Sunday, 27th April

Not as nice today, so I ventured to an indoor mall, yes like the ones we have in the states. It is at Canary Wharf, which is a very new development. I was off to the tube station with route in hand, and the line was closed, so they told me how to get there, via the Bank station and the Dockland Railline, was easy. It was very clean, not real crowded, so enjoyed walking around and peeking in the stores. Not a very exciting day, but was out of the apartment. I also had to do normal things like wash today. As tomorrow is back to work again. This week I hope to be moving into my new flat in a completely different area.

Saturday, 26Apr

Another weekend, where is the time going. Well this Saturday the weather was wonderful, out with the sunglasses and left the coat at home. Was nice. off to another day of walking, went over the London Bridge into the city, headed toward St Paul's Cathedral, it is pretty impressive, then down Fleet Street to the Strand, past the Royal Justice Courts building, they are all locked up have gated entrances and all, ended up in Trafalgar square. From there I visited the visitors center, got lots of literature there of things in and around London. Then did a walk from Rick Steve's book, started at Leicester Square which is the central clearing house for theatre tickets, lot of people around, then on to Covent Gardens, which is lots of shops and street performers, along with a Market in the back, walked up St James street to Neal Street (lots of clothing and shoe shops here), is nice as no traffic on this street, then into Soho, up to Regent St and Oxford St which are the main shopping streets, they were packed with people, but lots of fun window shopping. Then a bus back to home to rest.

The weather was much better today, still a little over cast, but not nearly as cold. I went and checked out some of the street markets that London is known for. Walked over the Thames via London Bridge, then up thru The City to Liverpool Station then on to Petticoat Lane Market, this was a long street with all kinds of clothes, jewelry, shoes, and linens, many many stalls, that is all that you could see, then went on to the Old Spitalfield Market, it was is a building with lots of stalls, a little bit of everything there, so pretty cool stuff, then I walked along Brick Lane, which also has many stalls of vendors selling things, my final destination was the Columbia Rd Market which is a flower and plant market, it is a whole street filled with stalls. I purchased some flowers for my place to make it more homey, of course then had to find a vase, they look very nice, smell good and they do make it more homey here. Then I walked back, even got warm enough to take off my coat. So that was nice. It is now raining again, so glad that I am in for the night. ... see updated slide show...

Well it is Saturday again, time sure is going fast. Friday night a bunch of us went out for dinner, there were I think about 20 of us, went to an Indian restaurant called Tayas. I would have to say that I'm not going to be real fond of Indian food, it is pretty spicy and very different. We went on to a pub where they had karaoke, it was fun, then back home via a bus late at night, made me feel like a real Londoner. Today, went to Borough Market, it was crowded, but got to try many different types of food, as they had lots of samples, lots of cheese, olives, breads - and of course food booths. Was fun. But very cold out today, overcast and the wind was blowing, so didn't do as much exploring today. I have added a few more pictures to my slide show from today.

This is my new home, I spent most of Wednesday and half day of Thursday looking at apartments (flats), I liked several, however some where up so many steps, that there is no way that I could climb them everyday, let alone twice in a day. So... found this nice 2 bedroom (small) flat in a converted Mansion House, it very quaint and has a great view of these gardens. It is on the 2nd floor (or what they would call the 1st floor here). It is Hampstead, right down from the tube station, so great location, kind of secluded in this little square, with one entrance in (a picture is in my slide show). It is a very quaint, cozy place, but it will make a nice home for now. They are in the negotiating stage and doing the paperwork, move in date is set for the 30th of April. It is very exciting. Will keep you posted.
View the slide show to see inside pictures..

Sunday

13April - Stayed in today, resting from yesterday and figuring out how to use the washing machine, it is a washer and dryer all in one. I think I now have it figured out, but takes a while to do a load of clothes. So just taking it easy and updating my blog today. This week I go out looking at apartments as I get to chose one for myself. So that is very exciting. I now have a UK banking account as of last Thursday, however there is no money in it. Oh well, that will come.

More Exploring

12Apr - Sat is here again, so I am off to explore some new areas. I took the tube to Hampstead this morning as that is the area they are taking me this week to see apartments, so thought I would check it out. What a cool area, it has a quaint village feel to it. Lots of shops, little streets and trees/shrubs. See the car above, ever seen a car back in to a parallel parking space - I say they have small cars here. I've seen many a convertible that I would love to have. I walked up to Hampstead Heath which is green area (park), very nice. It is a little steep in a few places, but really liked the area. I then walked back thru West/South Hampstead, Belsize Park, St John Wood and various other neighborhoods, was a nice stroll, till the rain started. Good thing I purchase an umbrella, and I found a Pepsi today (they are hard to come by over here ) everything is Coke. ugh! When the rain started I hopped a bus, well I was on the wrong side of the street so went on a long bus ride out to an area called Willesden, then returned, was a nice view and saw lots. Oh well. Did finally make it to Oxford Circle and then onto Piccadilly Circus (very busy and lots of people). Stopped for something to eat and drink, yes another Pub, and yes Gor I had fish and chips again! Then walked thru Trafalgar Square, across the Millennium Foot Bridge over the Thames and then along the Thames, where I came upon a crowd, they were listening and watching a lady singing from a balcony - it was the Globe Theatre, so watched for a while, then back to my place. What a day, to much walking again. See my slideshow to the right for my pictures from today.

Night out on the Town

09April - I attended an evening function sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel at the Shanghai Blues. It was quite an experience - the appetizers were things I have never seen or heard of before along with the drinks, except of course the Champagne. After the function a few of use went on for more drinks. You won't believe where a Gay Bar in China Town, it was rather interesting, while there, I am in the restroom (Loo or Toilet), while in the stall, I hear male voices very close... I'm thinking I know I went in the women's.... And yes I did, but there they were waiting for a turn when I came out. What a shock!

Weekend in London

Awoke on Sunday morning to you won't believe it. SNOW !!! Felt right at home, it didn't stick, but came down most of the morning, so have decided it is a day to stay indoors and relax. I'll do more exploring next weekend.

It is saturday the 5th of April and I'm off to explore London on foot. (Not sure my feet will ever be the same again.) I walked along the Thames river from London Bridge to Chelsea, what a distance, but saw lots. Chelsea is a great area, with lots of shops, resturants and apartments. Along the way saw lots on the river, plus Westminster Abby, The Parliment buildings, and the London Eye, this is such an old city. I took the bus back, you can really see a lot on the bus, just have to make sure you get off at the right stop, then took the tube from Westminter to London Bridge and I was home again.

Gone to London

Well I've made it to London, after leaving the states on Tuesday morning, with a very close connection in JFK, made the flight with little time to spare. I am now settling into what will be my home for a few weeks, it is a nice 1 bedroom apartment. First day in the office was good, just a lot to learn and all is a little different.