What's on in London?

Over the summer months there are several activities and festivals on within London. Here are just a few photos of what I have been able to participate in:

• The Mayor's Thames Festival, including a brilliant performance by a 300+ choir raising funds for Water Aid, a charity providing safe water to third world countries;


• Open House London, where over 600 buildings in London open their doors allowing the locals to explore the different architecture and design of buildings; and


• A Knights Tale, a recreation of a medieval jousting tournament appropriately located directly outside the Tower of London.

Still a tourist...

This past week has been my last official week of being a tourist of London. While it will take awhile to become a true local, I will now start the 'localisation' process as I start working.

I have been quite fortunate to do many of the tourist activities with many friends who have coincidently been travelling in London. This week has been no different as I spent some time with Cathy & Toby, two of my school friends who are on their first stop of their four week honeymoon of Europe. Included in our activities were St Paul's Cathedral (with 500+ steps), the London Eye and Madame Tussauds. (Yes - I found myself a prince!)

To finish of the week, I headed out of London on a 4 hour bus trip north to Rotherham, close to Sheffield - the home of "The Full Monty". Rotherham is currently home to Nick & Em, as Nick is completing a 6 month stint at the local hospital. As expected the English countryside is lovely... with plenty of green rolling hills, quaint towns and classic English houses.

Bank Long Weekend

Summer has hit London just in time for the bank long weekend. With signs warning the locals to carry plenty of water because of expected extreme temperatures (i.e. 24 degrees), it was another perfect opportunity to partake in the touristy activities. Nick & Em, who are currently completing a six month stint in Rotherham, came down for the weekend. The highlights of our weekend included:

• Watching the bizarre Notting Hill Carnival - Europe's biggest street party pumped up with Caribbean rhythms;
• Being entertained by Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" at the Globe Theatre - a must for anyone coming to town; and
• Taking a horse drawn carriage around the picturesque Kew Gardens.

Another adventure begins

I have arrived in London! The first few days have been enjoyable as I have started organising things like a bank account, new phone number, a place to live and a company to employ me. All fronts are progressing well.






The highlight off the week was catching up with my good friends Heidi, Dave & Priscilla in Salisbury (approx 2 hours west of London), surprising Heidi for her birthday.

With an afternoon to see the sights of London before heading home, Priscilla and I took a relaxing tour on the hop on / hop off bus. We also jumped on a river cruise along the Thames and ate fish & chips at the Tower of London.

London, here I come!

Well I guess it is only right, that on my last day in Sydney, it is pouring with rain outside as I complete my last minute packing. After 26 years of living at the same address, it is time to say goodbye. With the essentials packed, I am ready to depart the land down under for the next two years abroad.

I am quite excited about the adventure ahead as I find a place to live, a job and new challenges to tackle. I'm finally off!!