WEEK 8: Werk it

Little Miss Organised Emma has finally returned to the land of the living, I'm sure most of you know the Emma I'm referring to - the one that relies on routine and order to get through the day. While working as a temp here there and everywhere has allowed me get to know London in a very short space of time it's so nice to know that I don't have to determine a new route to work morning.

Friday was my first day working at Giorgio Armani Head Office, I'll admit I was a little nervous. The two who interviewed me spoke in a thick Italian accents and the dress code was very strict - I just wanted to make a good first impression. I needn't have panicked, everyone was extremely welcoming and now on day 4 I feel like I'm getting the hang of things and slowly learning to understand what the Italian staff are saying.

It's becoming a regular thing for me (you know how I like my routine) to walk down to the Broadway markets on Saturday to have a coffee and peruse the fresh produce and sweet treats. This week I splurged on the yummiest Tiramisu cheesecake....

So good!!

The weather was warm but it looked destined for rain. I was determined not to stay inside and watch movies all day so I headed out to the Portobello Road markets. When I arrived the drizzle had well and truly set in, it made it difficult to really get in there and shop without getting my eye poked out by an umbrella but I did love all the treasures I saw. 

I'll definitely be returning on a more cheerful day.

I realllllly wish I could live in one of the beautiful houses of Notting Hill - blue door or no blue door doesn't bother me.

Sunday was devoid of any site seeing, I saved this for Monday (It was a bank holiday long weekend) where I went to Brighton beach with a friend.

Only 1 hour on the train - easy!

I knew there wouldn't be sand like in Australia but I wasn't expecting pebbles of this size -

The pier brought back memories of Santa Monica and Louise and I salivated over the delicious carnival street food on offer; fresh donuts, nutella crepes and fairy floss to name a few. We saved our appetite's for the world renowned Fish and Chips which didn't disappoint.

The fish and chips left us feeling very full so in an attempt to walk it off we went to visit what Louise calls, 'The Taj Mahal of Brighton'. I'd have to say it is honestly the most out of place building in all of Brighton, there's a history behind why it was built but as we didn't do a tour I can't share any knowledge on the subject - sorry! Stunning non-the-less, with a gorgeous garden surrounding it.

A great day out, I can't wait to come back in the peak of summer so I can swim!

I may not have as much time to explore London as I use to, but an income means that I can afford to travel Europe. Stay tuned for pending European getaways.

Where do you think I should head to first? xo

WEEK 7: Job. Check.

So I'm now seven weeks in to my London adventure and I know there's a few of you out there that are fairly jealous of my life right now. Well this week instead of plastering more beautiful pictures of London I thought I'd share with you some of the tough realities of the initial months of moving to London - but don't worry I'll share some fun stuff too :)

This week brings another week of unemployment and while this may sound appealing to those of you who work really hard at your job and could use a much deserved break, for me who has been unemployed for 7 weeks, had your bank balance halved in conversion, been on shopping spree in NYC (self inflicted I know), paid a deposit on a rental property, and well I could go on but I think you get the picture by now - it's tough and money is tight!! Not only this but I feel as though my brain is turning to moosh being unchallenged week by week.

After having knock backs for a number of really great roles, who each assured me that it was a tough decision, this week was a little disheartening. I was told this would happen from my fellow Aussie's in London and now it was here. In previous weeks I'd been kept distracted from my lack of long-term employment with temporary office work but this week was dead quiet and I spent day after day hassling the many recruiters I'm registered with to please bare me in mind for ANYTHING that came through to them that I may be suitable for.

With this in mind I tossed up the idea of heading on a short trip away to clear my mind, I even spoke to a travel agent, got a great deal and was ready to book it. I'd never been this spontaneous in my life, I slept on the decision phoned and then of course responsible Emma returned. Sure I would have a great time, see more of Europe and meet a lot of interesting new people, but I would also spend more money and return once again to no job. Basically right back where I was. So no spontaneous trip for me.

This week became all about staying positive, I just hadn't come across the right role for me yet and it'll probably come knocking when I least expect it. In the meantime I'm taking up the un official title of 'London Site-seeer'.

So you've heard the tough stuff in words, here's the fun stuff in pictures....

On Saturday myself and a few girls went to see Pitch Perfect 2, so much fun!! Highly recommend.  

Sunday I finally made it to Columbia Road Markets, it was bursting with people and flowers. Plenty of fresh food and antiques to browse also. I'll definitely be back. 

I stumbled across this place on my walk home from the markets. Kind of a community garden situation with petting zoo. A pretty place to just sit and read a book in the sun. 

Then on Tuesday while I was temping - 

Like I said it always happens when you least expect it, and when you can't answer the phone. Grrr!!

Due to this Wednesday was booked solid with meetings. Sounds promising...

and after a day of back to back meetings, and one mistaken trip to battersea (thanks Citymapper) I can now announce I officially have a job!! A 3 month role at Giorgio Armani, it's hopefully a start of great things for the future. THANK GOD I didn't go away!!!

Thanks to everyone who's picked me up while I've been down over the past couple of weeks, your ongoing support definitely helped me get through the tough times. I love you all. 

Again, I'd love to hear what you're enjoying reading/seeing and perhaps what you'd like to see a litttle less of. Please comment below.

Over and out xx

WEEK 6: No work = More play

A slow week work wise meant more time to explore the city of London, each day trying to find new and fun things to do. Thankfully London is full of beautiful inexpensive sites to explore. 

My Room mates had been telling me all week that I had to visit Broadway Markets, only a ten minute walk from our place. On Saturdays the street is bustling with stalls. Fresh produce, yummy sweets and gorgeous blooms to name a few.

I took a stroll along the pretty Canal on my way home.

I also live right near an entertainment centre of sorts, called "The Oval," pictured below. You can see it from quite far away, very helpful if ever I get lost.

 

Next off I went to Borough Markets right by London Bridge. This place was packed with people, buzzing with people and inspiring me use the freshest ingredients in all of my cooking. 

 I chose Egyptian street food for lunch at £3.50 it did not disappoint! 

Lunch time view...

On Monday I headed to Victoria Park, again not too far from my place. The sun was shinning and the parks beauty came out with it.  

 Tuesday morning, unimpressed by the rain I thought a gallery was in order - in doors. By the time I made it to the National Gallery, the sun was out again. -

After lunch I took a long walk over to South Bank by the London Eye.

Still to do - The Changing of the Guard, Primrose Hill, Columbia Rd Flower Markets, Tower of London, A bike ride through Hyde Park as well as countless Museums.

I'd love to hear about any fun things you guys have experienced in or near London. Please comment in the field below. 

Until next time, xo

WEEK 4-5: Get me a Job!!!

Week four and five of Ol'London town and I'm feeling ready to get a full time job, get into a routine and earn some money!! Unfortunately things aren't quite there yet, so I'll continue to play tourist for a little while longer.

A day off from temping and recruitment meetings, with the sun out I went for a walk around Trafalgar Square. How beautiful is this city?!

Hi Mr. Guard man!!

There it is the Big Ben!! Can't believe I've been here this long and not spotted it.

 I will never get sick of the beautiful architecture of this city....

At the end of the week Brooke and I are off to Dublin, queue Euros -

 Queue messssssssy pub crawl -

I wish I could say I took loads of pictures of the beautiful landscapes and buildings but the constant rain and cold meant trying to keep our hands in our pockets to try and keep warm.

 Above is the river, right outside the apartment where we stayed.

This huge spiky thing serves absolutely no purpose and cost the city an absolute bomb, according to our tour guide it was purchased when the city was a little flush. Not their brightest idea.

Of course a visit to Dublin wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse.

Off we go!

View from the top bar.

 And of course a Pint of Guinness.... 

Getting the hang of this. 

On our last night everyone told us we had to go see some of the country side, so the following day we braved the cold 40 minutes outside of Dublin in Dun Laoghaire.

A great weekend away, bonding with Brooke and seeing the beautiful/freezing sites of Dublin. Now home to my new room!

My front door is right by Emma Street, so naturally I feel right at home.

All unpacked and looking pretty!!!

Thats all from me for this week, fingers crossed I'll reporting news on the job front in my next post.xx