Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Movin' On Up, Movin' On Out

Well, a new phase of our London existence has begun in a flat down at Earl's Court, sans our lovely (ex) housemates. Although we will have the pleasure of their company for a few nights before they go gallivanting around Spain and Portugal (no I'm not jealous at all...) It is a bit further away from work for both of us, although Dave is putting out feelers for something local. It is a nice, safe area, with a library just up the road that will be counting me as a member! The flat itself is a fair size for London, it's actually quite cosy and plenty big enough for the two of us. No washing machine though, so we will be losing a lot of change to self serve laundries, of which there are a few around. Some pics of the place are below.
Since the last post, we have also enjoyed a Cuban dinner with Brendan and Jess, and Bec, J, Dave and I have partaken of a Sunday roast at the Bull (a very satisfying experience).
Next trip is Scotland in a couple of weeks for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which I'm more excited about than anything so far. (Blue just plays along). In August we will also try to squeeze in a few day trips to see a little more of England, which always seems to get neglected with the rest of the UK and Europe on our doorstep. Brighton is on the list so far. Then it is our turn to be off to Spain and Portugal, if only for a week, followed by the carnage of Oktoberfest! Can't wait for that one!!
How are things in the land of Oz?


The view from our small balcony - to get to it you have to climb out the window. Seriously.

The hallway(term used loosely)

The bedroom

The living area - I hesitate to call it a living 'room'

Happy to be here anyways!

The boys at dinner

The girls at dinner

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Running Of The Bulls

Last Saturday we took off to Spain for four days for the San Fermin festival. We stayed at a campsite just outside of Pamplona. We arrived at 7pm Saturday in bright sunshine. After checking in with the tour leaders, we had a picnic on the grass in the sun. We met four hilarious British lads and had a great night.

The next day was the opening ceremony of the festival, followed the next morning by what we had come to see - the bull run, which was (insert expletive) AWESOME. Dave, Bec, a friend Yvette and I had front row seats in the arena and, despite some nerves for J who was running, Dave and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. The second rocket is let off to signal that they have released the bulls, and it seems like seconds later the runners pour into the arena, the bulls galloping after them. As a spectacle, it is SO cool. That afternoon we lazed around the campsite, before heading back in to town and to Bilbao airport, where we spent the night so as not to miss our morning flight. (After warmth and sunshine we returned to gray skies and rain - that's London for ya). Some photos are below - for more click on the link.

We are currently packing up our room at Theberton Street, and are (hopefully) signing a lease on a place at Earl's Court today - a lovely spacious studio apartment. I am also now on a 6 month contract at work (with a pay rise!) and have started a yoga class. We will also get Brendan and Jess back for a few days this week, before they head home to Oz.

Hope everyone is well, much love.