i've also been to ireland

Aye!!

For the past four nights or so I’ve been dossing at a small house in Sudbury with nine Irish men and it’s SUCH A CRAIC! My weekend activities have included

- drinking copious amounts of Foster’s

- watching Rocky and Star Wars 1-6

- watching a hurling match

- discovering the beauty of London’s outer suburbs

However first a hot travel tip which I learnt via experience: DON’T MENTION THE WAR. In fact, don’t mention ‘catholics’ or ‘protestants’ at all. This especially applies in regards to the Irish and the Germans, though in general it’s not really a good conversation topic. Consequentially, I’ve been copping much crap about being a convict and invading the aborigines. Although I’ve tried to explain to the lads the concept of ‘terra nullius’ and how in all fairness the land was rightfully ours for the taking (I mean spears vs. guns, there really is one clear winner) however they just don’t seem to understand.

On the up side, I’ve got a job at a pub called The Courtfield in Earl Court which is quite nice. I had a trial shift last night and it was pretty good, although I’m still getting used to the currency – in all honesty what is the point of a ONE PENCE other than to weigh down your wallet? And all the beer and ales were a bit foreign too, they have funny names like Hoegarden, Hobgoblin, London Pride and Starpromen or something. The only one I knew was Stella Artois. It’s pretty classy so obviously I fit in well.

And yesterday I went and looked at a flat in Sheperd’s Bush. Though I didn’t end up getting it, I did get myself a drinking date. Personally I think it was all a matter of presenting yourself well and translating first impressions which made this come about. Here’s a reference for your convenience:

“I didn’t know how to open the gate, so I jumped it instead” Translation: I’m an easy-going and active girl with a great sense of adventure.

“I’m homeless, but I’m not sure if I need a place to live or not at the moment”

Translation: I am a flexible and intrepid traveller who lives in the moment and doesn’t tie herself down with nancy-pancy permanent plans.

“I don’t know if I have $500 to pay for it at the moment…”

Translation: I am a free spirit who isn’t consumed by capitalist strains.

A more pessimistic person may have perceived these extracts as ‘disorganised’, ‘disastrous’ or ‘weird’, luckily I choose to surround myself with people with a positive zen and an optimistic attitude.

On the money front, things aren’t looking that well. I have one pound left and $0 on my Oyster card. How I will eat or get home tonight escapes me, but being the hippie I am I’m not fussed at all. I have some cool doss house pictures I’ll try to put up but my battery is nearly out and I rely on the Maccas free wi-fi for these short but brilliant insights into my new life.

Oh and as a sidenote, I miss Laura Boland immensely, and 1^st Contact Kickstart have been a major help in getting my shit together. I would recommend them highly to anyone. I am especially excited about the five day gym membership and my 7324902347^th copy of the tube line they gave me in the package. I suppose the bank account, NI number and job assistance also helped a bit too. Cheers 1^st contact.

emergency #1

After much torpor (or languor for the lowbrow of you) about supposedly important issues such as setting up a bank account and getting a job, I decided to face my demons and do get my shit together. I had an interview at a pub called The Chandos on Central Saint Martins (Central London). When I finally found the place I nearly hyperventilated – the pub literally overlooks Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. It’s at the beginning of the Theatre District, a tourist hotspot, and gets absolutely packed every night. The bad news is that it’s 55 hours a week at 5 pound 80 an hour, though tips are often generous. But while Trafalgar Square would be quite an amazing backyard, I will always hold a special place in my heart for the tin shed and hills hoist which I have grown to love.

I also made my way to Camden, somewhere that every person who has been to London has recommended to me. Alas, this is the scene for the first downfall of my journeys. Yes, as implausible as it is, I, an 18 year old female travelling alone, have encountered my first emergency. In fact, I am still in emergency mode, and probably will be for awhile. Let’s just say, I made some unthinking decisions, the consequence of which is that I am unable to eat for the rest of this week...or until I find a job. Alas I have run out of money. The cause of this troublesome pickle I find myself in resides in an unbecoming white dress and a pair of high waisted leather shorts (they will never go out of fashion). Now I would not usually consider such purchases, however a when a Norweigan gothic woman dressed me into these leather "pants" (if pants is synonymous with underwear) and purred ‘these are made for you…perfect…so sexy…you’re a star! YOU'RE A STAR!’ I have never felt so flattered in my life! So you see spending the rest of my money on it was the logical decision. I mean if I didn’t buy it, it would have been impolite, and we all know how much the English value good manners. And the white dress, well I was offered a job at the markets and also offered the shopkeepers hand in marriage and that was so kind so I really wanted to pay back the kindness and purchase it. They both discounted it too! Such generosity never happens in Brisbane and is a real tribute to human nature. So all in all, I have $23.28 to last me until I get a job, as I cannot open a bank account until I get a job, and I cannot get a job until somebody recognises my inner magnificence and boyish charm and hires me.

After gorging myself on unhealthy and overpriced London foods for the past few days, I decided it would be a pleasant afternoon for a run in Hyde Park. You know I don’t think it’s very common for people to wear running gear on the tube, but this is how I like to change people’s perceptions. I was a little wistful while running through the luscious green pastures, contemplating my much loved Wynnum beachfront running route. However I found the experience to be quite the same and relieved some nostalgia. Instead of having to dodge pets, small children, rapists, and second hand cigarette smoke of Wynnum, I found the equivalent obstacles of horses, geese, and washed up rock stars in my way. And the differences between the notable landmarks I pass were only marginal at best. In Wynnum I am blessed with the epiphany-enticing jetty, the newly renovated wading pool, and the gorgeous waterfront; whereas on this route, I idled past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Thames – all of equal if not inferior calibre to those of Wynnum. I am still yet to decide which route takes the cake as, quite obviously, they both have their advantages.

Tomorrow is Origin III! And I plan to spend the remaining $23 on enjoying this night as really, where else in the world can you watch origin at 11am and then again at 7.30pm? GO QLD!