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!!

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!!

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!

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..

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..

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

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..