Take Two...

Well...I'd started to write up my first post, but then the McAfee antivirus thing popped up and asked me something, and I automatically clicked "ok" without reading the message, and then my computer restarted, thus erasing everything I had written (grr...). But now I'm back on track. Crisis over.

So, I've finally started writing (again) my long awaited blog. All two readers will be pleased no doubt. Or at least feign interest. Or not. Anyway, I would like to start by first apologising for not having written sooner. My tardiness has been the result of several factors, namely:

1) A lack of readily accessible (and free) internet of a reasonable speed

2) Busy travelling

3) Busy working

4) Laziness

So now that I have overcome these obstacles, I can now begin to tell you all of the exciting journey I have had. I will start in the present.

I'm currently in Southampton, Hampshire, about two and a half hours south of London by train (or three and a half if you take the cheap train [only 3 pounds!]). It's on the south coast of England where there are ports and ships and quays and other naval things. The city itself is quite nice. There is a town centre with a main shopping strip lined with every UK store you can think of (Primark etc), as well as shopping malls and retail parks, and numerous pubs, bars and restaurants. There are also several lovely parks, with squirrels and trees and statues and fountains, and well kept lawns and pathways. Historic memories of the past take shape in crumbling church ruins, the city wall and clock tower, and a couple of universities keep the town young, fresh and hopeful. So that's my first impression of Southampton.

The place I am residing in, Orion's Point, is located in an area of town that used to be a red light district. The unsavoury characters seen lingering in the streets at all hours of the day are a blatant reminder of this area's seedy past. Orion's Point is essentially student accomodation, but it also houses several key workers. I am currently sharing a flat with an oncologist, a neurosurgeon and a pre-reg pharmacist. They're all friendly. My room is fine - ensuite, single bed, large desk, ample cupboard space, free internet and a view of a mosque from my sixth-floor window.

The shared areas, the kitchen and lounge, are pretty filthy, but I've gotten used to it now. Any food I store in the fridge is wrapped securely in plastic bags, and I avoid using the appliances where possible. I have a makeshift kitchenette in my bedroom where I do my cooking - it consists of a kettle and a rice cooker.

Despite all this, the flat is in an excellent location. Not the actual location, but with regards to distance, it is right across the road from work and only a 5 minute walk through a nice park to the town centre. So no complaints there.

Work is fine. I'm working at the RSH Hospital as a dispensary technician. The work is pretty cruisy and the people there are nice. So that's going good. Yay. Funny thing: "Labelling" and "dispensing" in the UK mean the opposite in Australia ie. to "label" something is to dispense it (ie. type out the label on the computer), whilst to "dispense" something means to label it (ie. stick the label on the container). That took me a while to comprehend.

Ok...there are so many other things I want to write about right now...like how the KFCs here serve baked beans instead of potatoes and gravy, and people say "You alright then?" instead of "How are you?" so that you keep thinking there's something wrong with you, but that will all have to wait for another day.

I just want to say that I miss you all back home in Melbourne! And I promise I will keep better in touch with you all and post up photos and tell you about the stories and experiences I've had whilst on my travels.

Take care,
Ed