We have been in London for nearly 8 weeks, survived the riots and are more settled in now. (Actually we didn't see any rioting at all. The closest we got was seeing some dodgy looking people on the train...) To great relief we have found work... albeit only temporary positions. Joe's working at a games company in Cambridge which requires four hours of commuting each day. I've found some contract work in Hoxton, an "edgy" (dodgy) part of London - It's a bit like the Valley in Brisbane, but with lots of public housing. All in all, it's a relief to start working again - although a painful step to take after months of holidaying.
We've also been buying lots of stuff. Bought a folding bike to add more fun and exercise to Joe's daily commute; pot plants, a big teapot, and this smoothie-blender-in-a-cup to better enjoy the abundance of cheap raspberries and blackberries here.
We made a few day-trips with friends to nearby towns...We went to Brighton - the quintessential English seaside on a beautiful cloudless day. There were throngs of tourists even though it was a weekday. We had fish and chips with mushy peas, which tasted like red beans, and spent hours lounging in colourful deckchairs that line the beach and pier.
Free deckchairs (to borrow)! Very relaxing on the pier.
The beach was not quite the Gold Coast, but still nice.
As expected, many beautiful posh colleges with pristine lawns you're not allowed to step on.
This cool mechanical thing has a cricket 'running' on the round bits.. i think it's suppose to tells you the time...
We went punting, which is a flat boat where you steer and move the boat by pushing a long pole against the river bed. It was fun, although the small river was pretty packed with boats.
Here's Joe the gondalier.
It's a most picturesque town.
Food highlight - I finally experienced an English high tea as part of a friend's Hen's-do. The traditional high tea consisted of delicate crustless sandwiches, cupcakes, tarts, elairs, and my favourite - scones with jam and clotted cream. Clotted cream is this immensely thickened cream that spreads like butter. It was absolutely delicious and much better on scones than normal/whipped cream. Unfortunately I had a bit too much of the good stuff for my lactose-sensitive stomach.... gotta remember next time to enjoy in moderation!
We haven't really done many touristy things in London.I would have liked to have seen lots of West End musicals, but wasn't in the mood pre-working (spending money feels more painful when unemployed) , and don't have time once-working. We did see one play - "Journey's End", set in the trenches of WW1. It was a bit too serious and boring for my liking... basically men chit-chating for three hours and then they all die in a end raid. Heavy stuff. I think next time I'll see "Mamma Mia" or some frivolous musical number.
Anyway, that's about it. We're still looking for a more permanent place to stay, and longer-term jobs. But looks like we'll be in London for a while longer...
