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December 31, 2007
Happy New Year Australia!
Well it's new year in Sydney and Melbourne and it's about half an hour from new year at home in Brisbane and I am thinking of you all from my flat here in London. I wish everyone a very happy and successful 2008, and hope you will all stay in touch. I plan to watch the fireworks tonight here in London as they take off around the London Eye - for those who wish to see it from Australia, they'll happen at 10am Brisbane and 11am Melbourne time, and you can catch via webcam!
(Image from ABC Online)
Happy New Year one and all! Let 2008 be prosperous for us all!
EDIT: HOW COOL! I saw the fireworks over Brisbane on the Our Brisbane webcam and listened to the broadcast from the celebrations! :)
Posted by jj at 1:32 PM | Comments (1)
December 30, 2007
Progress and random observations
After substantive research and price comparisons, I have today acquired:
1. 1 x Double duvet (ie: 'doona' in Australian)
2. 2 x pillows
3. 1 x Mattress protector
4. 2 x pillow protectors
5. Double duvet cover, pillow cases and fitted sheet set
6. Towel set including two face washers, two hand towels and two bath towels
Total cost: £31.00 (A$71.70). Not bad.
Random observations:
* I have had to slow down my normal walking speed in London. People here walk FAR too slowly. Given I had to walk more slowly in Queensland in comparison with Melbourne, I'd say my walking speed here is about the pace of a constipated snail.
* I hate smokers and there are too many smokers in London. Most of them seem to be European, which is more an indication that Europeans need to be delivered a decent anti-smoking campaign than anything else.
* Buildings in London are heated FAR too much. The average temperature of buildings here is about 30 degrees. You sweat when you are inside. It's stupid and wasteful, and I am sweltering in a tank top most evenings here in my flat (with a system I can't control much, and the window *open* it's so hot in here). Stop it, Londoners. You live in a cold climate. Stop trying to be Australian indoors. Perhaps then you will reduce your carbon footprint.
* Check-out people at supermarkets are essentially lazy. They sit at their terminals (something I approve of, instead of standing the way they do in Australia), but they don't help you put your things in bags and they expect you to hand over money, pack your bags and get away from their terminals all at once. It strikes me as actually pretty rude. Don't get me wrong - I actually like packing my stuff. But if they gave me a bag that was open and I could put my stuff in without having to pick bags up off the counter, struggle to open and then have to catch up with the array of goods that are essentially thrown at me with little regard for how things are being squashed, and the check-out person belligerantly demanding money simultaneously, then it may in fact be a little more pleasant.
* On normal days, Londoners are far too demanding of their public transport service. They have what is possibly the best public transport system in the world (with the exception of their lack of transport on Christmas Day) and the fact that illness and lack of staff may delay a service for 10 minutes is not cause to complain loudly to remaining staff who are trying their best to accommodate problems with the system. Sit down, shut up and wait. You have no idea how lucky you are to have a service that runs at least once every 15 minutes (and more commonly, once every 2-3 minutes).
* London is heaven for those of us who live off Lean Cuisines in Oz. Pretty much everywhere has microwaveable dinners which are both tasty and reasonably priced. I so don't need a stove here. (Well at least, not until I move to my next place!)
* For anyone setting up in London, you need to know a few things:
(i) Argos (http://www.argos.co.uk/) is your friend. Think Kmart, only you don't actually look at the goods in a store. You just order them online and pick them up from your nearest store, which is a narrow shop front with a distribution centre at its back. So it's pick-up only.
(ii) Primark is also your friend. This is basically 'Best and Less' only the quality of the clothes and homewares is actually pretty fabulous. Same stock too: clothes, sheets, towels and the occasional doona, pillow, blanket or cushion.
(iii) There is no Bunnings Warehouse. And no rehabilitation centre for its loss, either. However, there are little individual tool shops dotted all over the place, and where they fail, you can try Homebase (http://www.homebase.co.uk/) which is like Argos, only more home-oriented, or try some electrical stores which are also everywhere.
(iv) The equivalent of Dick Smith Electronics is probably Curry's Digital, and the equivalent of Tandy is probably Maplin. I haven't found a JB Hi Fi equivalent yet.
(v) If you migrate here you can't register for a General Practitioner until you have a job. You can't get a job without a bank account. You can't get a bank account without a letter from a recruitment agency. Therefore, do as I did, and register with a recruitment agency, even if you have a job. It's just easier. Plus you get a free UK sim card for your mobile phone with £5 credit on a pay-as-you-go account. Sweet.
(vi) Don't even think of travelling without an Oyster card in London. Everything uses them (underground and overground trains, buses, trams and so on), and they are half the price of a travel ticket. Also, when you get through Customs at the airport, don't follow the signs to the 'Trains', which in Terminal 4, lead you to the left of the exit from Customs. Instead turn right, and go as far as you can until you see the sign directing you to the Tube. The fare will be £4 (on Oyster) instead of £14.50 for a single journey. No 20 minute time saving is worth £10.50 (A$23.90).
* Vegemite is everywhere, though it is expensive. A 220g jar will set you back about £2.10 (A$4.75). Worth it. And Berocca is stocked in every Superdrug store. So your Vitamin B levels should be fine. Probably worth getting some Vitamin D tablets for winter though. And light deficiency is a problem. Even at Tube stations there are advertisements everywhere for light supplement devices. The Philips Wake Up light (http://www.wakeuplight.philips.co.uk/) is being sold everywhere. But it's the BriteBox and other Seasonal Affective Disorder Light Therapy devices that will probably be more effective. Even buying a simple infrared heat lamp (see, for instance here) for your standard reading lamp will get you the heat and light you need to overcome most symptoms of light deprivation with 30 minutes exposure per day.
I think that's it. More observations will be added as I go on. I am beginning to think there should be a book on these kinds of tips. This is the kind of information that should be available for Aussies in London and isn't. Any publishers interested?
Posted by jj at 6:29 PM | Comments (1)
December 29, 2007
Shoe shopping in Oxford St
Well I did spend the equivalent of A$155 (A$154.55 to be exact), but I managed to get 3 pairs of shoes for that price in Oxford Street today.
I had intended to buy at least 2 pairs of shoes as I have only one pair of heeled, ankle-height boots and a pair of rather impractical court shoes for wearing to work, so I needed walking shoes to pound the streets.
Only trouble is that London doesn't seem to know what walking shoes are. They can sell you flat Converse-style runners, or boots with tall heels, or light party shoes. But the shoe stores simply don't stock what I would normally regard as good walking shoes - ie: leather shoes with thick rubber soles and only a slight rise. The only place that ended up stocking such footware was Marks & Spencer with their 'Footglove' range. So I manged to score one slightly better looking and one slightly more casual looking pair - both extremely comfortable and very low heels. But whilst I was there, there *was* a shoe sale on and I 'm afraid I had to pick up a pair of brogue-style lace up shoes with 3 inch heels because they were originally £59 marked down to £19 and they make my feet look *fabulous*.
But hey. Even in Australia, 3 pairs of leather shoes for around $155 would still be considered a bargain. So I think I've done pretty well. And more to the point, perhaps my feet will stop getting bruised from all the walking I've been doing in my heeled boots!
Posted by jj at 1:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 28, 2007
Bhutto's Assassination
Probably the saddest event of the year thus far, Benazir Bhutto's death today is a challenge to the democratic process in Pakistan. She loved her country and she wanted to do everything she could to bring about a democratic state in Pakistan, regardless of the trumped-up charges of corruption which dogged her leadership in Pakistan, much as it had done her father.
This event is critical for all western nations. Without the cooperation of Pakistan in international relations, there will be increased risk for all countries that are resistant to fundamentalist politics.
The trouble is that Islam will once again be targeted as the culprit in this war on democratic process. Such a peaceful religion, it is a travesty that extremist religious terrorism is blighting the good work of the largely generous and tolerant Muslim communities of the world.
I entreat all to remember that it has been an act of irrational hatred that brought about Bhutto's death. Please do not act in a retaliatory fashion. Instead do what you can to ensure Bhutto's ambitions for democratic process and peace in Pakistan can be realised. And remember that her husband and children will need the support of the global community to cope with her loss.
Posted by jj at 12:29 AM | Comments (0)
December 27, 2007
General Announcement
I will probably be extremely unwell later (I'm lactose intolerant) but the Tescos Really Thick Brandy Cream with Cognac is quite possibly the most extraordinarily stunning cream in the history of mankind. It goes particularly well with warm mince pies.
I will probably regret this later tonight. No actually I will definitely regret this. Nevertheless, there will be a few really wonderful minutes when I can enjoy it. And they are now. YUM.
Posted by jj at 3:42 AM | Comments (4)
December 26, 2007
Doctor Who: Voyage of the Damned
How many second rate sci-fi films did this Christmas episode take off? In any case, it was at times hilarious, and at others rather sweet. Good Christmas viewing!
Posted by jj at 4:52 AM | Comments (0)
Christmas Day
I have had an unusual, but ultimately happy Christmas Day. Not only have I had a chance to talk on three occasions with my family on Christmas Day (including one webcam link), but I attended the Eucharist at St Paul's Cathedral, London - something I think every person should do at least once in their life. And in spite of the damp conditions and my numb fingers and toes as I dodged the rain, walking half way home, by the time I actually got home, the prospect of a yummy dinner sounded exceedingly welcome. And a very good dinner it was. I had roast chicken with carrots and peas and potatoes, followed by plum pudding and mince pies, washed down with champagne and a tiny glass of port with a cup of tea. Very appropriate Christmas fare! And my vanilla-scented candle had been burning all afternoon next to my vase of red rosebuds and my tiny Christmas conifer, decorating my table.
Ah it may all seem a bit silly, but I do love a good meal at Christmas, and to have celebrated Christmas at the Cathedral and talked to my family, I don't think you can get many better Christmases. Of course I'd love to have been with my family. But if I'd been there, I'd never have had a chance to be here in London. So without them, the opportunity to talk to them, and still be part of London celebrations is a pretty great second-best.
And now I'm suitably stuffed and warm and cosy, and ready to sit down to my one Christmas present - a book from Mum. (I will be getting more gifts when I have moved in to my new place, but for now, this is my one Christmas present.) But I'm so looking forward to this - a guilty reading pleasure!
I do hope others have had a lovely Christmas. I'm thinking of one and all and wishing you joy and peace.
Posted by jj at 12:04 AM | Comments (0)
December 24, 2007
A Very Merry (and connected!) Christmas
Wow. I just had the most distressing 24 hours when I had no internet connection and I was told by the guy whose number I had for the property I'm staying at that I wouldn't have a connection until 2 January. In desperation I found my old number for the girl with whom I originally booked this accommodation and she instructed me as to how I could go about getting in to the office so I could reboot the wireless router which had hung due to overheating. Suffice to say the process of getting in to the office involved doing things that were fairly... *ahem* ... unorthodox. But thanks to the assistance of my neighbour Sean, and a little Christmas spirit, I am now back online and can speak with my family on Christmas day. Thank goodness. And as it's nearly Christmas there in Australia, it's good to know I can connect with them across all these miles.
Everyone, I wish you all a very happy, healthy and *connected* Christmas. And remember, there is a Santa Claus in all of us, if only we work together to realise it.
Posted by jj at 9:27 PM | Comments (2)
December 23, 2007
A Warning to all Brittanians
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FEED ME BRUSSELS SPROUTS.
Violence will ensue if this warning is not heeded.
Thank you.
Posted by jj at 1:50 AM | Comments (2)
December 22, 2007
Christmas in London
It's not Christmas yet but there#s a definite feeling of Christmas in the air. The temperature has plunged to freezing, and the nativity scenes are all set. There are people caroling in the streets and shops and the air mists in front of you as you breathe. Chestnuts are being roasted in the street and the scent and warmth are equally enticing.
This is the most bizarre experience. It's the first really cold Christmas I've ever had, and it's suddenly obvious why Scotch pines (real ones!) are used - they provide the most beautiful scent in the streets and in buidlings. I know you get the same effect inside in Australia, but there's something about the scent in cold air that is different. It is as if the scent is captured and somehow held.
It looks as though I may have found a place to live, which is useful, although I won't be moving till 7 January. Just as well - I think I need some time off!
Posted by jj at 3:54 AM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2007
GOT NEW LAPTOP!
Okay so it's not red (apparently in a fit of fashion sense I thought black would go better with my pink satchel), but everything else about it is lovely! So I shall connect again when we've got to know each other a little better :)
Posted by jj at 4:19 PM | Comments (2)
December 16, 2007
In London
So here I am in London and the sun is shining over Trafalgar Square where the rather limp Christmas tree is holding court over the square. The city is very quiet - only populated by tourists - because Londoners are fairly slow on Sunday mornings and shops don't open till 11am. It is chilly, but I am coping rather better than I'd expected. It is true what they say - with a good hat, scarf and gloves and a decent jacket you can be warm even without thermals.
I've taken most of the weekend off so far. I began to feel a bit weary yesterday after such a gruelling few weeks getting over here and setting up that I felt it was better to spend Saturday just doing essentials (grocery shopping and washing, etc) and then spent the day curled up with a book. Good decision I think. I feel so much more refreshed today.
Today I will also meet up with an old friend from Melbourne, Robin, who has been living here 5 years now. Am looking forward to catching up.
All else continues well. I have been planning museum trips and sight-seeing during my down times over the Christmas - New Year period. So looking forward to it! But of course between now and then I still have so many appointments and arrangements to attend. Busy busy. And yes, I will post photos when I can but my laptop doesn't arrive till Tuesday so will be prevented from uploading till then. In the meantime it's all text. Sorry folks! Low Tech!!!
Hope all are well. Great to hear from those who have been in touch. Andf no, Adrian, I will NOT get an English accent. I'm enjoying being an Aussie in London. :)
Posted by jj at 7:41 PM | Comments (2)
December 15, 2007
London: Day 1
I'm glad I have a sense of humour. The little flat I am staying in has a fridge which hadn't been defrosted this century I'd say, as the whole freezer was frozen solid. So in the process of defrosting last night the landlord left the fridge blocking the exit to the apartment and then during the course of the ngiht I was vioolently awoken when the thing crashed to the floor spilling a large amount of water on to the carpet. Several towels later and after the ice filled the sink, I got up to have a cup of tea and as the kettle began to boil there was a flash and the power went out to the entire apartment - lights and appliances. After calling the Mr Fixit guy, I returned to bed to just sleep in. Good excuse I figured :)
So once the fuses were fixed (to the main fuses - not just to my flat) I finally got up and had a longish shower - such a luxury for an Australian - and got to "work". That is, gettign my bank account set up, doing some grocery shopping, organising for delivery of my new laptop, and registering for properties to let, as well as visiting a prospective place. It's been a constructive day if rather involved, and I expect the same for tomorrow - though of course no services are open over the weekend.
I do plan to go and see some fo the Christmas festivals over coming days and will spend some of the weekend relaxing but it's back to work next week getting myself established in London. I already feel very comfortable here and feel confident in whatever I do. Just gotta watch those pounds in coming weeks!
Unfortunately I still won't have my laptop till Tuesday but will keep updating via this little cafe just down the road from my place over coming days. I promised I'd update and I am so doing :)
But all doing well here! It's cold but my jackets and hats and gloves and scarves are keeping me toasty warm. And it's lovely being warm when it's cold outside!
Posted by jj at 1:27 AM | Comments (1)
December 14, 2007
Hi I'm Joanne. I live in London.
Hello from London. I have now been awake for 23.5 hours so I'm as coherent as a pygmy possom being chased by a psychotic bat, so I think it's best if I say that I'm here, all went very well getting here, and even though the flight from Hong Kong was delayed by 2 hours we only ended up being 30 minutes late when we landed. Even so, I found my way to my flat without a map or even needing to ask for assistance. Luggage was again just fine. Flat is very basic, but neat and clean and will be fine for the next few weeks while I look for something more permanent. \Still no PC and it's driving me nuts. But Dell should come through by no later than Mondy. In the meantime, I can get 30 minutes internet time for 50p (about A$1.25) about 30 meters from my front door.
Thanks to my two wonderful seat-pals on the flight from Hong Kong - David and Leone. I very much enjoyed your company over the 13.5 hours.
Weather is best described as chilly. Fortunately my old Melbourne coat and a scarf and gloves which I carry around with me is keeping me toasty.
Okay folks I need to sleep. Will update you all tomorrow. *HUGS ALL*
Posted by jj at 4:16 AM | Comments (1)
December 13, 2007
From the Qantas Club in Hong Kong
Just one last quick message from Hong Kong - had a great time here yesterday and did some awesome stuff, from window shopping around Kowloon to getting a massage to taking the ferry across to Hong Kong Island and the cable tram up to the peak and looking out over Hong Kong. Great stuff. But now I must away as a long flight lies ahead for me. I plan to sleep through most of it.
But I have just checked the weather in London and note that the temperature range for today is as follows:
Thursday - Sunrise 07:56 (GMT); Sunset 15:51 (GMT) . Cloudy.
Maximum 5°C. Minimum 2°C. Wind 7mph. Visibility very poor. Barometric pressure 1041. Relative humidity 89%.
Maximum 5°C. MAXIMUM 5°C!!!!
Ah well. It's been a long time since I've been cold!
Posted by jj at 7:22 AM | Comments (1)
December 12, 2007
Hi from Hong Kong
Okay this city is completely bizarre. I actually really enjoy it, but it is entirely unlike all the other Asian cities I have visited. Seeing the densely packed buildings (Melbourne people think of the Carlton Housing Commission flats about triple the height and densely packed - about 20+ of them in a 2km clump) dotted around the Hong Kong islands, but then these huge, rocky volcanic mountains rising behind the high-rises, dwarfing them and bearing down on them all, making the true heart of Hong Kong seem remote and largely inaccessible, even to the progression of all the construction. The air is smoggy but not as bad as I had expected, the sun shining brightly through the haze.
I am staying in a place called Tsuen Wan - pronounced Shoon Warn - in the New Territories, which is populated by the Hong Kong natives and Chinese. I spent last night wandering through the markets as the only Anglo and found the experience fantastic. Even though no-one had any English, it was much more of a cultural experience as a result. Mingling with the *real peole* of Hong Kong is very different from spending your time in Kowloon city. Nevertheless I am in Kowloon today and I find the mix of east and west here somewhat mind-bending. I'm trying to work out whether it is the east trying to be western, or whether it is the west trying to be eastern that I find more disturbing. But perhaps no-one is trying - perhaps this is truly the kind of city that William Gibson describes in his novels; one that has rather evolved than imitated. I feel like I have walked on to the set of Blade Runner but instead of sky thick with rain, there is the sun shining brightly through a haze of industrial smoke.
The temperature is fabulous - 19-24 degrees - and the people are friendly. I've already had a group of Beijing business men offer me a proposal of marriage, so I figure this is just their way of saying hi. :)
My flight here was fine and my hotel is great - thank you to you all for your good wishes. I'm sorry I couldn't post this sooner. My hotel has broadband but no public PCs so I had to wait till I found an internet cafe today in Tsim Sha Tsiu (Kowloon city, pronounced Zim Shar Shoo). And as I have to leave so early tomorrow morning on my flight to the UK, this will probably be my only post from Hong Kong, but please know I am safe and loving my cultural education in Hong Kong. The world is really an extraordinary place isn't it?
Love to everyone. Will report again from chilly London (where it is currently NEGATIVE 2 degrees). Oh. My. God!
Posted by jj at 11:54 AM | Comments (1)
December 11, 2007
Goodbye Australia
I am limited in how much time I can spend here on the public PC but I did want to take this opportunity to send one last Farewell from Brisbane Australia to all my family and friends.
This is an exciting new chapter in my life and I look forward to it immensely. Of course it will be challenging and there will be times when it will seem very hard indeed, but as most of you know, once I make up my mind to do something I pursue it heart and soul. I want this and I will make it work.
To all my freinds in Brisbane thank you for six years of love and support. I have enjoyed immensely my time here and I look forward to keeping in touch with you all.
To my Mum and my brother and his family, I love you and I promise I will be thinking of you all every day. And I promise to do my best to be safe whilst overseas.
To all else - there are so many I want to thank - but you know who you are and I love and respect you all. Thank you for being you.
Goodbye beautiful Australia. You will always be my paradise.
Posted by jj at 9:07 AM | Comments (1)
December 9, 2007
JJ Offline
Yes it's too true. From tomorrow afternoon I will be without a laptop or indeed any pc, and will instead be wondering what I normally did with my time without a computer. I shall probably start to blither. But this is all in preparation for my jetting off to the UK first thing on Tuesday morning. I will write one last post from Brisbane probably from the Qantas Club on Tuesday morning, but in case anyone tries to email or message me in the next week, I may be hard to catch.
I do hope to be back online and connected from Old London Town from Saturday morning, Australian time, but that's pretty dependent on whether I can manage to get my new Dell notebook (which is red, so you *know* it's fast) delivered to my London flat on Friday. Cross fingers!
So I'll sign off from my little flat in Albion, Brisbane, and wish you all great times and great connectivity. As I say, I'll post again from the Qantas Club on Tuesday, but in the meantime, it's a fond farewell from my little silver laptop.
Posted by jj at 8:01 PM | Comments (1)
December 7, 2007
My Rowland Farewell
Thanks to everyone at Rowland for your kind words and best wishes for my forthcoming adventure in the UK. I have enjoyed a fabulous time being part of the permanent Rowland advisory team, and am very proud of what has been developed during my time there. But it is also just *lovely* to have been so appreciated. More beautiful flowers, a magnificent bottle of champagne and great friendships have evolved from my role as a resident geek and Emerging Technology Strategist. My thanks and warm wishes to all!
Posted by jj at 7:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 4, 2007
Australia's broadband policy
There may well need to be some serious re-thinking of regulation and the responsibilities Telstra have to enact universal access to high speed broadband among Australian residents in 'light' of the statements from Telstra's public policy chief, Phil Burgess, who has said that Telstra will not fund an upgrade to the existing broadband network in line with pre-election Labor policy.
This is a company whose profits this year amounted to A$3.3 billion and are still set to grow another 3-5% in the next financial year. That may not be as promising as some investors would choose, but if we knock Sol Trujillo off the pay roll, I'm sure the entire broadband plan could be accommodated and growth could continue.
I have always been extremely dubious about the sale of Telstra and the disenfranchisement of the people of this country as a result of poor investment in infrastructure. Good customer service should never come at the cost of good infrastructure. Now we have neither. I think the only opportunity is for the federal government to effectively force Telstra participation in this deal for universal access.
And don't even get me started on a public policy chief who categorically refuses to participate with enabling policy because they "don't do that sort of thing".
Posted by jj at 8:51 AM | Comments (0)
Farewell for JJ
I keep forgetting that some people are not on Facebook, so for the sake of those who don't know, I'm exceedingly poorly organised farewell is from 3-7pm (no later) on 8th December at Fridays at Eagle Street pier. (Don't complain about the venue. It's probably the best view in Brisbane and in the afternoon the teeny boppers are not likely to be a problem!)
All welcome, but it will be a matter of buying your own drinks as I am now EXTREMELY POOR. Also please, NO PRESENTS. You probably hadn't even thought of one, but if you did, please don't. My luggage is full and I cannot take anything more!!!!
Posted by jj at 8:39 AM | Comments (1)