No way to justify

To celebrate with myself a full-time job in a field I'm interested in - I splurged. I can't really justify my purchase besides the fact it makes me happy everytime I look at it. And - at least I bought my new fancy purse in black, a shade that never goes out of fashion. I bought a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. He is one of my favourite designers - along with Christopher Bailey (designer for Burberrys), Stella McCartney, and Cynthia Steffe - so it's nice to support his designs. It's also nice to carry something that seems posh to work. Especially as a corporate drone, I feel a bit out of place when I'm not wearing a designer suit. I just don't think I can splurge that high.

The next goal: new glasses - I was told my sight worsened and glasses are about the same price here as Canada (don't worry, I've done the conversion.)

Timing is Everything

I just started my new job - and so far it's fantastic. Obviously I know nothing - I get lost trying to find my office ( I share with four other peeps) and still don't have access to everything I need. I'm looking forward to when I understand something, but I realize that can take time.
************************************************************************************
However, England is very strict in making sure you get your regulated time off. There are penalties for employers if they don't give you at least 20 days (and you take them or try to quite whole-heartedly) On that note, I am mandated to take 2.5 days off prior to December 31. And because we get Dec 24, 25, and 26 off - I was allowed to take the 27 and 28 as well. This has allowed me a full week break after only three and a bit weeks of working. Way to ease myself into a full-time job..... I think my father would tell me I have a tad bit too easy.
My vacation will also be increased next year despite the fact that I have not done a full year and have two christmas parties that will take up most of the afternoon and evening within those three weeks.
I think I joined at just the right time.... Ottawa for Christmas here I come! I hope there's snow - I just don't think it can arrive in London with its +10 degree weather.

Christmas Shopping Blast

I have discovered that I have to do all my christmas shopping this week to send out my boxed presents by Sunday. I feel a bit rushed and really have no clue what to purchase. That means I only have five nights and one full day to buy all the presents for my family. I'm thinking of taking advantage of Habitat - they have great gifts for every age. Maybe that will help some of the shopping day.... also a trip to the giant toy store on Regent Street.

Too bad I can't buy some xmas stuff for me. However with only monthly payouts - I think I should keep to buying presents for others. However, I may buy some huge food items from M&S. The scottish shortbread is amazing.

Dublin, Ireland

Irish people are the kindest people I have ever met. It was incredible to witness such openness. In the span of two hours - I had one Irish girl tell me where I was going, get off the same bus stop as me and point me in the right direction to get to my friend's house. After leaving her, I came to a crossroads and was a bit bewildered. Another Irish couple pulled their car over, told me I looked lost and took my map and gave me arrows to get to the place. It was fantastic. They even offered to give me a ride - however I was only about a two minute walk away so I opted for that.
I recommend anyone to go to Dublin.

Dublin, Ireland

I was in Dublin for the past few days and it was a blast. Loads of history, pints and Irish accents. The city was quite beautiful - but I was a bit lucky and got sunshine on my first day.
Gail did inform of a slight issue in Dublin as we passed an unfortunate cat. They do not have Bob Barker in Ireland informing people to spay and neuter their cats and dogs. It has resulted in loads of strays wandering the streets. It's sad because you can't save them all. However, it makes you want to spread the word to spay and neuter your animals to keep the pet population down.

Errand Week

As dull as it is, I'm starting to make sure I've done all the little things before I start work next week. Despite the serious anxiety about the new job, I'm sure everything will be fine - I'm just over analyzing every step. However, I've fully given up on my bank. I just tried to send myself money from my Canadian account to my Barclays account. Let's just say - I've been given the runaround - and now I will have to wait 6 weeks before my money comes into my account. Even then, I will be advised if it's been approved from the collections before I recieve it. I think they will hear an earful tomorrow.

This should be interesting. I'm already very time-limited as I catch a 5 p.m. flight to Dublin for the weekend. Will post a lot on Sunday to make up for the lack of posts this week.

Tell me what the time is?

The lights are out on Oxford Street to help the city get into festive cheer. The picture below is down a side street. I think Bond, but it was hard to see the street names. Can you guess what time it is though?

Oh toto, I don't think we're in Holt Renfrew anymore

I finally made it to Harrods this week. I'm not really sure why it took me so long to head over there. Maybe because I was waiting to go to V&A, maybe the job hunt, maybe a bit of laziness. Liam and I went to selfridges - really identical to a Holt Renfrew. But Harrods is an experience all together. With the Egyptian elevators and beautiful interior, Harrods is an experience. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a shopping center. But it really does razzle and dazzle you. The food hall was fantastic. I think I could eat everything in the chocolate shop.



**********************************************************************
Despite Harrod's expense, I was able to purchase some brie in the Food Hall. Now, it was a delicious brie - but I admit I wasn't really willing to try a new cheese due to the disgusting camembert I subjected myself to recently. After that experience, I'm taking my adventures in cheese tasting slowly.

convoluted models throughout the ages

I ended up at the V&A today to check out "The golden age of couture". It was utterly amazing to see all the old pieces that would still resonate in today's fashion scene. However, I didn't feel that bad for the pressure we put on models and women these days. To see the corsets and convulsions that women had to fit their bodies in kinda made me glad that wasn't hip anymore. Most of the dresses required a size 16 waist. It's a bit hard to get my head around. However, if my body was naturally that way - I think I would have stolen all those dior day outfits and some of the evening wear in a heartbeat.

employed!

I'm employed! That's all you really need to know about my excitement!
More pics on Brussels though!

Brussels, Belgium

Breaking it down in Brussels. I really loved the city architecture but I was suprised at the absence of personality. For a city that created Tin Tin and French fries and produces some of the best chocolate in the world - you really didn't see anyone with strong national pride or a sense of their own culture. Maybe it was because it was such a small city - with loads of immigrants and tourists - who diluted the originial culture to have a new culture. However, it seems like no one keeps up or locals (concierges, taxi drivers) don't want to share with tourists where real hot spots are in case we dilute the last remnants of their culture. Sally and I had many issues with the concierge who directed us to a restaurant of 80 year olds for our nice Saturday night meal. Thankfully we found a beautiful garden restaurant after some significant wandering. However, there were great things to see in Brussels. 1- The atonomium. I need to go back to go up it. 2 - Grande Place. 3 - Royal Palace. 4 - Marcolinis - best choco shop in the city. 5. La Romantiqos - a bonifade latin dancing place in st. catherine palace. It was good feeling and actual locals.

Cohabitation with pigeons

I'm in awe about the large amount of pigeons in the city. Initially, I was blind to the multiple amounts around the city. Perhaps it is because I was in famous areas and the city has set up 'birds of prey'in main tourist spots to keep the pigeons at bay. The most famous spot is at Trafalgar Square. At the base of the statue, a man will hold a hawk and make itself known to the pigeons. They leave pretty quickly, seeking shelter at Green Park. However, as my travels now send me to local dives - I've found a variety of pigeons creeping inside. The largest flock I saw was yesterday in the Victoria Station. I think the smell of McDonalds drove them in. There were about 15 all inside the station - wandering freely. I know that the station is relatively open as the trains can't have their own door. But I was suprised that the noise of the trains didn't keep the pigeons at bay. Perhaps they are aware that we are nothing like the 'bird of prey'.

Brussels, Belgium

I'm finally getting excited about heading over to Brussels. Sally and I are taking a 'city break' to eat loads of chocolate, visit the atonimum and grande place, and take in the canal. However, we are headed out in the, soon to be defunct, Waterloo station. Kings Cross will take over on 14 November and be the station for international rail. I'm a little disappointed that I can't hang out in the world's longest champagne bar prior to my train's departure. Also, the French said it was the way a train station should be. I'll just have to take the train to Paris later to see what all the fuss is about.

Enter Guy Fawkes

Hallowe'en was a bust in jolly ole England. Minimal costumes and children asking for pennies for guy rather than sugared treats. However, Guy Fawkes was a weekend-long celebration. Fireworks started on Friday night and went all the way through to Monday. It was a bit crazy. Most of the fireworks were not scheduled events except Saturday night. Sally and I made it down to the gates of Battersea to listen to the music and watch half an hour of fireworks. It reminded me a lot of Symphony of Lights in Vancouver. There was just as many people and it was just one event across the city. It's interesting that people get so into this holiday, but it's definitely not commercialized. You don't see little Guy Fawkes dolls being sold at Debenhams. Or little V for Vendetta costumes or masks on fireworks attendees. It's actually much nicer. A little bit more laid back and on a crisp cold night - fireworks are just fantastic because the smoke they leave clears up quickly. I'm ready to jump on this holiday bandwagon. But maybe next year, I'll have my own hallowe'en party - I don't think I can give it up yet. Even if it's just for the chocolate.