March is the 'in-deep' time for teachers in London. It's all heads down, bums up, mark-mark-mark so there isn't much happening in terms of social life. I did, however, save up to go and see a performance in the famous Shakespeare's Globe. It's an open top theatre where performers are basically doing their thing out in the elements. Although I wasn't complaining, almost typically, on the night of the performance, and for the two days before in fact, it snowed in London for the second time in six months. It was wet and cold and I loved it a little bit (or a lot depending on who you speak to). See our video (above) about how to appropriately move about in the London snow to save energy and make up time. Sadly, my working visa is coming to an end and I am joining the many hopeful Aussies returning home in the hopes of securing a sponsorship from my school. The application has not been passed so far and so my return ticket may have to become an open ticket with eyes on the future months.
Regardless, I wanted to say that my friends, travel buddies, co-workers and housemates have made my time in London memorable and I can never thank them enough! I have had so many adventures and experiences in London town that I never would have considered back home, some of which I never knew existed. My fingers are crossed that this is only see-you-soon and not goodbye for good. Love you all loads xxxx
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I finally made it into St Paul's Cathedral and without having to wait in a single line. Of course, that Meant I had to bring along thirty nine year olds but it was, eventually worth it.
I'm not sure how the UK school bodies still allow gaggles of children to roam the streets with minimal adult supervision but there you go. We had to catch two buses, a tube and then walk for ten minutes but we made it in the end. The volunteer guides in the cathedral were kind, engaging and spoke very well to the children. They even took them into a special, corded off section of the cathedral and got them to lie down and look at the tiled murals on the ceiling. It was excellent! We climbed up to the balcony section and looked down, some kids loved it, others stayed on the seats and everyone was generally happy. I had to do a pre-trip in January and so have added a few pics from the top, outside walkway of St Paul's. I fyou squint, you can see the London Eye in the foggy distance. If you can manage to avoid the line to get in, I would recommend it. Some unscrupulous few even go to the public services to avoid lines and paying for entry. Life choices, I guess. This is it, all the evidence we have of such a fabulous night! There was a huge bottle of champagne, sparkly dresses and much dancing had by all.
Thank you for breaking in the new year with me ladies, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hope you did too. Cheers to a good twelve months to come, many more drinks, lots of laughter and love to my London family and my family around the world. xxxx After an early morning doctors appointment one Saturday, I decided to stop off at Little Italy and jump on one of the famous canal boats that trawl the narrow waterways of London. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't for my feet to freeze. Anyway, it took about an hour to get to Camden via the zoo and plenty of other place I could only partially see- the boats were used to transport goods way back when so although there are seats now, they aren't at optimal viewing point. Still, it was a nice way to spend my Saturday.
I particularly enjoyed the phone call from Mel who, assuming I was upstairs in the house, called me from bed asking if I wanted to eat. To be able to tell her I was out on a canal and her response were both worth the early morning bus ride and cold feet :D A relaxing way to start a Saturday but probably not something I will be racing out to do again. Happy birthday young lady!
Thank you for always being there and just being yourself. Your humour and patience has gotten us through some long work days and you're definitely my kind of crazy. I hope you had a wonderful night out. xxxx I find it hard to believe that it is already November. I remember trekking around for fireworks in 2016 for Guy Fawkes night, and that the streets of London were exploding with noise and colour for weeks before and after- fireworks laws are much more lax in the UK than in Aus and it seems everyone wants to be part of the action, no matter how close to other houses! The time has come again for London's streets to light up and the noise isn't any less deafening than last year.
This month I spent a little less time travelling around and stayed close to home. Winter Wonderland has started up again- experienced via a tragic date involving bumper cars and a drunken teddy bear with more personality than my plus one :/ I experienced my first 4D screening- yes, I did get sprayed in the face with water and it is exceptionally hard to exit a moving cinema seat when you are about to pee yourself mid-movie. Even still, it was really good fun, would definitely recommend it and will hopefully get the chance to go again. I also got to go and see Le Miserables at the theatre. It made me cry as much this time as it did in year 11 when we went with school, I don't know why I thought it would be any different, tbh. In a bittersweet moment, we got to go eat upstairs at The Sherlock Holmes to say farewell to Miss Ruth, who, after two years is leaving us and heading home to Aus. Stupid visas! The theatre companies will miss you, but not as much as we will. Travel safe! xx Christmas is almost upon us and this year, there are big plans. HUGE! ;) Halloween is not a big deal in Aus, at least, I don't remember it being as a kid. It is beginning to develop momentum now but I can't say I've ever had or been to a Halloween part before.
Guess what?! Now I have! It was filled with food, sad dance moves and too much alcohol but it was sooo much fun! Although, technically, it was the weekend after Halloween, we had a houseful of fully committed Brits, Halloween veterans from Canada and a couple of nervously excited Australians. I had the best mac and cheese of my life and I believe there was some throwing of food throughout the night, though no one will admit to anything, least of all me. Happy Halloween to all and to all, a frightful night. ....that's right, isn't it?! I am one lucky girl.
Before she headed off on the long flight home, I got to go out with this lovely to one of the best, most fan-girly places in the world! WARNER BROS. HARRY POTTER WORLD According to a highly expensive brochure I didn't end up buying, most of the filming was done in the studios and we got to walk past, through and around particular HP scenes, including the brand new Forbidden Forest exhibition where they display some of the fake trees they actually used in filming- they are enormous We had ourselves a grand, geeky old time with selfies, butterbeer in two chilly forms and brilliant company. Have a safe flight girl! I am going to miss you more than you know- Melbourne is lucky to have you back! Much love xxxx I am often accused of being a Tourist with a capital T. It is truth and I am unashamed. Visiting the city never grows old, particularly on a beautiful sunny day!
It is only the 2nd time in my life I have spent my birthday month in the sun and though the rays aren't super strong, I am loving it! Thank you all who helped me celebrate. Much love. #touristlife #london #cityscapes #itsmybirthday #picturetime #becausewhynot
On a happier note, the sun has started to shine, though it is still a bit chilly. I have been doing my part for the economy and blowing off steam with girls night out and cocktails. There have been healthy, regular walks and Amanda and I met her future husband/puppy in a local cafe.
Mum and Dad are counting down to their holiday and, a few weeks after they start that, I get to meet up with them in Italy. I am just a little bit excited for that! I haven't been home or seen them since my visit in September. Homesick doesn't even start to describe it but I'm keeping busy and staying positive. |
AuthorMy home is Australia, with my family and their many, many animals. I have travelled all around the world with my family and by myself where I have made too many friends to count. |