Life, oh life...

I generally don't think I'll keep this blog going, but I'm at work and it's very quiet at the moment. I do feel like I need to write down my going-ons for future reflection and reference, so I'll blog it. I'd be gutted if the blog disappeared as I've been meaning copy and all the entries off and save them in case this blog does die sometime, but still haven't gotten around to it.

I've been in London now for over 5 months. The time has passed super fast. It's getting to the staff that I will have to start thinking about my visa applications to be able to continue to work here. I'm not (nor was I) paid enough or highly-skilled enough to get the Highly-skilled Visa so I am going to try and get sponsored by my work. I mentioned this being the case when I had my interview. So when I discuss it in a month or two, hopefully they will be responsive and positive about it. I don't know if I'll get sponsored easily though. You're meant to be able to show that you are bring skills to your job that they couldn't get someone to do from the UK and that you've brought those skills from previous work experiences outside the UK. I am working as a travel consultant which I've learnt entirely in this job. Obviously though, they had the opportunity to employ a British person or any one else, but they didn't. They must have thought I was bringing skills and knowledge to the job that other applicants couldn't. When it comes time to apply, I'll just have to talk up the parts of the job description which include skills that I did outside of the UK. The other issue is my pay. I can't afford to stay on the salary I get. It's fine for now, but if I am going to continue I need to know that my salary is going to increase to a level that I can save some for my loan and travel. Some friends have been saying I should start looking elsewhere and that I shouldn't feel that I have to be loyal to the company etc etc. But I am enjoying the job generally, and I've always thought it's an area I'd like to get into, especially since you can work anywhere as a travel consultant. I'll just have to see what happens when I have a chat with management in a couple of months about the visa issue and go from there...

Regarding London and England in general. It's good. I love seeing friends from Japan all the time. I love seeing friends from uni and home lots too, especially since I hadn't seen them much since before I left NZ the first in 2003. It's brilliant living around the corner from Paul and Jenny and being able to feel right at home both at my place and their's. Stoke Newington is cool, it's diverse and so different from NZ and even where NZ friends live in London. Last night I was at Finchley and we were at this O2 Shopping Centre thing, I was in culture-shock at how cool and modern it was compared to SN! It can be a bit smelly but on good sunny days, it's so nice wandering up Church Street and through the park. I like that London always has something going on, and often for free or cheap. Or you can just walk around and look at people and buildings and take in all the sights I've seen on TV and movies for years. Yesterday I met up with Jem and Phil who were in town for the night before going on their Europe tour. I met them at Green Park after walking past the Ritz Hotel, then we wandered through the park past Buckingham Palace and up to Piccadilly Circus with it's neon billboards. We didn't even plan to take in sights, it was just a random walk to the pub to enjoy the sun (and avoid the tube). I like working at Piccadilly Circus and when I go down to the tube after work, there is often a busker of varying skill and talent. Sometimes I have to try not to laugh at them as I pass. I like that. One time there was a guy standing there and I thought he was a cleaner cos it looked like he had a mop in a bucket. He was swaying away, whistling. When I got closed I realised it was a blind guy busking! Or there's a guy who's not talented at all, but bless him for having a go! Or the ones that really put on a performance and are having a right good time, even though people don't stand and watch them. London frustrates me too. I get annoyed by people sometimes, when it's particularly crowded and people are pushy and a rude. It can be dirty too, rubbish and scum on the footpaths all the time. Never seen so much dog shit left everywhere. People blatantly just throw their rubbish on the ground even when there are bins near. Maybe it was like that at home and I just didn't see it, but it annoys me. I think I get frustrated by other things, but nothing comes to mind at the minute.

I miss NZ more here than I did in the whole 2 years I was in Japan. Not miss it so much that I want to go home now. But I know when I do look to go home, I think I'll be super excited. I've pondered why it is that I miss home more now than I did in Japan. I think it's partly because the UK has similarities to NZ so I compare it more. In Japan it was so different, I didn't have things that reminded me as home as much. That goes for the people as well. Here I have friends from home around so that reminds me of other mates or family that are at home. In Japan I didn't have that, so although I missed friends and fam in NZ, it was different. Since I've been here also, there has been sad news from home, and different things happening to people I care for which makes it harder too. In Japan, thankfully nothing major happened at home, but I knew if I had to shoot home quick, I could afford to and it was only a 12 hour flight. UK is twice that away, and I earn heaps less so if anything major happened I'd have to rely on family to get me home. I also hate missing out of fun or memorable occasions, so none of my family better not start getting engaged or pregnant!

This has turned a bit epic, so I should stop. Life is good, even if this started to sound like the contrary, I'm happy. I'm looking forward to going to Last night of the Proms concert thing at Hyde Park on Saturday, watching the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup over the next month, going to a few shows including The Lion King with Jem when I take a week off work in October. I'll hang out with Jem and Phil before they head home to NZ. Am going to try go to Edinburgh soonish to see Shanna and have a wee trip around some other places in England too. Fun times!