Tuesday, 31 July 2007
So long SHG!
Friday 27th July was my last day at work. Surprisingly, the Director of my department gave me flowers and a card, even though I had only worked there for 5 weeks. Clearly, I make a lasting impression on people, and dazzle them with my skills and sparkling wit. I shouldn't be surprised really ;-)
After work, my colleagues took me out to a local bar (the name of which escapes me temporarily) which was very nice. What was even nicer was the 2 for 1 cocktails until 7.30 pm. It was here I was introduced to the Mojito cocktail, a number of times in fact. It was a great night, even after the tequila shots appeared in my hand out of nowhere. At some point, someone got hold of my camera and now I have over 70 shots of the evening, some of which I have uploaded to my web album.
After work, my colleagues took me out to a local bar (the name of which escapes me temporarily) which was very nice. What was even nicer was the 2 for 1 cocktails until 7.30 pm. It was here I was introduced to the Mojito cocktail, a number of times in fact. It was a great night, even after the tequila shots appeared in my hand out of nowhere. At some point, someone got hold of my camera and now I have over 70 shots of the evening, some of which I have uploaded to my web album.
Curry Lane
On Wednesday 25 July I met up with Theresa for our first dinner together here in England. We strolled down Brick Lane, famous for the multitudes of restaurants down both sides, with someone outside each restaurant offering a better discount than the previous restaurant to lure you in. After travelling the entire length of the lane, the restaurant we picked was not because the man offered 30% discount and a bottle of wine for free, but because of the fabulous gymnastic moves he pulled in getting back into his doorway when the police stalked past. Very amusing indeed.
Romeo, Romeo..thou art right in my face Romeo...
Another week has flown by...which is surprising considering it was my last agonising week at work and I was counting down the days (hours and minutes really, but I try not to be overly dramatic).
Tuesday 24 July saw me journey to the Battersea Arts Centre to see Romeo and Juliet. The building was reminiscent of a school hall & the theatre itself was only big enough to have 3 rows of 16. It was at this point that I lowered my expectations rather dramatically, so as not to be too disappointed. I did feel rather claustrophobic sitting at the end of the second row (furthest from the entrance/escape), with only a narrow space to get out. I was grateful that the woman in front of me was quite petite and old, so I'd be able to knock her out of the way quite easily and fight my way to the door if an emergency arose. It was very small and very dark...not a very relaxing atmosphere in which to be entertained. The audience was very close to the actors, the seats were actually just an extension of the stage. So close in fact, that I could see the shaking hands and the sweat dripping from the poor nervous little poppets. So close in fact, that when Juliet caught her knee on her gown in a particular scene, I was treated to a glimpse of her nipple. Quite possibly, this was the most entertaining part of the evening. It was difficult to rest my eyes with the actors so close, but I was quite weary at one point, so let myself have a brief time out. I opened my eyes to discover Juliet looking straight at me...so I made an effort to stay awake for the rest of the play. And thus ended my scintillating trip to Battersea.
Tuesday 24 July saw me journey to the Battersea Arts Centre to see Romeo and Juliet. The building was reminiscent of a school hall & the theatre itself was only big enough to have 3 rows of 16. It was at this point that I lowered my expectations rather dramatically, so as not to be too disappointed. I did feel rather claustrophobic sitting at the end of the second row (furthest from the entrance/escape), with only a narrow space to get out. I was grateful that the woman in front of me was quite petite and old, so I'd be able to knock her out of the way quite easily and fight my way to the door if an emergency arose. It was very small and very dark...not a very relaxing atmosphere in which to be entertained. The audience was very close to the actors, the seats were actually just an extension of the stage. So close in fact, that I could see the shaking hands and the sweat dripping from the poor nervous little poppets. So close in fact, that when Juliet caught her knee on her gown in a particular scene, I was treated to a glimpse of her nipple. Quite possibly, this was the most entertaining part of the evening. It was difficult to rest my eyes with the actors so close, but I was quite weary at one point, so let myself have a brief time out. I opened my eyes to discover Juliet looking straight at me...so I made an effort to stay awake for the rest of the play. And thus ended my scintillating trip to Battersea.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Top 'o the Tate
The thrill and excitement of finishing at the top of the Tate Modern. View over the Thames from the restaurant on level 7.
Taint of the Tate
After having half of Wednesday and all of Thursday off work, I thought I'd take things a bit easy this weekend...ease up on la dolce vita a little. So when Lex suggested we get together for a drink after work on Friday night, the responsible thing to do was to go home and rest.
So we trotted off to the Gypsy Moth Pub in Greenwich, which I would consider an adequate compromise. Feeling like I could do with some wholesome sustenance to combat the evil mucous producing disease that festers within me, I of course ordered the fish and chips (and mushy peas...what is with those?) and Lex and I shared a bottle of wine (antioxidant injection). It was a great night for a natter (if a little chilly in the beer garden, but the fresh air is also good for my recuperation no doubt). I did manage to get home at a reasonable hour though (no mad dash for the last train for this young lady that night!).
However, upon my arrival back at Chateau d' Thames, the clan were in the midst of an ethanol bonanza. The lounge room being my bedroom, it turned into a bit of a late one after all, and I got to bed around 2 am. I looked forward with giddy anticipation to the wake up call from the 17 month old at around 6 am, as I do each Saturday and Sunday morning.
Saturday saw the weekly pilgrimage to the grocery megastore in the morning, where, by some obscure twist of fate, some camembert and roquefort cheese fell into the shopping basket as I swanned through one of the dairy aisles. On arrival back at Chateau d'Thames, the plan was to pack up the goodies and kick back in the Thames Barrier Park next door with some wine, the cheese and a damn good book to while away the afternoon.
The universe, a spiteful beast from time to time, decided that the glorious sun that had shone with such warmth and enthusiasm up to that point, promptly withdrew the restorative UV rays, and replaced them with the miserable and ominously dark clouds I have come to know and love. We therefore consumed our delicatessan style delicacies in the comfort of the lounge room and watched as the clouds dumped an impressive rain shower for some hours.
After all the excitement of Saturday, I was ready for round 2 on Sunday. I met Cels at London Bridge station, and we tottered off in search of a hearty lunch. We ended up at a lovely pub on the water, where, alas, all the seats were taken. We ended up in the secluded beer garden at the back (sans view, but a fabulous table in the sun!). After perusing the menu and deciding on pies for us both, it was agreed that a sunny English day called for a summer English drink. Pimm's and lemonade all round! They even serve it with wedges of citrus fruits and strawberry and mint. A veritable cocktail of colour! Unfortunately, they were out of the fish pie I wanted, so a decision under pressure meant I got fish and chips (twice in two days...and enough for a lifetime I would think).
But lunch was not the sole purpose of our trip to the city. With our bellies satisfied, we trotted off to the Tate Modern Museum. Good lord, what a horrid disappointment that is! I think I could have done the entire 7 storey building in 30 minutes, but my affliction with the consumption held me back a little, and I slipped into a coma on level 5 whilst Cels was wandering through one of the exhibits.
Just so you don't think I am a cultureless hack, I will be heading off to a performance of Romeo and Juliet tomorrow night in Battersea. And if I don't do my usual trick of resting my eyes for a good chunk of the time, I will dazzle you with my artistic critique and insight later in the week. I'm sure that'll have you waiting with bated breath...
So we trotted off to the Gypsy Moth Pub in Greenwich, which I would consider an adequate compromise. Feeling like I could do with some wholesome sustenance to combat the evil mucous producing disease that festers within me, I of course ordered the fish and chips (and mushy peas...what is with those?) and Lex and I shared a bottle of wine (antioxidant injection). It was a great night for a natter (if a little chilly in the beer garden, but the fresh air is also good for my recuperation no doubt). I did manage to get home at a reasonable hour though (no mad dash for the last train for this young lady that night!).
However, upon my arrival back at Chateau d' Thames, the clan were in the midst of an ethanol bonanza. The lounge room being my bedroom, it turned into a bit of a late one after all, and I got to bed around 2 am. I looked forward with giddy anticipation to the wake up call from the 17 month old at around 6 am, as I do each Saturday and Sunday morning.
Saturday saw the weekly pilgrimage to the grocery megastore in the morning, where, by some obscure twist of fate, some camembert and roquefort cheese fell into the shopping basket as I swanned through one of the dairy aisles. On arrival back at Chateau d'Thames, the plan was to pack up the goodies and kick back in the Thames Barrier Park next door with some wine, the cheese and a damn good book to while away the afternoon.
The universe, a spiteful beast from time to time, decided that the glorious sun that had shone with such warmth and enthusiasm up to that point, promptly withdrew the restorative UV rays, and replaced them with the miserable and ominously dark clouds I have come to know and love. We therefore consumed our delicatessan style delicacies in the comfort of the lounge room and watched as the clouds dumped an impressive rain shower for some hours.
After all the excitement of Saturday, I was ready for round 2 on Sunday. I met Cels at London Bridge station, and we tottered off in search of a hearty lunch. We ended up at a lovely pub on the water, where, alas, all the seats were taken. We ended up in the secluded beer garden at the back (sans view, but a fabulous table in the sun!). After perusing the menu and deciding on pies for us both, it was agreed that a sunny English day called for a summer English drink. Pimm's and lemonade all round! They even serve it with wedges of citrus fruits and strawberry and mint. A veritable cocktail of colour! Unfortunately, they were out of the fish pie I wanted, so a decision under pressure meant I got fish and chips (twice in two days...and enough for a lifetime I would think).
But lunch was not the sole purpose of our trip to the city. With our bellies satisfied, we trotted off to the Tate Modern Museum. Good lord, what a horrid disappointment that is! I think I could have done the entire 7 storey building in 30 minutes, but my affliction with the consumption held me back a little, and I slipped into a coma on level 5 whilst Cels was wandering through one of the exhibits.
Just so you don't think I am a cultureless hack, I will be heading off to a performance of Romeo and Juliet tomorrow night in Battersea. And if I don't do my usual trick of resting my eyes for a good chunk of the time, I will dazzle you with my artistic critique and insight later in the week. I'm sure that'll have you waiting with bated breath...
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Wellcome collection
Sunday 15th July saw me finally get to the Wellcome Collection exhibition in Euston Road. An eclectic mix of interesting goodies from the collection of Sir Henry Wellcome, a place where people can learn more about the development of medicine through the ages and across cultures. Of note were some very old books on dissections, some of Leonardo daVinci's stuff, Napoleon's toothbrush, Charles Darwin's walking stick, a Chinese torture chair, an old birthing chair, an old dentist's chair and a chastity belt...to name but a few things. It wasn't as good as I was expecting, but was interesting nonetheless. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed.
Monday 16th July was my second interview for my new job. And successful it was! I was offered the job a few hours later. I start mid September, which will leave me with a few weeks for a holiday in between finishing this god awful job and the new one. I'm branching out, moving into the legal sector, so it should be an interesting experience. The position sounds quite interesting and will take me to Milan in December...can't complain about that!
Monday 16th July was my second interview for my new job. And successful it was! I was offered the job a few hours later. I start mid September, which will leave me with a few weeks for a holiday in between finishing this god awful job and the new one. I'm branching out, moving into the legal sector, so it should be an interesting experience. The position sounds quite interesting and will take me to Milan in December...can't complain about that!
Catching up...
Today I have come home sick from work. The SARS/avian flu I arrived in the country with seems to have freshened up (again). There is a remote possibility that I haven't been looking after myself as well as I could, sipping a medicinal thimble of wine once too often and arriving home a tad late during the week perhaps. However, never one to sit idle...my early arrival home has meant that I have had the time for a little administrative catch up - photos uploaded, and now an entry on the blog. There is a bit to cover, so sit back and enjoy the ride...I'll try and make it as painfree as possible.
Way back at the beginning of the month - Sunday July 1, Cels and I visited the British Museum. Clearly, as this was my second visit, I am a glutton for all things cultural. I took the opportunity to take some photos that I missed on my first visit. It was a fantastic afternoon and we saw the Egyptian mummies, which I had missed last time.
Friday 6 July saw the girls meet up at the Walkabout pub in Temple (on the Thames). I had been warned to avoid these Aussie haunts (including the Redback pubs...how original), however, it was pretty much the only pub within coo-ee (I do beg your pardon) of Kristy's work, so The Walkabout it was. Highlight of the night was the superb dancing on the dance floor, a close second the huge meal (no I didn't order the Kangaroo) which I almost finished and third was getting harassed by a persistent local called Matthew, who wins the "Most Likely to Stalk" Award this week. Congratulations Matthew, you are an asset to your country.
Saturday 7 July saw the clan bundle into the car and head off to Bristol to John and Avanti's place, in honour of John's birthday. It was a great BBQ (yes, another one...I've had more BBQ's here than I have in the last 10 years in Oz) and at long last, the sun shone through. There was a massive spread of food, and of course copious leftovers. The Aussies chased the sun all day, ending up huddling in the corner of the garden for the last of the glorious rays.
Sunday 8 July we all headed off to Bath, a beautiful city. I went on a tour of the Roman Baths (obligatory) and tasted the water (revolting). This was followed by lunch in the impressive park (£1 entry fee), which is privately owned by the houses opposite. I left Eilidh and the clan to chase/feed the pigeons while I went on a bus tour of the city, another interesting and enjoyable experience.
After Bath we moved on to Lacock (near Chippenham, Wiltshire). Obviously there was a lot of sniggering involved in that trip. The village of Lacock dates back a bit. The George Inn (the local pub) dates back to 1361. In the olden days the grand open fireplace had a dogwheel which turned a spit using a specially bred dog called a Turnspit. We took advantage of the sun by having a few drinks in the beer garden. I sampled some local wines - Sloe, Elderberry, Orange, and Ginger. Very interesting! We headed back home, but after all that sampling of the local liquid wares, a toilet break was declared. In Maidenhead, we stopped off at the local Chinese restaurant - Chef Peking. We didn't get to ask the chef if indeed he was peaking, but it was a lovely dinner in any case. All up, the return trip took over 5 hours due to the infamous London traffic.
Way back at the beginning of the month - Sunday July 1, Cels and I visited the British Museum. Clearly, as this was my second visit, I am a glutton for all things cultural. I took the opportunity to take some photos that I missed on my first visit. It was a fantastic afternoon and we saw the Egyptian mummies, which I had missed last time.
Friday 6 July saw the girls meet up at the Walkabout pub in Temple (on the Thames). I had been warned to avoid these Aussie haunts (including the Redback pubs...how original), however, it was pretty much the only pub within coo-ee (I do beg your pardon) of Kristy's work, so The Walkabout it was. Highlight of the night was the superb dancing on the dance floor, a close second the huge meal (no I didn't order the Kangaroo) which I almost finished and third was getting harassed by a persistent local called Matthew, who wins the "Most Likely to Stalk" Award this week. Congratulations Matthew, you are an asset to your country.
Saturday 7 July saw the clan bundle into the car and head off to Bristol to John and Avanti's place, in honour of John's birthday. It was a great BBQ (yes, another one...I've had more BBQ's here than I have in the last 10 years in Oz) and at long last, the sun shone through. There was a massive spread of food, and of course copious leftovers. The Aussies chased the sun all day, ending up huddling in the corner of the garden for the last of the glorious rays.
Sunday 8 July we all headed off to Bath, a beautiful city. I went on a tour of the Roman Baths (obligatory) and tasted the water (revolting). This was followed by lunch in the impressive park (£1 entry fee), which is privately owned by the houses opposite. I left Eilidh and the clan to chase/feed the pigeons while I went on a bus tour of the city, another interesting and enjoyable experience.
After Bath we moved on to Lacock (near Chippenham, Wiltshire). Obviously there was a lot of sniggering involved in that trip. The village of Lacock dates back a bit. The George Inn (the local pub) dates back to 1361. In the olden days the grand open fireplace had a dogwheel which turned a spit using a specially bred dog called a Turnspit. We took advantage of the sun by having a few drinks in the beer garden. I sampled some local wines - Sloe, Elderberry, Orange, and Ginger. Very interesting! We headed back home, but after all that sampling of the local liquid wares, a toilet break was declared. In Maidenhead, we stopped off at the local Chinese restaurant - Chef Peking. We didn't get to ask the chef if indeed he was peaking, but it was a lovely dinner in any case. All up, the return trip took over 5 hours due to the infamous London traffic.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Still alive and kicking...
Apologies for the delay in posting, I don't have too much to report, but due to the concern about whether or not I have been bombed, I feel compelled to give an update. I'm quite tired from consecutive late nights, so I'm not at my best...but here's a little something to keep you going until next I am overcome by my literary genius.
I forgot to mention on my earlier posts that it was Summer Solstice celebrations Friday a week ago. On good advice, I (being as I am a fair maiden) collected 7 different wildflowers to put under my pillow in order to dream of my future man. Just to be sure, I collected a good dozen flowers (just in case some of them weren't wild) and dutifully popped them under my pillow. Sure, some were a little worse for wear because I had collected them during the afternoon at the park next door, but I'm sure their powers were still sufficient. In any case, I dreamt of no one at all that night. Most disappointing.
Friday night just gone, I met up with Lex and Cels (who needs to be congratulated for coming out on her first day in the country and managing to stay out until midnight) for birthday drinks for Stu. We were at Waxy O'Connors, a pub which has a tree in the middle of it, and church accessories all over the place, including a pulpit you can stand in. Due to the bomb incident earlier in the day, I had my bags searched by the big man on the door. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known that anything had happened. It was a good night, and Cels and I managed to make it to the tube station before the last tube. I also made the last DLR (hooray for me, otherwise it would have been an adventure trying to find out if there was a bus at that hour of the night somewhere).
I have to clarify the anti-social quality of the English on public transport. On the tube, no one speaks to anyone. It is deadly quiet. However, on the DLR (Docklands Light Rail), it seems that it's open slather for friendly people. The number of people that have struck up a conversation with me in the last two weeks is insane! I'm pretty sure none of them have been a bomber either, so I'm feeling pretty secure.
Today I think was the best day so far. I found a good coffee close to work which is also reasonably priced. Good start to the day. On arrival at work, I heard the best four words ever, "Sandra isn't in today". Oh, what cause for celebration. This is the woman from work I find most vexing. It was a lovely quiet day and I was given some more jobs to stop me looking at the clock from 10 am onwards.
I got a call back about my interview yesterday. They were really pleased with me, but want someone that can work for longer than 12 months, so I have been earmarked for a maternity relief position. I'll go in for the second interview in the next week or so. I might even get a little holiday between jobs. Excellent news.
Ok, I am sufficiently exhausted, so I'll have to save the rest for next time. Looking forward to the weekend - off to Bristol and Bath with S&K and co. A trip to the country at last!
I forgot to mention on my earlier posts that it was Summer Solstice celebrations Friday a week ago. On good advice, I (being as I am a fair maiden) collected 7 different wildflowers to put under my pillow in order to dream of my future man. Just to be sure, I collected a good dozen flowers (just in case some of them weren't wild) and dutifully popped them under my pillow. Sure, some were a little worse for wear because I had collected them during the afternoon at the park next door, but I'm sure their powers were still sufficient. In any case, I dreamt of no one at all that night. Most disappointing.
Friday night just gone, I met up with Lex and Cels (who needs to be congratulated for coming out on her first day in the country and managing to stay out until midnight) for birthday drinks for Stu. We were at Waxy O'Connors, a pub which has a tree in the middle of it, and church accessories all over the place, including a pulpit you can stand in. Due to the bomb incident earlier in the day, I had my bags searched by the big man on the door. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known that anything had happened. It was a good night, and Cels and I managed to make it to the tube station before the last tube. I also made the last DLR (hooray for me, otherwise it would have been an adventure trying to find out if there was a bus at that hour of the night somewhere).
I have to clarify the anti-social quality of the English on public transport. On the tube, no one speaks to anyone. It is deadly quiet. However, on the DLR (Docklands Light Rail), it seems that it's open slather for friendly people. The number of people that have struck up a conversation with me in the last two weeks is insane! I'm pretty sure none of them have been a bomber either, so I'm feeling pretty secure.
Today I think was the best day so far. I found a good coffee close to work which is also reasonably priced. Good start to the day. On arrival at work, I heard the best four words ever, "Sandra isn't in today". Oh, what cause for celebration. This is the woman from work I find most vexing. It was a lovely quiet day and I was given some more jobs to stop me looking at the clock from 10 am onwards.
I got a call back about my interview yesterday. They were really pleased with me, but want someone that can work for longer than 12 months, so I have been earmarked for a maternity relief position. I'll go in for the second interview in the next week or so. I might even get a little holiday between jobs. Excellent news.
Ok, I am sufficiently exhausted, so I'll have to save the rest for next time. Looking forward to the weekend - off to Bristol and Bath with S&K and co. A trip to the country at last!
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