In England, finally

Well, it’s been a long journey to get here, but I’m writing this sitting on my own couch, in my own flat, with my suitcases packed away. I’m sorry this is only going to be very short, but I haven’t got internet access at home yet, and I don’t think I’ve been at work quite long enough to start spending hours on a blog yet!

I spent three very jet lagged days in London. I can sleep *anywhere*, but for some reason couldn’t sleep on the plane from Singapore, despite upgrading to business class (those Skybeds just aren’t as comfy as they look in the ads) and having got up in Phuket about 20 hours earlier.

But I did manage to do a few things I had to organise, and spend a whole day shopping. It was amazing though – I reckon I went into every shop on Oxford Street at least twice, and still couldn’t find the duffel coat I was looking for. Boots, though, well this place is boot heaven! Shame I wasn’t shopping for them.

Christmas lights are up, and this photo doesn’t do justice to sheer chaos in Debenhams, where the sales were on.

I’ve never been to the UK before, only to the continent. Some perhaps might consider that therefore it was a big leap of faith, to plunge into the move with no going back, and I was thinking that too when I first got to Heathrow. Changi airport in Singapore is large and clean, well ordered and convenient, with every conceivable mod con. So Heathrow was a bit of shock. It was dingy and rundown and I couldn’t find any useful information. But on the other hand, the people were all very friendly and helpful, which I hadn’t really expected, particularly in the airport. That friendliness has only got more pronounced.

When I asked him for advice, Nigel told me to never say no – take up all interesting sounding opportunities. I put this into action when a girl approached me on the street and asked if I wanted a free haircut. Turned out she was training with Tony&Guy, and needed a certain kind of cut to finish off. Just a trim really, she said. Down to my shoulder, she said. Hmmm. I’ll let you decide for yourself!

(I didn’t think to use the self portrait timer function, so the mirror had to do). It’s actually dark red now, like the photo on the main blog, so Bianca should be pleased with me.

Do people in London realise they live in a Monopoly board?? I was staying near Kings Cross Station (actually closer to Euston Station), shopping on Oxford Street (except when I turned the wrong way out of a shop and ended up on Regent Street), went past Mayfair in the taxi…Heh.

It was pretty amazing though when I looked up from chatting to the bus driver from the airport, and stared straight ahead at Big Ben and Westminster!

Between the jet lag and the shopping and the organising, I didn’t enter a single bookshop on Charing Cross Road. That will be a joy I will save for myself for next time in London.

I also didn’t go into the London Museum, free and supposed to be fantastic, which is a shame seeing my hotel was right next door. Still, I’m guessing I’ll be in London again.

With all my luggage, I caught the taxi to Kings Cross Station to catch the train to Newcastle. Now, there’s something wrong with this picture…..locked just doesn’t sound the same.



(that’s an Arctic Monkeys reference, so don’t worry if you didn’t get it)

Now, first class to Newcastle upon Tyne please....



More on my new life soon I hope.