It has been nine years since I was last in London and the place still feels the same. It feels more like home (Aussie and Kiwiland) than North America (US and Canada) for sure which I suppose makes sense.
This trip sets me up for the coming winter VISA wise and I considered going to Cuba or mainland Europe but catching up with a bunch of old mates sounded like way more fun.
My first week in the city was house sitting for T&B. It was nine years ago they were in Colorado as well which is kinda cool. They live close enough to the city that I walked over the Thames to their house when I arrived…..
That week I did a bunch of work in my new London office.
I did arrange an off site facility as well where I spent an hour each morning and an hour each afternoon.
I swam every day as well which was awesome.
While in the city I caught up with Moc. In doing so I had to figure out the trains….. I just paid for a ticket but it looks abandoned…. “Welcome to London sir.”
Once I figured the trains out, I caught up with Debs, it has been nine years again since I saw her but we first met during my 21st birthday ski trip….. we had a lovely lunch and she took me to the RSL which was pretty cool.
A week in the city was enough for me, so I headed out the country. I met Vinchenzo (old Queenstown mate of mine) at the Chiswick RSL. After a few beers, we then went to the Catholic Club…. when in Rome.
Vinchenzo and Susan are having their 2nd OE (overseas experience) and they are doing it in style. They are living in the wee little town of Eton which is right next to Windsor Castle.
My first day I settled into my Windsor office….. After all the driving I have done over the last month it was kinda strange not driving for two weeks, it meant I could do more day drinking.
Speaking of drinking…. every afternoon at 5pm I was due home or at the local pub for drinks with Vinchenzo. It was a bit of a burden but I managed,
Since Vinchenzo and Susan are locals, the Queen gives them a secret locals access to the castle which they shared with me. So I went for a wee look around.
You aren’t allowed to take pictures inside…… ow, I hope she doesn’t send me off to one of those penal colonies like Australia.
One day, after a morning in the office the weather was good (by English standards) so I thought I’d go for a wee walk down the Long Walk. It was pretty amazing and had the place to myself.
On the walk home a herd of deer crossed the road, I suppose this is/was a private hunting ground for the ruling family.
Was a good trip back to the old country, got everything I wanted to done, was fantastic seeing T&B, Moc and Vince and Susan. I left London early Thursday morning, and Thursday afternoon I was going for a swim in New London, Prince Edward Island.
