I have been here in London for about a week now.

As i arrived into Paddington station from Heathrow last week, I was disappointed to realise that London was much like I had remembered from work visits I had had a few years ago. That is, it seemed old, grey, drab and tired.

For the moment, i am staying in Bayswater. It struck me that I have had so many people tell me how much they love London… and how nice this area is. I’m not so sure… but I have committed myself to at least six months and I was telling myself last week that I need to “stop and smell the roses” .. relocating over seas (by choice) is an opportunity not to be sneezed at. This is potentially a great adventure and an edifying experience. May as well make the most of it! ?

So I am trying to be open minded! I am looking at things and taking my time to try and observe my surroundings. Today I took a walk in Kensington Gardens and as I walked the streets of Notting Hill Gate, I noticed how many of them are lined with bright green leaf trees and white blossoms… very pleasant.

London also seems to have many sights and areas that are free to the public and well maintained… i have visited both the British Museum and National Portrait Gallery so far. I promise that I will visit a theatre and see one of the many shows soon.

One appalling thing is the smoking in restaurnts… it still seems to be very common here.. and i had forgotten how disgusting it is.

All in all… London is very different from home. It’s virtues are obvious, but haven’t immediately won my heart. But it’s only been a week, I’m sure I just need to look for different kinds of roses than I am used to.

I just spent four days in Phuket, Thailand where the Thai’s were celebrating new year.

Phuket is an amazing place. It is definately a party town. To celebrate the new year, the Thai’s have a water festival… i’m not sure of the significance of this, but it manifests as a huge water fight that lasts for several days. As I walked down the streets of Patong (one of the towns in Phuket) I was amazed to see thousands of water pistols, buckets and anything that would hold water. it wasn’t possibel to walk more than 5 meters without getting drenched. There were trucks loaded with people… dropping buckets on people as they drove passed. Kids would hide around corners and ambush Tuk Tuk’s as they drove passed.

This lasted for 3 days and was relentless. If you ever get a chance, this is definately something to check out. But try and remained good humoured.. it’s only water and all done in fun.