Remember 1994...back in the days with no mobile phones, dial up and 16ppm inkjets
15 December 2007
12 December 2007
5 December 2007
Thanksgiving pics as promised
We had a Thanksgiving dinner a week or so ago - it was brilliant to experience this kind of American tradition for real. 2 years ago I took part in a dinner that was a thanksgiving/christmas combined style. A friend who had lived in the States for a few years helped it get underway, but it was nothing like last week. One of the best parts was inviting others into our space and enjoying the food and time together. We had 14 Americans, 3 Aussies & 3 Brits at our place to celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday (and apparently the homecoming of prodigal sons from the far flung islands. It's ok, we were all graciously forgiven by the Brits ;)
We even talked about the history of thanksgiving and sang a song.
Here are a few more pics from the evening. You can check out a few more on the link to the right - and also here: http://picasaweb.google.com/oselle
1 December 2007
Wanderings in an enchanted christmas lit city.
While my current housemates have guests over this weekend, I'm staying at a friend's place down in Putney. (which is south and on the other side of the Thames) It's great having a reason to look around different areas of London and I've spent some wonderful bus hours looking at new-for-me Christmas decorations/lights/shop displays!
The bus route takes different amounts of time depending on which end of the day you're travelling. It took me over an hour to get to work the other day, which is different than what I've been used to (and the bus timetable said 35mins...) I head back to North London - Kilburn on Sunday.
Today I met up with a gal who is also looking for a new place to live next year. She's friends of my current housemates and on staff at CRM. JJ turned out to be exactly the same personality style as me. We even both sit on the border between I/E! Very interesting indeed. We're considering living together in the new year, from around February. Need to look out for a few people as well - will wait and see what comes up in the next few weeks. It may well be difficult to try and find people around this time of the year, but nothing is impossible. Just keeping my ears to the ground and letting those around me know where I'm at.
After catching up with JJ, I spent a luscious afternoon walking around Picadilly Circus and hanging out in St. James Market. The market was perfect. Just small and selective enough to keep me entertained for the better part of 2 hours. I had to contain myself from buying so many wonderful things, a kaliedescope, doll that turned into 2 other characters, draw your own jigsaw puzzle, jewish oven proof bowls, amber jewellery and tibetan project bags & rings.
I did come out with a christmas present for someone - who will remain nameless, a couple of bags of scented tea(red rooibos chai & dried apple/green tea called wanderlust), a new scarf and a tree stamp.
I had already had a wander around St. James' church which was just on the otherside of the market, but before I nipped into the nearest 'Nero' cafe to pick up a toasted ham and Mozorella wrap and hot chocolate - milano style, I went past the church again. I found a choir who were practicing for a performance in the church tonight. They were singing songs in Latin, songs for a Mass I gathered. It was incredible - and the sound in the church sent chills down my spine and all throughout my being. I remember the moments when I was in a choir back home, the Renae Singers - we used to sing songs that sometimes took you to another place when you hit just the right notes together, and it felt just like that. I missed being in a choir tonight and wanted above all else to share the moment with my mother and two sisters.
You would have loved it. Remember the church we used to sing sacred songs in with Renaes - during the Deloraine Art Fair? So much more incredible than that scenario.
Such a wonderful day. And suprisingly, I don't mind not having anyone else with me to share it with. It's enough just to be in these moments, hours.
I've suprised myself how long I've stayed out till, on my own during the last few Saturdays/Sundays. Only mean to be gone for a couple of hours and come home 4-5 hrs later...
On the bus home today, it started to snow! It didn't last for very long and it was possibly only because I was on a double dekker bus and the girls behind me pointed it out that I chanced to see it. It may have melted before it touched the grimy street. London's loss. Our gain for the sight we saw and excitement we felt.
I've just finished reading Philip Pullman's series - His Dark Materials. The Golden Compass starts in cinemas on the 5th December, which I'm desperate to see. I'll begin looking for a friend this week to enjoy it with so we can hang out and chat about it afterwards. I'm not giving in to the controversy about the film, book series or Philip Pullman's athiesm. There's light and faintness in his writing but above all else, I felt a closer connection with the Holy Spirit during this reading. It sure was a beautiful perspective on life that has opened my eyes in a different way during the last few weeks.
The worlds that his characters travel to remind me that I'm in a new country and there is much to see, learn and appreciate about others that share this part of the world. I feel like one of his characters wandering through unfamiliar streets, letting every day be a new experience filled with the strain, tension, delight and adventure that London leads me to. It's fun reading references to Oxford, as I can imagine that I'm in the places that they may also have walked - even though I'm not actually in Oxford myself. I feel close by.
It will be novel to travel there at some stage - I'm sure it's not that far away. I will remember his characters and their experiences there.
Too long it is since I have written here and have enjoyed it alot. I'll try and write again soon - I've meant to fill you all in on my thanksgiving experiencees over here. It's been a pain just messing around with the photos though, since I've had some difficulties in uploading. I may change the photo site that I've linked to on the right, since Flickr will only allow you to have 200 photos up before they ask you to pay for a subscription. Picassa is a much better site for photos but mainly because they also have an uploader and it links in well with gmail and iphoto.
Tarrah!
9 November 2007
Guy Fawkes Night
Remember, remember, the 5th of November - yeah, I saw V for Vendetta. Until it was nearing Guy Fawkes night, that movie and a few rumors when I was a kid was about all I knew of the plot to blow up Parliament. Now I can say that I've at least read the wiki...
It was great last Saturday night to catch up with some people that I met (friends of my cousin Sarah) a few weeks ago and have a 'pratie' like spud meal with them. They live in a small flat with a 9 month old bub named Harry. About 12 of us crammed into their weeny living space and hung out until it was time to make our way over to Battersea Park. They estimate over 50,000 people turned up for the fireworks, not to mention everyone watching it in their homes near by. It took about half an hour to walk 1km because of the crowds of people also going the same way. It was brilliant though. Almost half an hour of pure fireworks going off in time to music. My favourite was "It's Oh So Quiet"! If you know the song, you can imagine the fireworks going off in the dramatic parts. Incredible!
On Monday night (the actual night - 5th!) with my housemates I watched multiple lots of 'farks
' (kiddliewink* word for fireworks!) going off in different directions for a great deal of time. I'm sure they were still going until well after midnight.I'm listening to firecrackers still going off (a week before and AFTER Guy Fawkes night!) and hoping that people finish up their supplies soon. our dog goes off when they start up and after a while, it's not really worth trying to spot the random ones that go off for one minute and then that's it. They just make a noise which I try to ignore.
ha. who'd ever thought I'd get tired of firecrackers!
*kiddliewink is the word for my cuter than cute housemate's kids who bring no end of joy, and remind me so much of my own dearly loved neices back in Tassie.
4 November 2007
31 October 2007
When I was waiting for my computer to come I got all inspired one day and wrote down everything I could think of that I wanted to blog about. Now that I have my computer...there's so much to do, catching up with people writing emails, connecting with others on facebook, playing with photos - I'm afraid that I've thoroughly neglected writing anything significantly interesting on my blog here.
So - I will make a bigger effort to actually put something together soon.
London is treating me very well indeed. It's not the sad, cold city that everyone talks about. No, I've been discovering all the hidden treats and pathways that noone talks about because they don't want everyone else to follow them there. They try to keep all the good things for themselves and I hardly b
lame them.
One of the guys I've been working with in the marketing department for the last month, Nick, has just finished up with us. He's about to go travelling to Thailand, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We had drinks in the boardroom for him as well as because it was his birthday and another workmate was leaving. Afterwards most of us went out for drinks to a place called Ruby Lo which was a bunch of fun. I was going to leave fairly early, but ended up staying til about 11pm (ok, so that's still early for some!) and even though it took me 1/2 hr to find my way back to Oxford street when we really were quite close to it, I still arrived home before 12.
We'll all miss Nick, he brought a kind of happy vibe to the place. He was also prime bait for teasing and I think we'll all miss those opportunities.
I'm going out tomorrow night with some of the people from work again - we're heading to a Jazz place this time which I'm really excited about.
So - I will make a bigger effort to actually put something together soon.
London is treating me very well indeed. It's not the sad, cold city that everyone talks about. No, I've been discovering all the hidden treats and pathways that noone talks about because they don't want everyone else to follow them there. They try to keep all the good things for themselves and I hardly b
lame them.One of the guys I've been working with in the marketing department for the last month, Nick, has just finished up with us. He's about to go travelling to Thailand, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We had drinks in the boardroom for him as well as because it was his birthday and another workmate was leaving. Afterwards most of us went out for drinks to a place called Ruby Lo which was a bunch of fun. I was going to leave fairly early, but ended up staying til about 11pm (ok, so that's still early for some!) and even though it took me 1/2 hr to find my way back to Oxford street when we really were quite close to it, I still arrived home before 12.
We'll all miss Nick, he brought a kind of happy vibe to the place. He was also prime bait for teasing and I think we'll all miss those opportunities.
I'm going out tomorrow night with some of the people from work again - we're heading to a Jazz place this time which I'm really excited about.
Skyping with the main man
I've been chatting to my Dad on Skype - we practiced at home before I left...when we were in different rooms.We're both silly billys and it's just as much fun skyping from overseas. :)
Here's a pic from our latest session, just for fun.
Sometimes mum and dad wander around the house doing this or that...and get a cup of coffee...it seems like a very weird episode of big brother.
I loved it when Dad tried to hold up Dr. Snuggles. I tried to call him and he went psycho trying to figure out where I was. Priceless.
30 October 2007
more for those who asked...
I put up a few more pics on the flickr site tonight - all taken with my mobile camera, but suprisingly good quality.
25 October 2007
Kat: I love macs! Theo: Max? Who's Max?
I just received my iMac today! So, dad, yes, you'll be waking up to a new blog post which I'm sure you'll love as you feature quite prominently in it.
I've added in a bunch more photos of me on the flickr site - of my new room/house and also of today's quiet activity (was quite conveniently at home, sick, as I'd woken up in the early hours with another migrane):
Opening up the iMac box which my parents were able to send over to me from Australia after a lot of mucking around with Aus post, couriers and customs officials. So, 2 months, 6 days, 19 hours after I left Australia (NOTE: I didn't work that out on my own...I'm not that perturbed! I looked at the widget counter I'd set for D-day 'leaving for England' which is quite happily now counting backwards!) I'm finally reconnected with my communication lifeline. Happy to have all the buttons in the right places so that I can type at my regular super fast speed.
The box they sent over to me was full of lots of goodies inc top deck chocolate, salt and vinegar chips, books, mail, my ted and clothing - thank you mum for sending my work skirts, you're a lifesaver!
Needless to say even though I've not been feeling the best, this has been a happy day.
NOTE: Now that I can post regularly I'll try and do so.
I've added in a bunch more photos of me on the flickr site - of my new room/house and also of today's quiet activity (was quite conveniently at home, sick, as I'd woken up in the early hours with another migrane):
Opening up the iMac box which my parents were able to send over to me from Australia after a lot of mucking around with Aus post, couriers and customs officials. So, 2 months, 6 days, 19 hours after I left Australia (NOTE: I didn't work that out on my own...I'm not that perturbed! I looked at the widget counter I'd set for D-day 'leaving for England' which is quite happily now counting backwards!) I'm finally reconnected with my communication lifeline. Happy to have all the buttons in the right places so that I can type at my regular super fast speed.
The box they sent over to me was full of lots of goodies inc top deck chocolate, salt and vinegar chips, books, mail, my ted and clothing - thank you mum for sending my work skirts, you're a lifesaver!
Needless to say even though I've not been feeling the best, this has been a happy day.
NOTE: Now that I can post regularly I'll try and do so.
17 October 2007
just testing out the email posting
but I still don't think I can email from work, coz you'll get all the email blurb under the post. and it's ugly.
quick update
ok, ok. I have a new place to live. But it's hard to get to the net still.
I have a short lunchbreak window to walk up to oxford street, go into teh interweb cafe and trawl through emails...and facebook.
so, sorry that you've not got many updates from me lately.
but hey, if you want my UK mobile number, just leave a comment and a way to contact you and I'll give it to you.
I'm living with some people that I met...by seeking out people to hang out with that were of a similar spiritual/world view. We met up for dinner at their place and a week later I received an email asking if I'd consider boarding with them. Needless to say, I was incredibly overwhelmed and thankful for the opportunity. A great room/house/location/price/visitors/people/family!
They have two beautiful daughters very similar in age to my two neices.
I'll post pics of my room at the house hopefully this coming weekend, as I'm expecting my iMac to arrive by the end of this week (maybe I shouldn't cross my fingers so tightly)
29 September 2007
26 September 2007
Everyone who just got a new job, put their hand up!
Me! This is me with my hand up. :)
It's working for a real estate company in the Mayfair office in London.
(email me for a link)
My role will include the designing and setting of ads for magazines, newspapers and general print material that is needed. There's only three of us who work upstairs in the marketing deparment, and I'll be the only one on design - so it looks like I'll be quite busy. My biggest challenge will be in convincing them to swap over to Indesign rather than using Quark 7.0
I did a test yesterday morning using Quark, and a page advert (with instructions on where the files were and what they expected) that normally would have taken about 30 mins took me almost an hour! It was only a straight repeat of the material that was already there.
Oh well. It made me realize that it's been a while since I worked on Quark...and there are genuinely big reasons why I love Indesign.
Haha. I love that it's in Mayfair. You can see Park Lane from the link - Land on this square and I'll claim rent.
The job is guaranteed until the end of the year, and then they're either going to rehash the department or it'll change to a permanent position. I'm quite fine with the option to re-think the position at the end of the year, as I'm not sure how long I want to stay in London for.
In other news...I've been to see another house, one that I really liked, great price, location and the people were pretty cool too. They were looking for someone to fit in, which I can only assume I didn't, as I haven't heard back from them. Very sad.
Time is getting on and I really don't want to outstay my welcome in Golders Green.
Still searching...
It's working for a real estate company in the Mayfair office in London.
(email me for a link)
My role will include the designing and setting of ads for magazines, newspapers and general print material that is needed. There's only three of us who work upstairs in the marketing deparment, and I'll be the only one on design - so it looks like I'll be quite busy. My biggest challenge will be in convincing them to swap over to Indesign rather than using Quark 7.0
I did a test yesterday morning using Quark, and a page advert (with instructions on where the files were and what they expected) that normally would have taken about 30 mins took me almost an hour! It was only a straight repeat of the material that was already there.
Oh well. It made me realize that it's been a while since I worked on Quark...and there are genuinely big reasons why I love Indesign.
Haha. I love that it's in Mayfair. You can see Park Lane from the link - Land on this square and I'll claim rent.
The job is guaranteed until the end of the year, and then they're either going to rehash the department or it'll change to a permanent position. I'm quite fine with the option to re-think the position at the end of the year, as I'm not sure how long I want to stay in London for.
In other news...I've been to see another house, one that I really liked, great price, location and the people were pretty cool too. They were looking for someone to fit in, which I can only assume I didn't, as I haven't heard back from them. Very sad.
Time is getting on and I really don't want to outstay my welcome in Golders Green.
Still searching...
21 September 2007
I think I'd forgotten what hard work was...
After only one day of working as a temp, I'm sore. My back, that is. Now remember, that I've been on holidays for 5 weeks. (haven't holidayed this long since school summer holidays!)
Today was full of filing and alphabetising sheets of paper. Oh, joy.
It was nice to have something routine to focus on, after having so much time and things to think about.
The job will go for about a month - time to collect some £ and keep me on my feet. Hoping I'll be able to go to Wales for a short time after this job, so I can check out Cardiff.
I didn't get the orange room, which was disapointing. I hate searching for rooms!
I've decided to post my own notice on gumtree, which will hopefully bring me something good...
Apparently there are a lot of people out there looking for rooms at the moment. Another place I went to look at last night was 'females only' (not really my pick, but when you're desperate you'll go anywhere!) and not too far from where I'm staying now.
It didn't have the net on, and was a bit further from any train stations than other places I've looked at - though there is a bus stop near by...everything else looked ok. But even that place had about 7-8 people who'd looked before me, and more to come.
Argh.
Today was full of filing and alphabetising sheets of paper. Oh, joy.
It was nice to have something routine to focus on, after having so much time and things to think about.
The job will go for about a month - time to collect some £ and keep me on my feet. Hoping I'll be able to go to Wales for a short time after this job, so I can check out Cardiff.
I didn't get the orange room, which was disapointing. I hate searching for rooms!
I've decided to post my own notice on gumtree, which will hopefully bring me something good...
Apparently there are a lot of people out there looking for rooms at the moment. Another place I went to look at last night was 'females only' (not really my pick, but when you're desperate you'll go anywhere!) and not too far from where I'm staying now.
It didn't have the net on, and was a bit further from any train stations than other places I've looked at - though there is a bus stop near by...everything else looked ok. But even that place had about 7-8 people who'd looked before me, and more to come.
Argh.
19 September 2007
Good News
I went and looked through a really awesome house last night - the room I'd have is very small and painted bright orange (woohoo!) but would be comfortable enough and they have the internet on. The price is really really good, and since I've pretty much got a temp job (data entry, fingers crossed I'm waiting on a call to say it starts tomorrow)....all is looking bright today.
Except for the weather, of course. Though, I did see a patch of sun shining through earlier - for at least 5 whole minutes.
Honestly, the weather here isn't as bad as they make out, and I've had a great time in summer here so far. It's starting to get darker earlier, and colder in the mornings so I can tell that Autumn is well on it's way.
Someone told me the other day that it's not that this summer has been especially bad (as I had heard from a number of people, complaining), but a more normal English summer perhaps. Just that last year it was particularly brilliant - unexpectedly hot.
Writing to you from Marylebone Street (yes, another to cross off on the Monopoly Board!) at an Internet Cafe. I have cold called a couple of printers today as well, just in case they have anything opening up, or know of anything.
I've finally got my CV finished and looking good, after quite a bit of re-writing over the last 2 weeks. I'm hoping that my old work will send through some physical examples so I can get some kind of Portfolio working - I only have a few examples on the net and most places want to see actual examples. I do have a Hub Newspaper with me, so that's going to be pretty good evidence of my work -THANKS MUM!
Except for the weather, of course. Though, I did see a patch of sun shining through earlier - for at least 5 whole minutes.
Honestly, the weather here isn't as bad as they make out, and I've had a great time in summer here so far. It's starting to get darker earlier, and colder in the mornings so I can tell that Autumn is well on it's way.
Someone told me the other day that it's not that this summer has been especially bad (as I had heard from a number of people, complaining), but a more normal English summer perhaps. Just that last year it was particularly brilliant - unexpectedly hot.
Writing to you from Marylebone Street (yes, another to cross off on the Monopoly Board!) at an Internet Cafe. I have cold called a couple of printers today as well, just in case they have anything opening up, or know of anything.
I've finally got my CV finished and looking good, after quite a bit of re-writing over the last 2 weeks. I'm hoping that my old work will send through some physical examples so I can get some kind of Portfolio working - I only have a few examples on the net and most places want to see actual examples. I do have a Hub Newspaper with me, so that's going to be pretty good evidence of my work -THANKS MUM!
17 September 2007
shows in London
A couple of things that I have failed to mention, is the shows that I have seen whilst being in London. I went and saw 'The Lion King' with Michelle, Ben and his parents about a week and a half ago, and last week saw 'Wicked' with Janine, Jodi and Jason Carr. Both were excellent - I really loved Wicked, as it had half a dragon surrounding the top part of the stage which went into full motion a couple of times complete with smoke and glaring red eyes and it also had a brilliant array of emerald stars/lights around the stage, and all over really, that sprung up every now and again. The singing was moving in both of the productions and we had pretty good seats for both. So easy to go and see a show here - any night of the week!
news of the hour
Well, good news is that I have decided to type with capitals again...(finally getting used to a PC keyboard) and slightly more prominent news, is that I've decided not to move to York.
Turns out that there aren't many rental/house shares available for professionals in York, as most are set aside for purely student housing so there are no council taxes to pay and I wasn't keen on staying in a hostel for a couple of weeks just trying to get the rare appointments to go and look at housing. Also, York on a second glance wasn't a big as I had first thought, and the lack of printing/graphic work in the area was also a turn off.
On top of that, I've been having hassles with the recruitment agency (apparently that's pretty normal) and I'm waiting on some mail to come from back home in Australia to get things where I need them for interviews.
So, my next step is to stay in London, try and find some temp work to get me through and some accommodation. I'm really keen to settle somewhere for a bit, but it's tough as I really don't want to stay in London for too long. Don't get me wrong - London is a great place, heaps to do and see on the tourist circuit, nice places to go out to dinner, the tube can be annoying but convenient most of the time and there's quite a few people to catch up with here. I just prefer something else. I'm still keen on Cardiff and also Edinburgh - hopefully after I get some £ coming in I can check these places out a bit more and explore my options.
On Saturday I met up with my friend Erica and her brother Rowan at Trafalgar square. We hung out for the day, mostly at the Tower of London. I didn't realize the history of that place, or that's where they kept the crown jewels and the royal armory museum. It was incredible.
I've heard it's good to go in the winter, as there's less people and you can spend time listening to the audio commentaries - but even with heaps of people around and just the three of us wandering, it was a great landmark to go and visit. I was suprised - didn't realize how large it was until I was inside, having unwittingly managed to avoid pictures and outright descriptions. I thought it would be a big high tower somewhere in the centre of London. It's more like a small fortress surrounded by higher walls and turrets with a few other buildings inside as well as rows of smaller housing apartments and a grass moat in between the inside and outside walls. I'll put some photos up on the flickr site soon.
We also had a bite to eat on the river bank and took photos of the tower bridge. I'll go over it at some stage, but hey - there are a few people who've said they'll be making their way over here at some stage in the next year so I have to save some tourist sites to see with them!
Turns out that there aren't many rental/house shares available for professionals in York, as most are set aside for purely student housing so there are no council taxes to pay and I wasn't keen on staying in a hostel for a couple of weeks just trying to get the rare appointments to go and look at housing. Also, York on a second glance wasn't a big as I had first thought, and the lack of printing/graphic work in the area was also a turn off.
On top of that, I've been having hassles with the recruitment agency (apparently that's pretty normal) and I'm waiting on some mail to come from back home in Australia to get things where I need them for interviews.
So, my next step is to stay in London, try and find some temp work to get me through and some accommodation. I'm really keen to settle somewhere for a bit, but it's tough as I really don't want to stay in London for too long. Don't get me wrong - London is a great place, heaps to do and see on the tourist circuit, nice places to go out to dinner, the tube can be annoying but convenient most of the time and there's quite a few people to catch up with here. I just prefer something else. I'm still keen on Cardiff and also Edinburgh - hopefully after I get some £ coming in I can check these places out a bit more and explore my options.
On Saturday I met up with my friend Erica and her brother Rowan at Trafalgar square. We hung out for the day, mostly at the Tower of London. I didn't realize the history of that place, or that's where they kept the crown jewels and the royal armory museum. It was incredible.
I've heard it's good to go in the winter, as there's less people and you can spend time listening to the audio commentaries - but even with heaps of people around and just the three of us wandering, it was a great landmark to go and visit. I was suprised - didn't realize how large it was until I was inside, having unwittingly managed to avoid pictures and outright descriptions. I thought it would be a big high tower somewhere in the centre of London. It's more like a small fortress surrounded by higher walls and turrets with a few other buildings inside as well as rows of smaller housing apartments and a grass moat in between the inside and outside walls. I'll put some photos up on the flickr site soon.
We also had a bite to eat on the river bank and took photos of the tower bridge. I'll go over it at some stage, but hey - there are a few people who've said they'll be making their way over here at some stage in the next year so I have to save some tourist sites to see with them!
13 September 2007
photos on 'oselle' flickr site
Just in case you haven't caught them yet - I've uploaded more photos on the flickr site (just from my tour) I haven't taken any after my tour...as I pretty much gave up so much obsessive clicking!
I guess that's part of theh touristy thing though.
hey. ther's a pidgeon peeking at me from outside the window at the internet cafe. woohoo. how funny. those beady eyes...
I guess that's part of theh touristy thing though.
hey. ther's a pidgeon peeking at me from outside the window at the internet cafe. woohoo. how funny. those beady eyes...
from york
I was sooooo annoyed that I missed the first direct bus yesterday. I don't hail it as being my entire fault, as the buses should really state their number on front and back and NOT all pull up at the same time...but nonetheless, I had to pay another £3 and wait for another 3 1/2 hours (which I whiled away with coffee and the internet - still fixing up my resume for a creative recruitment company I've applied to) and then caught the 1.30 bus.
I had a 'house looking' appointment that was originally scheduled for 3pm, moved to 6.30, but because there was an accident on the road we were later than expected and pretty much missed the appointment.
Was still able to go to the house without the agent and have a look around (probably better, actually!) but wasn't really keen on the house. Nasty kitchen, needed heaps of repairs, lounge smelt...rubbish fridge...It was cheapish though, and 15mins walking distance to the station and city.
I'm holding out for something better atm - going to see another one this afternoon. It's a bit further out (have to catch the bus) and there's about 2-3 appartment houses on some farm property or something. eek. sounds ominous. But apparently there's a house with 3 other working professionals in it, and a student house there as well. So must be kinda ok.
Hoping to have an interview with the creative recruitment agency later today, or tomorrow in Leeds, if I can make my way there! (busing back down to London for the weekend, and to grab the rest of my gear...at 4.30 tomorrow - fingers crossed!, though this one should be way easier than catching a bus from London).
Might catch the train back up instead. It only takes 2 hours instead of 4 1/2...and they're harder to miss. (just that the bus is almost half the cost of a train!)
Hope you're all well and having fun keeping in touch, as I am!
I had a 'house looking' appointment that was originally scheduled for 3pm, moved to 6.30, but because there was an accident on the road we were later than expected and pretty much missed the appointment.
Was still able to go to the house without the agent and have a look around (probably better, actually!) but wasn't really keen on the house. Nasty kitchen, needed heaps of repairs, lounge smelt...rubbish fridge...It was cheapish though, and 15mins walking distance to the station and city.
I'm holding out for something better atm - going to see another one this afternoon. It's a bit further out (have to catch the bus) and there's about 2-3 appartment houses on some farm property or something. eek. sounds ominous. But apparently there's a house with 3 other working professionals in it, and a student house there as well. So must be kinda ok.
Hoping to have an interview with the creative recruitment agency later today, or tomorrow in Leeds, if I can make my way there! (busing back down to London for the weekend, and to grab the rest of my gear...at 4.30 tomorrow - fingers crossed!, though this one should be way easier than catching a bus from London).
Might catch the train back up instead. It only takes 2 hours instead of 4 1/2...and they're harder to miss. (just that the bus is almost half the cost of a train!)
Hope you're all well and having fun keeping in touch, as I am!
11 September 2007
7 September 2007
haggis tour
we went through so many incredible places - some of which we stayed at for a fairly lengthy time, but most only for an hour or two.
on our first stop, we visited windsor castle, just to see the outside though. took the first of our many obligatory tourist shots. (normally the tour doesn't go here, but since it was the public bank holiday on the day we left we were going to leave london more quickly than normal).
we ended up seeing numerous castles on this tour, but i neglected to do an actual tour. Figured I'd have time later on to do that if i felt so inclined. mostly, i love the way that the castles/cathedrals and other touristy things are so close within in the city. I guess they've just built up around the major sites - makes for an incredible feeling of history within almost every single place.
Even the places that I visited with Uncle Dave & family had that presence of age. It's something that I cherish, having lived most of my life within man made structures not more than 100 years old.
in most of the places I've been to, the mix of medieval and modern is bizarre. something i didn't really think about before I left. I've been overwhelmed by looking in one direction and feeling an old time nostalgia, then the other direction...brand, spanking new buildings, styles and ordinary people. edinburgh is a nice example where that's not so obvious. they built the original city and then another one pretty much next to it (over the river) when we stayed here (this was our longest stay anywhere on the trip) we were in the medieval part of the city and i only ventured to the other side once. i liked staying in the old part of the city but would love to go back and explore the rest another time.
ok, so some of the places we've been:
windsor, wantage, marlborough, lacock, bath, river severn, (crossing over and back to wales/england all day) chepstow, river wye, hereford, lludlow, STAYED AT A FARM HOUSE SOMEWHERE IN WALES! Snowdonia (absolutely beautiful) isle of Anglesey, lanfair... (longest place name), Ambleside - which was in the lake district, jedburgh - in scotland, edinburgh, york - back in england, nottingham forest (robin hood country) and then stratford-upon-avon (shakespeare country).
that's the full week's itinerary, though i may have some of it wrong and left out a lot of places! i did keep a written journal for most of this trip, so if i feel so inclined i might update this later if there's a bit difference.
had such a great time meeting the others on my tour, i really made an effort to hang out with everyone at different stages - it makes the time spent in these places all the more worth it when you have wonderful people to share it with. i've already been on face book pouring over friend's photos of this tour and smiling gleefully at the memories.
one of the funniest nights was when we met a scotsman in edinburgh who took a bunch of us on a merry (or not so merry for some...) galavant around edinburgh while supposedly looking for a cool club that he knew about. (ok, ok, we probably should have just stayed where we were) he'd taken a keen interest in one of us who was wearing a gorgeous red dress and was trying to impress her. half of us got a big sick of it after a while and split off from the group with the scotsman. (i admit i was keen on the walk and thankful for the fresh air that night) i found out later that the 'club' had been closed, and with a bit of effort and a few harsh words managed to get away from the persistant scotsman. remarkably the group with the scotsman made their way back to the hostel before the our group.
i put it down to all our grumbling and groaning from our guys about the crafty scotsman who they pretty much pegged from the beginning. something to laugh about. heh.
when i got to York, i immediately fell in love with the place. it seems a reasonable size, even has a uni and an opera house - jazz on tuesday nights and social clubs. the main reason i'm keen on living there is because of the stong viking history. with gail, jen and monica, i went on a tour of the Jorvik Viking Centre. i wanted to spend another hour in the place - and determined to do so another time. i came out of there with a longing to know more of the place and a stamped coin (the mark was from an authentic coin stamp [or replica of one]) that the vikings had used in the very city. it's likely that the one they found was stolen and left covered over before their diggings in the last few years uncovered that and many more of the viking artifacts.
since one of my desires is to spend a decent amount of time in iceland, York seems like a brilliant place to base myself before i make it over there. plus, i did come over for a more authentic english experience, rather than just hanging out with other aussies in the metro centre of London. lets just see where this takes me anyway.
i plan to look for work/housing in York for the rest of this week, and travel up sometime next week to check things out a bit closer. will keep you posted on how things go.
just before i came in here, i successfully landed an english bank account - thank you dad for my citizenship! i didn't need proof of residence because of the uk passport. i'll receive my card/cheque book etc in the mail in the next 7-10 days. now i just need a national insurance number and i'll be all set.
i called up a few friends today who live in london, hoping to catch up with them before i move up to York. this weekend will be good for that, though i have to say i'm hoping i feel a little more fresh and less flue like by then!
on our first stop, we visited windsor castle, just to see the outside though. took the first of our many obligatory tourist shots. (normally the tour doesn't go here, but since it was the public bank holiday on the day we left we were going to leave london more quickly than normal).
we ended up seeing numerous castles on this tour, but i neglected to do an actual tour. Figured I'd have time later on to do that if i felt so inclined. mostly, i love the way that the castles/cathedrals and other touristy things are so close within in the city. I guess they've just built up around the major sites - makes for an incredible feeling of history within almost every single place.
Even the places that I visited with Uncle Dave & family had that presence of age. It's something that I cherish, having lived most of my life within man made structures not more than 100 years old.
in most of the places I've been to, the mix of medieval and modern is bizarre. something i didn't really think about before I left. I've been overwhelmed by looking in one direction and feeling an old time nostalgia, then the other direction...brand, spanking new buildings, styles and ordinary people. edinburgh is a nice example where that's not so obvious. they built the original city and then another one pretty much next to it (over the river) when we stayed here (this was our longest stay anywhere on the trip) we were in the medieval part of the city and i only ventured to the other side once. i liked staying in the old part of the city but would love to go back and explore the rest another time.
ok, so some of the places we've been:
windsor, wantage, marlborough, lacock, bath, river severn, (crossing over and back to wales/england all day) chepstow, river wye, hereford, lludlow, STAYED AT A FARM HOUSE SOMEWHERE IN WALES! Snowdonia (absolutely beautiful) isle of Anglesey, lanfair... (longest place name), Ambleside - which was in the lake district, jedburgh - in scotland, edinburgh, york - back in england, nottingham forest (robin hood country) and then stratford-upon-avon (shakespeare country).
that's the full week's itinerary, though i may have some of it wrong and left out a lot of places! i did keep a written journal for most of this trip, so if i feel so inclined i might update this later if there's a bit difference.
had such a great time meeting the others on my tour, i really made an effort to hang out with everyone at different stages - it makes the time spent in these places all the more worth it when you have wonderful people to share it with. i've already been on face book pouring over friend's photos of this tour and smiling gleefully at the memories.
one of the funniest nights was when we met a scotsman in edinburgh who took a bunch of us on a merry (or not so merry for some...) galavant around edinburgh while supposedly looking for a cool club that he knew about. (ok, ok, we probably should have just stayed where we were) he'd taken a keen interest in one of us who was wearing a gorgeous red dress and was trying to impress her. half of us got a big sick of it after a while and split off from the group with the scotsman. (i admit i was keen on the walk and thankful for the fresh air that night) i found out later that the 'club' had been closed, and with a bit of effort and a few harsh words managed to get away from the persistant scotsman. remarkably the group with the scotsman made their way back to the hostel before the our group.
i put it down to all our grumbling and groaning from our guys about the crafty scotsman who they pretty much pegged from the beginning. something to laugh about. heh.
when i got to York, i immediately fell in love with the place. it seems a reasonable size, even has a uni and an opera house - jazz on tuesday nights and social clubs. the main reason i'm keen on living there is because of the stong viking history. with gail, jen and monica, i went on a tour of the Jorvik Viking Centre. i wanted to spend another hour in the place - and determined to do so another time. i came out of there with a longing to know more of the place and a stamped coin (the mark was from an authentic coin stamp [or replica of one]) that the vikings had used in the very city. it's likely that the one they found was stolen and left covered over before their diggings in the last few years uncovered that and many more of the viking artifacts.
since one of my desires is to spend a decent amount of time in iceland, York seems like a brilliant place to base myself before i make it over there. plus, i did come over for a more authentic english experience, rather than just hanging out with other aussies in the metro centre of London. lets just see where this takes me anyway.
i plan to look for work/housing in York for the rest of this week, and travel up sometime next week to check things out a bit closer. will keep you posted on how things go.
just before i came in here, i successfully landed an english bank account - thank you dad for my citizenship! i didn't need proof of residence because of the uk passport. i'll receive my card/cheque book etc in the mail in the next 7-10 days. now i just need a national insurance number and i'll be all set.
i called up a few friends today who live in london, hoping to catch up with them before i move up to York. this weekend will be good for that, though i have to say i'm hoping i feel a little more fresh and less flue like by then!
antics in the UK
Hey there blog followers.
so, since i've been here, i've done quite a few things. i've been having an incredible time, and have only just been able to wipe the smile off my face (that's because i have a miserable cold and feel all nasty at the moment. but it's ok. lemsip is slowly saving me - my favourite cross-continent survival tool).
when I first arrived, Ben's parents were here as well, but staying at a hotel in central london. (i'm staying with ben, chelle & their housemates in 'golders green' just north of London (zone 3 in tube terms) it costs about £5 a day if you travel in to london and back from here. it's quite a great place to live, though like everywhere in london it smells a bit icky and the water isn't great.
the first full day (after a normal night's sleep) i went sightseeing with ben, chelle and his parents where we went to st. pauls cathedral (hence the previous picture). it was fantastic, though i was tired and almost out of my brain by the end of the day. (we went out for dinner for ben's birthday at wetherspoons, great english pub!) i figured it was the best way to get through jet lag, as i'd been given advice to keep busy when i first arrived and fight the urge to relax. it seemed to work quite well as i didn't really have any hassles with jet lag. that said, i've been told it's 10 times worse going back the other way, to australia - so i wasn't expecting any major difficulties.
the next day i travelled down to cornwall - such a brilliant train trip and because i was so excited to be there, i hardly slept at all. about 4 1/2 hrs with wonderful views and chatting to randoms almost the whole way.
i spent the rest of the week there (you can see photos on my flickr account - see the top left of this blog) and travelled back on the saturday. BY THE WAY, Ange, I PLAYED BINGO FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE TRAIN RIDE BACK! some kids who needed to be entertained the whole way came and sat near me with their mum, and i helped them out a bit! yay - can't believe i've never played it before. again, again!
ben and chelle met me at paddington station (yay for bear! teehee!) and then i stayed at their place until early monday morning.
i hated getting up so early - 5ish to catch a bus on my own into london for the start of the haggis tour.
if anyone ever gets the chance, i thoroughly recommend doing a haggis tour. the driver we had was 'fergie' and except for 3 people, we were all aussies. two were from newzealand and another from canada. 2 of the travellers were actually from Launceston (the place in tassie, not Lornce-ton in England!). we did check to see if we had any connections, but i didn't know any cook's in devonport.
i'll put up some photos soon (i know i keep promising people i'll do it, but the uploader on flickr and facebook seems WAY too slow and i can't get either to connect properly whenever i try. don't worry, i'll persist). as i have over 300 from our tour.
so, since i've been here, i've done quite a few things. i've been having an incredible time, and have only just been able to wipe the smile off my face (that's because i have a miserable cold and feel all nasty at the moment. but it's ok. lemsip is slowly saving me - my favourite cross-continent survival tool).
when I first arrived, Ben's parents were here as well, but staying at a hotel in central london. (i'm staying with ben, chelle & their housemates in 'golders green' just north of London (zone 3 in tube terms) it costs about £5 a day if you travel in to london and back from here. it's quite a great place to live, though like everywhere in london it smells a bit icky and the water isn't great.
the first full day (after a normal night's sleep) i went sightseeing with ben, chelle and his parents where we went to st. pauls cathedral (hence the previous picture). it was fantastic, though i was tired and almost out of my brain by the end of the day. (we went out for dinner for ben's birthday at wetherspoons, great english pub!) i figured it was the best way to get through jet lag, as i'd been given advice to keep busy when i first arrived and fight the urge to relax. it seemed to work quite well as i didn't really have any hassles with jet lag. that said, i've been told it's 10 times worse going back the other way, to australia - so i wasn't expecting any major difficulties.
the next day i travelled down to cornwall - such a brilliant train trip and because i was so excited to be there, i hardly slept at all. about 4 1/2 hrs with wonderful views and chatting to randoms almost the whole way.
i spent the rest of the week there (you can see photos on my flickr account - see the top left of this blog) and travelled back on the saturday. BY THE WAY, Ange, I PLAYED BINGO FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE TRAIN RIDE BACK! some kids who needed to be entertained the whole way came and sat near me with their mum, and i helped them out a bit! yay - can't believe i've never played it before. again, again!
ben and chelle met me at paddington station (yay for bear! teehee!) and then i stayed at their place until early monday morning.
i hated getting up so early - 5ish to catch a bus on my own into london for the start of the haggis tour.
if anyone ever gets the chance, i thoroughly recommend doing a haggis tour. the driver we had was 'fergie' and except for 3 people, we were all aussies. two were from newzealand and another from canada. 2 of the travellers were actually from Launceston (the place in tassie, not Lornce-ton in England!). we did check to see if we had any connections, but i didn't know any cook's in devonport.
i'll put up some photos soon (i know i keep promising people i'll do it, but the uploader on flickr and facebook seems WAY too slow and i can't get either to connect properly whenever i try. don't worry, i'll persist). as i have over 300 from our tour.
31 August 2007
i'm in edinburgh - scotland at the moment. not much time to write.
sooo tired.
will be back from tour on sunday night and post more then.
just trying to burn full camera of photos (2gb) on to a couple of cds right now. lots of pics, great people on the tour, some of whom i'll keep in touch with after i hope!
still not sure where to live, best choice at the moment is cardiff...
loving the uk more than i could have hoped.
if you haven't got a postcard from me...and are wondering where it is, i probably don't have your address....(that especially means bec swan and emi...email it to me?)
love to you all! stay tuned in the next week for some decent updates.
sooo tired.
will be back from tour on sunday night and post more then.
just trying to burn full camera of photos (2gb) on to a couple of cds right now. lots of pics, great people on the tour, some of whom i'll keep in touch with after i hope!
still not sure where to live, best choice at the moment is cardiff...
loving the uk more than i could have hoped.
if you haven't got a postcard from me...and are wondering where it is, i probably don't have your address....(that especially means bec swan and emi...email it to me?)
love to you all! stay tuned in the next week for some decent updates.
26 August 2007
london from st pauls cathedral
a fairly dull day in London, this. in fact the guy advised us to continue up to the top level asap in case lightning appeared. in that case they'd have to get us all down very quickly.
luckily it didn't, and we had heaps of time to take photos and have a good look around up there. would be brilliant on a sunny day.
i've heard that it's as good as or better than the view from the london eye.
luckily it didn't, and we had heaps of time to take photos and have a good look around up there. would be brilliant on a sunny day.
i've heard that it's as good as or better than the view from the london eye.
update: briefly back in London
Ok, so it's hard to know where to start when there's been so much going on over here! It feels like a blur in one sense, but it's been really wonderful. Don't fret, I'm definitely taking heaps in.
The train ride down to Redruth was incredible. I had some great conversations with people on the way down, enjoyed the view out the windows and took a few pics.
My first view of the 'country' was full of happy thoughts. reminded me so much of Tassie - yet with the old style houses. So many houses, and so close together!
My Aunt and Uncle met me at the train station, and I suprised them from behind - they were looking in the other direction trying to work out who I was. I guess it is a while since we've seen each other! I wasn't able to meet up with them last time they were out in Australia.
I had a great time with them - being chauffered around the countryside, all the time wowing at the small roads and commenting that if I was driving around much, I'd have a mini for sure!
The hedges along the sides of these small roads blew me away. Occasionally you'd get a view through a hedge, or if you were at the top of a hill - incredible to take a look out over the villages and see wind turbines in the distance.
We visited many sites that my father would have seen when he was a kid - so they were special to me as well, from all the stories he used to tell. My cousin, Sarah, was invited to a 21st birthday party which was a 2hr cruise on the 'River Fal' the night I arrived, so I went out with her. Such a great introduction to the place, as it was just on sunset and quite suprisingly light and warm for 8pm at night. I guess it is supposed to be summer over here!
In fact, we had great weather the whole time I was there. It was apparently raining in London until just yesterday, and today was fantastic as well.
I went out every day I was staying with my relatives, and had a few Cornish/English specialties like fish, chips and mushy peas, cornish pasty, fudge and my aunt went out of her way to make me a NICKERBOCKER GLORY!
Some of the places were: Goonhilly, Tregunstas farm, Wendhram school, The Lizard, Cadgwith, Portmouth, Falmouth, Truro, Marazion, St. Ives, Porkellis (that's the village that my relatives live in) Redruth, Helston, ....little fishing villages that I can't remember the names of...
I'm trying to upload some photos to my flickr account - you'll have to check it to see if they made it! Will be so much better when I have my computer/internet/house/job...!! For now, just have to make do with what I can find.
that's all till next update...
The train ride down to Redruth was incredible. I had some great conversations with people on the way down, enjoyed the view out the windows and took a few pics.
My first view of the 'country' was full of happy thoughts. reminded me so much of Tassie - yet with the old style houses. So many houses, and so close together!
My Aunt and Uncle met me at the train station, and I suprised them from behind - they were looking in the other direction trying to work out who I was. I guess it is a while since we've seen each other! I wasn't able to meet up with them last time they were out in Australia.
I had a great time with them - being chauffered around the countryside, all the time wowing at the small roads and commenting that if I was driving around much, I'd have a mini for sure!
The hedges along the sides of these small roads blew me away. Occasionally you'd get a view through a hedge, or if you were at the top of a hill - incredible to take a look out over the villages and see wind turbines in the distance.
We visited many sites that my father would have seen when he was a kid - so they were special to me as well, from all the stories he used to tell. My cousin, Sarah, was invited to a 21st birthday party which was a 2hr cruise on the 'River Fal' the night I arrived, so I went out with her. Such a great introduction to the place, as it was just on sunset and quite suprisingly light and warm for 8pm at night. I guess it is supposed to be summer over here!
In fact, we had great weather the whole time I was there. It was apparently raining in London until just yesterday, and today was fantastic as well.
I went out every day I was staying with my relatives, and had a few Cornish/English specialties like fish, chips and mushy peas, cornish pasty, fudge and my aunt went out of her way to make me a NICKERBOCKER GLORY!
Some of the places were: Goonhilly, Tregunstas farm, Wendhram school, The Lizard, Cadgwith, Portmouth, Falmouth, Truro, Marazion, St. Ives, Porkellis (that's the village that my relatives live in) Redruth, Helston, ....little fishing villages that I can't remember the names of...
I'm trying to upload some photos to my flickr account - you'll have to check it to see if they made it! Will be so much better when I have my computer/internet/house/job...!! For now, just have to make do with what I can find.
that's all till next update...
i'm here!
(originally tried to publish this on the 20th aug...sorry for the delay!)
and i have to say that i don't like english pc keyboards. the shift key on the left is in the wrong place, and i keep hitting the \ key instead. so tough. you'll have to put up with no caps for a while!
flight over was great. i'm still tired, but it's mostly my eyes that are drowsy - mentally i'm quite alert. won't take too long to get used to the time difference i gather, but the money difference throws me a little. different things are cheap over here. like, beer.especially coz you can buy it from the supermarket. slab is about 11 pounds...but they call them crates here. so, pretty cheap. that's just one example. i never know whether i'm looking at a price that's too expensive or really cheap. i guess that will come in time.
chelle and i are in an internet cafe trying to book a ticket to cornwall for tomorrow. i'll be there until next saturday. england smells a bit.
i have taken a few photos, a couple on the plane, in the thailand airport and today we went to st. pauls cathedral.made me thing alot about the war. so many comemmorations. it just seems like a western temple, not a house of God (found the shift key...)
can't wait til i have my computer and the internet. will write more later.
why aren't there more internet cafes round here??
and i have to say that i don't like english pc keyboards. the shift key on the left is in the wrong place, and i keep hitting the \ key instead. so tough. you'll have to put up with no caps for a while!
flight over was great. i'm still tired, but it's mostly my eyes that are drowsy - mentally i'm quite alert. won't take too long to get used to the time difference i gather, but the money difference throws me a little. different things are cheap over here. like, beer.especially coz you can buy it from the supermarket. slab is about 11 pounds...but they call them crates here. so, pretty cheap. that's just one example. i never know whether i'm looking at a price that's too expensive or really cheap. i guess that will come in time.
chelle and i are in an internet cafe trying to book a ticket to cornwall for tomorrow. i'll be there until next saturday. england smells a bit.
i have taken a few photos, a couple on the plane, in the thailand airport and today we went to st. pauls cathedral.made me thing alot about the war. so many comemmorations. it just seems like a western temple, not a house of God (found the shift key...)
can't wait til i have my computer and the internet. will write more later.
why aren't there more internet cafes round here??
17 August 2007
Travel Pack
My awesome friend, Jo, put together a travel pack for me...essential items only.
If you want to see more photos, I've got a flickr account here: oselle
It's much easier than uploading photos to blogger, so you should really check that for photos but I'll try and put a few up every now and then!
If you want to see more photos, I've got a flickr account here: oselle
It's much easier than uploading photos to blogger, so you should really check that for photos but I'll try and put a few up every now and then!
general update...T minus 1 sleep.
I had to go into work the other day to fix up my resume, drop off a couple of boxes (they're storing some boxes for me whilst I'm away) and just to generally harass them...
I'm pleased to say that I'm DARING Vivian to write me a comment here on my blog. GO ON, YOU CAN DO IT! haha.
We finally said our goodbyes, but Trevor and Viv both said "see you in three months". Ha! What faith they have in me!
The last few days have been spent being so busy that I've just been vague through it all. I've pretty much done everything that I wanted to do before leaving, but you know how you always wonder what you've missed? Mostly I've been running heaps of errands around town, suspending different accounts, chatting to my family, buying last minute things and mucking around taking photos. I managed to take some fun ones of my neices today - I also gave my neice Bella the opportunity to take a few and they came out really well.
Today my neices and I hung out for quite a while. We played 'ballerinas', 'babies', 'duck, duck goose+chasings', sang together and played 'tigers' for a good hour or so. Tigers is one of our favourite games - basically consists of chasing after each other & roaring. Suprising how long that game always lasts with us!
I received an International Drivers Licence today, I still have to have my Aus driving licence with me to use it but I got it - just in case I need to hire a car or need to borrow one. (as most hire places won't let you drive without an International Licence) I'm not intending on buying a car over there, unless I end up somewhere other than London.
Incidentally, my car still hasn't sold and I hate that my Dad will have to sort it out on his own. So, if anyone is interested or knows of someone who might be interested in a 1993 Toyota Corolla, please direct them to me ASAP. oselle [at}gmail {dot] com
I went to my last North West Film Society Committee meeting on Wednesday night, where I regretfully resigned as Vice President. As a good proportion of those attending were either born in the UK or have spent a significant amount of time over there, I was given some tips of places to go/things to experience over in the UK. One of those was to try "Scrumpy", which is basically an alcoholic apple cider. Since then, I've found out that you can buy it from "Mollys" in Devonport (an Irish Pub)! I didn't have a chance to go and try some out, but I've been assured it's pretty similar to what I'd get in the UK. Another drink to try was "black sheep". Hmm. Apparently a boutique beer that's worth stopping in Yorkshire for.
Today with my dad, I visited my Grandma Gray who lives in a Nursing Home in Ulverstone. It wasn't really sad to see her as I was leaving - quite the opposite. She was very lovely and encouraging and excited for me to be going back 'home'. She gave me a couple of things to pass on to my Uncle and his family, and also a photo of herself for my mini photo album I'm taking with me. Of course I'm sad to leave her and my Grandma & Grandpa Atkinson (as Grandpa has been in hospital for a short spell), but I'll be sending quite a few postcards back home, I imagine and we'll be in contact :)
We had a family dinner tonight. Mmmmmmm, Lamb Roast and our family's favourite dessert, Peach Kuchen. It was really great to spend our last night together and have such a fantastic time. Bella started crying before she left, as she didn't want me to go...it almost started us all off. I think tomorrow will be really difficult to say goodbye, but I think we're all ready for it.
Yay. one more sleep. one more day in tassie. one more breakfast. one more day of sunshine.
I'm pleased to say that I'm DARING Vivian to write me a comment here on my blog. GO ON, YOU CAN DO IT! haha.
We finally said our goodbyes, but Trevor and Viv both said "see you in three months". Ha! What faith they have in me!
The last few days have been spent being so busy that I've just been vague through it all. I've pretty much done everything that I wanted to do before leaving, but you know how you always wonder what you've missed? Mostly I've been running heaps of errands around town, suspending different accounts, chatting to my family, buying last minute things and mucking around taking photos. I managed to take some fun ones of my neices today - I also gave my neice Bella the opportunity to take a few and they came out really well.
Today my neices and I hung out for quite a while. We played 'ballerinas', 'babies', 'duck, duck goose+chasings', sang together and played 'tigers' for a good hour or so. Tigers is one of our favourite games - basically consists of chasing after each other & roaring. Suprising how long that game always lasts with us!
I received an International Drivers Licence today, I still have to have my Aus driving licence with me to use it but I got it - just in case I need to hire a car or need to borrow one. (as most hire places won't let you drive without an International Licence) I'm not intending on buying a car over there, unless I end up somewhere other than London.
Incidentally, my car still hasn't sold and I hate that my Dad will have to sort it out on his own. So, if anyone is interested or knows of someone who might be interested in a 1993 Toyota Corolla, please direct them to me ASAP. oselle [at}
I went to my last North West Film Society Committee meeting on Wednesday night, where I regretfully resigned as Vice President. As a good proportion of those attending were either born in the UK or have spent a significant amount of time over there, I was given some tips of places to go/things to experience over in the UK. One of those was to try "Scrumpy", which is basically an alcoholic apple cider. Since then, I've found out that you can buy it from "Mollys" in Devonport (an Irish Pub)! I didn't have a chance to go and try some out, but I've been assured it's pretty similar to what I'd get in the UK. Another drink to try was "black sheep". Hmm. Apparently a boutique beer that's worth stopping in Yorkshire for.
Today with my dad, I visited my Grandma Gray who lives in a Nursing Home in Ulverstone. It wasn't really sad to see her as I was leaving - quite the opposite. She was very lovely and encouraging and excited for me to be going back 'home'. She gave me a couple of things to pass on to my Uncle and his family, and also a photo of herself for my mini photo album I'm taking with me. Of course I'm sad to leave her and my Grandma & Grandpa Atkinson (as Grandpa has been in hospital for a short spell), but I'll be sending quite a few postcards back home, I imagine and we'll be in contact :)
We had a family dinner tonight. Mmmmmmm, Lamb Roast and our family's favourite dessert, Peach Kuchen. It was really great to spend our last night together and have such a fantastic time. Bella started crying before she left, as she didn't want me to go...it almost started us all off. I think tomorrow will be really difficult to say goodbye, but I think we're all ready for it.
Yay. one more sleep. one more day in tassie. one more breakfast. one more day of sunshine.
15 August 2007
Trip round Tassie
Tash and I did a last Tassie tour this past weekend. Down to Hobart in the pouring rain on the Friday. It was a beautiful clear morning on Saturday and I woke up early...was excited! So I convinced Tash to go up to Mt Wellington, (this is where the pic here was taken) and then went to Salamanca...meeting up with some good friends incidentally there (I love that about the Market! Finally met Christine!) had then a goodbye dinner with friends in the evening at a Mexican restaurant in North Hobart. Then on Monday we headed towards Strahan (the road had only just opened up that day! yay! We were worried we might have to cancel that part of the trip) and then back up through Burnie and home again.Tash's wonderfully brilliant employers graciously gave her the day off work last Friday as well as the whole of this week!! What dedication to her sister - although now this end is taken up with me still getting my things together and her getting ready to move to Burnie. (Instead of moving into my old flat) She was offered some weekend work and since she works in Burnie anyway...it just made sense.
Angus had a spare room, and there's been much mention of their likeness in tv series/music tastes, so that won't be a problem ;) In fact, I'm looking forward to hearing "tales of the tash" through Angus.
On the weekend I purchased a new camera. I'm pretty impressed, as I've been saving and waiting for just the right one for a long time and on the weekend it prooved to be a trooper. I obviously didn't have that much time to test it out before hand, so I've mainly stuck to the automatic settings on this trip. I'll post some more photos later on today if I get a chance.
9 August 2007
finished up at work today
Today was a bit of an odd day. I finished up at work, but it seemed so incredibly surreal.I worked on jobs, packed up my desk, had drinks and nibbles with the rest of the Ulv. Press family and received a few beautiful gifts. (including the necklace on me in the pic )
My workmates were constantly saying all day that I'll be coming back in a couple of months.
Trying to get it locked into my subconscious. Heh. Nasties.
They're really very sweet, and probably the best lot of people I've ever worked for. It was really hard to leave, but as I said, it still feels kinda surreal. I've been so busy planning and writing lists (that was for you, Jess) that it all just seems part of the process and I don't feel like I'm taking much in, emotionally.
I have to go back in next week to take over a few of my boxes I'm storing (as they've graciously said they're happy to store them for me). So we didn't really say goodbye.
Last week, my sisters and I sang a song during the Sunday morning church service. It was a song that we had all learnt years ago, but such a long time since we'd sung it, and probably the first time all together like that.
Tash was really keen to get the song together, as it would be the last chance for a long while and she did a great job just organising & keeping us together in between so many other things that were going on. My "Two Favourite Voices in the World" AWARD goes to Leanne and Tash. Thanks a bunch, guys!
There were quite a few tears from my family during/after this, and it'll be something etched in my memory for a long while. I love being with my family.
The Farewell party was fun. My sister and mum had baked way too much food, but hey, that worked out well in terms of leftovers :) I am really glad that Angus and Ange came along. I'd forgotten that anytime those two are in a room together there's bound to be karaoke in the midst...If only there were photos. And my Dad, well...(you know I don't have to say any more :D
My mum has been busy the last couple of days helping me out with my tax, checking out the best way for me to get Pounds into my hot little hands, making me a passport holder, plus trying to find certificates and medical information, all for little ole me. Plus, she makes my tea. I can't stress how awesome it is to have my mum making me dinner every night. Yay for Mince Porcupines & Roast Chicken!
Such an incredible thing...my niece, Bella, arrived at the party and said "Happy Birthday Auntie Kate!" and even though, I think she knew it wasn't my birthday - she was looking for some kind of greeting but had no idea what to say. I decided I'd better make sure she knew I was actually going away for a while and to instigate our writing to each other. Leanne said that the next day Bella was asking her if she'd write down what to say to me in a letter for her, so she definitely understood. I know it'll be hard for both of us.
She'll be my first postcard.
ok, ok, so it's been a while.
But aren't I allowed to be busy right now?!
So...Dad and I checked out google earth together the other day. I couldn't believe we hadn't done that together before. Dad didn't even have it downloaded, but I'm sure I told him about it ages ago. It was absolutely astounding. Dad managed to track down an old church he used to go to when he was a kid, (by his old school) and the road he used to walk. To even hear him talking about such memories, brings back my own childhood reminiscence of his bedtime stories.
They hardly ever had a point, or a moral. But they sure were entertaining! Just picturing dad as a boy in his school grounds and to hear the things he remembered.
And just think. In about two weeks, I'll get to be in that same country.
And hopefully skyping to him will still seem like it's in the next room over.
So...Dad and I checked out google earth together the other day. I couldn't believe we hadn't done that together before. Dad didn't even have it downloaded, but I'm sure I told him about it ages ago. It was absolutely astounding. Dad managed to track down an old church he used to go to when he was a kid, (by his old school) and the road he used to walk. To even hear him talking about such memories, brings back my own childhood reminiscence of his bedtime stories.
They hardly ever had a point, or a moral. But they sure were entertaining! Just picturing dad as a boy in his school grounds and to hear the things he remembered.
And just think. In about two weeks, I'll get to be in that same country.
And hopefully skyping to him will still seem like it's in the next room over.
31 July 2007
update: moving out this weekend
I've taken today and tomorrow off work so that I can pack up my granny flat, as I'm moving in with my parents for the last couple of weeks. (Some of that time I'll be in Hobart/Strahan, hopefully).
My sister is moving in here after I move out, so It's not like I have to pack up all my kitchen gear, just the things that I want to store for when I get back...like my favourite mugs etc.
Admission: I am a hoarder of the ultimate kind.
You don't want to know how many mugs I actually owned before getting rid of them the other day! Reducing all my gear down to a few big plastic boxes has been a real cleansing experience. (ahem, not that I've finished yet...) I'm just not in the habit of throwing things out when I don't need them any more.
And so the collection gradually builds.
My sisters and my mum came along last weekend to sort through some of the things I was giving away and to my delight, they claimed quite a bit. Grumbling all the time that they'd get in trouble when they got home from their respective spouses...teehee!
Better your hoarder pile than mine ;P
Today, I fixed up my bank account, bought some decent headphones for my ipod (my trusty travel companion) bought more plastic boxes, packed and sorted. I'm tired, but got another day ahead of me.
I leave in just over 17 days.
I'm excited, but kinda nervous to travel there alone. I'm meeting up with friends/family when I get there, doing a trip to my uncles house (5 hrs on a train) and then a 7 day tour of England, Scotland and Wales...then back to London to look for a place to stay permanently and work.
Much to do before then, I dare say. this is my short list...
-clean the flat
-sell my car
-buy a digital camera
-finish my resume
-cancel my health insurance
-change my addresses
-notify relevant authorities (want to travel safe, you know!)
-SAY GOODBYE TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS!!
My sister is moving in here after I move out, so It's not like I have to pack up all my kitchen gear, just the things that I want to store for when I get back...like my favourite mugs etc.
Admission: I am a hoarder of the ultimate kind.
You don't want to know how many mugs I actually owned before getting rid of them the other day! Reducing all my gear down to a few big plastic boxes has been a real cleansing experience. (ahem, not that I've finished yet...) I'm just not in the habit of throwing things out when I don't need them any more.
And so the collection gradually builds.
My sisters and my mum came along last weekend to sort through some of the things I was giving away and to my delight, they claimed quite a bit. Grumbling all the time that they'd get in trouble when they got home from their respective spouses...teehee!
Better your hoarder pile than mine ;P
Today, I fixed up my bank account, bought some decent headphones for my ipod (my trusty travel companion) bought more plastic boxes, packed and sorted. I'm tired, but got another day ahead of me.
I leave in just over 17 days.
I'm excited, but kinda nervous to travel there alone. I'm meeting up with friends/family when I get there, doing a trip to my uncles house (5 hrs on a train) and then a 7 day tour of England, Scotland and Wales...then back to London to look for a place to stay permanently and work.
Much to do before then, I dare say. this is my short list...
-clean the flat
-sell my car
-buy a digital camera
-finish my resume
-cancel my health insurance
-change my addresses
-notify relevant authorities (want to travel safe, you know!)
-SAY GOODBYE TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS!!
27 July 2007
Farewell party
Well, nothing says I'm really going like a farewell party!
My workmates have been really sweet this week, saying that they'll really miss me and how great it's been working with me. There's nothing like an ego boost!
I really am going to be sad to leave this job. The people I work with here have been incredibly great to me and I've valued living and working on the North West coast like never before. The town of Ulverstone...I lived so close to here for most of my life but working here for such a well respected business and seeing so many residents every day - being a part of the community has been a wonderfully enlivening thing. I talked to two clients today and told them that I was leaving and I realized that I really will miss this small town "able to get to know your clients" kind of feel.
Really not sure if I'll settle much in London. I'm a little apprehensive about being around so many people all the time. I'm sure to frequent the parks a great deal! Will just have to wait and see how things go.
There's always Dr. Whoville in Cardiff, Wales. :D Did I mention that's on my "can't wait to see!" list?
My workmates have been really sweet this week, saying that they'll really miss me and how great it's been working with me. There's nothing like an ego boost!
I really am going to be sad to leave this job. The people I work with here have been incredibly great to me and I've valued living and working on the North West coast like never before. The town of Ulverstone...I lived so close to here for most of my life but working here for such a well respected business and seeing so many residents every day - being a part of the community has been a wonderfully enlivening thing. I talked to two clients today and told them that I was leaving and I realized that I really will miss this small town "able to get to know your clients" kind of feel.
Really not sure if I'll settle much in London. I'm a little apprehensive about being around so many people all the time. I'm sure to frequent the parks a great deal! Will just have to wait and see how things go.
There's always Dr. Whoville in Cardiff, Wales. :D Did I mention that's on my "can't wait to see!" list?
20 July 2007
eating one of our nation's emblems
So...last night I was deliberating on what to have for tea...and who can go past meat that's so good for you? And check out the price. I got almost 500g of kangaroo meat for only $3. Such a bargain, and it tasted good. Kind of felt weird though, to make a stir-fry with hokkien noodles and chinese hoisin sauce, talk about a mix of cultures!
Kangaroo meat, as far as meat goes, is one of the better ones for you. Plus, they're not domesticated and farmed widely thus being free from hormones that makes beef/sheep grow faster. I hate that we cull so many, and that there isn't a wide enough market for the animal meat so they end up on the scap heap. Killing to accommodate ourselves is not something I want to be accustomed to. If we're going to kill any animals, it should only be enough for our needs. Kangaroo is one of the native animals to this land and it just seems natural that it should be a staple over one of our introduced, domesticated and highly farmed breeders.
Kangaroo meat, as far as meat goes, is one of the better ones for you. Plus, they're not domesticated and farmed widely thus being free from hormones that makes beef/sheep grow faster. I hate that we cull so many, and that there isn't a wide enough market for the animal meat so they end up on the scap heap. Killing to accommodate ourselves is not something I want to be accustomed to. If we're going to kill any animals, it should only be enough for our needs. Kangaroo is one of the native animals to this land and it just seems natural that it should be a staple over one of our introduced, domesticated and highly farmed breeders.
19 July 2007
london encounter of the fun kind
I bought this book today, it's a good small snapshot of London book, with a map in the back. Looks like the perfect size thing for me to read up on before I go, and to pull out of my backpack when I'm in the city.
Lonely planet is my best friend right now :)
Only 30 days to go...
Lonely planet is my best friend right now :)
Only 30 days to go...
12 July 2007
the beginning of it all...
Please, I have a bad history with blogs, so if I get lazy or bored with this, leave a heinous comment kicking me into gear.
I owe it to you to get myself into gear and showcase the British Isles in all their glory (so that you then follow suit and join me in my endeavours. Gosh, at least come and visit me!) :)
37 days to go...
I owe it to you to get myself into gear and showcase the British Isles in all their glory (so that you then follow suit and join me in my endeavours. Gosh, at least come and visit me!) :)
37 days to go...
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