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Wednesday, September 26th, 2007
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8:42 pm - More tube observations
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I watched a man on the tube today. I'd never have noticed him if it weren't for the fact that he didn't sit in his seat - he perched. He didn't slump like his fellow commuters, but rather kept upright and tense. I couldn't tell if his hands were trembling as they sat crossed in front of his belly or if it was the rattle of the train.
His face was a painting of anguish. His gaze was fixated on a deep nothingness somewhere in front of him and his lips were closed tight. His full face screamed more than his voice could - I watched his expression change as he pleaded, got angry, gave up, pretended not to care, gave a desperate smile then returned to his frown. I recognised what he was doing. I've gone through imaginary conversations in my mind before. Trying to figure out what would be said. Argue your case before you've even been asked to.
The sunset caught the side of his troubled face as we pulled out of White City. The shadows it cast made him look even further away. His phone returned him to the present. As he thumbed through his messages, he started to let go of whatever was eating him. For the first time since he sat down, his back touched the chair behind him. Calm started to fill his face as his eyes darted back and forth across the little screen in his hand.
At north Acton I left him to his relief. Walking up the stairs away from the platform I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in this man's life. What news did he get that lifted him so? Obviously in his case, no news wasn't good news.
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| Wednesday, September 19th, 2007
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11:53 pm - Epilogue
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After writing about this guy and thinking I'd never see him again ...
He was at the same place I had to go to this afternoon to get my National Insurance number (like a social security or tax file number for the UK). He's a Kiwi guy who obviously had to get out of work early for exactly the same reason as me.
I saw him nod off while waiting for his interview and couldn't help but stare again. ;)
The world is a strange place sometimes!
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1:01 pm - On the tube ...
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I watched a man as he slept on the tube today.
He had a stocky frame, mouse-brown hair, fair skin with light freckles. Clean shaven except for a neatly trimmed goatee which framed his mouth, the ends of which curled down into a perpetual frown. He wore worn work pants, boots and a polo shirt with the name of an electricians company on it. His hands were broad and looked slightly rough. His bottom lip had a ring (which didn't join up, but rather ended with a ball on each end) through it, just off centre.
As he slept with his head resting against the wall, he slumped down into his frame. His folded arms slowly unfolded with the rocking of the train as it hurtled through the tunnel, letting his hands rest palm up on his lap. I watched his hands as they moved and twitched. One finger would move slightly, then his thumb, then three would curl up. Occasionally he'd pull himself forward slightly - an unconscious twitch - and wake himself up. I'd look at the tunnel passing through the window behind him while he looked around a little before settling back into his slumber, then I'd watch again.
I sat their listening to my iPod as songs from all sorts of artists came on. People sang of love, life, guardian angels. I wondered if he had a guardian angel. I wondered if he'd been ... or would be ... a guardian angel for someone else. Who did he love? Who loved him? Did he miss them as much as the voice on the song in my head claimed they missed their loved one?
I realised how strange it was to think about this other person and watch him like this. But the alternative was close my eyes or look out the window, and neither seemed as fascinating.
Finally as we passed Chiswick Park, his phone woke him up. We pulled up at Acton town station and we both got off the train. I passed him up the stairs and very much doubt I'll ever see him again. But I think I'll remember those hands moving in his sleep for a long time.
current mood:  thoughtful
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| Monday, October 2nd, 2006
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1:07 am - Brighton Pride
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Mark flying Andy's pink union jack
The 5th of August was the day of Brighton Pride - the biggest gay pride event in the UK. Gordo and I hopped on the train with Andy and Darren from London Bridge and headed south to Brighton. We ate lunch by the waterfront and went for a walk along Brighton Pier before heading to the park for the main event.
It was a great day ... there were heaps of people that had made the effort to join in the celebration, from families to really out-there characters. We met up with quite a few friends there - Nick and Garry, Shaun plus Mick, Charlie and Damien. Spending the day in the sun, around a lot of people all having fun was great. They'd set up a fairground there, as well as heaps of dance tents, a karaoke area, market stalls, and even a boot-scooting tent!
The size of the event was staggering! Compared to any other event of that nature I'd been to, it was just amazing. According to the Brighton Pride website, there were 120,000 people there! It was very easy to believe that this was the biggest in the UK, if not europe!
  
current mood:  happy
current music: David vs the Egg - Don't Let Me Go
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| Saturday, September 30th, 2006
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12:54 am - A summer's night in London
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| Tuesday, September 26th, 2006
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12:35 am
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| Friday, September 22nd, 2006
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6:38 pm - Camden with Gem and Gordo playing cricket
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| Wednesday, September 20th, 2006
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11:11 pm - Farnborough Airshow 2006
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Towards the end of July, Gordo and I joined our friend Nick and some of his mates for a day trip to the Farnborough Airshow. And what a show it was! The cream of the crop of modern and classic aircraft were put through their paces to the delight of the crowd. Even the terrible weather wasn't enough to dampen people's spirits. In fact, some people found very creative ways to stay dry. ;) It was a bit of a struggle to keep water away from my camera at one point, but it was worth it - I took heaps of pics. ;)
There was a huge static display by the runway, and when the flying display started with a massive demonstrations by the Red Arrows, we knew we were in for a treat. After the Red Arrows flew off into the distance, the Airbus A340 took to the skies. Considering it's a passenger airliner, we were all very impressed with it's agility ... but the best was yet to come. Almost silently, the giant Airbus A380 took off and instantly banked at angles a thing that big should never be able to fly through the air at. Seeing this massive double-decker jet bank and roll like it was a fighter was incredible! For many people there (at least one of them who works for an airline), this was the highlight of the day. We had an amazing view of it landing too.
After the pilot got the A380 safely back to earth, military jets, helicopters, things in between and afterburners became the order of the day. :) Surprisingly, the loudest jet was also one of the smallest - the F-16.
Towards the end of the show, three legends of World War II took to the sky, to cheers from the crowd. The Spitfire and Hurricane performed a dogfight before joining the Lancaster in formation, marking the end of the show.
It was a fantastic time, and Gordo and I got to spend time with some great people. It was great for me to get to know Johnny, another shutterbug with great taste in photographic equipment (yup - that's a Nikon D70, cousin of my camera, with the same 70-300mm lens I bought for the occasion). ;) Sam, Lynds, Garry, Mark and Shaka were brilliant to hang out with too.
It was fantastic fun - I'm definitely going again next time it's on!!
  
current mood:  sleepy
current music: Placebo - Meds
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| Tuesday, September 19th, 2006
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11:23 pm - By the way ...
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Today, the 19th of September, marks the three month anniversary of Gordo and I touching down on British soil. A lot has happened in that time ... we've been to a wedding, gotten jobs (in fact, Gordo's changed jobs since last time I posted), moved into a great flat, seen a lot of London, driven out to the country side, seen ancient monuments, spent great times with friends and above all, had a wonderful time doing it all.
current mood: impressed
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11:05 pm - The British Motor Show
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Hello everyone! Sorry it's been so long between posting ... I really should do this more often! :) Needless to say things have been busy here. Time to get back into writing about what's been going on (and showing off some pics).
Back in July Gordo and I decided to go see Gordo's favourite band from the 80's, A-Ha (remember "Take on Me"?) in concert. The concert was part of a series of river-side shows that were being put on as part of the British Motor Show. Our tickets included special entry to the show before it was open to general admission. It meant we got to wonder around all of the cars without the huge crowds that the other days attracted.
The show was amazing. On a scale I'd never seen before, and with cars that would never make it to a show back home. There were cool cars, expensive cars, fun cars, racing cars, rally cars, classic cars, more than one concept car, bikes and a very large exhibition centre filled with other models. There was a lot to do and see, but we didn't end up spending all that much time there - we had to get going to the concert.
In the end, the concert was a bit of a let down. It was the first time Gordo had seen A-Ha live and to be honest they weren't the act he was hoping they would be. There were a few off-notes and in the end, the only song that really got the audience excited was their classic hit, Take On Me. Don't get me wrong, we were glad to have seen them and enjoyed the show, but I think we were both expecting more than was delivered.
current mood: happy
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| Wednesday, August 16th, 2006
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12:35 am - London's Eye
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| Tuesday, August 15th, 2006
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8:06 am - Another way to see London: The Big Bus Tour
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| Monday, August 14th, 2006
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7:06 am - A bright summer's day exploring London
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It's early in the morning and after a weekend full of nothing but work (boo), I'm about to jump on the tube and go BACK to work. In the mean time, I thought I'd leave you with some pics of some exploring Gordo and I did around London one weekend (when I didn't have to work) ...
Ducks on the pond in Gunnersbury Park
( More ... )
current mood:  exhausted
current music: Air - Don't Be Light
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| Saturday, July 29th, 2006
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1:32 am - Workin' for the man ...
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Just a short post for now ... it's late over here. :)
Gordo hard at work :)
That's Gordo at his position at the Sofitel St James in West London. It's on the corner of Regent Street and Pall Mall, a pretty prestigious address! His hotel has quite a few rich and famous guests ... Gordo's met a bunch of performers and DJ's, and recently Dame Judy Dench! Being the social creature he is, he often has a chat with them. :) He also gets to drive guest's cars between the hotel and carpark. So far he's driven BMW's, Mercedes and Jags - rather nice!
In contrast, I sit at a desk all day and write code. ;) Although to be honest it's a lot more fun than that. The company I work for is full of great people and the work's varied and interesting. Plus due to the fact it's in the private sector (before now I've been working for the government), it's a lot more dynamic.
 
I work on Dean St in Soho, the office is pictured here on the right. It's an old building which has terrible ventilation and no airconditioning, so with London's current heat wave, it's been baking hot in there ... but there have only been a few days when it's been really bad. It's right in the heart of Soho, so I'm surrounded by cafes, restaurants, clubs, pubs and cool shops. I've been very good and haven't spent much money there ... yet. Soho's also the home to Old Compton Street, which is basically *the* gay strip of London. You see a lot of couples walking along holding hands or hugging each other ... guys with girls, girls with girls and guys with guys ... it all happens in Soho and I love being there very day. :)
So yeah ... that's our employment situation. So far it's working out really well. :)
current mood: sleepy
current music: Modjo - Lady
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| Sunday, July 23rd, 2006
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4:27 pm - Hyde Park
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The south east entrance to Hyde Park
I'd gone into town with Gordo for lunch, then as I left him at his work, I went for a walk. I started at Piccadilly Circus, walked down to St James' Park, along to Green Park and up to Hyde Park corner. From there, I walked along the eastern border of the park up to Marble Arch and Speaker's Corner at the north east of the park, before heading west and walking along the northern border. To be honest, most of that part of the park isn't that picturesque, but it was a good walk ... and quite a long way. It was interesting to walk along next to two people on horseback for a while, and to see all the different folk who walked through the park.
Before long I reached the north east corner of Kensington Gardens, which is much prettier than Hyde Park's northern edge. The gardens are beautiful and carefully maintained. Queen Anne's Alcove is right next to the Italian Gardens, which are just north of the Longwater and a statue of Peter Pan. A copy of that statue lives in the Queens Gardens back in Perth, so it was cool being able to see the original. I continued west, along the perimeter, venturing further into the park to see the occasional statue and take in the vastness of it all.
I rounded the north western corner and walked down to Kensington Palace, from there east to the Round Pond and then finished my circuit of Kensignton Gardens along the southern edge.
After passing the Alfred Memorial, I crossed back into Hyde Park and wondered up to the Serpentine. The walk back was fantastic, the weather was beautiful and warm and I was proud to have done a little bit of exploring around London. :)
   
current mood:  content
current music: The Futurama Theme Song
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| Thursday, July 20th, 2006
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11:47 pm - Showing your pride
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| Tuesday, July 18th, 2006
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11:29 pm - Our new home
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Our flat is the top story of the house on the left
I just realised that I haven't yet mentioned our new place ... Gordo and I have moved into our new home in Acton, West London. It's a two bedroom flat on the top floor of the terrace house in the picture. The floor underneath is occupied by our lovely neighbours, Tony and Bibi. The house next door is owned by an elderly Indian gentleman who doesn't go out much and certainly hasn't taken as much pride in his place as the landlord of our place has. Speaking of the land-lord, he lives next door on the other side. :)
At the end of the month Daniel and Michael are moving in. They're friends of ours from back home so it'll be good to share with another couple of Aussies. :)
current mood:  tired
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| Sunday, July 16th, 2006
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9:55 pm - St James' Park
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I was surprsied to see a black swan on St. James' lake
Gordo had gone for an interview at the Sofitel St. James, so I decided to go for a walk around the park from which the hotel was named. St James' Park is one of the great little pockets of green and peace in a city full of people, glass, stone, concrete and tarmack. I walked down the Duke of York Steps to the north east corner of the park and wondered down to the lake. From there, I took a walk west towards Buckingham Palace, the traditional home of the British Monarchy. I walked towards the entrance to the Palace via Green Park which is another beautiful green haven ... this time slightly less peaceful though.
I was stunned when a mounted police officer decided to give his trusty steed a bit of a workout ... he galloped all the way from the gates of Green Park, along the broadwalk all the way to the northern side of the park. I wasn't sure if he was trying to get somewhere in a hurry or just wanted to stretch the horse's legs, but either way it was a real surprise to see!
The palace is breathtaking, and the Queen Victoria Memorial is amazing to behold. I loved the whole experience of being surrounded by history and tradition. It was great.
Before long I heard that Gordo had finished his interview and that it went really well, so I walked back along The Strand towards Piccadilly Circus. It was an awesome way to spend the afternoon and it made me resolve to explore more of London's parks.
  
current mood: pleased
current music: TV in the background
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| Thursday, July 13th, 2006
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8:01 am - The Keggers' netball final
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| Tuesday, July 11th, 2006
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11:29 pm - Embracing the way of the British
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I don't think it gets more British than having a BBQ in the rain ... but that's what we did. :) Back home, if the weather even looks a little grey, it's time to move the barbie under cover or give up and get pizza ... but here, nothing was going to stop us. :)
Our friends Duncan and Gemma, who we stayed with for our first week in town, have been a huge help to us over here. As have Mark and Mel. Mark came 'round to the Keg Palace (Mel had to work late, unfortunately) to sample Dunc and Gem's hospitality with us to watch the football (it's not called soccer here). We at sausages off the barbie cooked over coals (another thing the British do differently - our BBQ's usually have gas burners) and had a great time. :)
It's reassuring to know that even though we're on the other side of the world, friends are close at hand. :)
current mood: sleepy
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