Farewelling London

It's been a year and 9 months since I left Sydney for London, and now I'm packing to go home. It's been unfortunate that I haven't been able to keep this blog up to date, but anyone who knows me hopefully will say that I do reply to emails and endeavour to keep in touch with most people!

There are so many things I will miss about this city. Notably:

• Not having to wait more than a few minutes for the next tube
• It hardly rains here. It's true! Since I've been here, there have only been drizzles, and a couple of beautiful snowfalls
  
• Heating everywhere during Winter
• Having 2 or 3 different ways to get to your destination in London via public transport
• Free and unlimited ATM withdrawals
• Walking around London - discovering something interesting around every corner. I have been on a tonne of London Walks and it never ceases to amaze me how much there is to learn and see about Londinium
• Using my credit card for the smallest of purchases. And restaurants allowing you to split the bill amongst a whole table of guests, each person paying with their cards.
• Borough Markets - gastronomical heaven
• English parks and gardens. Some of my favourites:



• Richmond Park - packs of deers and antelopes roam freely


• Victoria Park - jogging along the canal next to the park on a crisp cool morning with an eery fog over the water.. then entering the lovely green space of the park after surviving the streets of Hackney to get there


• Hyde Park - rambling, leafy, serene, beautiful, huge park. Hyde Park was my introduction to English parks when I first stayed in Bayswater


• The awesome friends I've made here and people I've met. They have all been my family away from home.
• Spending hours in the museums.. I have never been interested in museums until I came to London. My fave is the V&A, with the magnificent Morris & Gambler dining rooms. 2nd on my list is of course the ol' Brit Museum.
• Just walking.. anytime.. anywhere
• The Bagel Shop on Brick Lane - open 24hrs, it's better than the Beigel Bakery IMHO!
• GAP, Uniqlo, Muji




Ok.. this list is getting too long...


I am having farewell drinks, however, not looking forward to being the centre of attention, I'm pleased to be also sharing the event farewelling Gareth who is leaving for Afghanistan with the Brit army. Another friend, Jules is also turning 30, so we'll be celebrating with her too! It's going to be a big one! Luckily I have chosen the venue to be within stumbling distance of home :)