It has already been two weeks+ since I moved to London from Perth. I have to say that everything has fitted in really nicely with accommodation and work already sorted out within the first two weeks of being here. For the first six days, I stayed at a budget hotel near Liverpool Street which not only was in a good location, but the hotel itself was modern, clean (just a tad bit too small). Straight after checking out of the hotel last Friday, I moved into my new house-share in South Woodford with 5 other house mates. Although all my house mates are girls, they are all easy to get along with (with two of them being Aussies) so it's all good!
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| My bedroom |
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| My backyard on the day I arrived! No more snow now... |
I haven't yet been around the whole suburb yet, but it is a nice suburb with tree lined streets and town houses stuck side by side. My house is only 10 minutes by foot to the nearest tube and takes around 25 minutes to the city.
So what have I been doing for the last couple of weeks? Well, for the first two weeks I did some sight seeing (as tourists would usually do) mostly by foot. I usually like having my headphones plugged in my iphone with music such as "Falling away" by Big Scary and "Boston" by Augustana and discovering new sights as I walk. Here is a quick snapshot of some places I have been:
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| A must see landmark if you are a tourist: Big Ben |
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| Guess who lives behind these gates? |
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Tower bridge- A really unique bridge matched with beautiful surroundings
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| The scenic town of Richmond, only 75 minutes from where I live |
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I promised my kids (ex students) that I will go on the London eye but have
yet to find someone to go on with me yet... |
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| A royal park in Richmond with my friend Christos in the background |
The weather is a bit of a bummer though. I guess getting used to an average 30+ degree heat in Perth and coming to an average of 4 degrees in London, I do need time to adjust to it right? However, seeing snow twice since I have arrived in England is all worth it! The whole landscape and atmosphere changes when it snows!
I started my relief teaching job today and am fully booked for the rest of this week! I actually don't mind relief teaching as most teachers have everything prepared for you, and you basically go in and take over their class for the day. I'm glad that my first relief teaching today actually went well and the students I had in my grade two class were really adorable! Still trying to get used to the younger kids being so clingy though... (not good for a male teacher). Hopefully the jobs will keep coming through!
I know some people who are thinking of or will be travelling overseas. For me, I think it is the BEST decision I have ever made in my life (not exaggerating). Although I have been here for only a couple of weeks, I have seen so much and done things I would not usually do back at home. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone a couple of times and has continued to help me grow as a person. Carl if you are reading this, the message you have sent me has really gave me the courage and inspiration to do a lot! So thanks again for the encouragement :)
I'm homesick quite often, but am getting better at dealing with that as I continue to lead my life abroad. I'm thankful that having such a bad past year has helped me appreciate every single day I have now. I'll keep you all posted as time goes by. Take care!
2 comments:
Jaso, when I read this post, I felt such a huge sense of relief that you were enjoying your big adventure.I've secretly been worried for a while.
You reminded me of my favourite quote in Benjamin Button 'For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again'
Proud of you Jaso.
Jason, I'm so glad that things have started to come your way! Those photos look amazing...you are smart to make the choice to travel now before your legs start to give way (as mine did today after 20 minutes of swimming...oh getting old!!!)
Miss having you around...esp when I wanted to go to karaoke yesterday, but no one to go with :( oh well..I sang in my head anyway ( I thought I sounded alright!). Keep the blogs coming.
By the way, can you give me your address...might try snail mail one day hehehe....
Take care Jaso/Homebrand
Tina
26 February 2012 22.21
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