Sunday, April 20, 2008

Attention!

Notten Kaas documented my Dutch adventures; now that we are across the ditch, a new chapter requires a new blog. Walking Through Leicester Square. My dear sister Kath will love to know that the name reminds me of one of my favourite Red Hot Chili Pepper songs, Emit Remmus*:

I'll take you to the movies there
We could walk through Leicester Square

Hope to see you there.

*(Geddit?)

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

It's All Good

Apologies for the lack of updates; everything is great, I just haven't felt like writing lately. Or taking photos. I'll get my blogging mojo back soon.

Loving London. Lots to do. The high street is disappointing. But Primark jeans are only £8. I still don't know how to put the pound sign in. We move to Hammersmith in 1.5 weeks. Pub food is cheap and delicious. The sun is out.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

London Is Definitely Calling

Firstly, the ferry from Holland was almost like being on the Fairstar, great services, decent food, even wifi...who would think of you could access internet (ie watch The Hills) on the high seas? Arrive, dragging our luggage to the hotel, near the British Museum. A small but lovely room with kitchen. Perfect.

We had the most wonderful first day in London. So warm, blue sunny skies, time to dust off those tshirts. First meal: Pret. Because I love Pret so much and it is still a novelty. We attended a 1st Contact meeting which I thought would be cheesy but was surprisingly good and allowed us to easily set up a bank account which is apparently not that easy for newcomers. Did a few more setting up things - new phone number, registering for the NIN (tax file number). We pottered around Goodge St, near where we are staying - Lola, spotted Ping Pong dim sum - hello, dim sum and cocktails? Is that not the most bestest thing ever? Also browsing through a vintage store, found a stunning pair of brand new Celine heels, in a blue velvet that changes from peacock to navy in the light, 4 inches. I slipped into them like a pair of slippers. Months of wearing flats and boots have worn my feet out, my arches are aching for heels. 65 pounds. Isn't that ridiculous. Brand new. Where is the pound symbol? Oh, there is it. £. Am I really going to have to start saying trousers instead of pants? Oh, pants. I think that might be the name of the new blog.

We had our first sushi in 4 months, delicious, and Susan, like you I went a bit weak at the knees at M&S Food, it really was like a wonderland. Just wait till I get to Whole Foods and revisit the markets.

Yesterday, we spent the day house hunting and hopefully have found our own place. More if/when it happens. In the evening, we went down to Greenwich and had fish and chips at the pub. The days are long, the weather is *touch wood* so delightful and we can't stop smiling.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

And They're Off

Thank goodness, I got my visa today! Hassle-free, for a change. Yippee!

We spent our last day walking around Amsterdam in the rain, stopping for lunch at the Esprit Cafe in Spui (which would never work in Sydney but is quite chic and bustling here and serves very nice sandwiches). More packing, and now we are just about ready.

Tomorrow, we take the ferry to London (excess luggage and all), and will spend the first two weeks in an apartment studio near the British Museum. There will be lots of running around, organising everything and job and flat hunting, but I will try and update as much as I can.

Like Gainsbourg et son Gainsborough, je pris le ferry boat, pour rejoindre La Tamise et Chelsea...

I am really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to jumping right into London life, grabbing this opportunity with both hands.