In just over 13 hours we'll be dragging our sorry arses out of bed and off to the tube so we can get to Luton and go to Ireland. I'm looking forward to it and am kind of nervous at the same time. Can't put my finger on it. Maybe I'm just hungry.
Looking very forward to seeing another country (although technically we won't be leaving our country). I can't believe it's New Years though.. this past couple of months has been a complete blur. I'm sure I'll look back on it one day and wonder what the hell I was thinking - and be so glad I did it.
Have been speaking to a lot of people from back home.. starting to feel a touch homesick.. you just never get used to -2 during the day and hearing of developments with the family back home makes me want to be a part of it. But, that said, I'm still enjoying my time here and thats what matters!
Had a few drinks with Dylan last night (one of my many housemates) who is fresh back from Finland. He is an absolute gem. His friend Tommy is staying with us (a guy from Austin).. so sweet and his accent is awesome! Dylan is gay but we're still trying to work out if he and Tom are 'friends' or 'friends friends'. Ahh the mysteries of life.
We're all going to the pub tonight for a few quiet ones before heading home for last minute packing. It's so refreshing to be heading to the airport with nothing but a backpack... a small one!! I'm very grateful.
Not sure that there's anything else to report. Oh, my hair colouring went off without so much as a hitch (except the chick made ME pick which colour to use... is that not what 2 years at beauty school qualifies you for??).
Well, I hope everyone has a smashing New Years (and gets suitably smashed and/or otherwise). I plan to ;)
Ciao for now, love to you all!!
R.I.P Kerry Packer.. someone the English can only identify as creator of World Series cricket. Don't get me wrong, for that we will be forever grateful, just these people can't seem to figure he was famous for so many other reasons. Ahh the British, you have to love them (whilst giving them shit behind their backs).
(Oh yeah, and in regards to the post title... I must get home in time for East Enders... I think Ruby's dad is going to kill Dennis... no!!!!!!)
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Merry Bloody Christmas!
Well, most surprisingly (no, really), we spent Christmas with about 15 other Aussies absolutely crammed into the second floor of someone's house. Megs had invited Andrew, Vanessa and I along to this shindig and it was very different than what we expected.
The day started off very well, V woke us up with a bottle of champers and there was much frivolity and presents (yay presents!!!).
The chrissy do was fabulous, food EVERYWHERE (mmmm roast.... won't be having that again for a long while), people everywhere all dressed in shorts, thongs and Aus garb (love it) and lots of booze (duh). Let's just say that inviting me anywhere for a lunch including drinks means you will have a very drunk girl to deal with come dinner time. Therefore I don't think I should have to write that I don't remember a thing after around 9pm (when we left). [The only thing I kind of remember, which is hilarious for a few reasons, is Megs dropping the rest of her trifle on the ground and then proceeding to try and scrape it back into the plastic bag. Somehow I was convinced that I had to lick her hands to aid her carrying the bag home... crazy kids.]
It was good meeting some new people, they're all 'locals' and mostly worked at the Dog with Megs or worked there before her... or work there now. Needless to say we should never have any problems getting in.
Well.. I now have three days 'off' work. I've just come back from Oxford St sales... and am a little disappointed. There was shit all I was actually interested in and none of it was really THAT discounted. However in this town I thinks its a case of too much variety, not knowing what you want (and I have only spent £12 on a jacket so it's all good).
Preparing for Belfast... woohoo! So really am trying to look for something to wear on NYE.. although it will be bloody cold and we'll be doing a pub crawl so I don't think the need is there to dress up to the nines. Got to organise a hair colour and packing also - good god all our local hairdressers look like they couldn't even open a store at Colonades... so help me god if I come out looking like more of an English slapper than I do now. (Give my respects to Black Widow).
Well lads and lasses, I forgot my camera lead hence no photos for today, but rest assured there were a few good ones taken at Chrissy and there will be a shiteload more taken on NYE.
OH... AND HOW COULD I FORGET?! Unless you were one of the unlucky few that probably got awoken by my message the other night/morning... we had snow for the first time since I've been here... real snow!! It was amazing.. it wasn't snowing that hard but enough to make everything white and so pretty! That's when I had my 'We're not in Kansas anymore Toto' moment.
Hope everyone has an awesome New Year... I want to hear lots of stories and will perhaps talk to many of you whilst pissed (just ask Christer about that.. poor thing had me in his ear for at least half an hour on Christmas night).
Til then!!
x
The day started off very well, V woke us up with a bottle of champers and there was much frivolity and presents (yay presents!!!).
The chrissy do was fabulous, food EVERYWHERE (mmmm roast.... won't be having that again for a long while), people everywhere all dressed in shorts, thongs and Aus garb (love it) and lots of booze (duh). Let's just say that inviting me anywhere for a lunch including drinks means you will have a very drunk girl to deal with come dinner time. Therefore I don't think I should have to write that I don't remember a thing after around 9pm (when we left). [The only thing I kind of remember, which is hilarious for a few reasons, is Megs dropping the rest of her trifle on the ground and then proceeding to try and scrape it back into the plastic bag. Somehow I was convinced that I had to lick her hands to aid her carrying the bag home... crazy kids.]
It was good meeting some new people, they're all 'locals' and mostly worked at the Dog with Megs or worked there before her... or work there now. Needless to say we should never have any problems getting in.
Well.. I now have three days 'off' work. I've just come back from Oxford St sales... and am a little disappointed. There was shit all I was actually interested in and none of it was really THAT discounted. However in this town I thinks its a case of too much variety, not knowing what you want (and I have only spent £12 on a jacket so it's all good).
Preparing for Belfast... woohoo! So really am trying to look for something to wear on NYE.. although it will be bloody cold and we'll be doing a pub crawl so I don't think the need is there to dress up to the nines. Got to organise a hair colour and packing also - good god all our local hairdressers look like they couldn't even open a store at Colonades... so help me god if I come out looking like more of an English slapper than I do now. (Give my respects to Black Widow).
Well lads and lasses, I forgot my camera lead hence no photos for today, but rest assured there were a few good ones taken at Chrissy and there will be a shiteload more taken on NYE.
OH... AND HOW COULD I FORGET?! Unless you were one of the unlucky few that probably got awoken by my message the other night/morning... we had snow for the first time since I've been here... real snow!! It was amazing.. it wasn't snowing that hard but enough to make everything white and so pretty! That's when I had my 'We're not in Kansas anymore Toto' moment.
Hope everyone has an awesome New Year... I want to hear lots of stories and will perhaps talk to many of you whilst pissed (just ask Christer about that.. poor thing had me in his ear for at least half an hour on Christmas night).
Til then!!
x
Friday, December 23, 2005
Wooooop.. New Years update
Well kids, it seems like Aunty Rez is off to Belfast for New Years. Yay my second place this year! One of V's friends is hooking us up with accommodation and we'll be in good company, being looked after by people who live there so I reckon we're set.
How exciting!!
How exciting!!
Take me back to you, it's been a long time
What a day yesterday was... ups and downs. I eventually got my arse to Ikea and bought a feather down quilt... BLISS. I slept like a baby, albeit for only 5 and a half hours (ARGH). Megs (one of my new housemates) and I stayed up drinking and talking til about 1am. She's gorgeous.. and we're so alike it's BIZARRE. She's my age but has done SO much more than I have. Just talking to her has motivated me to get my shit together. We've been invited to chill with her mates on Christmas Day (yay roast lunch!!) which will be awesome. Proably going to catch up with her tonight at the 'Dog ('The Spotted Dog' our new local).
Rethinking the drinking situation though..last nights cider binge made me have the most weird ass dream. There were stacks of people from home in it, including tons of my family. My friends were all ignoring me and my family crashed the house I was living in... where I was shacked up with a guy I work with (and am so not interested in!). Very bizarre to say the least.
Well, back to work.. finish at 2 today (yay - except boo cause I don't get paid). I am desperate to check my emails and am trying my hardest to get access. Also I'm switching phone providers soon so I am hoping like hell my phone doesn't die on Christmas Eve!! Will be hooking myself up with a telephone card asap. My home number is 0208 450 9104 (have no bloody idea about international codes) in case anyone feels the need to get pissed and call international without thinking about it - Matt this mostly applies to you (thanks for the voicemail of Jon Stevens... I felt like such a proud Aussie in the middle of my office yesterday morning. You bogan!!). Keep sending the love - I appreciate all the messages and emails.. am feeling a bit homesick at the moment so it helps!
Oh and in a totally delirious moment I bought a bottle of Jacobs Creek Chardonnay last night for £5.50 at Tesco's. I was in such a mood at the time that I didn't care and thought that wine and food from home would make me feel better! Bring on the champers!!
Rethinking the drinking situation though..last nights cider binge made me have the most weird ass dream. There were stacks of people from home in it, including tons of my family. My friends were all ignoring me and my family crashed the house I was living in... where I was shacked up with a guy I work with (and am so not interested in!). Very bizarre to say the least.
Well, back to work.. finish at 2 today (yay - except boo cause I don't get paid). I am desperate to check my emails and am trying my hardest to get access. Also I'm switching phone providers soon so I am hoping like hell my phone doesn't die on Christmas Eve!! Will be hooking myself up with a telephone card asap. My home number is 0208 450 9104 (have no bloody idea about international codes) in case anyone feels the need to get pissed and call international without thinking about it - Matt this mostly applies to you (thanks for the voicemail of Jon Stevens... I felt like such a proud Aussie in the middle of my office yesterday morning. You bogan!!). Keep sending the love - I appreciate all the messages and emails.. am feeling a bit homesick at the moment so it helps!
Oh and in a totally delirious moment I bought a bottle of Jacobs Creek Chardonnay last night for £5.50 at Tesco's. I was in such a mood at the time that I didn't care and thought that wine and food from home would make me feel better! Bring on the champers!!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Update (more later... I'm absolutely twatted)
There was pashing at the party after the Christmas party.
There was turning up to work at 10.30.
There were the emails from random coworkers awaiting me.
I've been here less than four weeks!!
If I call anyone whilst pissed yelling "Immediately!!" down the phone in a really bad English accent just ignore me.
Yay, Ash just bought me some toast.. what a love. It's the only thing keeping me coherent and upright at the moment.
And Hamish... I always make them say your name.
There was turning up to work at 10.30.
There were the emails from random coworkers awaiting me.
I've been here less than four weeks!!
If I call anyone whilst pissed yelling "Immediately!!" down the phone in a really bad English accent just ignore me.
Yay, Ash just bought me some toast.. what a love. It's the only thing keeping me coherent and upright at the moment.
And Hamish... I always make them say your name.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Got two quid guvna?
Current music: Still Foo Fighters. Favourite track - Baker Street
Bleeeeeeeeeergh. DAMN YOU CRANBERRY *shakes fist towards sky*. Unfortunately the day I start dieting again I stumble upon the divine Cranberry cart hidden away in a part of Liverpool Street Station I manage not to notice in the morning. Needless to say, £3 later I've eaten my fair share of almonds, macadamias and chocolate covered banana chips! This city is full of shitty food. It's not fair! That said I went grocery shopping - proper grocery shopping - for the first time last night. £40 and I filled my half of the cupboard and fridge. Still have no vegemite :( I'm really going to have to do something about that.
Have my work Christmas party tonight. Dear lord. How they didn't learn their lesson Friday night I'll never know (Let's just say after copius amounts of FREE drinks there began an ice fight, resulting in someone being burnt by a certain someone else :/ ... they started it!) Anyhow, massive do tonight in a local Hall, 1200 people, free wine and cocktails (OH LORD) and lots of cute Brits. There is a lot to be said for the Private sector... so much.
Doesn't look like I'm seeing DD anymore, it's probably for the best. I have to pay 410 quid in rent and bills by Thursday, don't get paid til Friday and my pay will only be for two days. Hello Australian bank account I said I wouldn't touch! Ah well it's all for the greater good. Oh and have just spent a load more on getting a new phone and contract and programs for my camera so I can finally download my photos!
Can't wait for Christmas. I wasn't excited about it before, but now we've got settled, put up christmas lights and have plans to be partying hard - in the spirit of the season - I feel more excited about it. So people, get with sending me presents, express service. Don't just sit there.. do it now!
Well, back to pretending like I'm working hard. Hoping this bloated, overeating feeling will go away before 5.30.... I can see this night spiralling out of control... and here's me promising now that I'll rock up just before 9 tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned...
Bleeeeeeeeeergh. DAMN YOU CRANBERRY *shakes fist towards sky*. Unfortunately the day I start dieting again I stumble upon the divine Cranberry cart hidden away in a part of Liverpool Street Station I manage not to notice in the morning. Needless to say, £3 later I've eaten my fair share of almonds, macadamias and chocolate covered banana chips! This city is full of shitty food. It's not fair! That said I went grocery shopping - proper grocery shopping - for the first time last night. £40 and I filled my half of the cupboard and fridge. Still have no vegemite :( I'm really going to have to do something about that.
Have my work Christmas party tonight. Dear lord. How they didn't learn their lesson Friday night I'll never know (Let's just say after copius amounts of FREE drinks there began an ice fight, resulting in someone being burnt by a certain someone else :/ ... they started it!) Anyhow, massive do tonight in a local Hall, 1200 people, free wine and cocktails (OH LORD) and lots of cute Brits. There is a lot to be said for the Private sector... so much.
Doesn't look like I'm seeing DD anymore, it's probably for the best. I have to pay 410 quid in rent and bills by Thursday, don't get paid til Friday and my pay will only be for two days. Hello Australian bank account I said I wouldn't touch! Ah well it's all for the greater good. Oh and have just spent a load more on getting a new phone and contract and programs for my camera so I can finally download my photos!
Can't wait for Christmas. I wasn't excited about it before, but now we've got settled, put up christmas lights and have plans to be partying hard - in the spirit of the season - I feel more excited about it. So people, get with sending me presents, express service. Don't just sit there.. do it now!
Well, back to pretending like I'm working hard. Hoping this bloated, overeating feeling will go away before 5.30.... I can see this night spiralling out of control... and here's me promising now that I'll rock up just before 9 tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned...
Monday, December 19, 2005
Girls on film
Current music: Foo Fighters collection
Threadneedle classifieds:
Duran Duran tickets, Earls Court, Dec 22nd £50 each. Two tickets available.
SHIT YEAH. It looks like it may be a Merry Christmas afterall.However the last few days have been less than merry, but that's not for here.
Finally have my own room.. it's bulks cool since I moved all my stuff into it. Ha! I say 'all my stuff' like I have suitcases full of things. It still looks rather bare, but a few trips to Ikea will do the trick. I already have Christmas lights, candles and a map of the UK to brighten up the place. Tonight I'm buying a 'duvet' and I'm set. Hoping to get a little TV/DVD set.. they're really cheap here and since I have no music devices apart from my Ipod it would double as an excellent way to listen to music.
At work here, not a lot to do. Everyone is gearing up for the holidays so I've basically been net surfing all day. Only thing is hotmail is restricted so I still can't access my emails. (tonight I promise!!) However I have spent my time trying to research a trip to Brussels Andy and I have been talking about. We stayed up until about 4am the other night looking through copious amounts of holiday photos and video.. I already have the travel bug so badly. I really need to start taking photos too. And if you hear anything about 'Project Towsty', just laugh.
Well I'm off... groceries, bedding and alcohol to buy. Photos will be up soon, fingers crossed.
And someone has to come over. My room is huge and I'm already hanging to show someone from back home where I live and all the new places around me which feel so familiar (not to mention eating fucking dodgy kebabs made by Russians... the best damn kebab you'll ever have for £3. Opposite the Hammersmith station is the hot tip).
Ciao ciao darlinks.
And Lachy, I never stop thinking about the Colonials ;)
Threadneedle classifieds:
Duran Duran tickets, Earls Court, Dec 22nd £50 each. Two tickets available.
SHIT YEAH. It looks like it may be a Merry Christmas afterall.However the last few days have been less than merry, but that's not for here.
Finally have my own room.. it's bulks cool since I moved all my stuff into it. Ha! I say 'all my stuff' like I have suitcases full of things. It still looks rather bare, but a few trips to Ikea will do the trick. I already have Christmas lights, candles and a map of the UK to brighten up the place. Tonight I'm buying a 'duvet' and I'm set. Hoping to get a little TV/DVD set.. they're really cheap here and since I have no music devices apart from my Ipod it would double as an excellent way to listen to music.
At work here, not a lot to do. Everyone is gearing up for the holidays so I've basically been net surfing all day. Only thing is hotmail is restricted so I still can't access my emails. (tonight I promise!!) However I have spent my time trying to research a trip to Brussels Andy and I have been talking about. We stayed up until about 4am the other night looking through copious amounts of holiday photos and video.. I already have the travel bug so badly. I really need to start taking photos too. And if you hear anything about 'Project Towsty', just laugh.
Well I'm off... groceries, bedding and alcohol to buy. Photos will be up soon, fingers crossed.
And someone has to come over. My room is huge and I'm already hanging to show someone from back home where I live and all the new places around me which feel so familiar (not to mention eating fucking dodgy kebabs made by Russians... the best damn kebab you'll ever have for £3. Opposite the Hammersmith station is the hot tip).
Ciao ciao darlinks.
And Lachy, I never stop thinking about the Colonials ;)
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
City dweller, successful fella
Current music: Blur's Greatest Hits
Well, happy days... I have a job (starting tomorrow) and a house as of Sunday. Who knew we'd end up in a sharehouse?! It's actually a pretty sweet set up, especially compared to the absolute shitholes we had to check out. We each have a double room. Mine's big enough to fit another double bed in and V has a bay window. There are 5 bedrooms and 6 people all up. Most of them are Aussies. It's in Willesden Green (which probably means nothing to you... check your tube maps!!).
It's about 5 minutes from the station and we have two, that's right TWO local Sainsburys.... I'm in heaven!!!!!!!!! However.... they don't sell tim tams. I was assured in good faith that I wouldn't have a problem finding vegemite, twisties, Coopers or tim tams here... but no!! Unless you want to visit the Australiana stores and pay £8 (ie about 20 bucks) you're screwed. Not happy Jan. Needless to say I have sent my family a Christmas wishlist and my new address. (165 Fleetwood Rd, Willesden Green, London, NW101NP just in case anyone feels the need to forward me gifts, food, money et al).
In other news I am considering paying 80 quid for a ticket to the sold out Foo Fighters show at Earls Court on the weekend... I missed out on Franz, I may very well miss Coldplay, I need some live music! I have a lot of time for the music scene here, the commercial radios spin Strokes and the Darkness amongst other rock acts that would never be heard on Nova.
Can't think of much else to write. Busy getting myself organised for work tomorrow.. ugh.. I haven't worked for three weeks, the honeymoon is over! But then the weekend comes and we move into our own space. I cannot wait. Saturday we (the Aussie lot - me, Ness, Nat and Towsty) are planning on going ice skating in front of the huge Christmas tree... they sell warm cider there.. can you ask for more?!). So things are looking up for the holidays.
Here's to the warm weather back home and drinking strongbow on the tube after purchasing the cans from off license Paki shops.
X
Well, happy days... I have a job (starting tomorrow) and a house as of Sunday. Who knew we'd end up in a sharehouse?! It's actually a pretty sweet set up, especially compared to the absolute shitholes we had to check out. We each have a double room. Mine's big enough to fit another double bed in and V has a bay window. There are 5 bedrooms and 6 people all up. Most of them are Aussies. It's in Willesden Green (which probably means nothing to you... check your tube maps!!).
It's about 5 minutes from the station and we have two, that's right TWO local Sainsburys.... I'm in heaven!!!!!!!!! However.... they don't sell tim tams. I was assured in good faith that I wouldn't have a problem finding vegemite, twisties, Coopers or tim tams here... but no!! Unless you want to visit the Australiana stores and pay £8 (ie about 20 bucks) you're screwed. Not happy Jan. Needless to say I have sent my family a Christmas wishlist and my new address. (165 Fleetwood Rd, Willesden Green, London, NW101NP just in case anyone feels the need to forward me gifts, food, money et al).
In other news I am considering paying 80 quid for a ticket to the sold out Foo Fighters show at Earls Court on the weekend... I missed out on Franz, I may very well miss Coldplay, I need some live music! I have a lot of time for the music scene here, the commercial radios spin Strokes and the Darkness amongst other rock acts that would never be heard on Nova.
Can't think of much else to write. Busy getting myself organised for work tomorrow.. ugh.. I haven't worked for three weeks, the honeymoon is over! But then the weekend comes and we move into our own space. I cannot wait. Saturday we (the Aussie lot - me, Ness, Nat and Towsty) are planning on going ice skating in front of the huge Christmas tree... they sell warm cider there.. can you ask for more?!). So things are looking up for the holidays.
Here's to the warm weather back home and drinking strongbow on the tube after purchasing the cans from off license Paki shops.
X
Monday, December 12, 2005
Random
So, what's been happening?
Apparently something blew up somewhere in England. We've all been getting calls and messages checking we're ok... I still have no idea what anyone is talking about. It's a bit scary actually that something so huge can happen in the town you're in and you are unaware.. eeep.
I'm in a bit of a weird place at the moment. Still trying to find housing during the day while Vanessa works. We saw a heap of places on the weekend but nothing was suitable. I know the standard of living here is not up to par with Australia.... but fuck.
I've currently got two recruitment agencies wanting to put my CV's through for two PA roles (both about £13/hr, which is great), however they're both really corporate offices and sound like there would be overtime expected frequently.. I can't afford to be picky about what I'm doing but I also don't want to get in a worse rut than I was in back home. We'll see I guess.
Hmmm... so much other stuff to write but too tired and over everything to keep typing. Here's hoping by the end of the week I at least have a job to call my own.
Til then
Apparently something blew up somewhere in England. We've all been getting calls and messages checking we're ok... I still have no idea what anyone is talking about. It's a bit scary actually that something so huge can happen in the town you're in and you are unaware.. eeep.
I'm in a bit of a weird place at the moment. Still trying to find housing during the day while Vanessa works. We saw a heap of places on the weekend but nothing was suitable. I know the standard of living here is not up to par with Australia.... but fuck.
I've currently got two recruitment agencies wanting to put my CV's through for two PA roles (both about £13/hr, which is great), however they're both really corporate offices and sound like there would be overtime expected frequently.. I can't afford to be picky about what I'm doing but I also don't want to get in a worse rut than I was in back home. We'll see I guess.
Hmmm... so much other stuff to write but too tired and over everything to keep typing. Here's hoping by the end of the week I at least have a job to call my own.
Til then
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Skinny choc mint bliss to go
Still can't stop the Starbucks madness.
In other news I'm anxious to get a place to live. We spent last night on the loungeroom floor of a friend. Whilst I totally appreciate that we have somewhere to stay and stash all our stuff, sleeping on cushions in a very cold living area is not exactly how I imagined getting a good nights sleep! There are lots of places out there, it's just getting to see them before others do and finding one at a reasonable price.
On the job front we're still registering with heaps of agencies. I have to call 4 of them back. God it costs so much to use your mobile here! I'll be living out of those cool red phone booths for the next few days (yes, they really do have the red boxes which suprised me). At least while I'm calling all of them back I can write down the names and numbers of all the local 'Blonde, leggy, goddesses' available from 10am til late.
Nothing much to report except that this morning it was fucking FREEZING. There was ice covering everything, which, although makes for a really beautiful scene, does not make it bearable to walk to the tube station which is 10 minutes away. Ahh the things we do in the name of saving money.
Thanks for calling this morning Jarrod, you made a craptacular day just that bit more bearable just by letting me laugh at your Victorian accent. Haha... "deli" hahaha...
In other news I'm anxious to get a place to live. We spent last night on the loungeroom floor of a friend. Whilst I totally appreciate that we have somewhere to stay and stash all our stuff, sleeping on cushions in a very cold living area is not exactly how I imagined getting a good nights sleep! There are lots of places out there, it's just getting to see them before others do and finding one at a reasonable price.
On the job front we're still registering with heaps of agencies. I have to call 4 of them back. God it costs so much to use your mobile here! I'll be living out of those cool red phone booths for the next few days (yes, they really do have the red boxes which suprised me). At least while I'm calling all of them back I can write down the names and numbers of all the local 'Blonde, leggy, goddesses' available from 10am til late.
Nothing much to report except that this morning it was fucking FREEZING. There was ice covering everything, which, although makes for a really beautiful scene, does not make it bearable to walk to the tube station which is 10 minutes away. Ahh the things we do in the name of saving money.
Thanks for calling this morning Jarrod, you made a craptacular day just that bit more bearable just by letting me laugh at your Victorian accent. Haha... "deli" hahaha...
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
This fire is outta control
Will someone turn the heat down PLEASE?? Everyday the papers warn there is a gas shortage and it could be a very cold christmas should the gas run out. Maybe it's because everywhere you go they think it's below freezing outside and crank the heat up over 30 degrees. It's insanity. I think the lack of daylight is playing with their minds. It's certainly playing with mine.
This morning we moved the rest of our gear (part one was done last night) to Vanessa's friends place in Ealing (coincidentally only a few suburbs over from Andrew). She lives in a sharehouse with 5 other people and we're staying in her room with her. Very... different. We're still on the job hunting/house hunting trail. It's hard to be motivated about it when all you want to do is go and experience the sights.
Today I went to Bond Street for the first time. I think it's one of my favourite places so far. Everything is so clean and the shops are all huge. It's on par with Oxford and Regent streets (which are very close by). Will defnititely have to go back for a closer look. Another part of town I've really come to like (and am looking for accommodation in) is Hammersmith. It's nice without being posh and is still in zone 2, so is close enough to the city. The Apollo being located there is merely the icing on the cake (says she praying that Tool will pull their finger out, release an album and announce many tours in the UK).
On an unrelated note, I am completely addicted to Starbucks. They are EVERYWHERE. I highly recommend the Chocolate Mint Bliss. Fabulous on a cold morning whilst waiting for the tube.
Keep sending emails people, I like hearing how much people miss me. Makes me feel important.
X
This morning we moved the rest of our gear (part one was done last night) to Vanessa's friends place in Ealing (coincidentally only a few suburbs over from Andrew). She lives in a sharehouse with 5 other people and we're staying in her room with her. Very... different. We're still on the job hunting/house hunting trail. It's hard to be motivated about it when all you want to do is go and experience the sights.
Today I went to Bond Street for the first time. I think it's one of my favourite places so far. Everything is so clean and the shops are all huge. It's on par with Oxford and Regent streets (which are very close by). Will defnititely have to go back for a closer look. Another part of town I've really come to like (and am looking for accommodation in) is Hammersmith. It's nice without being posh and is still in zone 2, so is close enough to the city. The Apollo being located there is merely the icing on the cake (says she praying that Tool will pull their finger out, release an album and announce many tours in the UK).
On an unrelated note, I am completely addicted to Starbucks. They are EVERYWHERE. I highly recommend the Chocolate Mint Bliss. Fabulous on a cold morning whilst waiting for the tube.
Keep sending emails people, I like hearing how much people miss me. Makes me feel important.
X
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Mind the gap!
Day four!
So much to say so little time to say it in. We went out with Towsty yesterday to see Big Benn, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. The line was huge so decided although it was a wonderfully clear day we'd go again later. Caught the tube out to Camden Town and got aboslutely drenched once we reached the markets. It was hilarious to say the least. I expected more of the Camden Markets, maybe it was the weather and crowds. It was still an experience.. a very interesting part of London. Ended up in the Halfway House across from the tube as by 4pm everyone was making a beeline to leave. Ahhh £2.50 pints of cider. Nothing better.
Has been good spending some time with Andrew. Lots of handy hints and story swapping going on. 6 months is a long time for him to have gone through so much and us back in Adelaide to have done nothing at all!
Still feeling tired and lethargic but ploughing on. I think next weekend we'll have our first rager. Looking at going to a mid week beer festival since we haven't started working yet. Why the hell not!
Loving London still, the weather has been very kind to us. It's still around the 8-11 degree range and has only rained once.
Can't think of things to say. Backdated a post from the plane. Funny reading over my tired scrawlings.
Back to job and house hunting!
So much to say so little time to say it in. We went out with Towsty yesterday to see Big Benn, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. The line was huge so decided although it was a wonderfully clear day we'd go again later. Caught the tube out to Camden Town and got aboslutely drenched once we reached the markets. It was hilarious to say the least. I expected more of the Camden Markets, maybe it was the weather and crowds. It was still an experience.. a very interesting part of London. Ended up in the Halfway House across from the tube as by 4pm everyone was making a beeline to leave. Ahhh £2.50 pints of cider. Nothing better.
Has been good spending some time with Andrew. Lots of handy hints and story swapping going on. 6 months is a long time for him to have gone through so much and us back in Adelaide to have done nothing at all!
Still feeling tired and lethargic but ploughing on. I think next weekend we'll have our first rager. Looking at going to a mid week beer festival since we haven't started working yet. Why the hell not!
Loving London still, the weather has been very kind to us. It's still around the 8-11 degree range and has only rained once.
Can't think of things to say. Backdated a post from the plane. Funny reading over my tired scrawlings.
Back to job and house hunting!
Friday, December 02, 2005
We're heeeeeeeeeeeeeere
I'm coming to you live from Oxford Street, around the corner from Picadilly Circus. Today has been excellent, finally got to catch the tube. It's much like the trains in Melbourne so not all that scary. We seem to be able to find our way anywhere which is most comforting. And luckily we haven't had to put up with the shitty weather we were expecting. It has been 10-11 degrees, we only just missed all the blizzards, but they're expecting them to return for the height of winter. I was informed today that it hardly ever snows in London so I'm planning to skip town to get my white christmas!
Saw Andrew last night.. he sprung us at first contact. It's so bizarre seeing and talking to someone you haven't seen in so long. We went to the local pub and got our £5 curry and beer and just sat and talked through out jet lag for a couple of hours. By 9ish though it was too much, I'd had two drinks and felt like someone had spiked them.. very nerveracking! Arrived back at our shoebox (for 25 pounds a night you just expect more!) and could barely get undressed before falling asleep mid conversation. This mornings shower saga was more hilarious than the sight of our room. Just think of showering in a port-a-loo.
Will be seeing the sights tomorrow with Andy. The forecast is good for this weekend so hopefully we won't encounter any problems. (The wind is fucking COLD, but it's the rain which is annoying). Seeing Picadilly Circus today was, for me, the pinch I needed to remind me I was not in Kansas anymore. This whole time, even with the 25 hour plane ride, has felt surreal but not different. Shops, people, food, tv is all pretty much the same, but it's the landmarks that make you realise where you are. Which reminds me. If I hear once more frigging French accent I'll scream. I came here for the Brits!!
Hmm.. Franz Ferdinand are playing tonight but neither V nor Andrew want to go. Pissed at that, but I understand. Looks like I'll be seeing the Foo Fighters in a couple of weeks though, that should make up for it marginally. There are also so many good musicals and stage shows on. Billy Elliot and A Few Good Men are my two picks. We're hanging out for the last minute cheap tickets. Well who wants to pay £40 per ticket?!
Can't think of anything else right now. Did some journalling on the plane and will update that on here soon. Can't remember what I thought of Abu Dhabi airport at 6am when we landed, but in hindsight it was a most awesome venue. Will get some photos up soon. From above the country looks like a very interesting place to visit too.
Off to apply for more jobs and find somewhere to live.. interesting times ahead!
*****
Love to everyone back home and anyone reading this... I keep seeing or hearing things and wanting to experience it with people from back home. Wish like anything that my family and friends could be here, it's such an awesome experience!
And Matt, if you're reading this, they play Kylie everywhere... even in Abu Dhabi airport!!
Saw Andrew last night.. he sprung us at first contact. It's so bizarre seeing and talking to someone you haven't seen in so long. We went to the local pub and got our £5 curry and beer and just sat and talked through out jet lag for a couple of hours. By 9ish though it was too much, I'd had two drinks and felt like someone had spiked them.. very nerveracking! Arrived back at our shoebox (for 25 pounds a night you just expect more!) and could barely get undressed before falling asleep mid conversation. This mornings shower saga was more hilarious than the sight of our room. Just think of showering in a port-a-loo.
Will be seeing the sights tomorrow with Andy. The forecast is good for this weekend so hopefully we won't encounter any problems. (The wind is fucking COLD, but it's the rain which is annoying). Seeing Picadilly Circus today was, for me, the pinch I needed to remind me I was not in Kansas anymore. This whole time, even with the 25 hour plane ride, has felt surreal but not different. Shops, people, food, tv is all pretty much the same, but it's the landmarks that make you realise where you are. Which reminds me. If I hear once more frigging French accent I'll scream. I came here for the Brits!!
Hmm.. Franz Ferdinand are playing tonight but neither V nor Andrew want to go. Pissed at that, but I understand. Looks like I'll be seeing the Foo Fighters in a couple of weeks though, that should make up for it marginally. There are also so many good musicals and stage shows on. Billy Elliot and A Few Good Men are my two picks. We're hanging out for the last minute cheap tickets. Well who wants to pay £40 per ticket?!
Can't think of anything else right now. Did some journalling on the plane and will update that on here soon. Can't remember what I thought of Abu Dhabi airport at 6am when we landed, but in hindsight it was a most awesome venue. Will get some photos up soon. From above the country looks like a very interesting place to visit too.
Off to apply for more jobs and find somewhere to live.. interesting times ahead!
*****
Love to everyone back home and anyone reading this... I keep seeing or hearing things and wanting to experience it with people from back home. Wish like anything that my family and friends could be here, it's such an awesome experience!
And Matt, if you're reading this, they play Kylie everywhere... even in Abu Dhabi airport!!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Is it 30/11 or 1/12??
(backdated entry)
After what seemed like an eternity in Sydney Airport we finally landed in Singapore. It's 2am-ish, a balmy 26 degrees and I've had about 20 minutes sleep and too much food. Luckily though I'm not feeling any swelling in my legs which I'd been warned about.I had my first chance to use sterling - 5 quid for 2 smirnoff blacks - great! I'm feeling quite bloated but under the circumstances its bearable. I think I'm so tired now I'd sleep feeling shitty anyway.
Speaking of, as I pulled my jeans off in the airport to exchange them for much needed trackies, I punched myself in the lip - fantastic bruising if I don't say so myself. Keep drifting off and having weird reams about people from home, mostly those I spoke to just prior to leaving. Very bizarre!
I think I may be getting on Vanessa's nerves, but at this point in time we're both finding it hard to be pleasant when we're woken up, asked for ID, trudged through security and carrying 10kg of unmanagable hand luggage. Oh well, at least they have Little Britain for inflight entertainment. Here's to the next 7 hours.
P.S. Loved Darling Harbor - saw but a glimpse of Sydney today and would like to see more. It's HUGE.. I don't know how I survived in Adelaide for so long. Bring on London!!
*****
Post from somewhere over Cyprus
Well, the Abu Dhabi airport is quite an experience. It is a spectacle - blue and green mosaic cover the ground, walls, and roof. Lots of gold about the place and camel souvenirs (which I unfortunately didn't buy). Smoking is allowed inside - bizarre. The outside is like a scene from Star Wars, sand everywhere, buildings look like little huts as does the airport. Got through secutiry which was a relief. Left there at 6am their time, it was already 20 degrees. Had to buy an Abu Dhabi diet coke - 80p! same taste (I didn't care once the duty free scotch was added).
We're now back on the plane, had breakfast (hard to tell what time it is) have been informed that we'll land at noon (an hour late) to 8 degrees. ARGH!! It'll be hard not to sleep when we arrive.
After what seemed like an eternity in Sydney Airport we finally landed in Singapore. It's 2am-ish, a balmy 26 degrees and I've had about 20 minutes sleep and too much food. Luckily though I'm not feeling any swelling in my legs which I'd been warned about.I had my first chance to use sterling - 5 quid for 2 smirnoff blacks - great! I'm feeling quite bloated but under the circumstances its bearable. I think I'm so tired now I'd sleep feeling shitty anyway.
Speaking of, as I pulled my jeans off in the airport to exchange them for much needed trackies, I punched myself in the lip - fantastic bruising if I don't say so myself. Keep drifting off and having weird reams about people from home, mostly those I spoke to just prior to leaving. Very bizarre!
I think I may be getting on Vanessa's nerves, but at this point in time we're both finding it hard to be pleasant when we're woken up, asked for ID, trudged through security and carrying 10kg of unmanagable hand luggage. Oh well, at least they have Little Britain for inflight entertainment. Here's to the next 7 hours.
P.S. Loved Darling Harbor - saw but a glimpse of Sydney today and would like to see more. It's HUGE.. I don't know how I survived in Adelaide for so long. Bring on London!!
*****
Post from somewhere over Cyprus
Well, the Abu Dhabi airport is quite an experience. It is a spectacle - blue and green mosaic cover the ground, walls, and roof. Lots of gold about the place and camel souvenirs (which I unfortunately didn't buy). Smoking is allowed inside - bizarre. The outside is like a scene from Star Wars, sand everywhere, buildings look like little huts as does the airport. Got through secutiry which was a relief. Left there at 6am their time, it was already 20 degrees. Had to buy an Abu Dhabi diet coke - 80p! same taste (I didn't care once the duty free scotch was added).
We're now back on the plane, had breakfast (hard to tell what time it is) have been informed that we'll land at noon (an hour late) to 8 degrees. ARGH!! It'll be hard not to sleep when we arrive.
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