Showing posts with label Journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journey. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, August 27, 2010
The End of Chapter One
Last Saturday was my last day at work. Since then, I've been packing, getting lost at Heathrow, looking after my little cousins and trying to get some quality sleep on an air mattress!
Now, as I am getting ready to start my new job tomorrow, I've been looking back on the past 16 months. It has been an amazing experience and I was truly fortunate to be welcomed into the home and lives of such a great family. I will miss the kids a lot but I will still get to see them. It was certainly one of the best decisions I made to get out of the whole Monday to Friday 9-5.
So, on the eve of the next chapter, I am excited. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of the world and also the chance to be part of a new family. It's not like I'm moving to a new country. I think I'll like living in NW London.
Now, as I am getting ready to start my new job tomorrow, I've been looking back on the past 16 months. It has been an amazing experience and I was truly fortunate to be welcomed into the home and lives of such a great family. I will miss the kids a lot but I will still get to see them. It was certainly one of the best decisions I made to get out of the whole Monday to Friday 9-5.
So, on the eve of the next chapter, I am excited. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of the world and also the chance to be part of a new family. It's not like I'm moving to a new country. I think I'll like living in NW London.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Here I Go Again
The past few days, I have been sorting through all my stuff and starting to pack up my life once more, ready for my move to the wild frontier that is West Hampstead at the end of this month.
This month will also see the arrival of the replacement for my current position, which I'm actually looking forward to as she comes in the form of my friend, Hannah. Yep, Hannah, who was here last year for our trip to Paris, is coming to take over from me. It'll be great to have her here and I know I'll still get to see the kids. I am starting to get excited about my new job...and a bit scared at the same time. But I have to remember that they chose me to come and live with them and I know this is the right move for me at this stage of my new career.
So while Hannah packs up her life in New Orleans, I'm packing up mine here. Time to move on again. One day, I'm sure I'll be done with all the moving around and be more than happy to settle down in one place. As for when that day will come, I have no idea!
This month will also see the arrival of the replacement for my current position, which I'm actually looking forward to as she comes in the form of my friend, Hannah. Yep, Hannah, who was here last year for our trip to Paris, is coming to take over from me. It'll be great to have her here and I know I'll still get to see the kids. I am starting to get excited about my new job...and a bit scared at the same time. But I have to remember that they chose me to come and live with them and I know this is the right move for me at this stage of my new career.
So while Hannah packs up her life in New Orleans, I'm packing up mine here. Time to move on again. One day, I'm sure I'll be done with all the moving around and be more than happy to settle down in one place. As for when that day will come, I have no idea!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Graduations and Goodbyes
Yesterday, the youngest boy I look after graduated from his nursery, all ready to start "big" school in September. It was such a great day. He did so well in his performance and I couldn't help but shed a few tears.
It hit me that I have just two months left with them, and even though I will see them from time to time, the close relationship we have built over the past 18 months will not be the same. They'll have a new nanny and I'll have new kids to look after and we'll move on. I really hate goodbyes. I'm no good at them and I've had too many of them. I always start to cry and never really get to say exactly how I feel.
After the performance, I took both of the kids to our favourite playground and I watched as little-boy-four balanced on the balance beam by himself. I taught him that. I watched him swing himself on the swings, stretching his legs out as he went forward, tucking them in as he swung back. I taught him that. I watched his six-year-old sister take her first one-handed swing on the monkey bars. I taught her that. I realised then that I have made a difference in their lives and even though I won't be there day to day, they'll remember me.
No one told me about this side of the job when I signed up!
It hit me that I have just two months left with them, and even though I will see them from time to time, the close relationship we have built over the past 18 months will not be the same. They'll have a new nanny and I'll have new kids to look after and we'll move on. I really hate goodbyes. I'm no good at them and I've had too many of them. I always start to cry and never really get to say exactly how I feel.
After the performance, I took both of the kids to our favourite playground and I watched as little-boy-four balanced on the balance beam by himself. I taught him that. I watched him swing himself on the swings, stretching his legs out as he went forward, tucking them in as he swung back. I taught him that. I watched his six-year-old sister take her first one-handed swing on the monkey bars. I taught her that. I realised then that I have made a difference in their lives and even though I won't be there day to day, they'll remember me.
No one told me about this side of the job when I signed up!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The Next Chapter
There's a reason I've been so quiet on this blog of late. For once, it hasn't been because I've done been doing nothing. Quite the opposite. There has been so much going on, I didn't know where to start and what was going on, I couldn't even tell you about.
But now I can. I have found a new job. Yes, I am still a nanny, but now I'll offically have the job title of "nanny", be working full time, travelling the world and moving from SW London to NW London, close to Hampstead Heath and full of brand new places for me to explore.
As excited as I am to start this new experience (I start in September, by the way!), it hasn't been an easy thing to think of leaving my current family. No one prepared me for this when I chose to become a nanny. It's going to break my heart to leave those two kids who have been such a huge part of my life here. My bosses have been brilliant too. I really hate goodbyes!
But now I can. I have found a new job. Yes, I am still a nanny, but now I'll offically have the job title of "nanny", be working full time, travelling the world and moving from SW London to NW London, close to Hampstead Heath and full of brand new places for me to explore.
As excited as I am to start this new experience (I start in September, by the way!), it hasn't been an easy thing to think of leaving my current family. No one prepared me for this when I chose to become a nanny. It's going to break my heart to leave those two kids who have been such a huge part of my life here. My bosses have been brilliant too. I really hate goodbyes!
Monday, May 17, 2010
My Expat Anniversary
This weekend just gone, I have been in London for one year.
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
My life has changed completely from what it was 12 months ago. Past days spent in a grey office with no windows (and a strangely macabre oil painting of giant scissors dripping red paint! Let's just say, the boss's taste in art and mine differed greatly when it came to suitable reception area art work!!), have been replaced with bike rides along the river, playgrounds, playdates and CBeebies.
My weekends are now filled with endless tube journeys (and the frustration of trying to travel anywhere in this city on a Sunday!), a bit of shopping or a stroll through the park in the sunshine and exploring the sights and history of London.
People have said to me that I am brave to pack up my whole life and move it to the other side of the world. I often find myself surprised when they say things like that. To me, most times, it just feels normal. I guess I am brave. I don't know. Many others have gone before me and many of them to parts of the world with a whole new language to learn, alongside a new culture. It is these people that I call brave. The only new language I have had to learn is that an ATM is called a Cash Machine, a pram is called a buggy and whatever you do, don't call thongs "thongs" - they're flip flops here!
Naturally, I find myself at the end of this first year in London, looking back. I am amazed by the things I have seen and done. They say a picture paints a thousand words, so in lieu of a thousand words, here are some of my favourites:
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday Snapshot (and a little bit more!)
This shot is of The Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, opposite the Royal Albert Hall. I just love the colour of the storm clouds and the way the gold of the spire stands out. The clouds do remind me a bit of Queensland summer afternoons, spent on the deck watching the storms roll in.
The reason I was at the Royal Albert Hall was for Hillsong's Colour Conference last Friday and Saturday. This was an awesome weekend, spent with thousands of women from all over the globe.
The rest of this week has been pretty normal, except we did have a power blackout on Sunday, lasting for a couple of days (due mostly to it being a bank holiday weekend and no parts available). My first here, but something that again reminded me of home.
The next few weeks are going to be busy. My boss starts his new job this week, which is awesome as he has been looking for a long time, so that means that I get to work some longer hours. It works out good all round.
Also, you'll be pleased to know (!!) that my birthday parcel finally arrived from home last Saturday after all the disruptions caused by the volcanic ash from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier (don't be too impressed - I copied and pasted that name from Google!!).
This present weekend marks my departure from home one year ago. Wow. Where has the time gone?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The Year That Was...A Year Later
I first posted this list on New Years Eve last year, so here it is again for this year:
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Where do I start? Went to my best friends wedding in Sydney, worked in a call centre, moved to live in London, saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai, worked for a whole week without having to answer the phone once, went to Paris...the list is almost endless!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do New Years Resolutions as they are always doomed to failure! I did keep my resolution to save money and finally move to London. I won't be making any this year, but I do have 'plans"...they're different, aren't they?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Chris had a little girl this year
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, United Arab Emirates, England, France
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Will-power!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That would be May 10 - Mothers Day, my friends wedding day and my last day in Australia
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to London and starting my new career
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I have failed. Sometimes, things haven't worked out as planned or have been harder than expected, but that's not failure, that's all part of life and living your dream
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Crocs!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Hannah, who was my first guest from home. We had a blast!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paris...and clothes!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hannah coming to stay, Paris, the release of New Moon and Christmas
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"Number One" by Tinchy Strider and N-Dubz (just because it was on the radio ALL THE TIME!!)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, mostly, but sad when I think of home
ii. thinner or fatter?
Hmm...next question!
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer :-(
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More trips out of London to see the countryside
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up too late, reading!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I opened presents and had breakfast with the family I work for, then spent the day with my cousins and auntie and uncle from Australia. Oh, and thanks to Skype, I opened presents with my family in Brisbane too! Great day
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No
23. How many one-night stands?
None
24. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill - all the season one oldies!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda. An old favourite, but it's set in Paris and I read it on the Eurostar on my way there
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Olly from X-Factor!
28. What did you want and get?
A new start as a nanny in London
29. What did you want and not get?
Knee high flat black boots...can't find any I like!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would have to be New Moon (and no, I don't care what you think!), followed closely by Nativity!. So funny
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work in the boring call centre, counting down the days until my escape! And I was 36
32. What's one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Massive unexpected payout from the Australian Taxation Office!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Layers...
34. What kept you sane?
Having my room on a seperate level to the kids I look after!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the moment?
I still love Ewan, but would love to run into Jude Law, strolling down Kings Road in Chelsea
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Huh? I don't get to see much news
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my family and friends in Australia
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My little cousins, Arwen and Zion!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
So that's all from me. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2010!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Where do I start? Went to my best friends wedding in Sydney, worked in a call centre, moved to live in London, saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai, worked for a whole week without having to answer the phone once, went to Paris...the list is almost endless!
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't do New Years Resolutions as they are always doomed to failure! I did keep my resolution to save money and finally move to London. I won't be making any this year, but I do have 'plans"...they're different, aren't they?
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my friend Chris had a little girl this year
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia, United Arab Emirates, England, France
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Will-power!
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
That would be May 10 - Mothers Day, my friends wedding day and my last day in Australia
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Moving to London and starting my new career
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't think I have failed. Sometimes, things haven't worked out as planned or have been harder than expected, but that's not failure, that's all part of life and living your dream
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Crocs!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
Hannah, who was my first guest from home. We had a blast!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't think of anyone...
14. Where did most of your money go?
Paris...and clothes!
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Hannah coming to stay, Paris, the release of New Moon and Christmas
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
"Number One" by Tinchy Strider and N-Dubz (just because it was on the radio ALL THE TIME!!)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Happier, mostly, but sad when I think of home
ii. thinner or fatter?
Hmm...next question!
iii. richer or poorer?
Poorer :-(
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
More trips out of London to see the countryside
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Staying up too late, reading!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
I opened presents and had breakfast with the family I work for, then spent the day with my cousins and auntie and uncle from Australia. Oh, and thanks to Skype, I opened presents with my family in Brisbane too! Great day
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
No
23. How many one-night stands?
None
24. What was your favorite TV program?
One Tree Hill - all the season one oldies!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. Hating people is never good
26. What was the best book you read this year?
Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda. An old favourite, but it's set in Paris and I read it on the Eurostar on my way there
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Olly from X-Factor!
28. What did you want and get?
A new start as a nanny in London
29. What did you want and not get?
Knee high flat black boots...can't find any I like!
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
That would have to be New Moon (and no, I don't care what you think!), followed closely by Nativity!. So funny
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Spent the day at work in the boring call centre, counting down the days until my escape! And I was 36
32. What's one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Massive unexpected payout from the Australian Taxation Office!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Layers...
34. What kept you sane?
Having my room on a seperate level to the kids I look after!
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the moment?
I still love Ewan, but would love to run into Jude Law, strolling down Kings Road in Chelsea
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Huh? I don't get to see much news
37. Who did you miss?
I really miss my family and friends in Australia
38. Who was the best new person you met?
My little cousins, Arwen and Zion!
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
Life is too short - follow your dreams
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb"
So that's all from me. Have a great New Year and all the best for 2010!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Heat Wave
The weather has been really hot here this week and the next few days are set to be more of the same, and one thing I have noticed is how much the Brits really do talk about the weather.
For me, this weather is just a regular Queensland early summer's day (not even that hot yet!), and while I understand that it is such a novelty for the UK to be so warm, it still surpised me the amount of conversation about the heat the last couple of days.
The one thing that I must remember that you can't escape into a shop to get away from the heat. Most of the shops aren't air conditioned. I'm sure they are very warm in winter, but that doesn't help me now!
Also this week, I have noticed for the first time the cars in the car park at school pick up. You know you're really in another world when the cars in the car park comprise of a Bentley, Jag and nothing less common than a BMW. Not a Vauxhall in sight!
This is also the last week of school before the summer holidays, which I am looking forward to, in some ways. My hours should increase and my pay along with it, which will be very nice indeed. Lots of activities to plan - trips to the coast, pantomimes, picnics in the park...the stress of work!
Last Sunday I went to London and spent eleven hours in the city...five of those were spent on public transport. My first bus ride was diverted, then terminated halfway to our destination. We all got off the bus and waited for 15 minutes, before getting back on the same bus (which hadn't moved from the spot!) and finished the journey. The first tube ride from Ealing Broadway went off without a hitch and then I cruised along the Thames to Greenwich. After Greenwich, the tube and bus ride home took two hours. The District line was down for works and after taking the wrong line (entirely my fault!), I managed to catch the Central Line back to Ealing Broadway and then home...only for the bus ride home to also be diverted!
Welcome to London!
For me, this weather is just a regular Queensland early summer's day (not even that hot yet!), and while I understand that it is such a novelty for the UK to be so warm, it still surpised me the amount of conversation about the heat the last couple of days.
The one thing that I must remember that you can't escape into a shop to get away from the heat. Most of the shops aren't air conditioned. I'm sure they are very warm in winter, but that doesn't help me now!
Also this week, I have noticed for the first time the cars in the car park at school pick up. You know you're really in another world when the cars in the car park comprise of a Bentley, Jag and nothing less common than a BMW. Not a Vauxhall in sight!
This is also the last week of school before the summer holidays, which I am looking forward to, in some ways. My hours should increase and my pay along with it, which will be very nice indeed. Lots of activities to plan - trips to the coast, pantomimes, picnics in the park...the stress of work!
Last Sunday I went to London and spent eleven hours in the city...five of those were spent on public transport. My first bus ride was diverted, then terminated halfway to our destination. We all got off the bus and waited for 15 minutes, before getting back on the same bus (which hadn't moved from the spot!) and finished the journey. The first tube ride from Ealing Broadway went off without a hitch and then I cruised along the Thames to Greenwich. After Greenwich, the tube and bus ride home took two hours. The District line was down for works and after taking the wrong line (entirely my fault!), I managed to catch the Central Line back to Ealing Broadway and then home...only for the bus ride home to also be diverted!
Welcome to London!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Well, here I am in sunny London (and I do mean that literally - the weather has been quite nice!).
It was such an epic trip to get here so let me take you back...
On Monday 11 May, I flew out of Brisbane, bound for my first stop in Abu Dhabi. It was so hard saying goodbye and by the time I got on the plane, my eyes and nose were very red and I had almost lost my voice completely. I was more worried about them removing me from the plane and taking me to quarantine to worry about what I looked like. The poor man who sat next to me asked me innocently where I was going and I burst into tears! Then he said to me, "It's no fun travelling when you're ill". Now certain they are going to whisk me away for swine flu vaccinations, I quickly said, "I'm not sick!", then proceeded to cough, sneeze and blow my nose for the entire flight to Singapore! The change over in Singapore was pretty uneventful and on next leg to Aub Dhabi, I did something I have never done before...slept on the plane! I must have really needed it!
Kirstie and Matt met me at the airport in Abu Dhabi and took me back to the flat in the city they share with their gorgeous puppy, Sam. That night, I slept for about 3 hours and woke up at 4.30 the following morning...good old jetlag!
My first day in Abu Dhabi was hot and we headed out to visit The Grand Mosque, which is apparently the third largest in the world. It was amazing! Kirstie and I had to wear an Abaya and headscarves and remove our shoes before we could go in. The pictures do not really do it any justice.
The Grand Mosque
Inside The Grand Mosque
After The Grand Mosque, we drove out to Dubai, where Kirstie had booked us two nights at The Crowne Plaza at Festival City. We took the "scenic route" (read as "got lost on the way") to the hotel which was beautiful and the staff were so friendly. We dumped our stuff (or, I should say, the porter kindly brought our bags to the room, thankfully as my suitcase was 30kgs!!) and headed out to Mall of the Emirates for some air-conditioned shopping! Inside the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope and snow park. We just had to check it out. Picture this: I was wearing shorts and a shirt, and to go in we had to wear a beanie, gloves, a long black ski jacket and boots (remember, shorts!!). Overall, it was not the best look! The snow park was so much fun and we even got hunted down by the papparazzi, who con you into buying the photos when you come out. It was a great experience though, and I still have the beanie and gloves to show for it, and even a small photographic reminder. The Mall was massive and we stayed there for about 6 hours before coming home and having a well-deserved swim in the pool.
View from the hotel room to the pool area
Me in The Mall of the Emirates
The next morning, we drove out to see the Burj al Arab hotel on it's own island off Jumierah Beach. Truly amazing. The scale of this place just takes your breath away!
Then it was time for more shopping and it was off to Dubai Mall for us. This Mall is probably the biggest I have ever seen or imagined in my life. This mall had it's own indoor aquarium and underwater world...unbeliveable! We spent about 7 hours in this mall and I swear we did not walk past the same shop twice and I don't think we even saw all of it! My poor feet...
The Burj al Arab
My poor, tired feet!
But no rest for my feet just yet. After Dubal Mall, we drove out to Al Karama where there is a market that's not very well known to tourists. This was a first for me. We park the car and Kirstie takes me to see "her handbag man". We go into this shop and Kirstie heads straight for the back of the shop and opens up a change room door and asks the guy if she can see the "good stuff". We're led through the changeroom, and a hidden door to a very narrow staircase that takes us up to the top floor, filled with designer knock-off handbags and watches. I got a great deal on a "Gucci" watch...very nice! The rest of the market was full on. We went into another shop and while Kirstie was trying on t-shirts, the Indian guys who ran the shop found out I was from Australia and started to quote cricketers names to me! I didn't have the heart to tell them that I can't stand cricket and those names mean absolutely nothing to me!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in at yet another mall for tea, then had a much-needed spa at the hotel before crashing into bed.
On Thursday, we drove back to Abu Dhabi and I had a nice day at home as Kirstie and Matt had a wedding to go to and in keeping with the culture of being in a foreign place, I ordered Pizza Hut for tea!
On Friday, the first day of the weekend in the UAE, Kirstie and Matt took me to Emirates Palace for morning tea. This place is huge! Once again, the photos can't do it any justice. It has to be said that the bathrooms are amazing! After morning tea, when we were leaving the Palace, we saw the official motorcade of the President outside, with no less than three Rolls Royce's...as one does if one is the President!
Emirates Palace
Kirstie and me at Emirates Palace
The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next trip...mine to London and Kirstie's to Thailand.
But that can all wait for another post...
It was such an epic trip to get here so let me take you back...
On Monday 11 May, I flew out of Brisbane, bound for my first stop in Abu Dhabi. It was so hard saying goodbye and by the time I got on the plane, my eyes and nose were very red and I had almost lost my voice completely. I was more worried about them removing me from the plane and taking me to quarantine to worry about what I looked like. The poor man who sat next to me asked me innocently where I was going and I burst into tears! Then he said to me, "It's no fun travelling when you're ill". Now certain they are going to whisk me away for swine flu vaccinations, I quickly said, "I'm not sick!", then proceeded to cough, sneeze and blow my nose for the entire flight to Singapore! The change over in Singapore was pretty uneventful and on next leg to Aub Dhabi, I did something I have never done before...slept on the plane! I must have really needed it!
Kirstie and Matt met me at the airport in Abu Dhabi and took me back to the flat in the city they share with their gorgeous puppy, Sam. That night, I slept for about 3 hours and woke up at 4.30 the following morning...good old jetlag!
My first day in Abu Dhabi was hot and we headed out to visit The Grand Mosque, which is apparently the third largest in the world. It was amazing! Kirstie and I had to wear an Abaya and headscarves and remove our shoes before we could go in. The pictures do not really do it any justice.
The Grand Mosque
Inside The Grand Mosque
After The Grand Mosque, we drove out to Dubai, where Kirstie had booked us two nights at The Crowne Plaza at Festival City. We took the "scenic route" (read as "got lost on the way") to the hotel which was beautiful and the staff were so friendly. We dumped our stuff (or, I should say, the porter kindly brought our bags to the room, thankfully as my suitcase was 30kgs!!) and headed out to Mall of the Emirates for some air-conditioned shopping! Inside the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope and snow park. We just had to check it out. Picture this: I was wearing shorts and a shirt, and to go in we had to wear a beanie, gloves, a long black ski jacket and boots (remember, shorts!!). Overall, it was not the best look! The snow park was so much fun and we even got hunted down by the papparazzi, who con you into buying the photos when you come out. It was a great experience though, and I still have the beanie and gloves to show for it, and even a small photographic reminder. The Mall was massive and we stayed there for about 6 hours before coming home and having a well-deserved swim in the pool.
View from the hotel room to the pool area
Me in The Mall of the Emirates
The next morning, we drove out to see the Burj al Arab hotel on it's own island off Jumierah Beach. Truly amazing. The scale of this place just takes your breath away!
Then it was time for more shopping and it was off to Dubai Mall for us. This Mall is probably the biggest I have ever seen or imagined in my life. This mall had it's own indoor aquarium and underwater world...unbeliveable! We spent about 7 hours in this mall and I swear we did not walk past the same shop twice and I don't think we even saw all of it! My poor feet...
The Burj al Arab
My poor, tired feet!
But no rest for my feet just yet. After Dubal Mall, we drove out to Al Karama where there is a market that's not very well known to tourists. This was a first for me. We park the car and Kirstie takes me to see "her handbag man". We go into this shop and Kirstie heads straight for the back of the shop and opens up a change room door and asks the guy if she can see the "good stuff". We're led through the changeroom, and a hidden door to a very narrow staircase that takes us up to the top floor, filled with designer knock-off handbags and watches. I got a great deal on a "Gucci" watch...very nice! The rest of the market was full on. We went into another shop and while Kirstie was trying on t-shirts, the Indian guys who ran the shop found out I was from Australia and started to quote cricketers names to me! I didn't have the heart to tell them that I can't stand cricket and those names mean absolutely nothing to me!
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped in at yet another mall for tea, then had a much-needed spa at the hotel before crashing into bed.
On Thursday, we drove back to Abu Dhabi and I had a nice day at home as Kirstie and Matt had a wedding to go to and in keeping with the culture of being in a foreign place, I ordered Pizza Hut for tea!
On Friday, the first day of the weekend in the UAE, Kirstie and Matt took me to Emirates Palace for morning tea. This place is huge! Once again, the photos can't do it any justice. It has to be said that the bathrooms are amazing! After morning tea, when we were leaving the Palace, we saw the official motorcade of the President outside, with no less than three Rolls Royce's...as one does if one is the President!
Emirates Palace
Kirstie and me at Emirates Palace
The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the next trip...mine to London and Kirstie's to Thailand.
But that can all wait for another post...
Saturday, May 2, 2009
One Last Week
I finished work yesterday and said farewell to my career in the 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, commute-to-work-in-over-crowded-trains-full-of-noisy-school-kids...I hope!
This is my last week in Australia for a while and it's going to be a tough one. Now the serious packing needs to start. On Sunday, my mum and my sister have organised a farewell / birthday party for me and while it will be great to catch up with everyone one last time, I'm really not good at big parties and especially not good with goodbyes.
Monday I need to get my car ready to be sold. Tuesday, I'm doing some final shopping for last minute items and meeting a friend for lunch. Wednesday, I'm getting my haircut and I have an appointment at the doctor to make sure there is no trace of swine flu! Thursday is my only free day so far and Friday, I'm meeting the girls from my last job for lunch in the city. Saturday is for cleaning and packing and trips to the dump and Sunday is Mother's Day and I have a wedding to go to in the afternoon. Then it'll be Monday...the day I leave. Oh, and I need to finish packing somewhere in there, too...
At least being busy will help to keep my mind off the fact that I'll be leaving everything I know (again!), moving somewhere new (again!) and starting over (again!!). But even though the thought of that is hard, I am excited. I get the chance to start fresh. The chance to do things differently and not be locked in to doing things the same way I have done them for years. That thought is liberating!
This time in two weeks, I'll be in London, starting my new life and living my dream. I know it won't be easy but it will be an adventure.
And to use one of my favourite quotes by Jane Austen: "If adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad".
This is my last week in Australia for a while and it's going to be a tough one. Now the serious packing needs to start. On Sunday, my mum and my sister have organised a farewell / birthday party for me and while it will be great to catch up with everyone one last time, I'm really not good at big parties and especially not good with goodbyes.
Monday I need to get my car ready to be sold. Tuesday, I'm doing some final shopping for last minute items and meeting a friend for lunch. Wednesday, I'm getting my haircut and I have an appointment at the doctor to make sure there is no trace of swine flu! Thursday is my only free day so far and Friday, I'm meeting the girls from my last job for lunch in the city. Saturday is for cleaning and packing and trips to the dump and Sunday is Mother's Day and I have a wedding to go to in the afternoon. Then it'll be Monday...the day I leave. Oh, and I need to finish packing somewhere in there, too...
At least being busy will help to keep my mind off the fact that I'll be leaving everything I know (again!), moving somewhere new (again!) and starting over (again!!). But even though the thought of that is hard, I am excited. I get the chance to start fresh. The chance to do things differently and not be locked in to doing things the same way I have done them for years. That thought is liberating!
This time in two weeks, I'll be in London, starting my new life and living my dream. I know it won't be easy but it will be an adventure.
And to use one of my favourite quotes by Jane Austen: "If adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad".
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
"I'm off to Paris for the weekend"
I've just read my last few posts and I want to apologise.
Yes, while this is a huge move for me, packing up my life and changing everything to live my dream, I've been focusing way too much on the negative. From now on, I am determined to be excited...and positive!
I'm moving to London. I get to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, full of more experiences just waiting for me than I can possibly imagine. I have the opportunity to get a start into a new career as a nanny. I'll be living and working in the area that has always been my first choice. My visa is approved. I'll be able to say things like, "I'm off to Paris for the weekend" - a sentence that I have never said in my whole life! And, I'll be stopping over in Abu Dhabi to visit one of my best friends for 5 days on my way over.
So what if I don't have every single thing I need in my suitcase? They do have shops in London.
Yes, while this is a huge move for me, packing up my life and changing everything to live my dream, I've been focusing way too much on the negative. From now on, I am determined to be excited...and positive!
I'm moving to London. I get to live in one of the most amazing cities in the world, full of more experiences just waiting for me than I can possibly imagine. I have the opportunity to get a start into a new career as a nanny. I'll be living and working in the area that has always been my first choice. My visa is approved. I'll be able to say things like, "I'm off to Paris for the weekend" - a sentence that I have never said in my whole life! And, I'll be stopping over in Abu Dhabi to visit one of my best friends for 5 days on my way over.
So what if I don't have every single thing I need in my suitcase? They do have shops in London.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Overwhelmed
So it's April. I'm moving to London next month. Five weeks tomorrow to be exact.
This past week has been pretty overwhelming. I received my passport back from the British Consulate in Canberra, containing my lovely new visa that will allow me to live and work in the UK. So it's really happening - I'll be leaving for London in five weeks.
When that hit me, all those doubts came back - those "what-if's". I made a late night call to my friend Prue (yes, the one who's getting married in two weeks!) and she said to me that it's OK to feel overwhelmed. In the midst of her own massive life change, there she is giving me some reassurance! Just that one little line made me feel a whole lot better. Yes, it is OK that I'm overwhelmed. It's a BIG move! If I wasn't overwhelmed, there would be something wrong with me.
I'm still taking things one day at a time. Slowly packing up my life here and preparing for my new life over there.
16 working days to go...
(I'm counting down the days at my call centre job...it's the only way I can cope!)
And here's a picture, just because...
This past week has been pretty overwhelming. I received my passport back from the British Consulate in Canberra, containing my lovely new visa that will allow me to live and work in the UK. So it's really happening - I'll be leaving for London in five weeks.
When that hit me, all those doubts came back - those "what-if's". I made a late night call to my friend Prue (yes, the one who's getting married in two weeks!) and she said to me that it's OK to feel overwhelmed. In the midst of her own massive life change, there she is giving me some reassurance! Just that one little line made me feel a whole lot better. Yes, it is OK that I'm overwhelmed. It's a BIG move! If I wasn't overwhelmed, there would be something wrong with me.
I'm still taking things one day at a time. Slowly packing up my life here and preparing for my new life over there.
16 working days to go...
(I'm counting down the days at my call centre job...it's the only way I can cope!)
And here's a picture, just because...
Friday, March 27, 2009
Let The Countdown Begin...I'm Ready (I Think!)
A lovely e-mail arrived today, containing the very message that I have been waiting (and not very patiently) for...my Ancestry Visa has been approved.
Yes, I know I've done it all the wrong way round and I really should have had my visa approved and in my hot, little hand before I booked and paid for my flights, before I accepted a job and definitely before I shipped a box of my stuff over to London (OK, I haven't actually sent the box yet, but it is packed!).
Now that that last hurdle is out of the way, my official countdown can begin. As of today, there 45 sleeps until I move to London. 45!! Is that all??
Now that it's almost here, and as much as I know I'll be ready (packed, shipped and queueing at the airport), will I really be READY? I have been planning this trip for over two years now and here I am in the final days, feeling scared and sad and out of control. This is the big one - the BIG move. This is the change of the country, the change of the career and most certainly, the change of myself. While I know it's normal to have these feeling when facing such a life-changing move, I want to spend these last few weeks making the most of my time left with friends and family, and that means leaving behind all the worry and the stress.
I'm just not too sure how to do that. Maybe there is something to be said for the whole "one day at a time" thing...I should give that a go.
Yes, I know I've done it all the wrong way round and I really should have had my visa approved and in my hot, little hand before I booked and paid for my flights, before I accepted a job and definitely before I shipped a box of my stuff over to London (OK, I haven't actually sent the box yet, but it is packed!).
Now that that last hurdle is out of the way, my official countdown can begin. As of today, there 45 sleeps until I move to London. 45!! Is that all??
Now that it's almost here, and as much as I know I'll be ready (packed, shipped and queueing at the airport), will I really be READY? I have been planning this trip for over two years now and here I am in the final days, feeling scared and sad and out of control. This is the big one - the BIG move. This is the change of the country, the change of the career and most certainly, the change of myself. While I know it's normal to have these feeling when facing such a life-changing move, I want to spend these last few weeks making the most of my time left with friends and family, and that means leaving behind all the worry and the stress.
I'm just not too sure how to do that. Maybe there is something to be said for the whole "one day at a time" thing...I should give that a go.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
"Mine!" ... "Mine!"
On Sunday, I packed up my car (and my sister's) with most of my household items, left home at 5.00am and headed off to set up a stall at our local market. This was the first time I have ever done a market...and I was not prepared for the "feeding frenzy" that occured.
We pulled up at the car park of the train station that is home to the market every Sunday. The sun was not even out and the cars not even unloaded, when the "seagulls" arrived! Out of nowhere, we were suddenly surrounded by shoppers we could barely make out in the dark dawn. All of a sudden, my boxes were unpacked at the speed of light and we had already sold about $40 worth of stuff by the time I had everything out of the car. Just as quick as they arrived, they disappeared. It reminded me of all the seagulls in Finding Nemo (hence the title of this blog! If you haven't seen the movie, where on Earth have you been??).
To say the least, I was overwhelmed. Even my sister, who is a market veteran, had never seen anything like it. I am happy to say, that although we stayed busy throughout the day and I made over $800, we didn't have a repeat of the first half hour.
So apart from the sunburn (yes...again!) and the emotional breakdown in the middle of the car park at the end of the morning, it was a good day! I had been so good at seperating myself from all the stuff that I had to sell before I move overseas, telling myself that "it's only stuff", and "I can't take it with me", but once most of it had been sold and I was packing away the remaining few things that I could give away, it hit me that, yes, it is only stuff, but it's my stuff. It all has a story, memories that make up my story. So, looking around my place at the moment, it looks a bit bare, but then to cheer myself up, I look at my bank balance and start to feel a bit better!
It was a full-on weekend. On Saturday, I woke up at 4.30am to call the family that I'll be working for in London, then I couldn't get back to sleep. The night before, I was babysitting my niece until about 12.30am and I had her all day Saturday as well. We went shopping to look for a dress for me to wear to my best friend's wedding in Sydney next month and came home with a pair of jeans and a jumper...as you do! I can justify the purchase...I had jeans and a jumper on my list of stuff to buy before I move to the UK, so I've just bought them a little earlier than planned! I actually wanted to go and see Trinny and Susannah who I thought were appearing at Westfield that day, but they'll actually be there next saturday...maybe they can help me find something to wear...or what not to wear!
And to today...today I may just have done something crazy! I have accepted an extension to my contract at the Government call centre until 1 May - 5 weeks away! Can I do it? I hope so. Before I accepted, I called all my recruitment companies just to see if they had anything else for me and sadly, they did not! On the upside, it's guaranteed work until I leave, I have made friends there and I know the job, so i'm pretty sure I can last another 5 weeks. But in this "Current Financial Crisis" (sorry to have to use the tired, old cliche!), it seems that beggars cannot be choosers!
So it looks like I'll be a Call Centre Customer Service Agent for a little bit longer. I can handle that. Soon it will all be behind me. I'll be a nanny. I'll be living the dream.
I'll be in London!
P.S Update on whereabouts of British Ancestry Visa...who knows?? I am getting a bit nervous, but I still have plenty of time yet. I just need to stop checking the tracking page on the Australia Post website EVERY...SINGLE...DAY!!
We pulled up at the car park of the train station that is home to the market every Sunday. The sun was not even out and the cars not even unloaded, when the "seagulls" arrived! Out of nowhere, we were suddenly surrounded by shoppers we could barely make out in the dark dawn. All of a sudden, my boxes were unpacked at the speed of light and we had already sold about $40 worth of stuff by the time I had everything out of the car. Just as quick as they arrived, they disappeared. It reminded me of all the seagulls in Finding Nemo (hence the title of this blog! If you haven't seen the movie, where on Earth have you been??).
To say the least, I was overwhelmed. Even my sister, who is a market veteran, had never seen anything like it. I am happy to say, that although we stayed busy throughout the day and I made over $800, we didn't have a repeat of the first half hour.
So apart from the sunburn (yes...again!) and the emotional breakdown in the middle of the car park at the end of the morning, it was a good day! I had been so good at seperating myself from all the stuff that I had to sell before I move overseas, telling myself that "it's only stuff", and "I can't take it with me", but once most of it had been sold and I was packing away the remaining few things that I could give away, it hit me that, yes, it is only stuff, but it's my stuff. It all has a story, memories that make up my story. So, looking around my place at the moment, it looks a bit bare, but then to cheer myself up, I look at my bank balance and start to feel a bit better!
It was a full-on weekend. On Saturday, I woke up at 4.30am to call the family that I'll be working for in London, then I couldn't get back to sleep. The night before, I was babysitting my niece until about 12.30am and I had her all day Saturday as well. We went shopping to look for a dress for me to wear to my best friend's wedding in Sydney next month and came home with a pair of jeans and a jumper...as you do! I can justify the purchase...I had jeans and a jumper on my list of stuff to buy before I move to the UK, so I've just bought them a little earlier than planned! I actually wanted to go and see Trinny and Susannah who I thought were appearing at Westfield that day, but they'll actually be there next saturday...maybe they can help me find something to wear...or what not to wear!
And to today...today I may just have done something crazy! I have accepted an extension to my contract at the Government call centre until 1 May - 5 weeks away! Can I do it? I hope so. Before I accepted, I called all my recruitment companies just to see if they had anything else for me and sadly, they did not! On the upside, it's guaranteed work until I leave, I have made friends there and I know the job, so i'm pretty sure I can last another 5 weeks. But in this "Current Financial Crisis" (sorry to have to use the tired, old cliche!), it seems that beggars cannot be choosers!
So it looks like I'll be a Call Centre Customer Service Agent for a little bit longer. I can handle that. Soon it will all be behind me. I'll be a nanny. I'll be living the dream.
I'll be in London!
P.S Update on whereabouts of British Ancestry Visa...who knows?? I am getting a bit nervous, but I still have plenty of time yet. I just need to stop checking the tracking page on the Australia Post website EVERY...SINGLE...DAY!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The waiting is the hardest part
I haven't blogged too much about how my plans for moving to the UK are going and that's because not much is happening...at all!
I am in the stage of saving like mad and waiting to apply for my Visa, so on the outside it looks like nothing is happening. Very frustrating.
I have never had much patience and those who know me will whole-heartedly agree. So it comes as no surprise that I am finding this particular stage of my journey difficult. Add to that, a job that does not require much of me at all (read as: extremely boring and monotonous!) and it all works to drag the time out longer and longer.
That doesn't mean my mind hasn't been racing ahead with all the stuff I need to do before I go, and all the stuff I want to do when I get there. I have done it all before - it should be easy, right? This time feels different for whatever reason.
Little things like when I was at the hairdresser on the weekend, she talked me into a new shampoo and my first thought was, 'Will they sell that brand in the UK?'. I mean, why get used to a new shampoo if you just have to change again? It's these sort of things that are going through my head at the moment and at the oddest times.
But my plans are coming along, albeit slowly. It's like the old saying, "Lord, give me patience, but give it to me now"!
So those of you hoping to read about an Aussie girl braving new frontiers, starting over in a far away land, you'll have to wait a bit longer yet. Hey, if I can wait, then anyone can!! I promise to keep you updated on my progress and hopefully find some interesting things to post along the way.
Until then....
...here's one for the road!
I am in the stage of saving like mad and waiting to apply for my Visa, so on the outside it looks like nothing is happening. Very frustrating.
I have never had much patience and those who know me will whole-heartedly agree. So it comes as no surprise that I am finding this particular stage of my journey difficult. Add to that, a job that does not require much of me at all (read as: extremely boring and monotonous!) and it all works to drag the time out longer and longer.
That doesn't mean my mind hasn't been racing ahead with all the stuff I need to do before I go, and all the stuff I want to do when I get there. I have done it all before - it should be easy, right? This time feels different for whatever reason.
Little things like when I was at the hairdresser on the weekend, she talked me into a new shampoo and my first thought was, 'Will they sell that brand in the UK?'. I mean, why get used to a new shampoo if you just have to change again? It's these sort of things that are going through my head at the moment and at the oddest times.
But my plans are coming along, albeit slowly. It's like the old saying, "Lord, give me patience, but give it to me now"!
So those of you hoping to read about an Aussie girl braving new frontiers, starting over in a far away land, you'll have to wait a bit longer yet. Hey, if I can wait, then anyone can!! I promise to keep you updated on my progress and hopefully find some interesting things to post along the way.
Until then....
...here's one for the road!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)