Friday, September 21, 2007

Anniversaries, reunions, commiserations

So, the first year of the great UK experiment is nearly over. The parents have made the grand journey to visit (and near choked me when I surprised them by turning up at their hotel as they were arriving - like I was really going to go to work and leave them to find their way around on their own!). My brother has split from his girlfriend/fiance of more than 10 years. I've survived the coldest, wettest, crappest summer on record in the UK - quite a feat - and intact enough that my campaign to stay longer than my visa will let me has kicked up a gear with work agreeing to help with my visa applications.

Sorry to anyone who's reading this and wishing me home. I'm sure there's at least one of you out there. But it's looking like I'm staying here for a while longer yet. Why? Why on earth would an Australian want to stay in London longer than the alloted time for a working holiday visa? It's a good question, to be honest. One that has stumped me or many hours as I've debated what I should do. Because as much as I love Australia, the lifestyle here in London is pretty good right now. As long as I get out of here every so often. Which is a good thing, since my list of places to go gets ever longer with another four places added for every one that gets crossed off. Next stop is a car trip around the UK with my parents, provided I can convince the hire car people that my licence is valid even without the international attachment, and that I haven't been here for a year yet and can therefore be allowed to drive the car. Oh well. Powers of persuasion to be exercised!

So things are moving along nicely here. Nothing terribly exciting, I admit - that's all happening at home, where my brother has moved into Mum and Dad's house while they're away. It's a big move for him, and we're all very excited to see what he does next, even if my Christmas surprise has been blown by his talk of travelling over New Years, heading to Japan. I was forced to tell him my plans, on pain of death. Oh well. The best laid plans of mice and men...

I'm a bit nostalgic right now anyway. Next month marks 10 years since I finished high school. The miracle of facebook has seen me reunitd with one of my class mates who lives in London, not far from me. Still, I don't think I'll be going to the Ann Summers lingerie party she's having around the date of the reunion at home, somehow. It's a little too strange that the first time you see someone in the flesh in well over 5 years is over a pile of lacy underwear!