Its now October, I can't believe how time is flying. The weather has really turned, and its becoming chilly. But I love this weather, I'm excited to buy jackets and coats, and scarves and gloves and boots.
Plus my first Christmas in winter is coming up. Halloween is a lot more popular here, and then there's bonfire (Guy Fawkes day) night next month.
Unfortunately, I'm still not working. I have had a few interviews, but nothing has turned up. I'm not quite desperate, but bored. I also do need money to pay for the little adventures I want to do. I will be contacting all the agency people again this week. I'm not picky, a few weeks would be ok to get me started.
However, I have had plenty to fill my time with. I've been on a mission to find a coat to wear with dresses. I've been shopping a lot lately, mostly cause I always have a hard time finding things. So I figure the more I shop, the more likely I'm going to find things I like and that fit.
I've met some new people, been to a few brunches. I'm getting a few fave cafes/restaurants to add to my list.
Last week I took a day trip to Henley on Thames with my friend Ashleigh a fellow Aussie. It was a random little place, but very cute. We had a light lunch at the pub, and did high tea in the afternoon.
The other week I went to Greenwich. Which was lovely. So quaint and historical. I also did a day trip to Brighton a while ago too. I've seen a wooden replica of the City of London set on fire on the Thames. I've spent my days in the museums and galleries. I am starting to have favorite spots in the city. I love the whimsy of Covent Garden. There is magic in Kensington Gardens. I love walking past the tourist at Tower of London. I really enjoy the western end of Oxford street towards Bond St/Marble Arch.
I am becoming used to British ways. However, the following are weird.
"You alright?" - yes...this means 'how are you going?', but to me it sounds like I look like I need help! I start asking myself, AM I alright?! Anyways it stupid. I'll stick to "Hiya" as my greeting.
Pants - to most people these are things to wear on your legs, like jeans, trackies etc. Nope. To Brits this means underwear. So I am trying to make myself say jeans and trousers. But its a struggle.
Mail delivery on Saturdays - What's your problem Australia post?! We only ask you to deliver on weekdays. Suck it up. In the UK they deliver on a Saturday and don't seem to complain too much.
Sunday Trading Hours - I know this is a luxury of living in Melbourne, but I don't understand supermarkets only being open 6 hours. Shops I get, but supermarkets....but I do love the long hours the rest of the week for all stores. Hello Saturday night shopping...that I never do, but I like the option.
Till next time
-Carlie
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Hello London
Well its been almost 2 months since I left gloomy, wet, and wonderful Melbourne, and began my 2 year adventure to the other side of the world. I figured I better start writing something down about my time here so far.
I have kept notes on my tour which I will keep to myself...or maybe post in short form someday, so I will only mention it briefly.
My tour with Contiki on the European Impressions 18 day journey was amazing! I could not have asked for more. I was so impressed with everything, even (and especially) the places I wasn't invested in, like Munich.
I had the best time, with 48 other people, plus a great tour guide Jess (fellow Melbourne gal) and the super awesome bus driver Rocket. In those 18 days I visited 9 countries, and crossed crazy different climates.
Yes I got a cold on day 3, but I got through it, and went on each day as much as I could. But I had such fun, amazing experiences and broadened my horizons.
Top moments -
Staying in the Swiss Alps - the photos don't do it justice, and it was a dream come true.
Swimming in the waters of the French Riviera - I have never seen water like that. The rocks were painful yes, but the water was beautiful, everything felt peaceful, and despite the sunburn, it was a great day.
Parasailing in Nice - had no plans to do it, but went along with the other girls and thought..."why not?" So I did it...and it was so much fun, and a little scary...and again, painful getting out of the water, but it was a something new, and a lot of fun.
Bike Tour in Munich - our tour guide Jess had built it up so much, I thought I would hate it. But she was right. It was so much fun, and showed off the beautiful and weird gardens of Munich. The stop at the bier garden was fun, even with my coughing fit. Seeing the people surfing on the river and exploring the town in the evening were also highlights.
Flamenco Show in Barcelona - This optional dinner and show was worth every penny...or euro. The food was great, I ate so much calamari! The show was very impressive. What happened after though might be my fave thing of all.
The Flamenco Battle - The sangria was enjoyed by all, and the battle between Keegan and Adrian against 2 guys from another Contiki group was hilarious! And the two of them kept dancing during our free time in the town. It also included a fun random moment when I think I started group singalong of the Spice Girls' Wannabe with a few other girls...oh sangria I love you.
The tour ended on July 10, and it was a sad day. Saying goodbye to so many that were staying in Paris. There was a sad few on the bus back to London. We were all tired and tried (many succeeded) to sleep.
A few of us went to dinner that evening. The first time I had Indian food. And it was sad to say goodbye once it was over.
My hotel room was right on the courtyard, and I heard Jess giving instructions to her next tour at 6am the next morning. After 18 days, I was tuned to pay attention to her voice.
I spent the next few days in a bit of denial, and depression...after catching up on some much needed sleep. I had spent 18 days with someone telling me where to go and having meals and activities as well as transport provided. It was hard to adjust to being my own tour guide. I had to issues with the tube, but I missed the bus and my 48 friends. I got sick of takeway and eating out pretty quick. I spent my days in London's many museums and gardens. I got a bank account, and started actually 'living' here.
1 and a half months later, I find myself living in the South London suburb of Colliers Wood, in a share house with 4 other people. I have explored almost all the free things in this city, and discovered some interesting places. I have met so many new people, and hopefully will continue to with my connection to the Britbound group. I have also reconnected with an old friend from my Contiki last year, who inspired me to start this journey myself.
I have rewritten my resume (sorry CV) many times. I have applied to many recruitment agencies. For 2 seconds I had a job as a billings administrator. I met with a finance recruitment agency, in a crazy whirlwind experience they found me an interview straight away...literally, I was taken from their office in an uber to the interview! I started with a few hours as a tryout. This got extended to 3 days. After that time, I decided it was not for me. I was bored. I didn't love the environment. I stopped learning. I have saved for this journey for over a year. I decided it was not worth being miserable, when I wasn't desperate for the money. Yes I am still looking for work 2 weeks later, but I believe there is something better out there for me.
I just hope it turns up sooner rather than later. As I really want to start spending all my money on theatre tickets.
More to come
-Carlie
I have kept notes on my tour which I will keep to myself...or maybe post in short form someday, so I will only mention it briefly.
My tour with Contiki on the European Impressions 18 day journey was amazing! I could not have asked for more. I was so impressed with everything, even (and especially) the places I wasn't invested in, like Munich.
I had the best time, with 48 other people, plus a great tour guide Jess (fellow Melbourne gal) and the super awesome bus driver Rocket. In those 18 days I visited 9 countries, and crossed crazy different climates.
Yes I got a cold on day 3, but I got through it, and went on each day as much as I could. But I had such fun, amazing experiences and broadened my horizons.
Top moments -
Staying in the Swiss Alps - the photos don't do it justice, and it was a dream come true.
Swimming in the waters of the French Riviera - I have never seen water like that. The rocks were painful yes, but the water was beautiful, everything felt peaceful, and despite the sunburn, it was a great day.
Parasailing in Nice - had no plans to do it, but went along with the other girls and thought..."why not?" So I did it...and it was so much fun, and a little scary...and again, painful getting out of the water, but it was a something new, and a lot of fun.
Bike Tour in Munich - our tour guide Jess had built it up so much, I thought I would hate it. But she was right. It was so much fun, and showed off the beautiful and weird gardens of Munich. The stop at the bier garden was fun, even with my coughing fit. Seeing the people surfing on the river and exploring the town in the evening were also highlights.
Flamenco Show in Barcelona - This optional dinner and show was worth every penny...or euro. The food was great, I ate so much calamari! The show was very impressive. What happened after though might be my fave thing of all.
The Flamenco Battle - The sangria was enjoyed by all, and the battle between Keegan and Adrian against 2 guys from another Contiki group was hilarious! And the two of them kept dancing during our free time in the town. It also included a fun random moment when I think I started group singalong of the Spice Girls' Wannabe with a few other girls...oh sangria I love you.
The tour ended on July 10, and it was a sad day. Saying goodbye to so many that were staying in Paris. There was a sad few on the bus back to London. We were all tired and tried (many succeeded) to sleep.
A few of us went to dinner that evening. The first time I had Indian food. And it was sad to say goodbye once it was over.
My hotel room was right on the courtyard, and I heard Jess giving instructions to her next tour at 6am the next morning. After 18 days, I was tuned to pay attention to her voice.
I spent the next few days in a bit of denial, and depression...after catching up on some much needed sleep. I had spent 18 days with someone telling me where to go and having meals and activities as well as transport provided. It was hard to adjust to being my own tour guide. I had to issues with the tube, but I missed the bus and my 48 friends. I got sick of takeway and eating out pretty quick. I spent my days in London's many museums and gardens. I got a bank account, and started actually 'living' here.
1 and a half months later, I find myself living in the South London suburb of Colliers Wood, in a share house with 4 other people. I have explored almost all the free things in this city, and discovered some interesting places. I have met so many new people, and hopefully will continue to with my connection to the Britbound group. I have also reconnected with an old friend from my Contiki last year, who inspired me to start this journey myself.
I have rewritten my resume (sorry CV) many times. I have applied to many recruitment agencies. For 2 seconds I had a job as a billings administrator. I met with a finance recruitment agency, in a crazy whirlwind experience they found me an interview straight away...literally, I was taken from their office in an uber to the interview! I started with a few hours as a tryout. This got extended to 3 days. After that time, I decided it was not for me. I was bored. I didn't love the environment. I stopped learning. I have saved for this journey for over a year. I decided it was not worth being miserable, when I wasn't desperate for the money. Yes I am still looking for work 2 weeks later, but I believe there is something better out there for me.
I just hope it turns up sooner rather than later. As I really want to start spending all my money on theatre tickets.
More to come
-Carlie
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