Visit from Aunty Teresa

My Aunty Teresa was over here at the beginning of August and it was really great to see her! She was staying in Marble Arch which isn't far from where I live and we were able to spend a few days together. The first day we went for lunch on a boat on the Thames River. It's a boat permanently moored along the banks and it was quite surreal being there, actually in london with Teresa. Sometimes I still cant believe I'm here, even tho I arrived over 5 months ago!! We went for a walk along the Thames as well and ended up at Puckingham palace.

I also met up with her and Patricia after work one day to go on the London Eye, the massive ferris wheel on the Thames. I hadn't been on there yet so was great to finally go! My flatmate Helen and friend Jackie also came so it was a good girly nite out! The picture is of Teresa and I at the very top of the London Eye looking out over West London. I live far away in the distance.....

As you would've heard, the chaos caused at heathrow airport caused many disruptions, including Tereaa and her groups flight out of london, who were meant to fly out that day! Long story short, Teresa ended up staying 2 more nites in london, which was a nice bonus! She met me at the station closest to my place the friday nite and Helen and I took her to this little italian restaurant we have become regulars at. They do great woodfired pizza, highly recommended! I also showed Teresa my flat so she can confirm i am living well :) Was great to show her where i'm living in london, she took photos for my parents :)

Here's a link to some pictures of Teresa's visit:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2102455582

And here's a lovely picture of me, friend Jackie and flatmate Helen on our way to take the tube home after going up the London Eye with Teresa. That's Big Ben in the background and Westminister, the parliament buildings.

Lounging around London

Since Paris, I've been half-heartedly looking for a job. I say half-heartedly because its been gorgeous weather here and the last thing I want to do is spend it inside an internet cafe! But reality does kick in when the bank account starts screaming "stop taking money out and not putting any in!!!!"
So I currently have a temp job for a week at a law firm answering phones on a switchboard. Its a nice change from my previous job but I will be looking for a banking position when this job ends.
Last week I had 5 interviews at different banking and finance recruitment agencies. Seeing as its the summer holidays at the moment, there seems to be a lot of work which is great, altho I am looking for a long term role so I have some stability. I've been seeing more and more of London which is great going to interviews all over the city. Altho taking the tube in this hot weather is not pleasant, like sardines in a can, everyone smells bad!!
In other news, my flatmate Kim goes home today, oh no! I stayed with him when I first got here and he pretty much showed me how to live in London, so it will be strange not having him here anymore! My friend Helen (from Auckland) has moved into the flat and I think Brad is coping being the only male there now. We're not that bad! I must also thank Kim for a few of his friends I've adopted, you know who you are!
And there has been the usual socialising. Have had a few girls nites at the flat the last few Friday nites which has been fun, bottles of wine, vodka and lots of chocolate and ice cream, perfect!
Saturday morning at 11am I was at the Walkabout pub (Australiasian pub I've mentioned) to proudly watch the All Blacks show those Wallabies how to play Rugby, go Dan Carter! Great being somewhere where everyone is so passionate about a game. Hearing the haka was awesome, I'm very proud of being a Kiwi and am even more patriotic about it now that I'm away from home.
Have also had 2 reunions of the trip to Spain, we just wana keep on partying! There's another one in a few weeks, no doubt there will be more stories. And we're all keen on going to Beerfest in September in Germany so thats on the plans as well. Along with Amsterdam and Barcelona and Italy and Greece and the list just keeps on going.....

Here are some photos from around London in July. Mainly just from my birthday and when I played tourist with Josh, a friend from NZ who was visiting here for a week.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2103972594