Sunday, July 13, 2008

Not for a while mum...I'm OK

Spoked to my family this morning and I tend to get the same questions all the time...'when are you coming back?'...umm..not for a while mum...áre you ok'?', 'Yes mum', 'have you been making your food at home?', Ýes mum'. 'hows work?'', ''Good mum'', "you take care of yourself ok", "Yes, mum', - these are the sorts of questions my family asked everytime I talk to them - it's like our phone conversation is taped each time, but nontheless it's always good to hear their voices, especially my grandma as she tends to yell on the phone when she's talking (ma, even though I'm on the other side, no need to yell I can hear ya!)

On a different note, a friend sent me an email and said that she was worried about me because I hadn't posted in my blog for a few days. I realize that I posted something a few weeks ago. Firstly, I don't really think my life is interesting enough that people want to read a blog entry every day and a half (for those who find my blog enthralling...just kiddin). Secondly, I don't want people to become "overwhelmed" by the amount of stuff I am posting. Finally, because I don't want to set any expectations that anyone should expect that kind of frequency in the future as some of you know, I tend to be lazy..hehe. Anyway, a quick blog entry to say that I am fine. I've been busy, but just not in a way that's interesting in a blog entry.

Hope everyone is doing well and that I'm all OK....

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Missing Home...

Landing in London two and a half months ago (doesn't seem like it!) I'm beginning to miss the comfort of home. Sure, I miss my family and friends, but it's the 'little' things that I'm starting to miss. So as this title suggest, this entry is dedicated to what I miss back at home.. **violin playing in the background**

- I miss my mum's home cooking (you can stop smiling mum!)

- I miss not needing to clean the bathroom everytime after having a shower. Living with flatmates, you gotta remove your hair from the bathroom, wipe it clean after use, yadda yadda yadda...(ok, Peou you can stop nodding your head and laughing!)

- I miss DRIVING!!. Catching the tube every morning to work is starting to get on my nerves, especially how my train line is extending their rail tracks until next year! and do you know what that means?! Overcrowding, which means sweaty armpits, body odour, being squashed, smacked....I had a lady stand at the back of me and her bottom and my bottom were almost rubbing together everytime the train moved!! I'm glad that it wasn't a guy (a cute one maybe!) wink wink!!

- I miss just coming home from work and the food is ready. It's difficult deciding what to make, especially how you don't know how to cook besides noodles and stir fry and to top it of gained 3kgs! they call it the ''Heathrow Injection" - I'll explain later..

- I miss actually talking to people on the phone. Hard to believe, but 3 weeks since starting my new job I haven't once picked up the phone to take or make a call! I've been mostly working on spreadsheets and my excel skills are developing! I didn't know that you can split two worksheets and see them both on the one screen! learn something new everyday!!

- I miss my collection of DVD's - especially The Golden Girls, hey it's a classic!

- I miss my room, pillow, bed - it's just a whole lot bigger and rommier...is that a word?

- I miss twisties, cheese and bacon balls, pearl tea (they don't have it here!) actually there's one in Chinatown, but it's not very good. Where's Ezyway when you need one! (Ves, send me some chips!)

- Strange as it may sound, but I miss Sydney's water..yeh, yeh, laugh all you want, but the water here is funny...no wonder my hair has been falling out more than usual these days....and noo..it isn't my shampoo and there's no stress...hmmm...no wonder it annoys me that I gotta remove my hair strands each time I see it on the bathroom floor.. and i'm not going bald okies!?! I've got enough hair on my head thank you!

- I miss laos food. Paw paw salad, ox tongue, raw beef salad (my mouth is watering just thinking about it!) **good old times yeh Lane**

- I miss not being able to dry my clothes outside - my landlord didn't get a tumble dryer as she has heard stories of them blowing up..! so gotta dry my clothes inside the room..it isn't too bad, just as long as you open the window and wash your clothes in HOT water so they dry faster...

- I miss seeing my cousins Darren and Julie arguing for no reason...

- I miss random shopping with my bro.. (Ves, you can stop spewing now!)

- and lastly, I just miss my family, the sarcastic humour and everyday laughs...

However, having said that I'm not ready to leave just yet, I'm just getting started...

Until next time...over and out!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Circle of Life


Hey guys,

Sorry for being lazy updating my blogs these days - just wanted to share with you all what I've been up to the last few days. Last Friday, Sotha, Irene and I went to see the Lion King and must I say it was just fabulous! The costumes, dancers, lights, mucic - just spectular!! though I must admit the 'older' version of Simba didn't suit him. He shrieked when he sanged and roared funny; it just didn't sound right...hmmm..nonethess, the theatre was packed and it was just, just FANTASTIC!

Unfortuntely, we were not allowed to take photos inside, but I managed to catch a few pics at the end of the show..hehe. Next fortnight, we're seeing In the hood, comprising of hip hop dance, breakdance, rnb, basically street dance - looking forward to it!


The weather in London has been good to us the last few days, so oday, we headed of to Camden Market for some Vintage shopping. Camden market was absoutely packed! there were heaps of food all from different countries and the donuts...my my!! they had so many different varieties...the coconut and chocolate topping was devine...I had two!! Greedy ain't i? lol
It was a great day of strolling, trying some of the dishes from Jamica, Africa and Morrocco...yummo!!!

Overall, it was a great day of exploring and tasting!!

























Saturday, June 21, 2008

Fuckball Gordan Ramsey in Sydney!!

Excuse my language people, but I'm gutted - was hoping to 'bump' into him at some stage in London, but having read the Australian news, he's in Sydney promoting his new cook book!!
Fuckball!!

You're probably wondering what the heck is 'Fuckball'? I heard one of my work colleague said it quite loudly amid her frustrations when her computer crashed a few minutes before a deadline and it has been catchy ever since - saying it to yourself of course!!

So, if anytime you're feeling shitty, cheesed/pissed up - say ''Fuckball'', it's less ruder than saying 'F@%&* I think...??

Ok ok, I admit, I'm a fan of him - there is just 'something' about him don't you think?? He tells it as it is and he has senstitive side to him - kinda like Simon Cowell who I also find appealing..

Unfortuntely for the last 6 weeks since I've been in London, I have yet to spot a celebrity - though I did see a few people who looked quite similar to Victoria Beckham...hmmm

Last week, the HR team gathered for drinks as part of the social committee launch - it was a fun night with endless supplies of alchol and finger foods - the garlic bread that we had was devine...!
We all had a good time and had some very intersting stories to tell the following day.....

Alrighty, I'm gonna get ready for bed...until next time chao!!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Random Pics in Switzerland!!

Notice how each time I blog, I always put an exclamation mark at the end of the title?? I tend to get excited that's all :-) Switzerland was absoutely stunning!!



























The hotel we stayed was previously a prison cell - it was rather fun but alittle creepy!




Wendy and I with a Roman
'statue' - it was quite hot and I
can feel the sweat dripping on my face
as he went in for the lean! eeekk!



























Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there and especially my pa on this day!!

Love you heaps!!

Well guys, last week I started my new job - well, actually it's only been 2 days and it isn't too bad actually. The people are real friendly and the office is very open and spacious! likes look the next few months are going to go rather smoothly - I hope! so yeh, I'm enjoying it there at the moment. Security is very strict though - you need to show your security pass each time you enter the lift and if you forget it you are not allowed in until someone comes and gets you from downstairs and you need to get a 'guest' pass from reception - that's when you are allowed to enter the building along with your escort (who happens to be your work colleague!).

My pass will arrive in the next 5 days (not sure why it takes so long!) - I got my photo taken on Friday and the next few days I will need to call my 'work buddy' to get me as I don't have a pass. Tough but that's the rules...

Next week a couple of us are going to watch the Lion King! Yay..!! When the production was in Sydney, didn't get the chance to watch it, so I'm definately gonna see it..should be awesome..!! It's one of my favorite Disney cartoon..!!

Sotha and I booked our flights and accommodation to the Edingburgh Fringe Festival for the August long weekend. It's basically a festival held for the next 3 weeks with live music, comedy, outdoor shows etc, so I'm really looking forward to it! Lucky we booked quite early, as the festival tends to get booked out quite fast!!

Gosh, I've been in London for about 5 weeks now and it seems I've been here for ages!!

Until next time....over and out!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

New Beginnings..!!

Yay, tomorrow I start my new job in London!

I'll be working as a HR Resourcer - Team Assistant for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). I'm looking forward to it! Now, gotta do some clothes shopping as I have no work wear to wear lol!

I currently live in Beckton (Zone 3) and the building is suited in Liverpool Street (Zone 2) (yep! that's the name of the station!) so all in all it will take me roughly 20 mins to and fro..it's a 3-6 months contract with growing potential also (bonus!)

So how did I get this job? I looked at a cool webiste, http://www.gumtree.com/ for HR jobs in London and registered with Joslin Rowe - they cater for banking and financial companies. After registering with them, they contacted me for an interview and went from there, so yeh, I'm pretty stoked!

Some handy hints/tips that you may find useful:

- As soon as you land in London, contact JobCentre Plus to arrange for a NI number (tax purposes). Just remember that you need to bring your passport, a letter from your friend or landlord stating the address that you are living or otherwise a letter from your bank showing your address, ( I showed a letter from HSBC when I registered with them) proof that you are looking for work - this could be an email from an agency confirming your scheduled appointment etc or an employment contract if you have found work.
After 3-4 weeks it will be sent to you via mail....easy!!

- I recommend you go through 1st contact to organise bank account etc. I haven't had any problems and the information that they provide at the orientation is very useful. You will need to pay a fee (I paid $75). It's worth it, trust me!

- When looking for a place to live, make sure you write a series of questions to ask the landlord, ie how many people will I be sharing?, what's their sex? does the bill include everything? water, electricity, council tax, etc, how long is the contract for? and when you see the apartment, ask whether you have your own cupboard to store your food or is this shared, check the water pressure in the shower and whether hot water is 24/7, ask about your flatmates - are they working professionals or students. Be sure to check the location and the security also. Is it close to shops and public transport. If you are happy with the place, they would normally ask for 1 month's bond and 1 month's rent upfront.

-If you wanna save when buying groceries, head to Ardas (like Franklins), they are the cheapest food chain in London

That's it so far...I'll let you guys know how my first day goes tomorrow...!

Wish me luck!

p/s - If you want to know more about the contiki trip or have any questions, just email me..

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Contiki - 12 Days 8 Countries ''European Discovery"

Ok guys, I don't even know where to start describing my Contiki trip, but I'll just say that it was AWESOME!. There were 49 people on our tour, mostly Canadians, Americans, 2 New Zealanders, 5 Australians, 1 Japanese and 1 South African - it was just fantastic and I had a blast!

With our Tour Manager JB and our driver Damien, we were all ready and pumped experiencing the sights and culture in Europe..

Can you find me?? This was taken in beautiful Rome.











Alrighty, firstly our itinearary begins in Amsterdam. After almost 4 hours on the coach (yes, it's a long bus ride!) we finally arrived! We checked into our hotel and went on a canel cruise to see the city in more detail...pics below!

It's such a beautiful country and the majority of people rode their bikes...gotta be careful as I almost got 'run over' by a bike!!











The following morning we headed off to Munich - this has got to be my most favourite city and will definately come back to experience the city in more detail!















My New Place!

As mentioned in the earlier post, I moved into my new apartment today..
Check out the pics! As you can see, I jumped on the bed straightaway, what a comfy mattress!!

Anywho, the internet connection here is reasonably quick so I'll update my Contiki trip later..


Saturday, June 7, 2008

A Place To Call Home...& some random thoughts..

Hey guys,
The internet connection at the moment is quite slow so unfortuntely, I am unable to post Contiki photos, but don't worry they will be posted in due course..

On a different note, I have found a place to call home! Horrary!!

Tomorrow, I'll be moving out of my friends apartment and living in Beckton (Zone 3) - actually I wouldn't be moving very far as it is only 10 mins walk from where she lives!

I'll be sharing with one girl and a guy who are all professionals - I didn't get the chance to meet the guy but the girl who showed me around seems down to earth and friendly so I'm sure we'll get along just faboulously (is that how you spell it?)

My room is quite big and cosy with a BIG wardrobe - more reason to buy more clothes!! lol

The weather in London has been nice and sunny for the past few days - I got the chance to wore my shorts and thongs - feels like I'm back in Oz!

Oh, does anyone know how to post comments when you upload a photo? If you do, be sure to let me know as I have no idea - me and technology do not mix!

Anyways, here are some of my thoughts/tips on London so far....

- If you're a shopoholic definately check out Primark down on Oxford Street. It's a shopping haven, everything a gal could ever need; shoes, bags, swimwear, sleepwear, work wear, bra, undies etc and the best thing is not at all expensive...I'm loving the store and will be heading back soon!! I bought a cool summery dress for only 8 pounds..bargain!. Couldn't be bothered trying it on as the fitting room line was sooo long that some girls changed in the corner..not good for the prying eyes (saw a guy kept on looking at this girl who was getting changed..freak!)

- Always bring an umbrella with you at ALL TIMES!! one minute it's nice and sunny and the next it's pouring!!

- Try Millie's Cookies - they are absoutely devine. I'm addicted to them!! I'm not a biscuit/cookie fan, but after trying these cookies, you'll be an addict for sure!! the peacon and toffee one...yummo!!! think Subway cookies but more softer and tastier...!!

That's all I can think up with.....

Check out some pics and an update on my new place later....

p/s. If you know how to post comments when adding photos can someone please let me know..

Cheers

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Back in London!

Hey guys,
I'm now back in London! After seeing 8 countries in 12 days, it's good to be back 'home'.
In the next few minutes, I will be checking out of the hotel and staying with a friend for the next few days until I find my own place. As today is Sunday, there shouldn't be too many people at the tube station which is good as the handle on my suitcase broke and I've got a few bags with me (yes, did some shopping!!) so hopefully I'll manage my load in one piece..hehe

Anyways, gotta go and get ready..

Friday, May 30, 2008

Bonjour!!!

Howdy guys!!
Gosh its been a while since my last post and for those who have been reading my blog and sending me emails that they enjoy reading it - thank you. You guys motivate me to keep my blog up to date even though I havent had the chance to. To much time having fun!!!

Well; today is our last day before we head back to London.

We are now in the most beautiful city in the world (besides Sydney of course) PARIS!!!! This is my second favourite city. The keyboard that I'm using is slightly difficult to type which is qnnoying as i'm typing one word at a time - you will probqbly notice spelling mistqkes so bear with ne:

When i get bqck to London i will post some pictures up - not suree how to upload it since i;m using the internet cafe - i don;t think you cqn.

Sorry; yet again; this is a quick post as we are heading of soon!!

Hope everyone is feeling the love and be sure to check the blog regulgqry.

Chao!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Loving Germany!!

Hey guys,
I have finally had the chance to update the blog, it's been pretty hectic - the tour is fast paced and we seem to be always moving.

I'm using the internet cafe at the moment and the keyboard is slightly different so bare with me as i'm typing each word one by one..

We are now in Germany, just finished seeing some of the 'highlights' in Amsterdam.

I'm loving Germany - it's such a beautiful country with majestic castles and ancient buildings - we are only here for one day but I would definately come back and do some more sight seeings and experience on what the country has to offer.

The weather so far has been really good also!!!

Guys, this is gonna be a short post so I'll try to update the blog when we head to Munich tomorrow...!!

Cheers

Sunday, May 18, 2008

London - Day 6

Hey guys, it's almost been a week now and I have mastered catching the tube - okie, as some of you may know I am pretty hopeless with directions but the tube isn't all that difficult - I feel like a Londoner now..lol. Oh, let me tell you a funny story that happened today, as I was strolling along Covent Garden (good shopping area!) a Japanese/Korean tourist asked me for directions...could you believe it?!! me? directions? Anyways, I pretended to be a local, looked at her map and faked a British accent..to which she actually believed me!!! funny shit!! she thanked me and I couldn't wipe the smirk on my face after that..!! Come to think of it...I don't think I gave her the right direction...

Next week is my Contiki trip and I'm soo looking forward to it!! I'll try to update my blog when I get the chance so stay tuned!!

Over and out

Friday, May 16, 2008

London - Day 4

It's 8:12am to be exact and I'm just starting to pack up and get ready to move to another hostel which isn't far from where I'm at - Holborn.

Yesterday, the hot water system broke which drove everyone nuts!!

It's sooo nice to have a long and relaxing hot shower this morning...I think I was in there for at least half an hour lol!

Okies, just to pass the time, I thought I'll share with you guys my random thoughts/tips on London so far:

- If you're bringing your mobile phone from home, make sure that it is 'unlocked'. Contact your service provider before you leave home and you may need to pay a fee. I bought a UK Sim Card and it would not register as the phone is locked. If you haven't done this, you can always ask the mobile shop and they will charge you a fee of about 10 pounds (that's what I've been told!)

- I'm glad that I bought nasal spray. The pollution in London is pretty bad combined with the cool weather. Not very pleasant for an allergy sufferer like myself.

- Organise your UK bank account with 1st Contact. You can do this when you arrive or before. I suggest that you do it before as it makes the process alot easier. I did it yesterday through HSBC and it was easy to set up - it will be ready for collection in the next 10 days, after my Contiki tour.

- Ladies, if you have frizzy, ruthless hair, I suggest you bring your GHD/hair straightner/hair dryer. I was going to bring mine, but for some reason, took it out the last minute...darn!

- I'm glad that I bought a small plastic container to make my 2 min noodles etc - who knows how many people have used the bowls/plates at the hostel!!

- I'm glad that I booked a single dorm room - ladies - if you're travelling solo I suggest you book this in advance

- I'm glad that I bought a shower cap - trust me, it was very handy

- I'm glad that I did alot of walking rather than catching a tube from one station to another - you see a whole lot more of London than you realise - so make sure you bring comfy walking shoes!

- Be a tourist while you have a chance as when you start working you may not have the time to do just that!!

- I'm glad that I came with no expectations!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

London - Day 2

The weather in London so far has been really good. Clear blue sky and sunshine!!. Today I ventured out to see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and National Gallery just to name a few...

It's been a great day with lots of sightseeing and roaming aimlessly at the historic buildings and beautiful scenery...London is always buzzing with excitement and things to do!

I'm enjoying it here and living it up!!

Check out some random pics below:

I must say, my photography skills ain't that bad! lol

Tomorrow, I have an orientation session with 1st Contact to organise my bank account with HSBC and some useful tips to make my stay in London alittle easier...

I think I'll check out a play tomorrow night also..hmm..