Lib in London

Lib no longer in London

2008-08-04T03:23:00.002+01:00

This will be the last post for Lib in London - at least for a while.

After 4 months I still haven't heard about the visa so a couple of weeks ago I went back to London, packed up my stuff and moved back to Australia.

We'll see what happens from here. I'd love to go back in about 12 months but it will depend on where and what sort of job I get.

Lib in Brisbane

Lib not in London

2008-05-27T09:49:00.004Z

So I've been in Australia exactly 2 months tomorrow and I'm still waiting on my visa. Frustrating doesn't really cover it - I'm stuck in this weird limbo of it being nice to be home and seeing everyone to feeling like I'm missing out on my life in London. I've missed the start of summer, I'm missing friends leave who've helped me get through my first year, I have 1 flatmate I've never met and it will soon be 2.

I could handle the waiting if I knew the outcome was assured, but to wait all this time when there's every chance the visa won't come through seems like some sort of bizarre torture.
I feel like I'm waiting for my year 12 results - everyday I check the letterbox hoping for a big envelope and everyday I'm a little crushed when it's not there.

I really didn't realise how much I've started to love my life there until I couldn't live it anymore. All the things that I've found hard, such as not having close friends there, have become almost part of my life there and it's changed me more than I thought. I'm more independent in the sense that I'll just go an do it myself if I can't find anyone to go with me and I am far more relaxed (I think everyone I know will attest to this!).

Life here feels much the same but has changed enormously in other respects. The wedding I came home for was the first marriage of my closest girlfriends from school. Two friends have moved to Melbourne which helped cement it as my Plan B city if London doesn't work out. I looked into Ireland but the visa there is almost harder to get and more expensive! Without sounding too cliched you never really do get to come back to things the way they were before anyway, which actually makes it easier for me to head back over. Everyone else is out living their lives so I'm not going to sit out wishing things didn't change or that someone would come to London with me.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck waiting for postman like I did 10 years ago to decide what I'm going to do with my life.

Sweden (Again...) 20th March - 24th March

2008-04-20T10:04:00.005Z

I'm not sure why I never got around to posting this blog - I'm sure I was going to write something profound instead of my usual went here, did this. This was the last trip I did before I came home.

One of the really nice things about returning to Sweden this Easter is it felt like a tradition was being started as this was the first trip I took when I arrived in London.

The weather was at least different from my last few visits in that it didn't rain all the time.

The was the temperature when I got there...

And this was the temperature two days later when we decided to go to Copenhagen for the day (my first time outside the airport!)

C & I in Copenhagen in the snow.

Copenhagen in the snow

C

Outside the castle

Month Twelve in London or The Year I Wore A Coat Almost Every Day

2008-03-15T19:23:00.004Z

This post is late as usual and my 1 year anniversary come and went over a week ago. The 12 months has gone by both at lightening speed and snails pace. This post will probably be a mishmash of stories because that's how i feel about moving here. There are been some really great parts and some pretty ordinary ones.

So here are 12 things I've learned:

1. It's not as hard as I though it was going to be. For me, when I had made the decision to move it felt like it was a huge irreversible decision but it's not - if you really hate it you get on a plane and go elsewhere or go home. That being said, I've obviously blocked those incredibly stressful weeks looking for a place to live.

2. Life doesn't change as much as you think it will - i might think differently about this when I get there but right now, even when big changes are going on (people getting married, moving away) it doesn't feel like it will be that different.

3. I don't know if i could do it knowing i couldn't go home - a lot of people i've met tell me I'm brave to have packed up and come over solo but I could only do it knowing i can go home. I don't know how people can move knowing they can't ever go home.

4. I've changed. Overall not a lot, but significantly in other respects (my mouth still works faster than my brain). I'm so much more relaxed - being here with no ties is like having an extended adolescence. For me, there are few people I owe my time to here. And I can sleep places, and use bathrooms that I never thought possible! The most shining example of this (and I'm told there are people who still don't believe this story) is when red wine was spilt on my laptop and I didn't loose it...not even a little.

5. There is so much more to see here - one of the places i've been dying to go to and haven't done yet is Germany - I'm good at planning week long trips but need to do more weekends in Europe. Even with all the countries I went to last year there are so many more I want to go to. I'm also starting to think Canada is definitely on the cards and that I will do six months in South America on my (eventual) way home.

6. People visiting you here is awesome. Seeing P&T, C&H, J&K, J&G (while they were here) and G was brilliant

7. I'm a better traveller than I thought I would be. I haven't previously been known as a good traveller - too many years of forced camping as a child - and I do like my creature comforts. I have stayed in placed and used bathrooms I never thought I would. A and I drove circles around the same French town 12 times looking for our hotel and I didn't lose my temper.

8. I hate shopping (both grocery and all other kinds) in London. Grocery shopping is always a pain here and every week I end up drudging down our street with heavy bags every week. I never thought I would miss shopping centres or Brisbane mall but I do. Apart from Oxford Street or shopping centres over an hour away on the train there a few centres of shops grouped together. Oxford Street is a nightmare no resident should have to endure. So I've embraced internet shopping in a big way.

9. Visa's are always a pain.

10. I love train travel and hate plane travel. Travelling to and from Scotland on the train is some of the best travelling i have ever done.

11. I don't make friends easily. 12 months in and I don't think i have any English friends.

12. I don't miss Brisbane. I miss my family, friends, my favourite restaurants but I don't miss Brisbane itself. I don't care what anyone says - the weather here is great. The only time I'm sweaty is at the gym.

So there you have it. The first 12 months are done. Visa pending, bring on the next 12.

Month Eleven in London

2008-03-11T20:47:00.000Z

I'm behind as usual in my monthly update and any other writing seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Having returned to London after all the fun of the Scotland trip it was pretty much back to the grind.

I finished up my job contract with a firm but managed to secure another one with the same firm but in a different department until I go home at the end of March.

I've been loving my new job and it's a really good step in the right direction career wise.

I've started back at the gym and am doing yoga again which is great. The gym is only down the road from home and the yoga school is halfway between work and home so I really have no excuses!

From all the stories i had heard from people about the winter hear, when the days started to get very short and the sun was set by 4.30 I was all ready to bunker down for a few months. It's been nothing like that! The days are getting longer very quickly and although it did rain alot in January it certainly makes you appreciate when the sun comes out!

It's not long until I go home for my visit now but visa pending I'm definitely coming back!

Month Ten in London

2008-01-16T21:15:00.000Z

What a lovely month this was. The visit to Scotland was so much fun – I had an absolute ball. New Year’s at George’s Square was good fun and seeing The View definitely a highlight. They few days after New Year’s were pretty quiet, especially New Year’s day when nothing open in Glasgow and we had a unforgettable meal at TGI Fridays (I don’t recommend it).

The JW and I headed off on our road trip to the coast. The first day we went north to Stirling and stopped off briefly to have a look around the town. We then headed down to Edinburgh for the night. The next morning we were up bright and early and off to Kinross, then Perth and then St Andrew’s. It snowed the whole day and JW did a magnificent job driving in the snow at night. St Andrew’s is very beautiful and I recommend a visit if you get a chance – even if the wind is blowing a gale. We then headed back to Edinburgh for dinner with C, K & K at First Coast (the same place I went every night I was there with G). There had been some miscommunication and H really wanted to try haggis and had thought that First Coast served it. There was a Sizzling Scotsman next however and they very kindly agreed to serve us haggis even though we weren’t eating in there restaurant. We all had a taste and I have to say it’s delicious. Up early again the next morning for a quick trip to Lake Lochloman before heading back to Glasgow.

A great night at R’s with some steak pie and then a night K will never forget due to the dulcet tones of J & I snoring our heads off. Breakfast at R’s café the next morning and then onto the train – so hard to say goodbye to J – he’d been here for just long enough for me to forget he was going home. Back to London and back to work although I did book my tickets home this week which is a bright spot on London’s very rainy landscape.

Scotland 23rd December - 5th January

2007-12-30T23:52:00.000Z

I’ve been in Scotland a week now and am having a great time with J&K. I got the train up from London and have decided train travel is for me – especially as I had first class tickets. They have power points on board so I plugged the laptop in and kept myself amused.

I stayed with J&K at J’s Dad’s place for a couple of days and celebrated Christmas. On Christmas eve it was up to the very busy local at which I got to play pool for a few hours with the local boys which was fantastic.

Christmas morning was a glorious day – no snow unfortunately but a beautiful sunny day and a lovely frost. Kilmore’s (the village which we stayed in) is very pretty but very small.

Christmas Day

We went out for lunch to a local pub for a lovely Christmas lunch (delicious goat’s cheese, apple and bacon salad).

J&I at Christmas Lunch

Everyone got very merry on Christmas night and it was a very late night and another huge meal with 9 of us on Boxing Day.

It was then into Glasgow where J,K & I stayed in a flat and hung out for a couple of days. We went for a great pizza at a Belgium Beer café and then to see L’s band play a gig at King Tuts. The bands, Odean Beat Club (odeonbeatclub.com/) and Popup (http://www.myspace.com/popuptheband ) were both awesome and the venue was awesome. I had an absolutely awesome time with K’s friends showing us a great time and including us in everything.

On Friday the Swedish and Australian kids arrived and we all went out for dinner and drinks. It was great to see everyone particularly C&K.

Saturday was J&J’s wedding and I went along to the reception and it was a fantastic night with Céilidh dancing (even I got up and danced – admittedly there were instructions). It was so much fun and great to see everyone.

The kids at the wedding reception

J,J & K at the wedding

C&I at the wedding

J&I at the wedding

J&K at the wedding

The boys at the wedding

J having a good time at the wedding

R, L & I at the wedding

L&I at the wedding

Today was a quieter day after a huge week and in preparation for New Years Eve tomorrow when we’ll be at George’s Square for the Hogmanay celebration.

Month Nine in London

2007-12-16T15:45:00.000Z

How the months are flying! Christmas has well and truly come to London and brought the cold weather with it. It’s lovely and crisp at the moment after weeks of drizzly rain with lovely sunshine (for all the 5 hours it lasts!). The main streets in most of the Boroughs are decorated and the trees are all strung with lights.

I had a lovely birthday with calls from everyone at home. We went out for an amazing dinner at an Argentine steak house. It was absolutely incredible – one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

I’ve been to a couple of amazing concerts in the last few weeks – Powderfinger, Stereophonics and Kings of Leon.

Powderfinger was at Hammersmith Apollo and it was just the most amazing venue. We had front row seats and it’s the most electric gig I’ve ever been to – it felt like every Aussie in London was there! When they played “My Happiness” a chorus was sung by the crowd and everyone was on their feet.

Powderfinger

Stereophonics was amazing as well and my first visit to Wembley. Kings of Leon was incredible and it was so cool that J was able to go with me – we rang D in Melbourne when the best songs were on – just the thing he needed to hear on his way to work!

AH, D and I went along to the Aussie orphans Christmas that A and the girls organised. 60 Aussies in a room eating and drinking! A did a great job as Santa and one of the guys at our table was very taken with the miniature tool set that was his gift from Santa.

J&K have been here for the last week and it was fantastic to have them here. J always lived on the South side of the river so knows a very different London from me, so it was great to go around with him reliving his memories of being here and then being able to show him the parts I know.

We shopped and ate our way around London including a visits to Providors, New Culture (our local, brilliant, Chinese), Ottolengi, Hope and Anchor, House, The North Star, Brick Lane for a curry, Revolution bar in Richmond, great tapas in Tickenham and the requisite greasy spoon. We walked Oxford Street, New Bond Street, the Thames from the Tate down to Westminster and Big Ben and then up along the Strand to St Pauls.

Richmond

Revolution bar Richmond

View from the Tate across to St Pauls

Another week of work and then it’s off to Scotland to have Christmas with J&K.

Month Eight in London

2007-11-18T16:24:00.002Z

I completely forgot about the monthly report for October so I’m a bit behind. October was a good month although the Winter is coming on very quickly. It was nice to actually have a proper season change with the leaves changing colour and the lovely Autumn crispness in the air.

I had one of my best trips which was to see Hakan and Cas. Just the perfect weekend away.

I am so looking forward to seeing J&K when they visit in December and then catching up with everyone in Scotland.

Before you know it I’ll be back in OZ in April!

Stereophonics 15th November

2007-11-18T16:24:00.001Z

I went to my first big concert in London to see Stereophonics at Wembley Arena. A very kindly came with me and it was amazing.

Kelly Jones was absolutely incredible and Wembley Arena a great venue.

Walking like cowboys - Horse riding in Wales 2nd – 4th November

2007-11-18T14:36:00.000Z

A, D, S and I headed to Wales on a Friday night to go horse riding. We boarded the bus with the rest of the group of 16 who we quickly found out consisted of 15 Aussie and 1 Kiwi – and half of the Aussie were from Brisbane!

I sat in traffic for the first time since leaving home as we headed out on the M4 towards Wales. We eventually made it to our destination for pizza and beers. The accommodation was “cosy” with 8 of us sharing bunk beds in the same room.

The property where we stayed

Saturday morning was up to an enormous breakfast as our host is an ex chef and then onto off to saddle up for our horse riding adventure.

The horseriding crew.

My horse Woody and I had a tumultuous relationship from the start. When we got started and where in the paddock, Woody decided he wanted to roll in mud with me still on his back. Some quick thinking on Aussie S’s part got me off the back of the horse in time. I also managed to loose both my stirrups while galloping and Woody decided a fence was no obstacle to get to some water. That being said it was still an excellent day and we had some gorgeous weather.

Woody & I right before he rolled

Woody & I again

The countryside we rode through

This is my favourite photo, courtesy of D

Back to the accommodation tired and sore for some of the best pumpkin soup I’ve ever eaten with freshly made bread rolls.

Then it was onto a massive bonfire and fireworks with a BBQ which was so lovely, especially to be outdoors in the country at night. After a few drinks a late night trip to the hot tub to ease the very sore muscles sounded like an excellent idea.

Sunday was a late start and another enormous breakfast then onto the bus for the long trip back to London.

A getting close to the dogs on the property

Thankfully the muscles weren’t as bad as I thought they were going to be on Monday but there may have been some groaning involved getting up from chairs.

I heart Sweden 26th - 28th October

2007-10-30T20:47:00.000Z

Last weekend was spent in Sweden to see C&H and to celebrate C's Birthday. It's one of the best weekends I've had since moving to London and a big thank you to C&H for having me stay.

Arrived late on Friday night and went for a quick drink but was too tired to enjoy it and we ended up heading home. Up at a reasonable hour on Saturday and off to the markets in Lund as I mentioned to C once or twice (or twenty times) that I was very keen for one of her world famous breakfasts - it was every bit as good as I remember!

C, H and H's brother T and I then went off to visit the citadel at Landskroner, the link is to the google earth map of it which looks pretty cool.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&t=k&q=Sweden&ie=UTF8&ll=55.872927,12.823019&spn=0.008583,0.019956&z=16&om=1

C&I at the Citadel

Then into Landskroner for a an excellent lunch at one of the local cafe's - cesar salad swedish style (no cesar dressing but delicious all the same) and a very wicked piece of chocolate mouse cake which is worth going back to Landskroner for!

Back to C&H's for some champagne and then more brilliant cooking by C of Moose with red wine, mushrooms and bacon. Absolutely supurb and the moose was so tasty everyone's plates were scraped absolutely clean! Some red wine to follow up and an excellent night had by all.

On Sunday it was off to the park for a BBQ, the day was absolutely freezing but it was still great fun. I can't remember the last time I've been near an open, outdoor fire (proved by the burn I have on my thumb, lesson: don't touch hot things).

It was all over far too briefly and then back on the plane to London.

Month Seven in London

2007-10-08T17:55:00.000Z

September has been about getting back into a routine after possibly the most indulgent few months of my life.

Although I must admit after a few months of indulgence a little structure in the day can go along way.

It's the most amazing feeling being able to take every travel opportunity when they arise but it's certainly a hard bump coming back to the reality of working, especially in the fast approaching Winter in London. I am loving all the visitors so please keep finding excuses to come to Europe. If anyone decides to live in Europe that would be even better.

There were a few highlights this month with C and H coming over for a visit. We went to Providors as usual and it's always so good - just like a cafe at home. I'm looking forward to taking J&K there when they're over in December.

I keep going to write that the next few months should be quiet but it's just not the case! I'm off to Sweden to see C&H for C's birthday at the end of the month and then a horse riding weekend in Wales with A and D. There will be fireworks at that one as well as it's Guy Fawkes weekend.

A few weeks after that J&K arrive in town and I can't wait to see them. My itinerary for them so far is mainly based around eating and drinking but they should be used to that! Then off to Scotland for Christmas which I'm really looking forward to but a bit nostalgic at the same time as it's been a very long time since I missed a Christmas at home.

My daily life is just sort of bumbling along 9 to 5 and still doesn't feel like I'm that far away - it's mainly starting to feel like I've been very slack and haven't seen anyone in ages. I'm even coping well with sharehouse living (although if you told me I had to do it forever you might get a different response). There are quite a few things that have stopped mattering to me quite a bit as well - I never thought I wouldn't be cooking but I hardly do it know - it really just falls into the too hard basket.

I keep having great aspirations about making sure I actually see London and England while I'm here but I am doing a fairly ordinary job of it so far. I haven't actually been outside London in England yet which is a bit shameful. I've been meaning to go to the Portrait Gallery and St Pauls for about a month now but other fun things on the weekends just keep getting in the way!

I've even started to get caught up in the World Cup and clapped and groaned through the match on Saturday in a pub dominated by England supporters - although I have to say they were quite good sports afterwards and only went on about it a bit. I can't believe that New Zealand is out - the Kiwi's at work are devastated.

There was a spare ticket last night to see Pete Murray and it's the first time I've really been surrounded by a large group of Aussie's and it was actually quite nice. I come into contact with very few Australian's here and going to She Bu to see Pete Murray felt about as Australian as it comes. Still not a huge fan of his music but it was a good show all the same and I can now say I've been the Shepherd's Bush Empire along with most of Australia.

Month Six in London

2007-09-11T20:47:00.000Z

I can’t believe it’s been six months already! The six month mark has been one of ups and downs and my first thoughts of going home. I’m definitely staying but I haven’t even really thought about it until this month. I don’t think I’ll end up in France unless I can find a company to send me there.

I have a new job which is working out better than I thought and may present some opportunities to move more into the areas I’m interested in. The girl I’ve taken over from went to QUT and did the same degree, went to a similar school and is going home after 6 years in London – a bit surreal.

Am basically getting ready to bunker down for the Winter apart from a potential trip to Russia, horse riding in Wales and seeing J from Christmas. I’m actually hoping to do some things in London and England over the next few months.

Everything is going well but visitors from home are welcome anytime!

Dublin 7th – 9th September

2007-09-11T20:35:00.000Z

Seeing T in Dublin was fantastic and we had a great time hanging out together. I’ve let the team down though and forgot to get a compass photo – I’ll have to back to get one.

Dublin was nice but I guess a little lost on me because the weekend was mainly about catching up with T. There is a rather unforgettable spilt mango smoothie incident.

T and I in the park in Dublin

Trinity College - Outside the library where The Book of Kells is kept

From wiki:
The Book of Kells (Dublin, Trinity College Library, MS A. I. (58), less widely known as the Book of Columba) is an ornately illustrated manuscript, produced by Celtic monks around AD 800 in the style known as Insular art. It is one of the more lavishly illuminated manuscripts to survive from the Middle Ages and has been described as the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination. It contains the four gospels of the Bible in Latin, along with prefatory and explanatory matter decorated with numerous colourful illustrations and illuminations. Today it is on permanent display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland.

Italy (Turin, Genoa, Cinque Terre) 23rd – 27th August

2007-08-29T21:37:00.000Z

The weather in London was pretty miserable last week and it was starting to feel like summer was over already. Escaping for the long weekend to the Italian coast with a forecast of mid –thirties and clear skies was a great chance to revel in some end of summer sun.

A and I flew into Turin on Thursday night and then spent the morning wandering around the city – the Lonely Planet had said not to bother but it turned out to be a really pretty city with a great vibe. I had what my possibly be the best pastry of my life. I’m not normally a big fan of Nutella (I don’t like hazelnuts) but when it’s in a pastry still warm from an Italian bakery it’s superb.

Hanging out in Turin

Live snails - 6 Euro / Kg

It was then onto Genoa which turned out to be a dirty port city with not much to look at. Back on the train to Vernazza where we were basing ourselves for our stay at the Cinque Terre.

The view from our room in Vernazza

Our first day in the Cinque Terre and we were off walking from Vernazza to Corneglia. It was an overcast day but still very warm, especially when we started climbing up and down the hills. We couldn't wait to get to Corneglia and go for a swim. We ended up following the signs down a very dodgy, abandoned train tunnel that promised a beach at the end. There definitely was a beach at the end, one full of very nude Italians. We decided to keep walking to the next town, mainly because to get back up to Corneglia there are 285 steps.

Looking back to Vernazza

Looking forward to Corneglia

The abandoned train tunnel

We had been walking for a few hours by this stage and were past due for lunch. I had been taking it fairly slow and steady on the walk until A mentioned the 'P' word and I think I may have broken the record for the shortest time walked between Corneglia and Manarola. The P word being pasta...

The lunch at Manarola is a meal with no buts. This may be because I was starving but the ciabatta was the best bread I ate the whole trip and the pasta with a local crayfish that I can't remember the name of but it was absolutely delicious!

Carb-ed up and tired it was back to Vernazza for a nap and then dinner.

I learned a valuable lesson at dinner. When you order antipasto what looks like cheese may actually be salted prosciutto fat...I have never tasted anything quite like it nor have I ever had anything that disgusting.

The next day (A's birthday) we were up early to do the walk between Vernazza and Monterroso (T and family - oh the irony). It was the most beautiful day and we saw hardly anyone else on the trail arriving in Monterroso about 9am for a fantastic swim in the most perfect water. We hung around Monterosso for most of the day and then it was back to Vernazza for another nap. Then it was out to dinner for A's birthday watching a spectacular sunset.

Looking back at Vernazza

Monterosso

The view from the restaurant at A's birthday dinner

Our last day in the Cinque Terre and we just had the easy 20 minute walk between Manarola and Riomaggiore to have completed the entire walk between the town. The best laid plans failed us spectacularly. We left early so we could do the walk early and then swim the morning away before getting on the train to go to Pisa to catch our plane home. Only snag was when we got to Riomaggiore there is nowhere to store your luggage, so it was back on the train to La Spezia to store our bags and then a 45 minute wait to get the train back to Riomaggiore. Our morning was quickly being wasted. We then end up on a train that doesn't take us back to Riomaggiore but all the way back to Monterroso the first of the Cinquerre Terre towns. We eventually get back to Manarolla and do the walk to Riomaggiore in record time and then went for our last swim in at another beautiful beach. Then back to London and time to start my new job.

The compass in Italy

Indulgent Angst

2007-08-23T01:40:00.000Z

This is a pretty self indulgent post so if you’re just here for the pretty picture and travel stories I’d probably give this one a miss.

I can’t sleep and am suffering from white, middle-class existential angst brought on by watching Laguna Beach (if you don’t know what Laguna Beach is please don’t Google it or you’ll know just how tragic the tv shows I’ll watch truly are). Basically, it’s a reality TV show based on American teenagers during the summer between finishing high school and starting university and it had me reminiscing about how much fun I had during that time. It also got to me because I don’t think much has changed since then.

It also makes me think about how much I miss being part of the day to day life of my family and friends. I stay in contact enough for the big picture stuff but when you’re away from the everyday you don’t feel so much apart of people’s lives. I guess I’m lonely as well – I was so spoilt at home having my closest friends and most of my family still around and now I don’t have them here to play with – I would kill to be sharing this with them. It’s selfish but it would be nice to have some unconditional’s here.

In some respects it makes me wonder what I’m doing here at all. Yes, the travel is fantastic I am glad I moved but I left so I would change things in my life and not all that much apart from location has changed. I’ve just taken a job in an industry I swore I’d never work in again because I haven’t been able to even get to an interview with a job/company I’m really interested in. Maybe I’m just too idealistic and this is reality. I guess I though 10 years out of high school my life would be different from what it is now. I’m not quite sure how different but I guess I at least thought I would have figured out what I want to be when I grow up and it’s starting to feel like it’s getting harder to change paths.

The time is already flying by and in a couple of weeks I will have been here six months. Seeing all the countries I’ve been to has been incredible but I must admit the day to day is just a blur. I have been blithely saying that I’ll probably be in London for 2-3 years, maybe France and then to Canada without really thinking about it and now I could see 3 years going by without even really noticing or actively deciding if I should stay.

Month Five in London

2007-08-08T16:46:00.000Z

Things feel a little strange at the moment. I’m facing the reality that I haven’t had much luck finding a job I might actually like so I’ve started looking for one that’s within my previous industry that I may not like so much. Our happy little flat will be no more at the end of the month with K going home due to a great job offer. So we’re in the process of trying to find a new flatmate – my vote is for a boy but we’ll see what happens!

One trip this month to Edinburgh, Scotland but it’s probably been my favourite trip so far apart from Greece. Edinburgh was great to visit and it was so nice to hang out with G and do some cool stuff and the food was fabulous which is always a highlight for me (apart from a disappointing two course deep fried fest on the first night that’s probably best forgotten).

Because I’m not working I’m trying to limit my going out and therefore my spending – and besides, we have the glorious internet at home so I’m keeping myself entertained – however I am getting very well acquainted with daytime TV and if I don’t see another car insurance ad or debt consolidation ad it will be too soon.

Edinburgh, Scotland 29th July – 2nd August

2007-08-07T09:55:00.000Z

Catching up with G in Edinburgh was fantastic. I had the best time and it was nice to visit somewhere without being in a hurry and we had great weather everyday!

We had a restaurant recommended to us called First Coast and it was so good we ended up eating there every night – for those who may have accused me of being fussy in the past – this is a restaurant with no buts! There was a very memorable dinner that involved a couple of delicious bottles of Pinot Grigio and some introspective conversations.

We spent a bit of time just wandering around the city looking at the shops, including a trip to Jenners, the Hannahs of Scotland. We also found a great place for breakfast called Tiger Lily where I had my first Eggs Benedict for months and it was delicious!

We also went to an exhibition called “The Naked Portrait” – it’s all in the title! It was really interesting and the photograph of Linford Christy was a highlight.

We also managed to catch the opening of the Fringe Festival and saw a couple of comedy acts and Greg McHugh was a standout – some very funny commentary on road rage.

Edinburgh itself is a lovely city, full of lovely architecture and so clean compared to London! It’s got a great vibe and does have a bit of a ‘university town’ feel about it – really young and vibrant.

G and I at Tiger Lily

G and I at First Coast

The compass in Scotland

Edinburgh

Month Four in London or It’s A Tough Life

2007-08-03T09:05:00.000Z

Month four in London may be a bit of a misnomer has I’ve hardly been in London. I’ve had an absolute ball and now believe even more I could quite happily be unemployed and just travel the world. I have more stamps in the passport and 4 new countries visited. The biggest surprise was Greece , which for some reason I didn’t really expect to be all that impressed by, I guess because I love the beaches in Australia so much I don’t really expect to be impressed by other countries but the beaches in Greece were so beautiful. The sun is lovely soft sun as well where you can actually lie in the sun and not be burnt to a crisp! The food was so good…zucchini fritters were definitely a highlight!

Hanging out with P&T was fantastic, first of all being in Greece together and sharing the great experience there and then sharing London with them.

I’m loving the ease of travel and being able to just jump on a plane and go – an hour or two and you’re somewhere so different.

I am much more settled now with a permanent place to live and my bank account finally sorted and London is starting to feel like home. There’s always something though and now the job hunt begins!

Southern France 2nd July – 8th July

2007-07-28T10:28:00.000Z

The trip to France was a last minute decision as A had a week off. We flew in to Toulon with no plans except we needed to be in Carcassone to fly out by Sunday. I practices my very basic French and had a great time – even swimming in the arctic (and I mean make your muscles cramp arctic) water one day.

France - Bandol

Bandol

Arles - this is where Van Gogh painted "Starry Night Over the Rhone"

The Compass in Nimes

Nimes is where denim originates from - serge-de-nimes (serge being a coarse fabric)

This is outside the amphitheater -
From wiki
The elliptical Roman amphitheatre, of the 1st or 2nd century AD, is the best-preserved Roman arena in France. It was filled with medieval housing, when its walls served as ramparts, but they were cleared under Napoleon. It is still used today as a bull fighting and concert arena.

The Maison Carree

From Wiki

The Maison Carrée (Square House), a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Agrippa was built c. 19 BC. It is one of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere.

The Crocodile is part of the crest of Nimes

Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Fountain)

Narbonne

Lativa, Estonia, Finland 24th June – 28th June

2007-07-27T08:20:00.000Z

Daz, Kempy and Me
The trip to the pseudo Eastern Block and Helsinki was interesting and we even ended up with an extra traveling companion – Borat (the boys quoted Borat….a lot). In Latvia and Estonia you can feel the presence of the previous occupiers (Russia and Sweden) and that the countries are still perhaps recovering from these occupation and the numerous wars.

In Riga I accidentally let myself into the president's garden – that’s what happens when you don’t lock the gate against tourists – suffice to say the guard came running pretty quickly and I just as quickly exited the garden!

Biguzis - traditional Latvian desert
One of things I like most about traveling is getting to experience local food. It doesn't always work out though and I'm afraid Biguzis, a traditional Latvian desert, will safely stay in Latvia. It consists of stale, dark, rye bread with cream and jam - lots and lots of jam.

Daz and Kempy

The Belgian's are everywhere - Belgium Beer Cafe across the road from our hotel

Hard to see but the Compass in Latvia

Freedom Monument - Riga, Latvia
From Wiki
A memorial in honor of soldiers killed in action during the Latvian War of Independence. It is an important symbol of the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Latvia.

Russian Church

Compass in Tallin, Estonia

Tallin, Estonia

Russian Church - Estonia

Helsinki feels a little like the frontier at the end of the world. I was very tempted to buy some of the furs at the market!

The Compass in Helsinki

The Aussie Bar in Helsinki

We had an absolutely ball killing a couple of hours in this bar which is run by a couple of Kiwi's. Fishermen's Friend vodka shots were very memorable as was drinking Toohey's Extra Dry.

Daz and Kempy at the Aussie Bar

P&T in London 16th – 23rd June

2007-07-26T08:47:00.000Z

Having P&T in London has been fantastic. We’ve been out on the tourist trail every day and have been to Primrose Hill, have visited the British Museum, gone to see a Cuban ballet, been to the Churchill museum and war rooms, seen Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, seen the London Ballet perform Swan Lake at Royal Albert Hall, been to Bath to see the Roman Bath’s and to visit Arthur Phillip’s grave at the Church of St Nicholas in Bath Hampstead.

I’m having a day off today while P&T are out exploring Kew Gardens.

P&T on the bus

The church at Bath

The stain glass windows - see the states of Australia!

Arthur Philip memorial

P&T at the 20Twenty at the Oval - Surrey vs Middlesex

The ISP Giveth, the ISP taketh away

2007-07-26T08:39:00.000Z

The promised posting service will resume today.

There was a little issue of our ISP connecting us for 24 hours and then disconnecting us. It's been a happy few days!

Greece 9th – 15th June

2007-07-23T22:59:00.000Z

My trip to Paros was amazing. Not only was it fantastic to see P&T but Paros was a fantastic place to hang out. Our days consisted of yoga practice every morning and every second afternoon and then either out and about seeing the sights of Paros or lazing around at the beautiful beaches. It was a fantastic week!

The compass in Paros

The beach outside our apartment

T and I at lunch

P&T and I at lunch at the most amazing restaurant.
If you're ever in Paros it's an absolute must - we ended up eating there twice. The first time we walked between villages and stopped here for some afternoon tea. You have never tasted strawberry pie like this and it was almost a spoon fight to see who got the last tastes.

We went back the next night for dinner and it was amazing. Dolmades, stuffed eggplant, gnocchi - all home made and so delicious.

Efi Evripiotou - Paulina Varela
Lefkes Village
Paros
Tel 2284 0 43189
email pvarela@hol.gr

THE Lefkes cafe

There are geraniums everywhere in Paros and these bright red splotches looked so pretty against the rocky hill.

Red Geraniums

The church in Lefkes

T and I at dinner
The man who owned this restaurant had lived in Australia and worked all over the world as an engineer - he prefers to live on Paros and run this restaurant (which only opens for six months of the year!).

One of the spectacular beaches of Paros

T and I DIY spa-ing at the beach.

You can collect the mud at one of the beaches, cover yourself in it and then bake in the sun. When the mud is dry you scrub it off and your skin feels amazing.

Broadcasting will resume as normal!

2007-07-23T22:45:00.000Z

I finally, finally have the internet set up! I'll be posting my blogs from the last few weeks a day at a time and there's plenty to catch up on.

Out on Location

2007-06-30T15:12:00.000Z

So I'm a slack blogger but I've been very busy travelling and we don't have Internet access at home so it's all just a bit hard at the moment.

Up coming post will include - Greece, P&T in London, Latvia, Estonia, Helsinki and France.

Jealous yet?

Month Three in London or Home Sweet Home

2007-06-21T13:21:00.000Z

I’ve finally settled into my new home at Islington with Daz and Kempy and it’s working out well even if I do get a few queries about how many bottles of things I leave on the bath!

I now have a place to live but no job! Am very happily unemployed at the moment but will be looking for something new when I get back from my trip to Helsinki, Latvia and Estonia.

One trip this month to Sweden which was great fun as usual.

Next month is the big one with the trip to Greece, PT in London and the trip to Helsinki, Latvia and Estonia.

Sweden 25th – 27th May

2007-05-27T20:48:00.000Z

My flight to Copenhagen had onboard entertainment in the form of a group of lads who were on there way to a 3-day bucks party. Lee, the groom, was wearing a fetching multi coloured sleeveless summer dress and a very pretty blond wig. Dale, sitting next to me, kept me entertained with a discussion over who discovered Australia (I knew it was Cook but could not remember his first name for the life of me), reasons to visit Australia and what constitutes a Geezer.

Seeing Cas and Hakan again was fantastic and we had a great weekend with another excellent ‘accidental’ tourist discovery.

When I arrived on Friday night we went out to dinner and then had a reasonably early night.

Saturday we started with a trip to the Chocolate Factory Mazetti Chocolate Factory in Malmo – turns out the chocolate factory / museum / café is about the size of a standard living room but was fun all the same and the chocolates delicious!

Chocolate Molds

Chocolate Shop

We then went in search of a castle as I felt my visits to the Nordic countries was very incomplete without a visit to a fairytale castle. On the way to find a castle we stumbled across the most stunning park and ended up stopping there. Despite having asked Hakan about 6 times what the Swedish name for the park was it will now be referred to as the Narnia park. It was so green! There were towering trees, an avenue of which had been trimmed into neat rows. It was filled with beautiful fountains and gorgeous stone sculptures. You could really picture it covered in snow and would have made the perfect setting for the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

I’ve Googled the name of the park and it’s Pildammsparken…

Pildammsparken

The biggest park in Malmö was laid out in preparation for the Baltic Expo in 1914. The Margareta Pavilion and the "Echo Temple" are still standing from that time. Pildammsparken was completed in the 1920s according to the ideals of classicism under the direction of city engineer Erik Bülow-Hube. Today, the main features of the park are rich and varied bird life, gorgeous flower beds and joggers. Free theatre performances and concerts are presented during the summer in the open-air theatre at Pildammsparken.

It was then back to Lund for another party at Cas and Hakans’ place. There were a few familiar faces from the last party, especially ‘pony-tail Martin’ who is lovely and very thoughtful about non-Swedish speakers!

Cas made me the most delicious breakfasts both morning and the eggs, tomato and avocado tasted like the first ‘real’ food I’d eaten in a long time – the fruit veg from the supermarket are pretty tasteless and are obviously “chemically enhanced”.

A quick trip to look at a castle this morning and then back to the airport today and believe it or not the same bucks party and one of the other groups of guys who was on my flight over. However, I think they were all recovery from the weekend and were much quieter this time!

The Castle

Another 2 weeks of work in London and then I will be jobless but happy! Then onto Greece with P&T on the 8^th.

Other people living overseas

2007-05-22T19:02:00.000Z

Cas has started her own blog! If you want to check out her Swedish adventures here’s the link http://www.casisverige.blogspot.com/

Home sweet home

2007-05-18T22:17:00.000Z

I’ve been promising photos of the church for a while now and am finally coming through with the goods.

Another boring week of work over and am just hanging out for Sweden next week and then Greece and P&T in London (have I mentioned this enough yet!).

I will be gainfully unemployed on Monday (by my choice) and can’t wait. The search for the new job is ongoing – will update on progress.

Month Two in London or I want my mum and accidental gay bars…

2007-05-12T22:47:00.000Z

Is it a bad sign that after two months in London I don’t recognise Australian accents anymore? Admittedly on the day I couldn’t hear out of one my ears and I’m sticking to that as my excuse!

Some days I feel like I have settled in completely and am living my routine little life and other days I still feel like tourist in the big city. I get frustrated at not knowing where places are and their relative distance and I think I’m developing an unhealthy relationship with streetmap.co.uk and Google map.

Not as many exiting things have happened this month or I’m getting more used to being here. Last weekend I went to Westminster Abbey for the first time. Impressive grave markers included, Churchill, Dylan Thomas, D.H. Laurence, Darwin and the unknown warrior. I thought it was a weird place to visit as a tourist as they seem to have made little effort for the throngs of tourists that go through (I do realise it’s still a working church). I’ve been to Oxford Street quite a few times shopping and it’s enough to stretch your love of other humans. Marylebone High Street has some nice shops and a good café run by Kiwi’s that serves vegemite toast if you’re so inclined. I’ve actually been doing quite a bit of internet shopping as most of the time it’s just easier to shop that way.

I’ve been to Camden markets and Spittalfield markets. Spittalfield definitely wins out of those 2. Especially the fantastic vegetarian, goats cheese pie.

I’ve had my first run in with the National Health System. I needed to see a doctor (nothing dire, just a blocked ear but made me desperately want for some the sympathy only mum can provide) and don’t have an NI number yet which means you can’t visit a government doctor (private doctors hear cost the earth). Many, many phone calls later I end up going to a walk-in clinic in Soho, who couldn’t help but recommended a private clinic near by that specialises in ears. I had an hour to kill so stopped off for a coffee. I now know that Soho has a significant gay population and coffee shop I was in doubles as a gay bar! Long story short, I got my ear sorted and even was treated by an Australian, from Brisbane.

Next round of trips is Sweden in May and Greece in June. P&T will be here for a week in June which will be fantastic – I can’t wait to see them.

I miss you all so very much. I caught up with Isaac last night and went to see Liam O’Neill’s band play which bought back so many memories of home and many a party memory was shared. Everyone should visit Europe in 2007 I think.

Today I went to my first Ashtanga class since being in London on the basis that I should be a little in practice before I go on a week long yoga retreat! Alison, Darren, Kempy & I went to a fantastic gastro pub tonight called ‘The House” which served the most delicious Sheppherd’s pie I have ever eaten and then went to a pub and played pool – all in all a great evening.

Blog Block

2007-05-01T18:24:00.000Z

Yesterday’s downer was just due to a bad day at work and not being able to go to the pub afterwards and vent.

Things have been a little quieter this week, I think now I’ve got a place to live I’m not nearly as frantic. Highlights from the week include going to Selfridge’s for the first time (like DJ’s but with more brands like Gucci, Prada etc.) and watching the cricket at the Marylebone Tup pub with Alison, Julie and Kempy.

I am heading to Sweden again later this month and Greece in June so hopefully I’ll have more to report then!

The real London

2007-04-30T20:54:00.000Z

Today, I do not love London.

Home sweet home

2007-04-19T23:20:00.000Z

I have not one but two places to live! I’m currently staying in Camden in a converted church which is pretty cool and perhaps a little ironic. I’ll take some photos this weekend. I took it as a sign from home that this was meant to be when the pub across the road is called the Lord Stanley. I’ll be here for 6 weeks until Mark moves out of the place at Islington and then I will make what will hopefully be my last move for a while!

Sunday was another gorgeous day in London and I spent the afternoon hanging out with some of the Islington kids in the pub and park. I went to look at yet another room on Saturday (before I sorted the Camden place) but was somehow put off by one of the guys who lived there answering the door in a towel! Having sorted this place at Camden is brilliant – I’ve stopped checking Gumtree as though my life depends upon it and I don’t have to spend my nights looking at rooms.

Tonight Kempy and I went to a French restaurant in Islington called Le Mercury which was lovely and very reasonable (especially for London). I had a lovely time – I haven’t actually been out for dinner here all that much – it tends to be more pub meals, so to go to a restaurant was a nice change. Kempy had the pick of the food with a grilled rhubarb and basil ice cream dessert – sounds like strange flavours but it was delicious.

This weekend I’m meeting up with a friend of Cas’ for a drink on Saturday afternoon and Sunday Alison and I are going to Spittalfield markets.

Jules and Guy – I finally saw a mouse!

The wild west.

2007-04-14T12:56:00.000Z

It’s been an interesting 24 hours and am currently sitting a bit red faced in a café after ordering a latte, proceeded to forget about it and knocked it over when I moved my laptop out of the way (I’m nerding it right up at the moment – the laptop pretty much goes everywhere with me). A delightful Saturday morning experience!

A tip for new players – when you can’t find anywhere in a strip of restaurants that serves eggs benedict probably not best to go with the only that does. And when they recommend the garlic bruschetta and it comes out coated with cream sauce as well – it’s definitely a breakfast I’ll never forget!

The view however makes up for the food. It’s actually a beautiful day in London, very similar to a spring day in Toowoomba. The café looks out across Islington Green which is a lovely little park with beautiful trees right in the heart of Islington. London has such a great vibe on good weather days – they’re so rare that people really relish them. I really wish I had my camera with so I could take a picture (the 12 pound handbag that would ensure my survival at the desert is at home, the laptop takes priority at the moment).

Last night was something to remember. Mark, Darren and I went to the pub to have a drink with some of Darren’s friends from home. After sitting outside for a few hours in the cold we decided to move inside. All of a sudden we started hearing a noise that sounded like something heavy being dropped on the floor – sort of a slapping sound. A few minutes later we heard it again and again a few minutes after that - I had thought it was the staff packing up the outside tables– it was then we realised someone was shooting a the pub with a BB gun and the sound was when the ball bearings hit the window! (Mum please stop panicking – it was fine,) The police showed up soon after and we decided that was a good time to head home.

Routine

2007-04-13T07:50:00.001Z

I’m very quickly remembering the monotony of the daily work routine. It’s no more fun even if you’re a different country! The job is working out fine although there is still the usual assortment of characters – although nothing will quite match a law firm. The area where I work is a bit like working in a little village with one main street and about one of everything. Not working in a high-rise is definitely a strange experience – I don’t even have a pass card which is definitely weird.

I think I have found a place to live. I would sound more exited but it’s not definite yet and I don’t want to get my hopes up. At the place I’m staying at, one of the boys is going home in about six weeks and it looks like I’ll take over his room. There’s still a bit of sorting out to do about where I’ll stay until he leave but I’ll get something sorted – if worst comes to worst I can stay with the nuns (when mum and I came to London last time we stayed in a convent). It’s one of the nicest, cleanest and newest places I’ve seen since I’ve got here and it’s in a great spot about 10 mins walk to the heart of Islington (for those who haven’t been Islington it’s a bit like New Farm/West end). It would be the two boys, Darren and Kempy (who’s room I’m in now) and myself. I seem destined to not live with girls! The biggest draw back is THEY DON”T HAVE THE INTERNET which if things go well I’ll remedy as soon as possible. I’ve actually found out that Islington has free wireless provided by the local council however we’re just outside it’s range – how that’s for cruel irony.

Now that somewhere to live is just about sorted I feel exhausted. I think I’ve been so focused on leaving home, finding a job, finding a place to live and the trip to Sweden I’ve not had time to stop and it’s finally catching up. I will be going for an O’Brien sleep in on Saturday (till 9 if I’m lucky). Once the room is sorted so many other things fall into place and I can stop thinking about it.

One month in London

2007-04-10T07:57:00.000Z

My first month has been an easy and hard all at the same time. I didn’t really expect to have a job this quickly but I did expect to have found somewhere to live.

It has been feeling pretty much like a holiday up until the end of my trip to Sweden and now it’s starting to feel like my real life. I find London itself reasonably easy – the public transport is fairly easy and having a job makes me feel fairly secure. Although I do still feel it’s much more pretend at home – you just don’t have to care about so much that you do at home.

One of the things that I have discovered about myself that seems significantly more noticeable here than at home is my vertigo! I was always a bit wary at home but it seems to be quite a bit worse here – the super long escalators on the tube are always a challenge!

I have loved being able to hang out with Jules again and I think having her and Guy here for my first month made things so much easier and I think I will definitely feel their absence keenly over the next few months.

I think once I have a place to live and a bank account (finally) I’ll feel a little more secure in London town. Knowing that more visitors and trips are just around the corner get me through the 5.30 am wake ups!

I’ve noticed more than anything though the generosity of people. People are so willing to help you out with information, let you crash on their floor, join their French lessons etc. I have never before had to rely on other people so much and everyone has been so very generous.

A special note to Jess – Mick Thomas is playing in Camden and I so wish you were here to go with me!

GLAD PÅSK (Happy Easter)

2007-04-10T07:43:00.000Z

Apparently I’m not blogging fast enough for some people so here’s an update.

Last weekend was mainly hanging out with Jules and Guy as it was their last weekend in town and moving to Kempy’s. Kempy has very generously let me take his room while he is in Turkey and Egypt - I’m still in Islington but a bit down the road from Jules and Guy’s place. His place is lovely and I have my own room and bed which right now is an amazing luxury!

We had Jules and Guy’s farewell at the Pitcher & Piano which involved a lot of a drink called a Berryliscious and I will forever have fond memories of Guy dancing style! I have yet to get the photographic evidence of this from Jules but I’ll see what I can do.

My job is quite busy and the commute takes about an hour so that’s most of my weekdays covered. Apart from 2 room viewings on Tuesday which surprise, surprise didn’t work out.

I also now know that finding a potato peeler in London is much more difficult that it sounds. I kept getting taken to the canned vegetable section! Even when I mimed the action I still got very blank looks – and this is from people who speak English!

On Saturday I said goodbye to Jules and Guy which is sad – hard to believe that Jules and I will only probably be in the same city for 3 weeks in about 3 years! Good thing good friends last the distance!

I then flew to Copengahen where Cas picked me up and drove me to Lund where she and Harken live. I’ve had a lovely couple of days seeing Agneta and Klaus (Hakan’s parents) and on Saturday Cas and I had a look around the town.

We managed to stumbled across the Lund cathedral which turned out to be a great find as it is the most beautiful building and has been around since the 12^th century and has the most amazing Astronomical clock.

The compass had it’s first outing as well! (For those who don’t know the kids gave me a compass when I left and I am taking it to each country I go to).

Hakan had a few people (15) over for a party on Saturday night which was good fun. Cas and I though we might end up in the kitchen as the only English speakers but they all speak amazing English here – right down to understanding nuances and complex jokes!

We made a few of the Australian favourites for the party including sausage rolls, Cas’ amazing guacamole dip and Fiona (Cas’ sister) hot cheese dip.

Hakan has made a demo CD of 3 of his songs which is very cool and I’m not just saying that because I want to go back to Sweden!

After a late start on Sunday, we had dinner at Agneta and Klaus’. Easter meals are traditionally fish based here so we had lots of different fish to try, as well as some schapps and Swedish meatballs.

Up and at ‘em bright and early on Monday morning and back to Copenhagen for my flight back to London – I didn’t panic at all when I went to get on the train and they told me I had to get a bus because there was work being done on the connecting bridge and I was cutting it pretty close for my flight. I am very pleased I didn’t go with my first instinct which was to follow the other people with suitcases onto the train as I would have ended up back in Malmo in Sweden. I ended up making it in plenty of time and ended up being surrounded by Aussie’s on the flight!

My number one priority this week – FIND SOMEWHERE TO LIVE!

Working for the man

2007-03-28T20:58:00.000Z

My London experience is evolving. I’m now gainfully employed but can’t technically get paid as I don’t have a UK bank account yet as I don’t have a permanent address. I still don’t have a place to live and am a little over the process at the moment. Jules and Guy have kindly taken me in for another week and then I’m staying at Kempy’s for two weeks while Alison and he are in

Egypt

so I won’t have to resort to sleeping in the park just yet (that’s a joke mum!).

I started my job on Thursday and that’s going fine. It’s not too mentally taxing and mainly requires good organisation skills. The weirdest part is not being in a high-rise – we opened the windows today which was a bit weird!

Last weekend was a bit of a blur. Jules and I met up on Saturday morning to go to Borough market but we (she) were pretty quickly defeated by the weather and we went to the pub instead! Saturday night was out watching England play Israel and dinner at a Turkish place.

For those who were at Gian’s for the paella I had to take these for comparison! This was at Borough markets.

Sunday was looking at 3 places (still no luck) and a card and board game afternoon at Isaac’s place – which was good fun and very reminiscent of home.

I moved back to Jules and Guy’s on Monday night and am now back into the swing of working life and still looking for a place to live.

Last night we went to see Les Miserables and it was fantastic - although we were high enough to be ABOVE the chandeliers!

My next real adventure will be at Easter when I’m going to Cas in Sweden! Can plan trips to Sweden but can’t find a place to live!

Vagaries of the weather

2007-03-20T09:51:00.000Z

So much has happened in the last few days! On Saturday, I packed up my bags and moved from Jules & Guy’s at Islington and am now staying with Alison at Farringdon. Moving your things on the tube isn’t a fun experience even with two helpers!

Saturday afternoon was spent in the pub at Covent Garden to watch the football with Alison and some of her friends - I’m not really sure who played but it was fun all the same. The photo below are the girls and I on the night.

I was up bright and early on Sunday to visit Kew Gardens with Jules and Guy. I had been before and absolutely loved it and was keen to see it again. However, after enjoying a week of beautiful weather it had cooled right off and we were all unequipped for the cold (Birkenstocks do not make for adequate foot wear in cold weather!) and after 5 minutes decided that it was too cold to spend the day walking around gardens. So it was off to Dim Sum in China Town which was lovely and warm.

Monday rolled around and it was the day of the job interview. When I got out of the Tube I got snowed on! Hard to believe when earlier this week I was wearing thongs and a t-shirt! The interview went well and I got the job – I start on Wednesday.

I’m still on the hunt for somewhere to live. I’d finally found a place on Saturday that I was happy with but unfortunately it went to someone else. I looked at two more last night but still no luck!

My first week in London

2007-03-16T19:30:00.000Z

So I’ve made it through my first week in London. I’m still jobless and without my own place to live (a big thanks to those who are letting me doss!) which are completely foreign challenges for me.

The looking for a place is an interesting test, especially as I’ve never lived with anybody but family and they generally have been pretty tolerant of my OCD tendances (thank you Jess). I keep emailing and checking out places and here’s a synopsis of this weeks viewings:

The Clapham trek – 3 places in 90 mins – only made 2 of them and the 1^st one didn’t answer the door. Learned to stop and look at my A-Z and houses of six aren’t for me.

The Islington close but no cigar – such a great house, fantastic spot and a great room. However, I just couldn’t see it working with a live in landlord who works from home!

The Museum house – a lovely little flat, in a nice residential area but next to a massive private school and given my minimal tolerance for noise, particularly of basketballs, this wasn’t for me. Again, a live in landlord and a flat complete with family portraits from the 18^th century (2 of them were over 6 foot).

Today’s was an okay flat with a weird shower in the closet (I wish I could have taken a photo) but the area was a bit dodge and surrounded by council housing. Not sure I could have got past the blue plush carpet either.

And before anyone sends me an email, I’m aware my standards are probably too high but I’ll hold out as long as I can!

The job hunt is going okay. Despite sending off resumes to various agencies I’m not getting a lot of response. There’s some positive news though – the agency I spoke to earlier in the week had put me forward for a position and I have an interview on Monday. Not exactly the direction I was hoping for but it’s a contract role and they pay well so I’ll see how that goes.

I spent Wednesday hanging out with a friend from home and we went to the Portrait Gallery which was amazing. There are portraits from the 16^th century to present day and I only made it through 100 years! It provides the most amazing visual history of England. I will definitely be going back for the 400 years I didn’t get to see. Then onto a pub for lunch and a poke around Covent Garden markets which weren’t anything spectacular. We did happen to come across St Paul’s Church and it was a lovely place to visit. As it’s in the middle of the theatre district many playwrights and actors are buried there. There earliest market we could find was from the early 1700 with markers to current day.

Thursday was French class which was a bit of a debacle but it was lovely to catch up with Alison and meet some of her friend. \The lesson didn’t exactly go as planned and the classes might be a bit delayed trying to find a slightly more organised company! But the bus afterwards and practicing our numbers was fun.

There are plans to be out and about celebrating St Paddy’s day tomorrow so I’m sure there will be more stories to tell on Sunday. Jules, Guy and I are hoping to go to Kew Gardens on Sunday which I loved last time I was here and I’m sure the weather will be considerably nicer!

Learning London style

2007-03-13T08:46:00.000Z

I’ve come to London hoping to expand my life experience and maybe even learn a lesson or two along the way and London came to the party tonight.

I’ve been emailing my little heart out looking for a place to live and with typical unrealistic ambition I booked to see 3 places tonight, all within half an hour of each other at Clapham. What I didn’t plan for was that they were at opposite ends of Clapham…and the life lesson goes like this:

If you think you’re going the wrong way you probably are. Do not quickly skim your A-Z and think it’ll be alright. It will not be alright, it’s a very long way the wrong way around Clapham Common. Lesson number one – study your A-Z!

Lesson number two – read ads on gumtree carefully. I am not now nor will I ever be willing to share a house with 6 people and only 2 bathrooms (please let this not come back to spite me in 4 weeks when I’m still unemployed and desperate!)

So I technically I made 2 of my 3 appointments. Admittedly I was 15 mins late to the 1^st one and apparently for “Brendan”, tardiness is not a desirably quality in a flatmate as the lights were but nobody was home – literality.

I missed my second appointment and instead trudged up the hill to appointment number three to the house of six.

I've had a lovely couple of days and London is putting the best possible weather for me. I was actually hot today!

I had my interview with the recruitment firm today and the consultant was very positive that I would get a job quickly and when taken with the necessary pinch of salt was reassuring.

I spoke to Alison today (she’s just back from Germany) and I’m starting a six week French class with Al and her friends on Thursday. I’m really looking forward to it and if it goes well I’m might look at taking it further.

Tomorrows plans are to visit a museum but to be honest I’m too tired to remember which one! And of course, there will be more flats to visit!

I know I’ve been slack on the phone calls already but I should have my UK mobile organised tomorrow so I’ll get in touch with people then.

Jules, Guy and I visited Harrods yesterday and here’s our photographic proof!

Early morning

2007-03-10T04:59:00.000Z

The 25 hours getting to London almost seemed to pass in a surrealistic haze of aeroplane food, not using aeroplane bathrooms and dreaming that Pen had to rush me to hospital with burst eardrums after I was asleep when the descent started into Singapore. There were a few ‘turtle’ moments when I was worried the weight of my backpack would have on my back, turtle style, unable to get the momentum going to get back up!

But here I am safe and sound in Islington sleeping in Jules’ lounge room. I’ve been up courtesy of jet lag since 4.45 am (actually it may not be jet lag and I’m just carrying on the family traditions!) after crashing out from exhaustion, jet lag and two beers at 8.30 last night. Jules took me to a great Thai restaurant last night for dinner.

The reality of needing a job and a place to live are sinking in very quickly and I’ve just been on Gumtree looking for flats and I will admit being drawn to this one…“The house is very well kept, in terms of cleanliness and tidiness, so it would suit a VERY tidy and clean person who likes to live in spotless environment ;)”, my only concern is I’m beyond “VERY tidy”!

Here are the photo’s of Pen, Tone and I at the airport. The slightly crazed look in my face is due to weighing my carry-on 10 minutes before leaving and finding it’s twice the weight limit, panicking and repacking both bags! Of course, Singapore didn’t check any carry-on and I would have been fine to have left it as it was and wouldn’t have dumped my hairdryer and two pairs of shoes! Besides, how can you leave the country without a good panic?

Flying the coup

2007-03-08T07:10:00.000Z

The reality of leaving Australia still hasn’t sunk in even though I’m only 25 hours to departure. It still seems very surreal that I have packed up my life in Brisbane and will be in London before I know it.

Having drinks with the kids tonight at Belgium was a lovely way to spend my last night here. Actually, I’ve had a ball at all my leaving do’s (we all know I love to stretch it out – why have one party when you can have a festival!).

Here are some of the photos from Lib’s last week in Brisbane.