My London

"When man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." - Samuel Johnson.

I've tried looking for more quotes or opinions to express my thoughts on London, but none even come close to the one above. London is something else entirely. London is loud, and proud, and is definitely not what people expect when they arrive.

London is busy. The people in London are busy. They are always in a rush to get somewhere. Home? To a meeting? Who knows. All I know that when in London never ever get in the way of a Londoner. The people are not friendly - they will not stop for a chat or even share a simple 'good morning.' It's just not the London way. 

The streets are dirty, often piled with litter and swimming with the homeless. I find it quite funny actually, how you can walk down an empty street and see a mass of litter and a homeless man, and the next corner you take is filled with tourists shopping acting like everything is normal. 

The weather is dreadful. If it's not raining, it's overcast. It's usually cold and windy, making you wrap your scarf and coat tighter around your shivering body. You should always, always carry an umbrella with you. London's weather is unpredictable, and it always looks like it's going to rain. The lack of sun is somewhat depressing, and you have to try not to notice the colour of your now pasty skin.

But there's something about London that draws you back. It's intriguing. On a rare sunny, warm day, the parks are flooded with people taking in the sunshine with a pint or bottle or wine, and you think to yourself, "this is why I'm here." This is why I put up with the rain, the cold days and nights, the bleak city. 

There's always something going on; always something happening. People try to leave London, but end up returning because they simply cannot be anywhere else. As I said before, London has something about it that draws people in and doesn't let them out. 

London is my city, and I never want to let it go.

Portobello Road Markets

I don't know what it is about markets. It might be the smell of foreign food, the endless hours of people-watching, or the promise of snagging a bargain, but either way I just love them. Hence, I've managed to make my way though quite a few markets since being in London. It's safe to say I've eaten way too much market food, drunk way too much and spent more money than I'm keen to admit. Markets just make me impulsive.

The Portobello Road Markets were no different. Perhaps the most famous markets in London, these markets are located in the beautiful area of Notting Hill. It's exactly as you'd expect it: vibrant, colourful houses surrounding the market stalls, people everywhere, and busy restaurants and pubs. 

I didn't know where to start, so I just walked. To say it was crowded was an understatement. Wherever I walked I was constantly squashed between dozens of random people (I would hate to see how busy these markets get in the summer!)

My first stop was a second-hand book stall. I was in heaven. I literally could have spent all day, and all my money, flicking through the old pages of classic books. I ended up controlling myself and thankfully only purchased a Beatrix Potter book.

I was getting quite peckish, and luckily I was just entering the food markets. The only problem with market food is that I never know what to eat. There is every single kind of cuisine you could wish for. I opted for some sort of chickpea patty, and it was unbelievably good. And to make the day even better, the sun decided to come out after weeks of constant rain and cloud. It was looking to be a pretty perfect day!

After what felt like an hour, I eventually made it to the end of the markets, and it was time to turn around and walk around the other side of the road. There were so many interesting things being sold, including polaroid cameras, which I so desperately wanted to buy, but didn't due to my lack of funds. But that was okay, because when I reached the next stall I saw the most delectable looking brownie. I obviously had to try it, and it was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted. I could eat these for the rest of my life and die a happy lady!

So there you have it - my day at London's most iconic markets. I ate, and shopped, and ate some more. I was full, I was happy, and I was in London. I could not have asked for a better day.

TTFN x

Italia

I've just returned from the Easter holidays in Italy - my first European holiday since moving to England 2 months ago. I was meeting 2 friends in Rome, then we would head south to Sorrento.

Walking out of Termini Station, I instantly felt out of place. I had no idea where I was, or how I was supposed to get to the hostel I was meeting my friends at. All I had was a map I couldn't read nor understand, and a suitcase and a bag I was desperately clutching too in attempts to not be pick-pocketed in my first moments in Rome. After about twenty minutes of wandering completely in the wrong direction I miraculously bumped into my friend on the street, and had never been so happy in my life to see a familiar face.

It's easy to see why Rome is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. With it's architectural and artistic treasures, noisy markets and its romantic corners, Rome certainly knows how to impress.

Rome

Moving south to Sorrento, it took a lot of chocolate and a very long 4 hour bus ride to see what all the fuss was about. And boy was it worth it. With houses scattered on ruggered terrain overlooking Naples and Mt Vesuvius, Sorrento is an appealing place with an undeniable laid-back charm. Wandering around the town centre is enough to see why it's so easy to fall in love with.

Sorrento

The next site to tick off the list was Pompeii - "an ancient town frozen in its 2000 year-old death throes, Pompeii was a thriving commercial town until Mt Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, killing some 2000 people." We arrived at 10am, and did not leave the ruins until 6pm that night. It would be an understatement to say that there was a lot to see. It easy to see why this site attracts so many tourists worldwide.

Pompeii

Quite possibly my favourite part of the whole holiday was our day trip to Capri. "Get past the designer boutiques, and you will discover an island of rugged seascapes, Roman ruins and an unspoiled rural inland" - and we sure did. We ended up completing something like a 2 or 3 hour walk along one of the walking tacks around the coastline, and in doing so I saw some of the most spectacular views. It honestly looked like something out of a movie. Yes, I could definitely picture myself living in a little house on the island of Capri, where the streets are too narrow for cars, the houses overlook some of the most spectacular views, and the people are very friendly, and the food is indescribable. 

Capri

Yes, this is my happy place. In the short amount of time I had here, and the limited number of places I was able to visit, I can honestly say that I am in love with Italy.

  

Positive Thoughts

"91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight though dieting. 86% report onset of eating disorder by age 20; 43% report onset between ages of 16 and 20.6. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents. 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.8. 25% of college-aged women engage in bingeing and purging as a weight-management technique."

It appears that every weekend when I pick up the paper, the front page is always sprawled with new research and new statistics regarding the mental and physical state of school-aged children. Apparently the pressures of school, social and home life are taking their toll on our youth. This makes me so sad. We live in an age where 'thigh gaps' are encouraged, and getting a good grade is more important than a good nights sleep. 

Eating disorders are a topic close to me. I've had friends battle though them, and come out the other side. Although the might look okay by the end of it, their insides and organs are severely damaged. It's time we started to look after our body's the right way.

"Did you ever realize how much your body loves you? It’s always trying to keep you alive. It’s making sure you breathe while you sleep, stopping cuts from bleeding, fixing broken bones, finding ways to beat the illnesses that might get you. Your body literally loves you so much. It’s time you start loving it back."

Aus vs Poms

After getting over a 28 hour flight, jet lag, and a whole new country to live in, I can happily say that I am now settled in. And have the time to blog (yay!). I've been out and about for the past week, seeing things and doing things, and have been tired out every single night by 2 six year old girls. Putting this aside, it's a bit early for me to be feeling home-sick, but I have noticed some slight differences between England and Australia. 

Firstly, the people. I miss the simple 'good morning' while walking through the streets of Aus. In England, when people see you walking down the street they simply put their head down and continue walking.

Secondly (and perhaps the most obvious) - the weather. I miss the sunshine. I miss the warmth. 

Thirdly, the amount of tea the British drink is RIDICULOUS. I mean, I love my tea, but I cannot keep up with their 15 cups a day!

These are the three major differences I've noticed. However, I am absolutely loving it here! It's a very nice change which I am slowly adjusting to. 

TTFN (ta ta for now) x 

London Calling

I recently left the comfort and familiarity of my home country, Australia, for a much more colder country. Arriving in the UK early this morning, I finally figured out what real jetlag is, and how bad it really can be. It's currently 5pm (and I seriously don't know how I've managed to stay up this long!) and all I can think about is sleep. But I want to try and get my body-clock used to the UK time. Sigh. At least I know I'll sleep well tonight!

I'm constantly cold (even with the added heaters that my new family so kindly placed in my room) and I still feel out of place. England is just so different from Australia. Aside from the obvious temperature and climate differences, England is sort of crammed-in. Everyone and everything is so close together, whereas in Australia you literally have to fly to the other side of the state. 

In my one day of being here, I've gone for a walk around the neighbourhood and taken a few photos. And I can't wait to get out and explore more!

Valentines Day

To me, people fall into two categories on valentines day: 

1. The people who are so happily loved and adored by that one special person and enjoy yet another day of being spoilt and showered in expensive gifts.

2. The people who opt to spend their night with an entire bottle of vodka.

I think we all know which category we fall into. Whether we're all for Valentines day, or refer to it as 'singles awareness day', there is no doubt Valentines Day is just another day of the year. Hence, I spent my day working, and my night with one of my best friends having a lovely picnic. I think one of the things people forget (especially on Valentines Day) is that we need to not only appreciate our significant other (or lack-there of), but all the people who put up with us and make our lives better. So instead of picking up that bottle of vodka, pick up the phone instead and think about who you are thankful for this Valentines Day x