London April - June 2008
UNITED KINGDOM | Wednesday, 7 May 2008 | Views [176] | Comments [2]
Arriving into Heathrow, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had been told on many occasions, 'you won't know what hit you when you land into Heathrow'. I am sure that finding the tube could have been a mission, but it was a quiet Sunday, the airport was empty. The only slightly unsettling thing was all the immigration officers staring at you as if you were guilty of drug trafficking or some other heinous crime.
Thankfully Andi was there ready to go and we hopped on the train. The initial impression coming from the west of London was how grey everything looked. This was probably more stark than usual, when in contrast to the bright yellow of Bahrain. However the sun popped through the clouds and the rest of the afternoon was spent along the side of the Thames, sharing a bottle of wine and a meal at a traditional ole' English pub. We even had to bend down to get under some the doorways.
The temperature was the first thing that I remember – after 35 degree days in Bahrain, 12 degrees in the rain was not welcome! Toby and I ventured into town the following day by double decker bus – this is how he gets to work and it is great to see so much of the city from up there. I sorted my banking and mobile, and spent the rest of the day wondering the main shopping streets of Regent and Oxford Street. So so many people, negotiating the footpaths and side streets was a constant battle!
Andi and Toby live in the west of London – Chiswick. It is a really lovely area, within 3 minutes walking distance from the main street, the tube and the bus stop. Their flat is lovely and cosy and their hospitality second to none. They have gone out of their way to make me feel at home and I would have been, and still would be truly lost without their help and company. The area is middle class, with a lot of young families. It has some lovely parks all around the area and is very green.
I had an interview with a law agency on my third day here, my first real test at negotiating the tubes. Of course I got too excited and got of a station too early, ending in a 20 minute walk to the office, in the rain, in my suit! The interview went well, but I could feel the beginnings of a flu. The tubes in the heart of central London are chocca in the mornings and actually quite unsettling when you think of the 7 July bombings. The damage that it did do, being so far underground with so many people is really awful.
Getting a flu, is quite possibly the worst thing when arriving. The weather didn't help, being grey and raining. When I passed the flu onto Andi I felt terrible!
It probably wasn't the best time to decide on my employment situation, but I started to notice how quickly you can go through the pound – living here is expensive and I wanted to have some money coming in. Law work would have meant temping, on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the job. It was first in, first served and work was not guaranteed. It would also have meant travelling, mostly by tube, to the office, which could have been across town and could potentially take hours. The other thing was a new wardrobe and my lack of enthusiasm for going back into an office.
So one look on gumtree and an email and I had an interview the next day with Liz. In the meantime, I spent a lovely day with my Auntie Trish in South Kensington. We walked through Kensington High street and found the most delicious chocolate cafe called Paul. Friday I ventured out to the Tower of London, tower bridge, The globe theatre, Tate Modern and St Pauls. It was a great way to see the city and meant lots of walking. The Tate is amazing and I will definitely be going back. The best thing is that all the museum's are free. Saturday after my interview with Liz, we headed into town wondered down past Downing St, past the Horse Guards and into St James' park for lunch. Buckingham palace was a slight let down, however massive it was. The flag was up so Lizzie was home. We the wondered through to Piccadilly Circus and down to NZ house. We happened upon a NZ shop selling all the good stuff like Burger rings and moros. Phew.
I moved into Liz and William's house on the Sunday and have been there ever since. It is about 10 minutes walk to Andi and Toby's. Liz works in the film industry, with the likes of Peter Jackson and has a contract until the end of June – working out perfectly for me. William is 9, loves football and is growing on me. We had his 9 year old birthday party last week, taking 8 9 year olds to the movies made for an interesting Friday night! Getting to be at home with an English family has been lovely. They are very kind and yesterday I spent the day with Liz's sister Sarah wondering through Kew Gardens. It was magic and in a city this size, such gardens would be necessary for one's sanity! Although wondering around, I kept thinking that I am so lucky, having grown up with this much space as my backyard and in that respect, Kew gardens and any gardens in the middle of a city pale in comparison to wonderful countryside of rural New Zealand and the landscape of Central Otago. I have been truly spoilt and will be hard to impress when it comes to the outdoors.
I have also had a chance to catch up with Brit – in Notting Hill over the weekend. I did happen to find the Portobello markets just after she left – so we will have to go back! It was neat to wonder through the cobbled streets, with side shops and stalls and every other person in London (we were shoulder to shoulder).
This week the plan is the London eye – given that the weather is so good. I have my days free when William is at school and have joined a gym, so will be kept busy by that and sightseeing. I am also taking French lessons, in preparation of the upcoming shift to Corsica in July. The weekends I will generally always have free too, so have planned a few trips away – to Surrey, Manchester and Southampton. This weekend may involve a ferry to Greenwich or a car trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.
The plan was always to come back to London after Corsica, however I am just not sure I am sold on London. The Middle East seems exotic and I loved it....maybe Dubai...maybe dreaming!! however watch this space.
Anyway keep the emails and comments coming. Check out the photos – some with me in them as requested! I am glad that the past two weeks are over – it can be a daunting task leaving a life and restarting again, especially when you leave your boyfriend behind!! I will write again soon with more photos once I have done some more sightseeing.
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