It's snowing!!! In London. Quite heavily too. I just had to share this with everyone. It is so beautiful. I tried taking a few pics from my camera phone but it didn't work out. Just a few buildings.
I was downstairs making a coffee at work when it happened. The American students in the basement computer lab let out a scream of excitement. Much like I did on Saturday when it snowed while I was out walking. This is the first time I've been in a city where it has snowed. You don't quite get that in Australian cities. Especially not Brisbane, except if you include the man-made toboggan run at Mt Coot-tha studios of Channel 10.... bizarre....
that is all, I have heaps of work to do. .... but might be here all night anyway if the tubes stop running. hmmm....
oh! and start fencing classes tonight. picket... stone... brick..... or maybe some swordplay.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
toilet training
Yeah yeah... I know... weird ass title... I was just thinking about this posting today... You know, when travelling or going out anywhere it's essential that one finds out where the toilets are. When you gotta go, you gotta go, right?
Anyway, it all started for me in Oman... the call of nature after traipsing around Fort Nakhal... I was wondering what those shower hoses were attached to the side of the toilet... hmmm... strange...
Then in Dubai, at the airport, I had to pay a visit to the bathroom again. Lo and behold they were there again. This time I wanted to find out what they were... I gotta say that I had a pretty fair idea... Ok, so I heard this lady going for it in the cubicle next to me (with the hose, I mean). So I just had to give it a go... wooo hay! That was so awesome. Power shower! I heard somewhere that once you have tried the bidet you can never go back. How true that is.
And I didn't have to flush! The toilet had some kind of inbuilt sensor that flushed automatically. I really don't know how that one works. Why doesn't it flush when you're in the middle of doing your business? ??? Eeewww.... that would be rather unfortunate... but what a cool concept!
Also, sensory taps... put your left hand in, put your left hand out, put your left hand in and shake it all about... do the hokey pokey and turn around... that's what it's all about... put your right hand in... ok ok... you get the picture...
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. Oman. Pull the flusher, don't press. Had to get used to that one.
In England, they have levers on the side of the lav which you just pull down. Wow! So many ways to take a crap! I mean it! I'm not taking the piss, mate. 'Scuse the pun.
What I haven't checked yet is which way the water swirls down the toilet. Clockwise or anti-clockwise... ie: Simpson's episode where Bart rings Australia... cringe... really bad Aussie accents galore...
Thank god I haven't experienced the hole in the ground or the outdoor dunny yet. It's too bloody cold here in London to be doing that. You would literally freeze your butt off.
And at the Tate Modern I did see a really cool photgraphic display of toilet seats... can't remember who the artist was...
Oh yeah... Hungry Jacks or should I say Burger King makes you pay 20p for the pleasure. they have turnstiles outside their lavs with coin dispensers... bizarre... and public loos are also pay per pooh.
good ole McChucks is still free... I don't eat there, was just busting one day when I was in between job interviews. sorry, too much info? But in Eng-errrr-land, the toilets at Makkas are unisex... freaked me out a little when a hairy ape came waltzing out of the lav. Blah!
Is this a new obsession of mine? No. Probably just some kind of depraved virgo observation.
There are 3 toilets in the house where I'm currently living. The one I love most, and which is closest to where I'm sleeping is the loo tucked away under the stairs in the closet. It's the weirdest sensation going under the stairs to take a pee.
Having said that, nature calls... way too much coffee...
ciao!
Anyway, it all started for me in Oman... the call of nature after traipsing around Fort Nakhal... I was wondering what those shower hoses were attached to the side of the toilet... hmmm... strange...
Then in Dubai, at the airport, I had to pay a visit to the bathroom again. Lo and behold they were there again. This time I wanted to find out what they were... I gotta say that I had a pretty fair idea... Ok, so I heard this lady going for it in the cubicle next to me (with the hose, I mean). So I just had to give it a go... wooo hay! That was so awesome. Power shower! I heard somewhere that once you have tried the bidet you can never go back. How true that is.
And I didn't have to flush! The toilet had some kind of inbuilt sensor that flushed automatically. I really don't know how that one works. Why doesn't it flush when you're in the middle of doing your business? ??? Eeewww.... that would be rather unfortunate... but what a cool concept!
Also, sensory taps... put your left hand in, put your left hand out, put your left hand in and shake it all about... do the hokey pokey and turn around... that's what it's all about... put your right hand in... ok ok... you get the picture...
Oh yeah, forgot to mention. Oman. Pull the flusher, don't press. Had to get used to that one.
In England, they have levers on the side of the lav which you just pull down. Wow! So many ways to take a crap! I mean it! I'm not taking the piss, mate. 'Scuse the pun.
What I haven't checked yet is which way the water swirls down the toilet. Clockwise or anti-clockwise... ie: Simpson's episode where Bart rings Australia... cringe... really bad Aussie accents galore...
Thank god I haven't experienced the hole in the ground or the outdoor dunny yet. It's too bloody cold here in London to be doing that. You would literally freeze your butt off.
And at the Tate Modern I did see a really cool photgraphic display of toilet seats... can't remember who the artist was...
Oh yeah... Hungry Jacks or should I say Burger King makes you pay 20p for the pleasure. they have turnstiles outside their lavs with coin dispensers... bizarre... and public loos are also pay per pooh.
good ole McChucks is still free... I don't eat there, was just busting one day when I was in between job interviews. sorry, too much info? But in Eng-errrr-land, the toilets at Makkas are unisex... freaked me out a little when a hairy ape came waltzing out of the lav. Blah!
Is this a new obsession of mine? No. Probably just some kind of depraved virgo observation.
There are 3 toilets in the house where I'm currently living. The one I love most, and which is closest to where I'm sleeping is the loo tucked away under the stairs in the closet. It's the weirdest sensation going under the stairs to take a pee.
Having said that, nature calls... way too much coffee...
ciao!
Saturday, February 12, 2005
a penny for your thoughts
http://www.flickr.com/photos/squidfiles/
Well.. it's been two weeks in London. I have managed to set up a bank account PLUS I've found a new job. It's really ace. The company runs exchange programs for American students in Europe. The perks of the job include being able to tag along on some of the day tours they provide, so I've booked in for a day trip to Stone Henge. woo hoo!
The latest photos have also been uploaded. Check the link above. As you'll see I've been doing a bit of sight seeing around London. Where was I last week? Oh yeah, Camden Town. Gotta go back there soon.
I've already been into the Tate Modern and heading in there again tomorrow. What impressed me the other day? Pollock, Picasso, Beckmann, Hesse, Warhol and a couple of installations by Bruce Nauman. One viewing is simply not enough. That includes the amazing structures of the place. Yeah... you can tell I was a big fan from the numerous photos posted.
Last night was my first introduction to London pub culture. I am NEVER doing the 'snakebites' again. sheesh! Mind you that was two pints following the vodka and the long island ice tea I'd just finished. Man... the chips were soggy. Yuk! And lo and behold, I heard more Aussie, Kiwi and Saffa accents than English.
Also, the Brits have absolutely no taste in music. Seriously! I was watching the British Music Awards the other night (yeah yeah... I would have had more entertainment reading my accounting books)... but who are the "Scissor Sister" and who cares? Bad music. But the Brits voted for them as best group over Green Day. Go figure...
Well it's off to the pub again tonight...... what else... But definitely no snakebites... I'll just stick to the pints of lager methinks.
I'm a bit over computers right now. Most of my new job literally involves delving in and out of spreadsheets and I just spent all day trying to edit those damn photos... can't wait til I have my own laptop.
ok, beer-o'clock time.
Well.. it's been two weeks in London. I have managed to set up a bank account PLUS I've found a new job. It's really ace. The company runs exchange programs for American students in Europe. The perks of the job include being able to tag along on some of the day tours they provide, so I've booked in for a day trip to Stone Henge. woo hoo!
The latest photos have also been uploaded. Check the link above. As you'll see I've been doing a bit of sight seeing around London. Where was I last week? Oh yeah, Camden Town. Gotta go back there soon.
I've already been into the Tate Modern and heading in there again tomorrow. What impressed me the other day? Pollock, Picasso, Beckmann, Hesse, Warhol and a couple of installations by Bruce Nauman. One viewing is simply not enough. That includes the amazing structures of the place. Yeah... you can tell I was a big fan from the numerous photos posted.
Last night was my first introduction to London pub culture. I am NEVER doing the 'snakebites' again. sheesh! Mind you that was two pints following the vodka and the long island ice tea I'd just finished. Man... the chips were soggy. Yuk! And lo and behold, I heard more Aussie, Kiwi and Saffa accents than English.
Also, the Brits have absolutely no taste in music. Seriously! I was watching the British Music Awards the other night (yeah yeah... I would have had more entertainment reading my accounting books)... but who are the "Scissor Sister" and who cares? Bad music. But the Brits voted for them as best group over Green Day. Go figure...
Well it's off to the pub again tonight...... what else... But definitely no snakebites... I'll just stick to the pints of lager methinks.
I'm a bit over computers right now. Most of my new job literally involves delving in and out of spreadsheets and I just spent all day trying to edit those damn photos... can't wait til I have my own laptop.
ok, beer-o'clock time.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
mad world
hoookay....
Had the coolest day today. Took a trip into Camden Town with Kirsty. We were going to head off later to see a movie, but we kinda got distracted with all the sights and delights... of course, ended up spending money accidentally on a few things. Picked up a few bargains actually.
£15 pair of funky brown street shoes/ runners
£12 chunky ring of mother of pearl set in silver
£35 (ouch!) for some really gorgeous woollen light brown fishermen's wrap around pants.
coffees and hot chocolate in one of the groovy cafes on the canal near the lochs.
I don't think we even saw nearly half of it all. This place has absolutely everything. Cheap groovy clothes, homewares, music to suit anyone's rhythm, food stalls galore from all over the world (Carribean, Japanes, African etc...).
It's also still punk city. I saw some "wicked" mohawks, piercings, tattoos and red checked pants with braces.
leather gear everywhere. It was "well fun".
Anyways, took the cheezy shots of my first double decker bus ride. I just can't believe the crowds of people here. Crazy man. But I loved it, seeing all the different freaky people. I guess the novelty will wear off soon enough and I'll look and act as grumpy pants as everyone else here.
Of course it also only took me 5 seconds to spot the drum-n-bass, break beats, dance store. So I've collected all my paraphenalia, had a chat to the DJs instore (working there and punters also) and now have a nice list of clubs to check out. ... Although, I can't for the life of me remember how to make my way back to this store. It was down one of the side streets off the markets. ..**sigh**... guess I'll just have to go back and explore Camden Town a bit more.
Boy o boy.... was this such a different world away from my expeditions yesterday. I took in the sites on Sat of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament and had a pub meal of bangers and mash in a pub just up near Trafalgar Square.
However, my timing for my arrival at Buckingham Palace was impeccable. I arrived just before midday as the palace guards were going on parade with the marching band. I also had prime pozzie right outside the gates. Very cool.
Deciding that I was bloody freezing, I thought it prudent of me to purchase a hot chocolate in St James Park on my way up to Westminster and stroll through the gardens and watch the geese and squirrels.. the dear little rascals...
The sight seeing was cool around Big Ben, will show pics soon on flickr.com... Oh! And also happened upon the Palace Life Guards on horseback near Whitehall. It was only when I was having lunch of lumpy mash (somewhat disappointing) and sausage in red wine sauce and onion (remedying the poor mash), washed down with a pint that I realised I had overlooked No 10 Downing Street. Never mind, I have pics of the anti-Iraq war protestors outside the Houses of Parliament to remind me that Blair is a Baby Killer. .. ahem...
Trafalgar Sqaure - full of pigeons and tourists. It's a famous London street scene. There should be a t-shirt saying "I survived the double decker buses and cabs to make it here".
So anyway, that's about it for now. I start a new job on Wednesday. woohoo! And I'm a bit excited about that. So I have 2 days left of relative freedom before I become a wage slave again. Ah well.... I just hope it's nothing like the BBC production "The Office"
ciao!
Had the coolest day today. Took a trip into Camden Town with Kirsty. We were going to head off later to see a movie, but we kinda got distracted with all the sights and delights... of course, ended up spending money accidentally on a few things. Picked up a few bargains actually.
£15 pair of funky brown street shoes/ runners
£12 chunky ring of mother of pearl set in silver
£35 (ouch!) for some really gorgeous woollen light brown fishermen's wrap around pants.
coffees and hot chocolate in one of the groovy cafes on the canal near the lochs.
I don't think we even saw nearly half of it all. This place has absolutely everything. Cheap groovy clothes, homewares, music to suit anyone's rhythm, food stalls galore from all over the world (Carribean, Japanes, African etc...).
It's also still punk city. I saw some "wicked" mohawks, piercings, tattoos and red checked pants with braces.
leather gear everywhere. It was "well fun".
Anyways, took the cheezy shots of my first double decker bus ride. I just can't believe the crowds of people here. Crazy man. But I loved it, seeing all the different freaky people. I guess the novelty will wear off soon enough and I'll look and act as grumpy pants as everyone else here.
Of course it also only took me 5 seconds to spot the drum-n-bass, break beats, dance store. So I've collected all my paraphenalia, had a chat to the DJs instore (working there and punters also) and now have a nice list of clubs to check out. ... Although, I can't for the life of me remember how to make my way back to this store. It was down one of the side streets off the markets. ..**sigh**... guess I'll just have to go back and explore Camden Town a bit more.
Boy o boy.... was this such a different world away from my expeditions yesterday. I took in the sites on Sat of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament and had a pub meal of bangers and mash in a pub just up near Trafalgar Square.
However, my timing for my arrival at Buckingham Palace was impeccable. I arrived just before midday as the palace guards were going on parade with the marching band. I also had prime pozzie right outside the gates. Very cool.
Deciding that I was bloody freezing, I thought it prudent of me to purchase a hot chocolate in St James Park on my way up to Westminster and stroll through the gardens and watch the geese and squirrels.. the dear little rascals...
The sight seeing was cool around Big Ben, will show pics soon on flickr.com... Oh! And also happened upon the Palace Life Guards on horseback near Whitehall. It was only when I was having lunch of lumpy mash (somewhat disappointing) and sausage in red wine sauce and onion (remedying the poor mash), washed down with a pint that I realised I had overlooked No 10 Downing Street. Never mind, I have pics of the anti-Iraq war protestors outside the Houses of Parliament to remind me that Blair is a Baby Killer. .. ahem...
Trafalgar Sqaure - full of pigeons and tourists. It's a famous London street scene. There should be a t-shirt saying "I survived the double decker buses and cabs to make it here".
So anyway, that's about it for now. I start a new job on Wednesday. woohoo! And I'm a bit excited about that. So I have 2 days left of relative freedom before I become a wage slave again. Ah well.... I just hope it's nothing like the BBC production "The Office"
ciao!
Friday, February 04, 2005
welcome aboard
...thought I would re-post the entry from the other blog site for those who couldn't access it....
The first enty of my travels abroad...
..Well, after the last few days of rushing around London I really couldn't be bothered doing much today..so just decided to go for a bit of a walk around the local neighbourhood.. I've taken a few pics of the area in which I'm currently living. The post box, a couple of street scenes, a couple of shots from the park and the house where I'm staying.
Why the post box? It's just little differences that I find really interesting. They still use the old red, rather ornate post boxes. I just find that quite quaint. I don't know how well these photos will turn out. It was extremely grey here today and going on 5.00pm now it's almost dark.
To view other photos which I have uploaded I'm referring you to the flickr site listed under the links.
My site is called "Fi Fi A Broad", although, at some point I will get around to sending some photos to this site.
Anyway, on my wanderings this arvo I came upon the next suburb/town called Neasden. It has quite a large population of Black Jamaicans and Nigerians, Indians, Pakistanis and Turks. ..mmm... so found myself in an Arabic/ Halal food store and have been enjoying a late lunch of stuffed eggplant, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).. munched on some baklava on the way home and soon to be brewing up a very strong Turkish coffee. woohoo! Nothing like having a few heart palpitations before bedtime....zzzzzzzzzzz........
The food I bought was really quite cheap. I bought a few other things as well, so only had an outlay of about £20 today. Nice going. It is such a relief not to be paying inner city prices.
It was quite a nice walk back through a huge park across the road from the house. I can't afford to join a gym until I have a job so might just go running around this suburb in the meantime. One of the guys here said this is quite a dodgy neighbourhood, but the Indian lady at the chemist reassured me that I have landed in quite a lovely spot. I think so too. I find the multi-culturalism here just fantastic. It's actually the Irish pubs and dodgy bars that I saw that made my skin crawl. Think I'll be avoiding those joints.
Ok, hope you enjoy the pics from Oman. Promise to post some more soon.
The first enty of my travels abroad...
..Well, after the last few days of rushing around London I really couldn't be bothered doing much today..so just decided to go for a bit of a walk around the local neighbourhood.. I've taken a few pics of the area in which I'm currently living. The post box, a couple of street scenes, a couple of shots from the park and the house where I'm staying.
Why the post box? It's just little differences that I find really interesting. They still use the old red, rather ornate post boxes. I just find that quite quaint. I don't know how well these photos will turn out. It was extremely grey here today and going on 5.00pm now it's almost dark.
To view other photos which I have uploaded I'm referring you to the flickr site listed under the links.
My site is called "Fi Fi A Broad", although, at some point I will get around to sending some photos to this site.
Anyway, on my wanderings this arvo I came upon the next suburb/town called Neasden. It has quite a large population of Black Jamaicans and Nigerians, Indians, Pakistanis and Turks. ..mmm... so found myself in an Arabic/ Halal food store and have been enjoying a late lunch of stuffed eggplant, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).. munched on some baklava on the way home and soon to be brewing up a very strong Turkish coffee. woohoo! Nothing like having a few heart palpitations before bedtime....zzzzzzzzzzz........
The food I bought was really quite cheap. I bought a few other things as well, so only had an outlay of about £20 today. Nice going. It is such a relief not to be paying inner city prices.
It was quite a nice walk back through a huge park across the road from the house. I can't afford to join a gym until I have a job so might just go running around this suburb in the meantime. One of the guys here said this is quite a dodgy neighbourhood, but the Indian lady at the chemist reassured me that I have landed in quite a lovely spot. I think so too. I find the multi-culturalism here just fantastic. It's actually the Irish pubs and dodgy bars that I saw that made my skin crawl. Think I'll be avoiding those joints.
Ok, hope you enjoy the pics from Oman. Promise to post some more soon.
let's try this again...
Ok,. sorry everyone... me not such a technical genius... Hopefully you are accessing this blog site ok and can post comments etc etc...
...sheesh... I'm getting onto the job agencies again today. I need to work! ..although, do have quite a bit of study to keep me going for a while.
I'll post again later. ciao!
...sheesh... I'm getting onto the job agencies again today. I need to work! ..although, do have quite a bit of study to keep me going for a while.
I'll post again later. ciao!
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