The pieces are coming together

Just like a jigsaw puzzle, my life here in London is slowly coming together. In the short time I've been here I have moved into my new home, sold my car, opened a bank account and am getting regular work and earning those pounds. I am on my way to becoming a London-er.

It feels weird to think of what my life back home in Australia was like. One of the obvious things is the weather. I have left a place of shorts, thongs and singlets to a place where layers are required on a daily basis. The only time I wear shorts and T-Shirts are indoors where the house is centrally heated 24/7. Still, I have always been a winter person, and I think this climate suits me.

Another thing I like about London is how central it is. In a few short hours you can be in Spain, Paris, Rome and so many more places. I am going to make the most of my time here and will try to see as much as I can. So far, I have booked a trip to Geneva, Dublin and a big European trip during July and August. Egypt and Turkey are at the back of my mind. London also has a history that is still beyond my imagination. Every corner you take, every building you see, has such a history to it and you can't but be amazed by it. I can just see myself in Big Ben on a weekly basis with a cappuccino in my hand. London also has a fantastic transport system and really there is no need for me to have a car here.

Life here in London is truly amazing. I can say without a doubt that this is the best thing I have done in my life.

The Ten Commandments (of London)

I know I have been only here for less than 24 hours, but I have observed some things in my short stay:

1. Thou shall always remember a scarf, beanie and gloves on thou travels.
2. Thou shall still find it funny and try hard not to laugh when someone slips over on ice.
3. Thou shall think it is funny when told to "Mind the gap" before boarding or exiting the tube.
4. Thou shall live the life of a rat when travelling from station to station underground. It is amazing how people know where to go.
5. Thou shall ALWAYS find Australians no matter where thou is.
6. Thou shall enjoy a pint or two every night.
7. Thou shall try to stay up as late as possible in a different time zone as to not wake up in the wee early hours of the morning.
8. Thou shall learn to appreciate skype when chatting to loved ones back home. It is so cheap.
9. Thou shall always find it amazing that so many people have travelled around London and have a great stories to share.
10. Thou shall always take a tube map and the A to Z Street Directory when taking a tour of London.

G'Day from London!

Eskimo Anthony

I just had to be a tourist during this point in time.

Hi one and all. Currently it's 3am local time and I say jet leg has well and truly set in! I fell asleep early last night and am now wide awake! I have decided to make my way down to the lounge in my hostel (http://www.palmerslodge.co.uk), hop on my new netbook (which has turned out to be a great investment) and do the usual social things like check my Facebook and skype to some familymembers back home.

I arrived here yesterday morning around 7. Our plane could not go all the way in as the snow meant the run way was slippery and we had to be towed in. After what seemed like an eternity we were allowed off the plane and made our way to Customs. Now, if you think you have seen a crowd at the airport back in Sydney, you ain't seen nothin' yet my friend! The traffic came to a halt at Customs and the same announcement repeated itself several times and was starting to get on my nerves. Nevertheless, I got through and caught the shuttle bus to the hostel. Paul,the nice bus driver, gave me a great audio commentary along the way.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the places nearby and trying to balance myself on the slippery ice. Australian clothes don't really stand much of a chance here I think. I also went with Mial (pronounced Me-al with a french accent) to look at the possibilities of finding a place to rent. What you pay for here and what you get are two different things! Public transport here is amazing and puts Sydney to shame.

The night ended with dinner here and two pints which funnily enough went straight to my head.


Going to head off to the shops sometime today (Thursday) and find a good pair of shoes and a nice, long jacket. I will also see the teaching agencies and finalise my paperwork that will allow me to work here. The sooner I start earning the pounds the better!

Now back to this hostel. I must say the room I am sitting in is amazing. It is not only filled with history and charm, but with people from all around the world. I sometimes forget and approach someone, speak to them in English, only to realise that they don't understand. What we lack in language, we gain in understanding. Understanding that all this travelling is a path to self growth and exploration. My room mates so far have been quite nice and as expected they are from all around the world. You have one from France, one from Germany and one from Boston. Okay Okay I guess I should mention the one from Melbourne too. He just doesn't have interesting stories like the other guys do lol

Well, it's time for me to say good night (or morning) and try to get some more sleep. I haven't put a lot of photos on here as it's easy via Facebook.

Cheerio!