Sunday, February 29, 2004
Ballet
On Monday Rae and I went to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to see the Royal Ballet perform a Balanchine triple bill. What a treat! The ballets we saw were Agon, The Prodigal Son and Symphony in C. The Royal Opera House was renovated a couple of years ago and is very impressive. During the intervals we explored the different areas around the theatre, but still inside the complex. In one huge room the high ceiling was made of glass and a big mirror reflected the glamour back into the room, in another there were beautiful chandeliers and paintings on the wall. If you felt peckish there were a couple of restaurants and bars serving food during the intervals.
The ballets were executed very well. I saw several of my old class mates performing which was great. We were keen to see the Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta perform. He did not disappoint although we thought the piece he was in, The Prodigal Son, didn’t show his talents off to the full. He had a perfect muscular body and technique….and lots of joosh! You know, that X factor that some performers have. I’m definitely keen to see him perform again. Sylvie Guillem was supposed to be dancing with Carlos but unfortunately was injured.
Of Mice and Men
On Friday we went to a play of the John Steinback novel “Of Mice and Men”. Jo’s sister Kris was able to get us half price tickets. The play was very well acted and moving. The story is set in California, USA, in the 1930s and focuses on a couple of migrant workers working on a farm bucking barley. They start at a new job and build up new hope for a better life, only to see it all fall to pieces. I think there is a movie of it as well.
Flat hunting
We’ve been flat hunting for a few days and are already a little frustrated. It’s a bit like job hunting. You’ve just got to see what’s out there and you never know what’s around the corner. We’ve seen two flat shares and one studio flat so far. The studio flats are self contained but not very spacious. We are keen to check out some one bedroom flats because they will have slightly more space and a separate living room. Hopefully we’ll find a nice place with in the next couple of weeks. It is fun going to visit the flats as it gives you a chance to see a new area. Today we saw a flat near Little Venice so after we took a stroll down the canal and looked at the houseboats and little cafes that line it.
Weather
The weather today was crazy. One minute it was cloudy, then it started snowing and then it cleared and the sun was out. This circle of weather conditions occurred at least twice. It’s always nice to see snow floating down and luckily it didn’t settle so we won’t be slipping and sliding on icy footpaths tomorrow…hopefully. It may snow overnight and then we’ll be in trouble! I want Spring to come soon! Having two Winters in a row is just starting to take its toll on me. I need some constant sunshine…..balmy nights….hmmm (o: I hope the weather is improving in New Zealand. About three people we know are going home for a break this week. One said that he’d ordered better weather for NZ so hopefully Mother Nature will oblige.
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On Monday Rae and I went to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to see the Royal Ballet perform a Balanchine triple bill. What a treat! The ballets we saw were Agon, The Prodigal Son and Symphony in C. The Royal Opera House was renovated a couple of years ago and is very impressive. During the intervals we explored the different areas around the theatre, but still inside the complex. In one huge room the high ceiling was made of glass and a big mirror reflected the glamour back into the room, in another there were beautiful chandeliers and paintings on the wall. If you felt peckish there were a couple of restaurants and bars serving food during the intervals.
The ballets were executed very well. I saw several of my old class mates performing which was great. We were keen to see the Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta perform. He did not disappoint although we thought the piece he was in, The Prodigal Son, didn’t show his talents off to the full. He had a perfect muscular body and technique….and lots of joosh! You know, that X factor that some performers have. I’m definitely keen to see him perform again. Sylvie Guillem was supposed to be dancing with Carlos but unfortunately was injured.
Of Mice and Men
On Friday we went to a play of the John Steinback novel “Of Mice and Men”. Jo’s sister Kris was able to get us half price tickets. The play was very well acted and moving. The story is set in California, USA, in the 1930s and focuses on a couple of migrant workers working on a farm bucking barley. They start at a new job and build up new hope for a better life, only to see it all fall to pieces. I think there is a movie of it as well.
Flat hunting
We’ve been flat hunting for a few days and are already a little frustrated. It’s a bit like job hunting. You’ve just got to see what’s out there and you never know what’s around the corner. We’ve seen two flat shares and one studio flat so far. The studio flats are self contained but not very spacious. We are keen to check out some one bedroom flats because they will have slightly more space and a separate living room. Hopefully we’ll find a nice place with in the next couple of weeks. It is fun going to visit the flats as it gives you a chance to see a new area. Today we saw a flat near Little Venice so after we took a stroll down the canal and looked at the houseboats and little cafes that line it.
Weather
The weather today was crazy. One minute it was cloudy, then it started snowing and then it cleared and the sun was out. This circle of weather conditions occurred at least twice. It’s always nice to see snow floating down and luckily it didn’t settle so we won’t be slipping and sliding on icy footpaths tomorrow…hopefully. It may snow overnight and then we’ll be in trouble! I want Spring to come soon! Having two Winters in a row is just starting to take its toll on me. I need some constant sunshine…..balmy nights….hmmm (o: I hope the weather is improving in New Zealand. About three people we know are going home for a break this week. One said that he’d ordered better weather for NZ so hopefully Mother Nature will oblige.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2004
For my birthday day Rachel (Lou’s sister) gave me “Walking London: Thirty original walks in and around London” On Saturday we got round to trying it out. The Fleet Street and St. Paul’s walk appealed to me as I hadn’t seen inside St. Paul’s. It is a 3.2 km walk, one of the shortest (didn’t want to over do it on our first outing), starting and ending at St. Paul’s.
The book is very easy to follow giving detailed instructions of where to go and interesting historical insights along the way. The area is a business district so, apart from around St. Paul’s, the streets were all but deserted. It was a strange feeling after walking busy inner city streets since our arrival. The walk took us through many charming little alleyways and along Fleet Street.
My insistence at stopping at “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub” was well rewarded. The pub was frequented by literary socialite Dr Johnson and Charles Dickens. I could imagine characters from Dickens tales sitting in my seat and drinking the same bitter.
Lunch was taken at the Blackfriar, the only art nouveau pub in London, surrounded by rose marble, images of friars (its name sakes) and imperatives such as “silence is golden”, “those that speak rarely listen” and “progress is good”. They do a fantastic Beef and Guinness pie.
I enjoyed looking through the window at the foyer of the old Daily Express building. I could definitely see the inspiration for the Daily Planet in Superman.
Although it was cold we thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of wandering, taking our time, reading from the book and generally acting like tourists. Until we reached St. Paul’s itself. It was very busy (as it most likely always is) so we decided to save it for another day.
Following the successful outing we vowed to do one walk a week. I doubt we will manage it but the offers we have had from friends to join us are encouraging.
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The book is very easy to follow giving detailed instructions of where to go and interesting historical insights along the way. The area is a business district so, apart from around St. Paul’s, the streets were all but deserted. It was a strange feeling after walking busy inner city streets since our arrival. The walk took us through many charming little alleyways and along Fleet Street.
My insistence at stopping at “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub” was well rewarded. The pub was frequented by literary socialite Dr Johnson and Charles Dickens. I could imagine characters from Dickens tales sitting in my seat and drinking the same bitter.
Lunch was taken at the Blackfriar, the only art nouveau pub in London, surrounded by rose marble, images of friars (its name sakes) and imperatives such as “silence is golden”, “those that speak rarely listen” and “progress is good”. They do a fantastic Beef and Guinness pie.
I enjoyed looking through the window at the foyer of the old Daily Express building. I could definitely see the inspiration for the Daily Planet in Superman.
Although it was cold we thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of wandering, taking our time, reading from the book and generally acting like tourists. Until we reached St. Paul’s itself. It was very busy (as it most likely always is) so we decided to save it for another day.
Following the successful outing we vowed to do one walk a week. I doubt we will manage it but the offers we have had from friends to join us are encouraging.
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Sunday, February 22, 2004
It’s been a funny old week. I had a job interview on Wednesday that went well. I don’t think I got the role as I haven’t heard back from them (they were interviewing only two people so I was happy to be selected for an interview). If I do get it I don’t think I’ll take it as I’d be a one woman band in a sea of engineers and I prefer working in Communications and Marketing teams where everyone is bubbly and chatty. Plus Victoria is a great place to work as it is close to a few big parks.
I started jogging this week. The first time I went out I couldn’t keep up! So I slowed down to walk and said that I could find my own way back. Unfortunately I got lost so two hours later I arrived back at work a little tired! That’s taking fitness to the extreme! Well, I got right back into it the next day, took a shorter route and really enjoyed it. Who would have thought that I’d enjoy running. When the weather gets warmer it will be lovely and it’s great to get out of the office and return refreshed. I’ll be transformed into a Super fit Lou!
On Thursday I went to the play of When Harry met Sally starring Luke Perry (of Beverly 90210 fame) and Alyson Hannigan (Willow off Buffy the Vampire Slayer). It was so lovely. They used the dialogue from the movie and the famous orgasm scene was very well done. The actors had a really good rapport and comic timing. Perry was very charismatic and Hannigan very sweet. Warm fuzzies all round.
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I started jogging this week. The first time I went out I couldn’t keep up! So I slowed down to walk and said that I could find my own way back. Unfortunately I got lost so two hours later I arrived back at work a little tired! That’s taking fitness to the extreme! Well, I got right back into it the next day, took a shorter route and really enjoyed it. Who would have thought that I’d enjoy running. When the weather gets warmer it will be lovely and it’s great to get out of the office and return refreshed. I’ll be transformed into a Super fit Lou!
On Thursday I went to the play of When Harry met Sally starring Luke Perry (of Beverly 90210 fame) and Alyson Hannigan (Willow off Buffy the Vampire Slayer). It was so lovely. They used the dialogue from the movie and the famous orgasm scene was very well done. The actors had a really good rapport and comic timing. Perry was very charismatic and Hannigan very sweet. Warm fuzzies all round.
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Sunday, February 15, 2004
This week and weekend has been nice and relaxed. On Friday Joseph and I had work related drinks. I went to Holborn with my boss Karen to meet up with some consultants and developers who have worked on the new improved English Partnerships website. The improvements have been subtle to the front end but major in the back end. Joseph had £1 drinks at the Atrium in the building he works in. And he took full advantage! Therefore the next morning was not pretty!
On Saturday we went to School of Rock starring Jack Black. It was very funny and a bit of a rock history lesson. It was one of those movies that succeeded in appealing to both kids and parents.
That night we went to the local gastro pub The Black Lion. It used to be run down but has been transformed with classy, olde world décor and a lovely restaurant. We had smoked salmon with guava dressing to start, lamb and steak for mains and a yummy lemon tart for dessert. And of course a glass of bubbly each (o:
Well, I have a job interview this week for a 6 month stint as a Business development support assistant role at Ove Arup (a civil engineering consultancy). So send me good luck vibes down the phone or cable lines! Either way I’m fortunate as I have the opportunity to stay on at English Partnerships for 6 months as well.
There is a lot of theatre going coming up. I’m going to the stage version of When Harry met Sally this Thursday, the ballet (a Balanchine triple bill) the following Monday and Of Mice and Men (a play of John Steinbeck’s novel) that Friday. Culture darlings!
We hope you’re enjoying the photo gallery. Feel free to submit comments (Thanks Mon and Tom (o: )
A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Joy for Monday!
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On Saturday we went to School of Rock starring Jack Black. It was very funny and a bit of a rock history lesson. It was one of those movies that succeeded in appealing to both kids and parents.
That night we went to the local gastro pub The Black Lion. It used to be run down but has been transformed with classy, olde world décor and a lovely restaurant. We had smoked salmon with guava dressing to start, lamb and steak for mains and a yummy lemon tart for dessert. And of course a glass of bubbly each (o:
Well, I have a job interview this week for a 6 month stint as a Business development support assistant role at Ove Arup (a civil engineering consultancy). So send me good luck vibes down the phone or cable lines! Either way I’m fortunate as I have the opportunity to stay on at English Partnerships for 6 months as well.
There is a lot of theatre going coming up. I’m going to the stage version of When Harry met Sally this Thursday, the ballet (a Balanchine triple bill) the following Monday and Of Mice and Men (a play of John Steinbeck’s novel) that Friday. Culture darlings!
We hope you’re enjoying the photo gallery. Feel free to submit comments (Thanks Mon and Tom (o: )
A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Joy for Monday!
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Sunday, February 08, 2004
Hi all, I have had a busy week. So get comfy.
New Job
As I said in my last entry I have a new job. It has been an interesting week. On Tuesday I went to a presentation for a potential new content management system, which costs £40 K (and that is a cheap one).
On Thursday the marketing team (which I am in) went for an “away day”. We went to Winchester, right beside Windsor for 2 days. As we arrived in the train we had a good view of the castle, looks very impressive, Lou and I will have to go back for a tour. The train-station is directly across the road from the castle.
Belmont House, where we stayed, is very flash. It used to be a school but was refurbished in September last year to be a hotel and conference centre. Lots of high ceilings, plush carpets and classy furniture.
Most of the stuff covered was marketing related which I don’t know much about. However it was an excellent opportunity to get to know my workmates and what they do. They are all very friendly and included me, even if I wasn’t much help.
Break-dancing World Championships
Yesterday Lou was flicking through a magazine and saw that the Break-dancing World Champs were on that night at Wembley Arena, a mere 4 stops up the tube line. We made a crack decision to go. I am very glad we did. There were entrants from North America, Europe and Asia. The calibre was very high, a lot of the moves involved complex athletic moves, most done on one hand!
The competition involved two teams of two competing at a time. They had 2 minutes to impress the judges and the crowd. In the early rounds one from each team would perform at the same time. In the later rounds it was one at a time and 4 minute rounds. The crowed really got excited when you could see the teams getting competitive and “in each other’s faces”, this would encourage them to do ever more complex moves.
The event was hosted by LL Cool J (former rapper now Hollywood movie star). As well as the breaking there were several bands including, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Slick Rick (do you know him Jasper?). Slick Rick was rather over the top. He wore a white suit, blue fur coat, diamond encrusted rings and eye patch and gold teeth! Half way through his performance a woman brought out several large gold chains and medallions, which he donned and proclaimed, “can I hear a bling, bling!”.
My MP3 Player
My MP3 player, which I ordered before Christmas and through a sordid affair took much longer than expected to come, has arrived. It is an iRiver iHP-120 hard drive based player. It can store 2 weeks worth of music and has 16 hours of battery life. How much did it cost? I ain’t gonna tell ya. I am now in the process of transferring all the music I have onto it. If you want to see what it looks like check it out here.
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New Job
As I said in my last entry I have a new job. It has been an interesting week. On Tuesday I went to a presentation for a potential new content management system, which costs £40 K (and that is a cheap one).
On Thursday the marketing team (which I am in) went for an “away day”. We went to Winchester, right beside Windsor for 2 days. As we arrived in the train we had a good view of the castle, looks very impressive, Lou and I will have to go back for a tour. The train-station is directly across the road from the castle.
Belmont House, where we stayed, is very flash. It used to be a school but was refurbished in September last year to be a hotel and conference centre. Lots of high ceilings, plush carpets and classy furniture.
Most of the stuff covered was marketing related which I don’t know much about. However it was an excellent opportunity to get to know my workmates and what they do. They are all very friendly and included me, even if I wasn’t much help.
Break-dancing World Championships
Yesterday Lou was flicking through a magazine and saw that the Break-dancing World Champs were on that night at Wembley Arena, a mere 4 stops up the tube line. We made a crack decision to go. I am very glad we did. There were entrants from North America, Europe and Asia. The calibre was very high, a lot of the moves involved complex athletic moves, most done on one hand!
The competition involved two teams of two competing at a time. They had 2 minutes to impress the judges and the crowd. In the early rounds one from each team would perform at the same time. In the later rounds it was one at a time and 4 minute rounds. The crowed really got excited when you could see the teams getting competitive and “in each other’s faces”, this would encourage them to do ever more complex moves.
The event was hosted by LL Cool J (former rapper now Hollywood movie star). As well as the breaking there were several bands including, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and Slick Rick (do you know him Jasper?). Slick Rick was rather over the top. He wore a white suit, blue fur coat, diamond encrusted rings and eye patch and gold teeth! Half way through his performance a woman brought out several large gold chains and medallions, which he donned and proclaimed, “can I hear a bling, bling!”.
My MP3 Player
My MP3 player, which I ordered before Christmas and through a sordid affair took much longer than expected to come, has arrived. It is an iRiver iHP-120 hard drive based player. It can store 2 weeks worth of music and has 16 hours of battery life. How much did it cost? I ain’t gonna tell ya. I am now in the process of transferring all the music I have onto it. If you want to see what it looks like check it out here.
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Sunday, February 01, 2004
Last Sunday we checked out the Chinese New Year celebrations in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and China town. It was a lovely sunny day and this made the hundreds of red and gold Chinese lanterns look very pretty. There were many traditional dancing dragons and lions accompanied by a lot of loud drumming and clashing of cymbals. This made the atmosphere very lively. We soaked it in for a while…ate some very greasy spring rolls bought from a stall…and ended up in an Indian restaurant for lunch (all the Chinese restaurants were too full!).
It snowed in the middle of the week. It was very pretty at the time but caused problems on the transport system afterwards. I couldn’t get onto the platform at the local tube station the next morning, because of the lack of “serviceable trains”, so caught the bus instead. It also got very slippery on the footpaths as the snow turns into ice.
I’ve had a bit of a cold over the past few days so have been laying low. However Joseph has been a social butterfly. He had farewell drinks with his work mates from Islington Council on Thursday. We will definitely keep in touch with the lovely Joe (Joseph’s ex boss) and are keen to visit him in Brighton in the Spring. On Friday it was Ben’s birthday so Joseph met up with him, Tash and their friends in Soho for drinks and kai. On Saturday I hauled my sorry ass out of bed and went over (with Joseph, Rachel and Steve) to Brian and Pam’s for Brian’s 50th birthday party. Our gift was an enlarged print of a photo of a punga tree and reeds that Rachel took near Steve’s parents holiday home in Tauranga. Pam and Brain were the perfect hosts, as ever, providing food galore and ample microphones to go around for the karaoke…which carried on into the early hours. We couldn’t keep up with the oldies and retired to bed (we were lucky to be able to stay the night) at a respectable 12.30am whilst the others rocked on to 3, 4 or even 5 in the morning! Then they got up before us, prepared a lovely breakfast and hooned off for a round of golf!
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It snowed in the middle of the week. It was very pretty at the time but caused problems on the transport system afterwards. I couldn’t get onto the platform at the local tube station the next morning, because of the lack of “serviceable trains”, so caught the bus instead. It also got very slippery on the footpaths as the snow turns into ice.
I’ve had a bit of a cold over the past few days so have been laying low. However Joseph has been a social butterfly. He had farewell drinks with his work mates from Islington Council on Thursday. We will definitely keep in touch with the lovely Joe (Joseph’s ex boss) and are keen to visit him in Brighton in the Spring. On Friday it was Ben’s birthday so Joseph met up with him, Tash and their friends in Soho for drinks and kai. On Saturday I hauled my sorry ass out of bed and went over (with Joseph, Rachel and Steve) to Brian and Pam’s for Brian’s 50th birthday party. Our gift was an enlarged print of a photo of a punga tree and reeds that Rachel took near Steve’s parents holiday home in Tauranga. Pam and Brain were the perfect hosts, as ever, providing food galore and ample microphones to go around for the karaoke…which carried on into the early hours. We couldn’t keep up with the oldies and retired to bed (we were lucky to be able to stay the night) at a respectable 12.30am whilst the others rocked on to 3, 4 or even 5 in the morning! Then they got up before us, prepared a lovely breakfast and hooned off for a round of golf!
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