The work/life balance is all wrong for me at the moment.
Was quite fed up with Monday – Friday consisting only of work and sleep, so have added in 1-2 hrs of gym each day, alternated with the volunteer work I continue to do for a youth suicide prevention hotline; and on alternate weekends I also continue to assist at a women & children’s refuge centre. I am leaving the names of the charities out of this post in the interest of their privacy, but feel free to ask if you’d like more information.
I wake up at 5am each day, so that I can make yoga and meditation part of each morning, and before leaving the house for work I put aside a few minutes to write down all the things I was thankful for yesterday. I feel I am surrounded by a lot of negativity in London… I honestly feel like I have never had to fight so hard to stay positive in any other place. I don’t know if it’s just the recession, or whether London has always been like this; but at face value there just seems to be a general lack of joy unless there is drinking involved.
I guess if I was the type of Australian who spent every weekend in the Walkabout/Redback/Church surrounded by other Australians I wouldn’t feel that way, but that was never my style.
I have learnt to dig beneath the surface and to question what’s in front of me, and I have been rewarded by meeting people that are so incredible words don’t do them justice. I will do individual blog posts on a couple of these people very shortly. At the very heart of London there is so much creativity and passion, and that’s what keeps me here.
Was quite fed up with Monday – Friday consisting only of work and sleep, so have added in 1-2 hrs of gym each day, alternated with the volunteer work I continue to do for a youth suicide prevention hotline; and on alternate weekends I also continue to assist at a women & children’s refuge centre. I am leaving the names of the charities out of this post in the interest of their privacy, but feel free to ask if you’d like more information.
I wake up at 5am each day, so that I can make yoga and meditation part of each morning, and before leaving the house for work I put aside a few minutes to write down all the things I was thankful for yesterday. I feel I am surrounded by a lot of negativity in London… I honestly feel like I have never had to fight so hard to stay positive in any other place. I don’t know if it’s just the recession, or whether London has always been like this; but at face value there just seems to be a general lack of joy unless there is drinking involved.
I guess if I was the type of Australian who spent every weekend in the Walkabout/Redback/Church surrounded by other Australians I wouldn’t feel that way, but that was never my style.
I have learnt to dig beneath the surface and to question what’s in front of me, and I have been rewarded by meeting people that are so incredible words don’t do them justice. I will do individual blog posts on a couple of these people very shortly. At the very heart of London there is so much creativity and passion, and that’s what keeps me here.
They arrived on a Sunday morning, and we enjoyed an informal lunch together with our extended family.
Monday and Tuesday I was at work, but it was so nice knowing at the end of the day I had them to come home to. On Wednesday Mum, Dad and I ventured to Southbank for a stroll and a spot of lunch, before catching a train to Richmond to spend some time with good friend of my Mum’s; they have known each other since their high school days. We had a lovely afternoon in her garden sipping wine and tea amongst nibbles of cake and lots of storytelling.
That evening we met with Meryem and Paulo for dinner at Boho Mexica. I love Mexican food but am often left feeling underwhelmed, but that wasn’t the case with this find. None of us had eaten there before. The restaurant is very inviting. Walls decorated with Latino posters and split into a left and right wing with a bar in the middle. It’s popular for happy hour Mojitos but that is not its main focus. They have made a determined effort to set themselves aside from all of the burrito bars that have popped up of the last few years, with a menu full of more traditional and hearty Mexican food. We were sat in a very sweet corner table in the right wing which had lots of character. Three of us were on a couch with an open window at our backs which was so welcome given the warmth of the evening.
On Thursday I took Mum & Dad to Brighton and we were blessed with another day of glorious blue skies and plenty of sun on our shoulders. We strolled across the pebbled beach and perused the various boutiques before stopping for lunch. We then made our way along the pier. It was so nice to be able to just run around like a big kid with my parents, and the look of pure glee on Mum’s face as she would aim straight for me in her dodgem car is something I’ll remember for a while yet. We stumbled upon some lovely little alley ways full of weird and wonderful wares on our way back to the train station, and lots of street art that took my fancy.
Friday marked my Mum’s Birthday, so opening presents was the first order of the day, and our tradition of a pre-breakfast Hors d'oeuvre of chocolates and tea was upheld for another year. I had booked myself, Mum & Dad into High tea at The Soho Hotel. We sat down to look over the menu and take in the beautiful interior of the Parlour room that had been set aside for us; and our kind waitress brought out a sweet plate of white and milk chocolate and fresh berries, with Happy Birthday written in chocolate on one side, and a candle in the middle. It was a lovely gesture and the combination of fine chocolate and berries was divine. Champagne was served next along with a selection of finger sandwiches - Smoked salmon, Cucumber, Ham and mustard, Cheddar cheese and chutney. Once we had finished with those we moved onto Quince, apple and rosemary scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Then onto sweet treats of Chocolate and blackberry torte, Ginger and rhubarb cake, Plum and pistachio praline tarte, Palmier and Hazelnut brittle.
Monday and Tuesday I was at work, but it was so nice knowing at the end of the day I had them to come home to. On Wednesday Mum, Dad and I ventured to Southbank for a stroll and a spot of lunch, before catching a train to Richmond to spend some time with good friend of my Mum’s; they have known each other since their high school days. We had a lovely afternoon in her garden sipping wine and tea amongst nibbles of cake and lots of storytelling.
That evening we met with Meryem and Paulo for dinner at Boho Mexica. I love Mexican food but am often left feeling underwhelmed, but that wasn’t the case with this find. None of us had eaten there before. The restaurant is very inviting. Walls decorated with Latino posters and split into a left and right wing with a bar in the middle. It’s popular for happy hour Mojitos but that is not its main focus. They have made a determined effort to set themselves aside from all of the burrito bars that have popped up of the last few years, with a menu full of more traditional and hearty Mexican food. We were sat in a very sweet corner table in the right wing which had lots of character. Three of us were on a couch with an open window at our backs which was so welcome given the warmth of the evening.
On Thursday I took Mum & Dad to Brighton and we were blessed with another day of glorious blue skies and plenty of sun on our shoulders. We strolled across the pebbled beach and perused the various boutiques before stopping for lunch. We then made our way along the pier. It was so nice to be able to just run around like a big kid with my parents, and the look of pure glee on Mum’s face as she would aim straight for me in her dodgem car is something I’ll remember for a while yet. We stumbled upon some lovely little alley ways full of weird and wonderful wares on our way back to the train station, and lots of street art that took my fancy.
Friday marked my Mum’s Birthday, so opening presents was the first order of the day, and our tradition of a pre-breakfast Hors d'oeuvre of chocolates and tea was upheld for another year. I had booked myself, Mum & Dad into High tea at The Soho Hotel. We sat down to look over the menu and take in the beautiful interior of the Parlour room that had been set aside for us; and our kind waitress brought out a sweet plate of white and milk chocolate and fresh berries, with Happy Birthday written in chocolate on one side, and a candle in the middle. It was a lovely gesture and the combination of fine chocolate and berries was divine. Champagne was served next along with a selection of finger sandwiches - Smoked salmon, Cucumber, Ham and mustard, Cheddar cheese and chutney. Once we had finished with those we moved onto Quince, apple and rosemary scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Then onto sweet treats of Chocolate and blackberry torte, Ginger and rhubarb cake, Plum and pistachio praline tarte, Palmier and Hazelnut brittle.
On Saturday evening I took Mum and Dad to see Billy Elliot at the Victoria palace theatre. We had dinner prior at a pub nearby. Wow, I was so taken with this musical. I’ve seen my fair share but would not hesitate to say this is far and away the best I have seen. Pure theatrical brilliance, and full of much more humour than I remember from the movie, but equally as moving. I was weeping one minute and in fits of laughter the next, and at the end walked away with such a feeling of hope. Scott McKenzie was cast as Billy in the performance we saw and was an absolute joy to watch. It’s hard to believe someone so young can be so gifted, but I could not take my eyes off him, particularly during his pirouettes.
On Sunday I headed to Venice with Mum & Dad which was like a dream from start to finish. Cars are prohibited in Venice, so instead of lining up for a cab on our arrival into Italy, we hopped straight onto a waiting boat. It took about an hour for us to reach San Marco, and seeing the sunset across the city as we were ferried along was magical. Our hotel was about a 5 minute walk from where we were dropped off. As the only way to maneuver around the city is on water or foot you are placed at the perfect vantage point to be in continual awe of the beauty of this 1,500 year old city. Las Serenissima (which translates into English as “The most serence one”, is brimming with art, fine shopping, palaces and exquisitely fresh food. Piazza San Marco is the perect place to relax while taking in sky and water lines in the company of live pianists and violinists. Stop for a Bellini at Harry’s bar, wander the bridges and alleyways and visit the basilicas. Finish off with a gondola ride and a plate of fresh prosciutto topped with strawberries and balsamic vinegar.
Mum and Dad had several days in Florence following this, while I reluctantly headed back to work. But my head was still filled with the fairytale that Venice has you believe in, and I will always cherish the memories we created there.
When mum and Dad returned we had a family gathering at my Aunty Pat’s house. All of Dad’s side of the family was there so it was great to see everyone. Embarrassing to learn that I am one shortest, even amongst cousins that are several years younger. Eeep.
I then travelled with them to an English town called Colerne where we had rented the cute-as-pie “Sticky Cottage”, which dates back to 1825 but had been beautifully renovated whilst still keeping some of its traditional charm. This. We spent a week there exploring the surrounding towns Bath, Lacock, Castle Combe and Stonehenge.
We headed back to London on Thursday night, stopping on the way to visit friends of my parents in Wokingham. They spoilt us with a meal that never seemed to end and were such amazing hosts and friends to us all evening.
Back to work for me on the Friday, but then dinner and pub drinks with most of the family that evening.
On Saturday we had lunch with my Dad’s brother Sven and his family which was lovely. It was a really nice way to spend the last day with my parents. After lunch we drove to the airport and said a sad goodbye, as my parents made their way to Hong Kong before returning home to Sydney. Still, it is much nicer to be sad that I’m saying goodbye than glad it’s over.
So that’s where I’ve been at recently.
Last week I performed at an Open-Mic poetry night at The Poetry Café in Covent Garden. The performance was very well received so I will definitely try to make it to a few more there or at other venues.
This week I’m looking forward to visiting Ronnie Scott’s to see some live Jazz, and a friend of mine will be entertaining at his first stand-up comedy show which should be fun.
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