transient population

as cliched as it sounds - London is the city of change. With the working visa available to Canadians, Kiwis and Aussies and the more open work policies of the EU, you get a lot of people coming in - and a lot of people leaving. Recently, one of my friends was unable to extend her holiday visa and is picking up to go home at Christmas (she is going kicking and screaming) and several others are in the same boat. It's a fine line of enjoying as much of Europe as you can while still making enough to live and secure work sponsorship or the more elusive highly skilled visa.

It makes me happy to have my passport and that I can come and go as I please. I do get sad when other Canadians leave though - it really is hard to find perma friends. But as one leaves, I'm introduced to about eight new Canadians in the city. We seem to be a tight bunch.

Image via

a proper brit - vacationing in south Spain

my parents have decided to spend a bit more time in London and instead of Morocco are headed to Andalusia area of Spain for the month of October. I've taken full advantage of this and am headed to Seville in the middle of their trip and over my dad's 60th.

If you ask a Brit where they have been in Europe - you'll immediately get Spain and Portugal on the confirmed list. I've met numerous peeps that have never been to Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany or even Italy. But the south of Spain - it's been their favourite spot for 10 years.

Even if I stay here half that time, I hope I change it up a bit more than that. Image via (it also explains what the image is!)

raising mecury levels

Slightly delayed but the Mecury Prize was announced on Tuesday night. Honouring English independent music, the Mecury awards have been around since 1992 and not named after Freddie Mecury. The judges (critics and informed studios) often make 'interesting' choices and definitely always a range of nominations. They are not all about singer-songwriters or independent alternative rock.

This year's winner was Elbow.

Not saying the Elbow shouldn't be recognised but personally, I wanted the Last Shadow Puppets (above photo - image via) to steal away with the prize. I know everyone was cheering for Radiohead, but those boys and their english version of surfer music and exceptional harmony make my day.

fall has settled

any chance for a summer comeback has long gone. It's sweaters, raincoats and tights season. I miss the colours of Ontario - but the excellent warmth that most England homes aspire to excel in the fall and winter makes up for it. Personally, my fall colours are definitely inspired by the front page of Habitat - I want that yellow cashmere throw. I'm looking forward to pubs with chandliers, dark wood and a few extra glasses of a Bordeaux wine.

Image via (great house tips too to create your own warmth this winter)