today. Its one of our busiest times of the year, and this weekend / upcoming week are a small taste of what summer will be like. Its really exciting and I'm always doing something new. I have second guessed myself a couple times over the past few weeks, as to whether or not I made the right choice in coming to England, by myself to be a Redcoat. Last night, my boss said to me that he took a risk in hiring me, as I wasn't hired like most reds are with the unique interview and audition process, but that he is very happy with the Redcoat I am and to keep up the good work. Its a confidence boost that was needed, and I am really happy and proud of myself and my choices. People have asked me how I deal with being away from home, and if I miss my family and friends. Of course I do. There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't think of my old room mate (nana), or my parents. When I see the younger kids, it reminds me of Jonny and Julia, who I cannot wait to see again. I wasn't the best big sister with my siblings before, and this job has completely changed me and how I am with kids. I miss them to death, you don't really know what you have until its gone. I wish they could be here to enjoy the Butlins experience, this British Disneyland would be heaven for the two of them. It would be really awesome if my older brother came over and saw what I did, its such a unique place, and I would love to hear what he thought of how I am as a Red. I wish my friends could be here because I know they would love it as much as I do, and would love the people I hang around with. I don't want to go home anytime soon, but I would love if my family could just come and share all of this with me. So to mom and dad reading this, I love you to bits, and can't wait to see you. XOXO
Friday and Saturday night, I worked at the Silent Disco. We hand out the headphones, explain how it all works, and send them into our sports bar, Hotshots. Friday night it wasn't too busy so the four of us working the doors got to have our headphones on and dance around the whole night. I worked with two out of my three roomies, and my old room mate too. We finished at about 130 in the morning. So we went home, got changed and went out to party for the night. It was weird because although it was around 2am by the time we even got to the bar, it just felt like 10 oclock, tons of energy, and the start to a good night! We started in Center Stage, by this time there were no more shows or acts going on, it was just a live DJ. Tons of people in costumes filled this venue, and kept the party going. After a good amount of drinks, and some dancing, we headed down to Reds. Reds isn't normally a busy venue, but that night it was packed. Full dance floor, bars were busy, it was a good time. We partied until about 5am when they did last orders at the bar. Made it into our accommodation just before 6am. I would say that was one of my best nights in England, until the night after. I slept in that day until about noon probably, as I didn't have work again until late that night for another night of the Silent Disco. Saturday night in Reds was 'The Ministry of Sound', this is an unreal DJ that has a sweet stage set up and the act is well known in England. Because of the Ministry of Sound, and Center Stage with its live DJ and shows, we all figured that the Silent Disco would be a dead venue. In the Skyline to start the night off for the guests, the skyline stage has a DJ there until about 10 or 11pm I think. So as our venue opened up, that DJ was just finishing, and the shows up in Center and Reds were just starting. From the beginning of our night until the very end, we were lined up out the door, and jam packed inside. It was crazy! So many people were coming into the venue, we didn't have enough headsets, and unfortunately didn't get to enjoy listening to the two different DJs. It was still a good night, and we finished up around 2 in the morning. After work, we went home, got ready and went to Reds to see the Ministry of Sound. It was busier than the night before and the DJ was unreal. We stayed out until at least 5 or 6 in the morning. It was a messy but fun night as always. I absolutely love the adult weekends, they are the best time to let loose and have a good night out with the team, as most people are off. Unfortunately that weekend was a big one for training as there are a ton of new shows starting up. So not too many Reds were out. Still a good time none the less.
After that adult weekend, we were back on family breaks for the midweek. It was really quiet for both midweeks as school is in, so its mainly young parents and tots. Its good because we get to bond with the kids, and see the same faces over and over, helps to add sparkle to each families holiday. The next weekend was the adult Icons weekend. I decided to take a holiday from the 'Butlins Bubble' and go to Minehead for the weekend. It wasn't really planned, I just decided a few days before that I would go by myself because I had the whole weekend off. It should have been about a four hour journey from Bognor to Minehead.. it ended up taking SEVEN hours. Seven whole hours alone.. on a bus, train, car, subway, and foot. It was quite the adventure. Bryn & Louis walked with me from Butlins to the Bognor train station. Two minutes before my train was supposed to come, I was told that it was cancelled so I had to take a different one and get off at the next stop to change over. So i got on the train, and found another person going to London, so we stuck together for the traip. His name was Damion, really nice guy, and would have been lost without him. On the train for about 10 minutes, then at that station had to get off and wait 30 minutes for another train.. Repeated this for 3 stations. At this point, I should have turned around knowing that it was going to be one hell of a trip to get to Minehead. After a few hours, I was near London.. Then a voice on the train said that we were no longer going to London Victoria.. but London Bridge instead. Without a choice, I had to get off at the Bridge and then take the Subway to figure out how to get to Paddington Station. To get another train to Taunton. By this time, the sun has set, it is no longer warm outside, and I am standing alone in the London Bridge Underground in hightops, jean shorts, a leather jacket, animal print headband, and a huge animal print luggage bag. Not to mention I had diamond aviators on. The only person that would have stood out more than me would be someone dressed as Wheres Waldo. I looked like I was heading to L.A., not Minehead. I figured out which platform to be on, but to make sure I was in the right place, asked a girl that looked nice.. she replied in an Australian accent, "I'm lost too". Just perfect! Now there are two foreigners lost in the London underground. A nice young guy, also lost, came up to us to ask for help, which of course we couldn't give. Instead, we all got on the tube together and figured out where we were supposed to go. Cracked open a beer, had a few laughs, and enjoyed the short London Underground journey. Once we all split up, I made my way to get onto my last train of the day. It was a straight two hour journey to Taunton, where Nancy picked me up and then we drove to Minehead from there. Arrived around midnight, got changed, and hit the pub. It was absolutely dead, but i got to see friends that I haven't seen in six years! It was so weird, but such a good laugh. The next day myself and a few of the girls took a bus to taunton for some shopping then headed back to Minehead for another night of drinks and a fun. Started at the Hairy Dog, had a few drinks, saw some friends from the night before, then we all headed to another bar. This one was much busier Saturday night! Saw a ton more people that I knew and stayed out til about 4 in the morning. The next day, had some troubles about getting back to the train station, but with Ellie and Calums help, sorted myself out. It was only about a 5 hour journey home which I was really happy about.
This brings us to this past week. It was an average week, did the same old stuff, had some party dance training and got our new uniforms. We have our redcoat which is just a little bit different from last years. We now wear black pants, a white tucked in top, and black heels. We also have a black dress to wear for some details. In a few more weeks we will get our casual uniforms, but for now we just wear our old ones. My first time up on stage was last night. I did my party dances and only messed up once. It was so nervewracking getting on stage in Centre as it seems so busy, with a full dance floor of kids looking up at you to follow your steps. When I only messed up once, it was a huge relief as everyone messes up when they are on stage. Today I have spent a lot of time on activities as I will hopefully become an activities Red instead of just a general Red. Activites consists of doing arts and crafts with the Get Busy: 5-8's, stage school, circus skills and arts with Club Red: 9-12s, and stuff with the VIPs: teens. Its a lot of fun because we get one to one time with kids and get to know them better on a personal level, instead of just sitting with them when shows are on. Its really awesome. They become your friend for that week and when they come back, they ask about you, get your autograph and pictures with you. Mini Celebrity? Hell ya. As it's easter weekend, we are full house and every venue is busy. I don't think a single Red had the day off today. Its one of our busiest times of the year, and this weekend / upcoming week are a small taste of what summer will be like. Its really exciting and I'm always doing something new. I have second guessed myself a couple times over the past few weeks, as to whether or not I made the right choice in coming to England, by myself to be a Redcoat. Last night, my boss said to me that he took a risk in hiring me, as I wasn't hired like most reds are with the unique interview and audition process, but that he is very happy with the Redcoat I am and to keep up the good work. Its a confidence boost that was needed, and I am really happy and proud of myself and my choices. People have asked me how I deal with being away from home, and if I miss my family and friends. Of course I do. There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't think of my old room mate (nana), or my parents. When I see the younger kids, it reminds me of Jonny and Julia, who I cannot wait to see again. I wasn't the best big sister with my siblings before, and this job has completely changed me and how I am with kids. I miss them to death, you don't really know what you have until its gone. I wish they could be here to enjoy the Butlins experience, this British Disneyland would be heaven for the two of them. It would be really awesome if my older brother came over and saw what I did, its such a unique place, and I would love to hear what he thought of how I am as a Red. I wish my friends could be here because I know they would love it as much as I do, and would love the people I hang around with. I don't want to go home anytime soon, but I would love if my family could just come and share all of this with me. So to mom and dad reading this, I love you to bits, and can't wait to see you. XOXO
3/14/2012
They're 2, They're 4. They're 6, They're 8
Since we've spoken last, i've done quite a bit of stuff! I spent my Wednesday morning with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. It was a great show, and even better, i've had his theme song stuck in my head all week.. "They're two they're four they're six they're eight, Shunting trucks and hauling freight, red and green and brown and blue, they're the really useful crew! All with different roles to play, Round tidmouths or far away, Down the hills and round the bends, Thomas and friends!" After starting my day with Thomas, I then got to spend some time with Ludo! Ludo is the big green dinosaur, in the new Butlins advert. Thursday I had a 'Big Art Attack' with kids 5-8. We traced our hands and got to decorate them with sparkles, tissues, markers, anything messy really. Then we put them all together to make a big art attack. I love doing these sessions because you get a lot of one on one time with the kids, and they become your friend for the week. Its amazing how you can make their day by just coloring a picture with them. Its pretty sweet. Later that day after a few other details, I spent some time in the Puppet Castle, on a jungle adventure! It was pretty awesome! Friday I hung out with Pingu for a bit, then said good bye to all of the families, as it was time for the adult weekend to begin!
Friday afternoon I was on reception again, checking in the parties, and then off to three hours of 'Road Map'. This is part of Butlins training that we do, helping us understand the culture and ways of not only Butlins, but of being a Red. After training I was off until Sunday morning. Friday night we started off at one of the other accommodations playing party games and then heading out to Center Stage. The accom was packed and it was a really great night out with the other reds. Saturday morning started off with a hangover, but I was up and ready for some shopping with my british mama. We went to portsmouth which is just about a 30 minute drive and it is a cute little town with a mall and lots of shops. It was a really good way to start my day. Unfortunately I only had about 3 hours sleep to last me until Sunday. Saturday night was one of the other Reds birthdays, so we went to her accom for predrinks. By the time we left the accom, after many rounds of "we like to drink with canada", I didn't last too long at Center. I was ready to go home, so in my heels walking down the stairs with Louis, I wiped out. Tumbling down a few steps in my heels, and hitting my ribs off the banister. At the time, I laughed it off, got to main floor, took off the heels and walked home. Sunday morning I woke up with a bruise on my left ribs, and my left leg from my knee down to my ankle is bright blue. My right ankle is somewhat swollen and it is in a serious amount of pain. My training on Sunday went from about 1130-4, and then I spent the rest of my night relaxing and watching friends, as I literally had no energy left in me. Monday morning all of the adults left, and it was the beginning of another family week. Because school is in now, it tends to be a lot of younger kids and the resort is only about half full. I worked reception and then Center Stage which is always a good time. Center Stage's show was Lazy Town which I got to see for the first time, and then I took a picture with Stephanie, Sportakus and Robbie Rotten. It was really good. Tuesday I spent the day on activities with my room mate, Chloe. It was so much fun as the activity sessions were small and we had a lot of one to one time with the same kids. It was really sweet. This brings us to today. So far I have hung out with Dino and Darwin which are two little Dinosaurs. One is green, and the other is orange. They are best friends that were born at Butlins. Im now off to swan the skyline, and then tonight I am in Center to watch Street life and Festival. Have a fabulous day! xo
Friday afternoon I was on reception again, checking in the parties, and then off to three hours of 'Road Map'. This is part of Butlins training that we do, helping us understand the culture and ways of not only Butlins, but of being a Red. After training I was off until Sunday morning. Friday night we started off at one of the other accommodations playing party games and then heading out to Center Stage. The accom was packed and it was a really great night out with the other reds. Saturday morning started off with a hangover, but I was up and ready for some shopping with my british mama. We went to portsmouth which is just about a 30 minute drive and it is a cute little town with a mall and lots of shops. It was a really good way to start my day. Unfortunately I only had about 3 hours sleep to last me until Sunday. Saturday night was one of the other Reds birthdays, so we went to her accom for predrinks. By the time we left the accom, after many rounds of "we like to drink with canada", I didn't last too long at Center. I was ready to go home, so in my heels walking down the stairs with Louis, I wiped out. Tumbling down a few steps in my heels, and hitting my ribs off the banister. At the time, I laughed it off, got to main floor, took off the heels and walked home. Sunday morning I woke up with a bruise on my left ribs, and my left leg from my knee down to my ankle is bright blue. My right ankle is somewhat swollen and it is in a serious amount of pain. My training on Sunday went from about 1130-4, and then I spent the rest of my night relaxing and watching friends, as I literally had no energy left in me. Monday morning all of the adults left, and it was the beginning of another family week. Because school is in now, it tends to be a lot of younger kids and the resort is only about half full. I worked reception and then Center Stage which is always a good time. Center Stage's show was Lazy Town which I got to see for the first time, and then I took a picture with Stephanie, Sportakus and Robbie Rotten. It was really good. Tuesday I spent the day on activities with my room mate, Chloe. It was so much fun as the activity sessions were small and we had a lot of one to one time with the same kids. It was really sweet. This brings us to today. So far I have hung out with Dino and Darwin which are two little Dinosaurs. One is green, and the other is orange. They are best friends that were born at Butlins. Im now off to swan the skyline, and then tonight I am in Center to watch Street life and Festival. Have a fabulous day! xo
3/06/2012
Circus is Over!
Another amazing weekend at Butlins. The theme for this weekend was clowns.. not to my personal excitement. I struggle with the idea of thousands of people fully dressed up in weird unmatching suits, neon coloured hair, awkwardly large shoes, painted faces and odd props. The whole thing just freaks me out. My weekend began on Friday working reception in the Skyline. For two hours, guests come to me with their information and booking number, I find their name and give them the keys to the room. While doing this, clowns that had already checked in, were surrounding the area. I met a really nice clown, who told me he was the only American clown in the resort. He thought that I was american as well, which offended me slightly, as I am Canadian, and apparently no one can tell the difference. Most of the families that checked in, didn't actually know that it was a clown weekend, and to no surprise, most of the kids were absolutely terrified. Friday night, I worked in 'the Zone' with Nathan, another red. There ended up being about 6 kids that showed up, aged 13-17. We spent a few hours playing on the Wii, Xbox, watching music videos, and playing pool. Then I had the rest of my night off. Lucky for me, I had all of Saturday off, so I stayed far away from the Skyline and avoided clowns at all cost. Sunday I worked a lot of the kids club type activities. I had stage school in the zone where I learned how to spin plates, played some games with younger kids, and taught them a dance with Tiffany, another red. There was a clown parade in town so that is where all the clowns went, even though it poured down rain. Monday, everyone left, and a new crop of families moved onto resort. I worked the main gate for a few hours and met a bunch of new resort safety guys. Then I spent some time with Billy the Bear, then swanned the Skyline. I worked in Center Stage that night as well, and it wasn't too busy. Today I watched 'Little Big Club' with Pingo's fun fitness, Bob the builder in Sunflower Valley, and Barney too! I'm now off for a few hours until I go into the Skyline tonight for Tots Disco.
After work tonight, a bunch of the reds are going to Hatters I believe. This is one of the bars in town which when busy turns into a good night out with cheap drinks. This week the resort isn't too full so it gives more of an opportunity to bond with families, and make a difference in their kids vacations. We can add 'sparkle'. Friday all of the families will head home, and then its another adult weekend. This one is Soul & Motown. On Saturday its one of the girls birthdays so we are all going out in fancy dress I think. Should be another good night. I don't work much this weekend, but I do have activities training, so hopefully I can move into being an Activities Red soon! Since I have a few hours off now, Im going to watch 'The Little Rascals' and enjoy a cup of tea. As always, everything here is great, loving life!
After work tonight, a bunch of the reds are going to Hatters I believe. This is one of the bars in town which when busy turns into a good night out with cheap drinks. This week the resort isn't too full so it gives more of an opportunity to bond with families, and make a difference in their kids vacations. We can add 'sparkle'. Friday all of the families will head home, and then its another adult weekend. This one is Soul & Motown. On Saturday its one of the girls birthdays so we are all going out in fancy dress I think. Should be another good night. I don't work much this weekend, but I do have activities training, so hopefully I can move into being an Activities Red soon! Since I have a few hours off now, Im going to watch 'The Little Rascals' and enjoy a cup of tea. As always, everything here is great, loving life!
3/02/2012
Keep Calm & Drink Wine
Well.. where to begin? My first week of work went amazingly well, full of families, everything was crazy busy and I learned a ton of new things. We shut down for a few days and I had the opportunity to learn some of the party dances. It was alot to take in and still busy, even though resort was closed. While being shut, its pretty much reds bonding time, so I got to know alot of my coworkers better. The past weekend we opened for an adult weekend. I think we have these once every 6 weeks or so. This theme was the 70's. Basically groups of the same sex come to Butlins for a weekend of binge drinking, hen parties, and getting rowdy. They check in, and hit the bar. By the time Center Stage opens at night, everyone is pissed, and in the strangest outfits. The 70's attracts a bit of an older crowd, but 20's to 30's come too cause its a cheap weekend to get together and get drunk. I lucked out and only had to work reception on Friday, checked some guests in, and had the weekend off, to experience everything it had to offer. It was outrageous and you would have to be here to be able to understand how ridiculous it gets. Sunday, everyone checked out and we were closed again for the week. When resort is closed, they open up one of the bars for us. Jak's is just music and drinks, Hotshots has bowling, and pool. Predrinks are almost always at L9 which is another accommodation. And if no one wants to hit one of our bars, then we will either go to Sheiks (or vision nightclub) which is right on the pier, or Ground Zero (club lush?) which is just in town a bit. It has basically been a two week party, non stop. I've gotten to know tons of people and had amazing times drinking with everyone. I don't think i've ever drank so much wine, and played so many games of 'never have i ever'. I've picked up the nickname 'Canada' and i'm rarely called Carlie anymore. I'm good with this, as long as no ones calling me a yankee. My Butlins experience is like a University experience but instead of exams and essays, there are kids clubs and arts and crafts. Best time of my life.
After the adult weekend, I packed my bags up, and moved two rows forward. I now live with 3 other girls and I love it! My room has white walls with phrases written in black. I have a big wardrobe and 'Keep Calm' boxes for my tshirts. The washroom is tons of bright colors and the living area has red accents with brown couches and dark cream colored walls. I'm really enjoying my new accom and everything else that is happening. The one downfall about being here, is the rumors. Its like i'm back in highschool, but worse! There are about 500 staff that live on resort, and rumors spread like wildfire here. I've had a handfull go around about me but ive tried to sort them all out, as none of them have an ounce of truth. Luckily, the people I work with have backed me up and made me feel better. No matter where I am there will always be rumors, some people need to just mind their own business. On a positive note, I had a meeting with my boss about my probation, and I am now officially a redcoat! She had tons of good things to say about me, and now I can breathe easy that I got the job. It would have been an expensive flight home. All of entertainments team are getting sweaters made up for us. They will be any color we want, say our name or nickname, and then a phrase. I am getting a white sweater, with red writing, and "Baby Canada" on the back. As I am the youngest Redcoat, and the only Canadian to ever be a Red. Love it!!!
The resort opens up again today for the clown weekend. Yes, that is correct.. Over 3000 international clowns will be walking here for the next 3 days. I am not overly excited about this. I work reception in a little bit, and then at night I am on the silent disco. A silent disco is one of the bars opened up with no music playing.. everyone wears headsets and they have 2 different stations with different songs. Everyone is dancing to different songs, and its entertaining as hell. I have also signed up for DJ'ing so hopefully i'll be trained on that soon too. We get new uniforms in a few weeks I think, as right now we are wearing last years which are the white skirts, retro style. I actually really like them, but the new ones are nice as well. I have tomorrow off to do a bit of laundry and practice my party dances. I am so glad that we are opening up again because my liver can't handle anymore partying!! I need a break, and my bank account needs to have more coming in then going out. Sorry this was such a long update, I'm going to try and update it at least once a week from now on.
So to everyone back home, this has been one of the most amazing months of my life.. I'm more than happy and can't wait for whatever is about to happen next. xox
After the adult weekend, I packed my bags up, and moved two rows forward. I now live with 3 other girls and I love it! My room has white walls with phrases written in black. I have a big wardrobe and 'Keep Calm' boxes for my tshirts. The washroom is tons of bright colors and the living area has red accents with brown couches and dark cream colored walls. I'm really enjoying my new accom and everything else that is happening. The one downfall about being here, is the rumors. Its like i'm back in highschool, but worse! There are about 500 staff that live on resort, and rumors spread like wildfire here. I've had a handfull go around about me but ive tried to sort them all out, as none of them have an ounce of truth. Luckily, the people I work with have backed me up and made me feel better. No matter where I am there will always be rumors, some people need to just mind their own business. On a positive note, I had a meeting with my boss about my probation, and I am now officially a redcoat! She had tons of good things to say about me, and now I can breathe easy that I got the job. It would have been an expensive flight home. All of entertainments team are getting sweaters made up for us. They will be any color we want, say our name or nickname, and then a phrase. I am getting a white sweater, with red writing, and "Baby Canada" on the back. As I am the youngest Redcoat, and the only Canadian to ever be a Red. Love it!!!
The resort opens up again today for the clown weekend. Yes, that is correct.. Over 3000 international clowns will be walking here for the next 3 days. I am not overly excited about this. I work reception in a little bit, and then at night I am on the silent disco. A silent disco is one of the bars opened up with no music playing.. everyone wears headsets and they have 2 different stations with different songs. Everyone is dancing to different songs, and its entertaining as hell. I have also signed up for DJ'ing so hopefully i'll be trained on that soon too. We get new uniforms in a few weeks I think, as right now we are wearing last years which are the white skirts, retro style. I actually really like them, but the new ones are nice as well. I have tomorrow off to do a bit of laundry and practice my party dances. I am so glad that we are opening up again because my liver can't handle anymore partying!! I need a break, and my bank account needs to have more coming in then going out. Sorry this was such a long update, I'm going to try and update it at least once a week from now on.
So to everyone back home, this has been one of the most amazing months of my life.. I'm more than happy and can't wait for whatever is about to happen next. xox
2/13/2012
The Beginning
The past few days have been the start to February half term. After my first couple of training days, the resort opened and now it is fully booked, with people everywhere. It is amazing how many activities, and venues they have open and running at the same time. There are 36 redcoats, and once you are walking around its hard to not see one of us somewhere in uniform. I have signed over 10 autographs, which is sweet!!! Being a red is like a mini celebrity on resort, its the coolest thing. I got to walk around with Titan, who is a massive robot that interacts with his audience. I got to watch the Skyline Gang, Barney and Pingus shows, walk around with Cedric (the seagul) and Ludo (the dinosaur) to welcome guests at front gate. I spent an afternoon with Billy and Bonnie (his girlfriend) as well as Angelina the ballerina and Fireman Sam. I worked in Reds (home of the redcoats) a couple nights, which was great because I get to interact with the families, and dance with all the kids. I watched a magic show with them, then last night I saw the Pink tribute, followed by Take That, which was unreal! Such amazing shows! Upstairs in Center Stage was Lazy Town followed by the Lady Gaga tribute, and both venues were full! The environment is so positive and energetic, there is always stuff going on. Its a british Disneyland. Once off, we are aloud to use any of the venues we want and we get discounts on some of them too.
My accommodations definitely need some work. My roommate, Zoe and I are probably going to paint next week and buy some stuff to make it feel more like home. She lives just a short 30 minute drive away, and I've already met her family. All really nice people. Then my other roommate has her own room right now, and she is from Hungary. She's a bit shy, but friendly as well.
Saturday was Dads last night in England so we went to Sarah and Shauns (my british parents basically) for a meal. It was another great night and I was obviously sad to see him go. I wish I could have all the people from home, come here and experience everything that Butlins and England has to offer. Ive been given such an amazing opportunity. Today is my very first day off, which I have spent so far sleeping in, and typing this. I have laundry that needs to be done, and then when Zoes off we are heading into town together to pick up some groceries, bed sheets, slippers, all that fun stuff. I better get up to shower and eat something, so have a fabulous day, and thanks for reading. xx
My accommodations definitely need some work. My roommate, Zoe and I are probably going to paint next week and buy some stuff to make it feel more like home. She lives just a short 30 minute drive away, and I've already met her family. All really nice people. Then my other roommate has her own room right now, and she is from Hungary. She's a bit shy, but friendly as well.
Saturday was Dads last night in England so we went to Sarah and Shauns (my british parents basically) for a meal. It was another great night and I was obviously sad to see him go. I wish I could have all the people from home, come here and experience everything that Butlins and England has to offer. Ive been given such an amazing opportunity. Today is my very first day off, which I have spent so far sleeping in, and typing this. I have laundry that needs to be done, and then when Zoes off we are heading into town together to pick up some groceries, bed sheets, slippers, all that fun stuff. I better get up to shower and eat something, so have a fabulous day, and thanks for reading. xx
2/07/2012
Life in Bognor
So its been a few days, and I have been exploring the town and soaking up british culture. I spent a day around town, walking down the beach, seeing the high street, doing some groceries, the regular stuff. I love my town, its really cute and has everything you need. It even has SUBWAY! Went in to it today and had a moment, almost wanted to cry. I loved it, its my home away from home. Im being a little bit too sentimental i think, but it was great. Some things were different, they have quavers, my favorite british chips, and they have some indian style subs, as well as ketchup as a sauce. Uhm, who the hell puts ketchup on a sub... and what sub are they putting that on?! They had another sauce called 'Brown Sauce'... no thank you? There was no hot peppers, just jalapenos, and they had corn pieces as well. It was definitely a british version of my regular work back home. I set up my banking today at Barclays and the guy that set me up was super nice and really friendly, which is comforting that I can go back and speak with him whenever I have an issue. When I went into the grocery store, I bought myself a bottle of Cider, for the canadians reading that, its just old apple cider basically that has now turned to alcohal. To me, it just tastes like sweetened apple flavor beer, its alright, but not my favorite yet. When I purchased it, I was ID'd.. believe it or not! So I handed him my candian drivers licenses, and he had to have 3 people look at it, to make sure it wasn't fake.. Like can you not hear me? I have a very canadian accent, hope this doesn't happen when im at the bar!! Whilst in town, Dad bought me an adorable Pink phone which i absolutely love, and already have contacts?! Sweeet!
Yesterday I spent the day in London with dad, and I met his best man (from his wedding years ago)! He was great, a little outrageous, really funny, good guy. He has his own flat in london, and im so jealous! It has a gorgeous fire place, 2 floors, a huge back yard, and its very old, I think he said its from 1892 or something. I told him if he sells, im buying. Its nice to have more connections as I now have a place to stay whenever I want to go to London, which is just a short hour and a half from where I live now. It was a really good trip with Dad, and we did all your average touristy stuff like taking pictures with big ben, the london eye, standing inside a phone booth and visiting Buckingham Palace.
Today, I did my banking, had my subway fix, then came to Butlins to finally start my new journey. After filling out all of my information and signing the x's, I moved along to get my uniform, the fabulous red coat. We all have to wear last years uniform for the first two weeks, until our new stuff comes in, which is actually really nice! Last years is a long white pleated skirt for girls, a white collared shirt, underneath a bright red blazer. It is very old school and is supposed to mimick the original red coat uniform from back in the first days of Butlins. The new uniform is a pretty little black dress underneath the bright red blazer. Both are very sharp, but different looks. After setting myself up with a uniform, I moved along to see my housing. Most of the staff that work at Butlins, not just the Reds, are housed on resort. We live in rows of old guest accomodations. They are old and beaten down, but livable and unique. I have an open living room and kitchen, which i share with two girls. We are only aloud to have a microwave pretty much, as they don't trust us with much else.. We have two little fridges, a TV and a toaster, which I'm not sure they we are even aloud to have. There are two rough looking red couches, and a small table to eat at. An old tv and some blank, cream colored walls. Three of us share one bathroom, which could definitely use some work. I share a room with another redcoat who just moved in today, her name is Zoe, and as I type this in the living room, shes sleeping already, its about 1 am here and i've just come in from the bar. My other room mate has her own bedroom, and she is in house keeping I believe.. Shes eastern european and has a son.. I don't remember her name, but she seems really nice and quiet. Right now I can hear someone snoring.. I really hope its not my room mate, cause I can't handle that, so I guess we will just have to see in the morning.. hahahaha.
When I got my welcome package I was given 6 free drink coupons to be used in Butlins. Currently we are closed to guests this week and are open on Friday onward for Englands 'half term', I guess this would be the Canadian 'March Break'. When the resort is closed, because there are so many workers living here (about 500), they open the bar for us so we all have a place to go. Its really quite cool, its like our own little village of people that all have something in common, Butlins. I met some other red coats today, and went out to the bar with Tiffany. She is a really nice girl and we had a good night. She introduced me to the people she knew, and I met others as well. Played some pool, had some drinks and called it a night at midnight when they closed. Tomorrow morning is my first day of training with something called 'Road Maps'. I start at 9am tomorrow, so I best be heading to bed now. Hope you all feel updated enough. The next few days will be quite interesting I believe, so stay tuned.
Cheers. xx
Yesterday I spent the day in London with dad, and I met his best man (from his wedding years ago)! He was great, a little outrageous, really funny, good guy. He has his own flat in london, and im so jealous! It has a gorgeous fire place, 2 floors, a huge back yard, and its very old, I think he said its from 1892 or something. I told him if he sells, im buying. Its nice to have more connections as I now have a place to stay whenever I want to go to London, which is just a short hour and a half from where I live now. It was a really good trip with Dad, and we did all your average touristy stuff like taking pictures with big ben, the london eye, standing inside a phone booth and visiting Buckingham Palace.
Today, I did my banking, had my subway fix, then came to Butlins to finally start my new journey. After filling out all of my information and signing the x's, I moved along to get my uniform, the fabulous red coat. We all have to wear last years uniform for the first two weeks, until our new stuff comes in, which is actually really nice! Last years is a long white pleated skirt for girls, a white collared shirt, underneath a bright red blazer. It is very old school and is supposed to mimick the original red coat uniform from back in the first days of Butlins. The new uniform is a pretty little black dress underneath the bright red blazer. Both are very sharp, but different looks. After setting myself up with a uniform, I moved along to see my housing. Most of the staff that work at Butlins, not just the Reds, are housed on resort. We live in rows of old guest accomodations. They are old and beaten down, but livable and unique. I have an open living room and kitchen, which i share with two girls. We are only aloud to have a microwave pretty much, as they don't trust us with much else.. We have two little fridges, a TV and a toaster, which I'm not sure they we are even aloud to have. There are two rough looking red couches, and a small table to eat at. An old tv and some blank, cream colored walls. Three of us share one bathroom, which could definitely use some work. I share a room with another redcoat who just moved in today, her name is Zoe, and as I type this in the living room, shes sleeping already, its about 1 am here and i've just come in from the bar. My other room mate has her own bedroom, and she is in house keeping I believe.. Shes eastern european and has a son.. I don't remember her name, but she seems really nice and quiet. Right now I can hear someone snoring.. I really hope its not my room mate, cause I can't handle that, so I guess we will just have to see in the morning.. hahahaha.
When I got my welcome package I was given 6 free drink coupons to be used in Butlins. Currently we are closed to guests this week and are open on Friday onward for Englands 'half term', I guess this would be the Canadian 'March Break'. When the resort is closed, because there are so many workers living here (about 500), they open the bar for us so we all have a place to go. Its really quite cool, its like our own little village of people that all have something in common, Butlins. I met some other red coats today, and went out to the bar with Tiffany. She is a really nice girl and we had a good night. She introduced me to the people she knew, and I met others as well. Played some pool, had some drinks and called it a night at midnight when they closed. Tomorrow morning is my first day of training with something called 'Road Maps'. I start at 9am tomorrow, so I best be heading to bed now. Hope you all feel updated enough. The next few days will be quite interesting I believe, so stay tuned.
Cheers. xx
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