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

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.

Everything's Just Wonderful...

Yikes, it's been a long time between drinks. We have quite a bit to update you on.
We have had the pleasure of Brendan and Jess joining us in the house on and off over the last couple of weeks. (Some highlights: games of 'bullshit' and their predilection for leaving underwear strewn around the house!!) The first weekend they were here, we organised a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. Our bus left from down near Victoria tube at 9am, travelling first to Stonehenge (after first negotiating some shocking traffic coming out of London). Donning our audio guides, we walked the path around the stones for an hour or so (taking many photos along the way, including a few of Bec B's fast-becoming-infamous 'leaping' photos). Jumping back on the bus, we headed up to Bath, where our time was limited. We toured the Roman Baths (taking the odd silly photo along the way) and took a walk around the very pretty town, treating ourselves to ice cream in the process. Jess and I couldn't resist the markets and bought ourselves some earrings as a 'souvenir' from the day. We wrapped it up back at Angel with a cheap dinner at O'Neills, before calling it a night.
The next day we went to see the production of 'King Lear' at Shakespeare's Globe. It was absolutely fantastic, and at 5 quid for standing room tickets (right in front of the stage - said to be the best view in the place) was incredibly good value for the quality of the performance.
Following a trip to Edinburgh, our houseguests were back the next weekend. Friday night we called in to Dave's pub (where he unfortunately had to work) for a drink, before hitting the dance floor at the local Walkie. After a sleep in on Saturday, Jess and I visited the National Portrait Gallery (the boys, funnily enough, weren't too keen for that). That night Brendan and Jess cooked three very lucky housemates (Dave had to work again) a lovely candlelit meal of salmon fettuccine and pink champagne! Then on Sunday, the three girls went shopping on Oxford Street, where Bec and I both picked up (very sexy) swimmers for the bargain prices of four and six pounds. Gotta love Primark.
Our houseguests are currently in Dublin, returning late tonight. Tomorrow night we are off to see 'The Lion King' in the West End. And coming up in the next couple of weeks we have Hilltop Hoods at the Islington Academy (just down the road, perfect for stumbling home) and Origin 3 (also just down the road at the Walkie, and with a halves combo of Anasta and Pearce, the Blues are specials!) Dave and I are also planning to try and get down to the tennis currently on at Wimbledon. As we are not all lucky enough to have centre court tickets :), the plan is to try and get a pass for the outside courts and watch the action inside the complex on the big screen (while getting into the English spirit with strawberries and Pimms.) Then we are off to Spain early July for Running of the Bulls.
So that brings you up to date. Dave and I are good, our jobs are going well. We have been planning our itinerary for the Edinburgh Fringe in August, and have also visited Kensington Palace (nice, but not cheap). And I have discovered 'genuine fake' French Connection clothes down at Brick Lane markets for 5 quid! I am also happy at having acquired some tapes of Roosters games from this season (thanks Wayne!)
As many of you also know, we are currently looking for a new place to live, as we will be leaving Angel late July (sob sob.) We have seen one place so far out past Greenwich - a little too far out for us, but a nice flat. Will keep you updated on the progress. We are keen to live at either Earls Court or Bethnal Green, but whether we can get something nice in our price range will be the challenge.
How goes everyone? xxoo
PS. And a very happy birthday to my dad for the other day. (More photos to be available later, as this blog isn't too good at uploading them.)

At Stonehenge

Peace, love and cuckoo clocks

The second bank holiday weekend (gotta love two long weekends in one month) started when we had to get up at half two to catch our flight to Geneva. The good thing about leaving so early was that we landed at 9 and had the whole day in front of us to explore Geneva, an unexpectedly beautiful city. We saw the Jet d'Eau (massive water fountain), Flower Clock, and took a boat trip across Lake Geneva. Dinner that night included cheese fondue and a massive, albeit brief, hailstorm (great when you're eating outdoors). After surviving that we decided to treat ourselves to coffee, a shared banana split, and an evening watching the final of Eurovision (living on the edge I know).
The following day we hopped on a train out to Lausanne, which was absolutely beautiful. Sights to see included the Olympic Museum (Lausanne is the home of the IOC), the cathedral (quite a hike to reach), and the botanical gardens. The photos speak for themselves.
Our final day was spent visiting the United Nations building and the International Red Cross Museum, before stocking up on Swiss chocolate (to share with our housemates...hehe) and heading home to London.
Work is still going well for us both - it's looking as though I will stay where I am until the end of the year - I should be on a six month contract by July which will provide some security. Dave is still going strong at the pub.
We are planning to head out to Wimbledon or Greenwich this Saturday morning, and are planning to attend a Superleague game - Harlequins v Warrington - next weekend, and after that is the long awaited arrival of Brendan and Jess.
Hope all is well with everybody, go the mighty Roosters.

"Is Anybody Listening....Does Anybody Care"

Our May bank holiday weekend in Belfast began when we woke up at 4am (a little early, as it turned out) to catch our 8.30am flight from Luton Airport (those cheap flights are always too early, I'm in denial about what time of the morning our flight departs for Switzerland - but I digress.) Upon arrival, we found our hostel (quite plain, but nice...and cheap), dumped our bag, and set off to explore the city. After a quick Tesco sandwich and a visit to the tourist office where we booked our Giant's Causeway tour, we headed off to the Shankill Road side of Belfast where there are murals depicting the Catholic/Protestant conflict. We then walked down to the waterfront via the Albert Memorial Clocktower, and crossed the bridge to check out the big arena complex (sorry, the name of it escapes me).
Next day was our tour. After filling up on a good breakfast at the lovely Causeway Cafe, we hopped on our coach. Our guide was very chatty on the microphone the whole day, occasionally punctuating his sentences with the wry remark 'Is anybody listening...does anybody care.' Yes, we were listening and we did care. Our first stop was Carrickfergus Castle, followed by the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge ('if ye are afeerd of heights, doon't be crossing the rope bridge'). We stopped for our lunch at the Causeway Hotel, before spending a good 2 and a half hours at the Giant's Causeway, clambering over the stones and taking many photos.
Our final day in Belfast was spent just strolling around the city. The May bank holiday is also the day of the Belfast Marathon, so we watched the runners go past for a while, before jumping on the airport shuttle.
Since then, we have been to the theatre at Covent Garden, and I have done a bit more exploring of London while Dave works at the pub.
Hope everyone is doing well.

The Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway

Carrick-a-rede rope bridge


At City Hall in Belfast

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them

Those heroes that shed their blood
And lost their lives
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country
Therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies
and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side
Here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers
Who sent their sons from far away countries
Wipe away your tears
Your sons are now lying in our bosom
And are at peace.
After having lost their lives on this land they have
Become our sons as well.

Our 7 day tour of Turkey began on a Sunday afternoon in Istanbul. After collecting our tour shirts and being briefed by our guide, the 4 of us, accompanied by Central Coast local Matt, decided to skip the official welcome dinner in favour of a night on the town. What happens on tour....suffice it to say that a great night was had by all involved! (And Dave and Bec B on the motorbikes was a real Kodak moment.)

The next day was spent sightseeing around Istanbul. We visited the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Topkapi palace, the Underground Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. That evening we had a boat cruise on the strait between Europe and Asia - Turkey is the only country that straddles two continents.

Our first stop the next day was Gallipoli. The first thing you come across when they stop the bus is the huge plaque with the moving inscription above. We had a while to just explore on our own - the beach, gravesites and memorials, including the Australian memorial at Lone Pine and the New Zealand one at Chunuk Bair. After a solemn couple of hours, we headed to Ayvalik, where we stayed in a resort with a huge pool and BBQ area and rooms with spectacular sea views. After dinner and showers to freshen up, we headed down to check out the hotels' discotheque, complete with smoke machine on the dance floor. The following day was set aside for sightseeing in the remains of the ancient city of Pergamum. We also visited a carpet place, where we were shown the beautiful Turkish carpets. I made the mistake of pointing out one I liked, the Turkish salesman saw me, and proceeded to chase Dave and I all the way out to the bus giving us the hard sell. Although when I found out that a lot of the couples on our tour had expressed interest and been taken aside into separate rooms to haggle prices, I didn't feel so bad. That night a BBQ was put on for us at the hotel.

The morning of the 24th we set off at 7am, the result of much pestering of our guide and convincing him that we were very keen to be among the first at Anzac Cove. After a lightning stop to visit the ruins of Troy, we arrived at Anzac Cove at 3. Our persistence paid off as we were the third group in. We all grabbed good spots on the grass for our sleeping bags, only to watch those spots grow smaller and smaller as the night wore on and more and more people filed in. By the time we wanted to lie down and attempt to sleep we were shoulder to shoulder, and the announcer kept coming on the PA telling us to move up even more. Dave and I were only able to manage a couple of hours, at most. There was also stuff on the big screens all through the night. Dawn started to break around 5.15am, and the service began at 5.30. It is difficult to describe how emotional it is to be at Anzac Cove for the service. Just being there at the place where it all happened, wrapped in the flag and listening to the national anthem and the Last Post brought a tear to more than one eye. Afterwards we trooped up to Lone Pine for the Australian service, and then up to Chunuk Bair where the Kiwis had their service and most of us Australians crashed on the grass.

All up, a very memorable week. We got back home on Saturday, and for the past 4 days have had Fiona and Matt staying with us. Dave and I have gone sightseeing with them, although I only got in one day before I had to go back to work. That Sunday we went down to Lords and did a tour, saw the famous Beatles crossing at Abbey Road and went down to the Thames. It has been great having them here, we only wish London could have been a little kinder with the weather!
Saturday we are off to Belfast for the long weekend, so will update you again soon.
Love to all xxoo.

Easter

Two days at home and we were off again! At 9am on the morning of Good Friday, Dave and I hopped on a National Express bus to Cardiff in Wales for our Easter break. First on the list of things to do was Cardiff Castle, right around the corner from our B&B. We climbed to the top, braving the wind and the bitter cold, for good views of the city, and did a guided tour of the castle. Afterwards, we headed down to Cardiff Bay to grab some lunch and have a look around - really nice area. Our second day, we did a 'Romans, Rivers and Ruins' tour of the Welsh countryside. We drove first to a village called Caerleon, which was a Roman fortress town when the Romans were invading Great Britain. We saw ruins of a Roman amphitheatre and a Roman bathhouse, and visited a museum and churchyard. Next up was the majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey, in the beautiful setting of the Wye Valley. We donned our audio guides and for the next hour were immersed in the tales of the abbey and the monks. Just up the road was our lunch stop, and some good walking tracks that we had some free time to explore. Lunch was very Welsh - Dave had a dragon pie and I had a cider pie made with local cider - delicious. The last stop on the tour was the ruins of Raglan Castle, where we again experienced strong winds and a mini snowstorm. After returning to Cardiff, we headed back to Cardiff Bay for some dinner.
The next day we decided to hop on a tour of the Millenium Stadium. We visited the dressing rooms, walked up the tunnel (although couldn't go on the pitch), and the VIP boxes. Our guide was fantastic: sports mad and very friendly, telling us lots of interesting facts about the stadium. We saw where the Queen sits when she attends a game (and how they had to build a barrier below her seat so the press couldn't take 'compromising' photos) and heard how they have a proper operating theatre on the premises in case of serious injury to a player. We were left shaking our heads when he took us to see the corporate boxes and told us that, when there is soccer being played, the people in the boxes have to draw the blinds if they want to drink a beer, in case the crowd spots them drinking. Apparently big wire fences separating the supporters isn't enough to control an English football crowd, although he did stress that, even though some of the biggest sides in the Premier League had played there, there had never been any problems.
Monday we headed home, only to return to London and discover that it was snowing! It has also been snowing this morning, which goes to show how crazy the weather is here, considering yesterday and the past week the sun has been shining and it has been quite mild.
Some snaps from Wales are below. We are both still working and happy (although I am really missing the footy) and this week are planning to catch up with one of my mates from Dymocks who came over to live and work last month.
Much love to all.
Go the mighty Roosters! (sorry Dave, I couldn't help it.)

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Castle

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

The countryside

The Wye River is in the background

Raglan Castle

Is this what 08 has in store for the Dragons?

(I'm so sleeping on the couch after this post)

At Millenium Stadium

The dressing rooms at the stadium