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Published: July 26th 2008
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They say that your home is your castle but for the last little while, my bag has been my castle! Living out of a bag is quite a lifestyle and I have to say I can definitely pack some stuff in there! Problem with that skill is that you end up carrying around very, very heavy bags.
Anyway, I am digressing. I recently went to Bodiem Castle with my Nan and her friend Julia. Having vetoed going to Leeds Castle - too pricey for those on a tight budget - we headed to Bodiem which is in East Sussex, near Tenterden and Hastings. I actually have memories of Bodiem from when I was a little girl. Massive goldfish swimming in the moat and we had a book when I was growing up that explained all about castle life. No wonder I ended up doing a history degree!
Rambling around the ramparts, peering through the crennels, the view from the castle is spectacular. And it is even more amazing to see how people would have lived and worked here. Amazing to see how the castle was built and has lasted through the ages.
Now I am up in London,
I have a castle of my own. Well, I have just moved into a flat that I will be sharing with the lovely Barbara! So, as of last Monday, I officially have a home of my own for a little while, at least until the end of October. Which will provide me with some sense of stability. It is a little bit weird to think though, that I will be living and working in London. How did I end up here? So crazy. But I am looking forward to saving some cash for some more travels, as well as getting into a decent yoga routine.
So, I am living right near Oval station which is very convenient for work - only 5 stops - and I can even walk to the Tate! So this week I have visited the Tate and the National Portrait Gallery, both of which I really enjoyed. And, putting an end to my weekday gallery tripping, I also started work, so I am now officially an Accenture employee. At least for the next 3 months. Looking forward to earning some money and hopefully keeping some sense of work-life balance!
In the last few weeks I have also: * Seen the Queen - in person, at St Paul's Cathedral, minus headgear but with robes. Very fussy looking occasion with lots of bell ringing, hats and heralds in gold livery with trumpets in formation on the front steps. Still miffed she didn't say hi but maybe it was just because she was embarrased that she didn't have her crown on! * Confirmed that I still don't understand modern art. After visiting the Tate Modern after one of my 3 interviews (yes, 3, talk about having to jump through hoops!) I still can't figure out the motivations or goals behind most modern art. * I have seen someone on a coach cutting their fingernails - not sure if this beats New York with the guy on the subway cutting his toenails, but still, not the most pleasant. *Felt the joy that is househunting. Enough said there. * Visited a pub that in a previous life was a train station and had the bestest chocolate brownie with vanilla pod icecream ever, all while watching my cousin attempt to ressurect himself from a killer hangover.
* Seen a girl curling her eyelashes on the train station platform using a tea spoon. I really don't understand why people don't do their make up at home...I mean, why put it on if people are going to see you without it initially anyway and it isn't exactly classey to put your make up on in such a public place. And what is the deal with the spoon? * Marvelled at the weather - heat and sun? What is going on? Apparently summer has arrived! * Leant that the Thames is brown because of sedament and not because it is filthy. Apparently it is one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. Who knew? * I may or may not have found my first grey/white hair. This is still to be confirmed and frankly I don't believe it for an instant! hehehe! * Become obsessed with Celebrity Masterchef! * Caught up with old friends - Mr Panarese of former UND fame with he and his buddies in Clapham Junction which was fun! And today I caught up with my new Moroccan yoga buddies,
Les and Harold, having lunch at Sommerset House and having a fantastic wander through Covent Gardens so I now how a very long list of vegie restaurants to visit - mmnnn, Neal's Yard!
As well as all this I have managed to work 3 days and learn what I will have to do over the next few months. Phew...no wonder I think I need a nap! But, it is all fabulous and I feel great, apart from the missing of everyone which is no little issue, let me tell you.
But for now, everything is greash and London has another castle.
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michaela
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a spoon ???? and there's no photo?!? no fair !! x