Wow I'm doing super well at this now... 2 stories in not so many days (hmm we'll see how long it lasts).
So I've figured it out. My main problem with finding jobs and houses has to do with one very awesome friend, a long weekend, and the fact that it has been... wait for it... SUNNY IN LONDON ever since I arrived. I know, you're thinking how could this be. But no joke, it's true, which means it has been perfect weather for being outdoors. And the locals are telling me to make the most of it while it lasts in case it's the only summer that actually appears...
The friend in question is of course Ms Ariane... no further names in order to protect her mysterious identity, but she has spent the best part of the past three days (it's a long weekend here of course on my first unemployed weekend) taking me to a new common and feeding me drinks as apparently there are no rules against lying around drinking beers in parks here... you're no scum of society, you're just having fun...
So with that in mind the two of us have been exploring said commons and making the most of glorious sunshine. I was seriously too hot today... how is that even possible? I'm told that you are not a local until you have cried on a common, so luckily after yesterday I can now confirm that I am officially local. Check out the amazing backdrop I had for that experience though...
Ok, ok so I know I may be going on slightly about these commons but they are fabulous, trust me you should go...
But I have been exploring other less sun-filled sides of London too, promise. For instance I have just come home from the Bedford in Balham, a pub I'm told is renowned for its comedy and live music, and we weren't disappinted tonight. They had an acoustic session where the acts played only two songs in the first set and more in the second in order to keep the crowd in the room - I get it, and it works. Thom Byles had some impressive guitar work and Jon Kenzie had some really quality tunes, but it was their surprise first act, Sansa - from Finland, that blew us away. Think Bjork's breathy voice with an acoustic guitar. She was so good and I really can't rate her highly enough, I just wish we could have heard her play more than three songs. But importantly for me, the Bedford was probably the first place I've walked into here and just got it, it just feels like my sort of place - the music, the atmosphere, it's quality but not pretentious. So if you're looking for me in future it may be the place to find me...
And lastly, look I know I've already mentioned the squirrels, but tonight I saw THREE FOXES - THREE! Skulking around the streets of Balham, probably hoping there'd be no horse-back riders coming after them with horns and dogs anytime soon. Ok so it doesn't take much to impress me obviously, but since I had never seen a fox before except for in 90's childrens cartoons I may have been a little excited.
Ciao for now...
J
