Yesterday I decided to head to Oxford St to pick up a couple of shirts for work. Bad idea. The footpaths were teaming with people and it turned out so were Topshop, H&M and Primark. I'm not that into shopping at the best of times but when you can't take more than three steps without encountering a human obstacle I start to freak out. That and the fact that the AC wasn't coping with the crowds.
Anyway, I bought two shirts. But I think one is too small and has to be taken back.
I also had my first Pret-a-manger expereince which was surprisingly good. Yummy felafel sandwhich...but totally overpriced.
I bought 3 different types of deodourant because I can't find the one I use here. One of them is the hippie 'crystal' one...would be nice if that works.
And for the last, more exciting, bit of the day we headed to Totally Swedish. The Swedish equivalent of The Australia Shop (I've never seen this shop btw) which sells those sorts of products that make one feel slightly more at-home while abroad.
I bought a kids comic book about a bear and a rabbit who go to Paris and save the Eiffel tower which is pretty cool. And some other kids book (they're for Swedish practice btw). And some knackerbrod, kind of like Ryvita but a hundered times better.
08 June 2008
07 June 2008
Sveriges Nationaldag i London
So yesterday I went to a celebration of Swedish National Day in London with my Swedish teacher. It was quite interesting. Choir singing, student performances, speeches, cake, hotdogs and (my favourite bit) a raffle. Unfortunately I didn't know how to buy tickets for it. :( Oh and there were a whole lot of Swedish-looking Swedish people (I wasn't the only blonde person there).
It was in Hammersmith, on the south side of the river. Such a rich area and a stark contrast to where I live. So much green and there's even space between the houses there!
It was in Hammersmith, on the south side of the river. Such a rich area and a stark contrast to where I live. So much green and there's even space between the houses there!
06 June 2008
Sigur Ros
Just bought tickets to see Sigur Ros at Westminster Central Hall. Buying tickets was a but frantic but we eventually got through on the telephone machine!!!
Anyway, it's the 24th June and I'm excited.
P.S. Bjork and Sigur Ros (and maybe Radiohead) are playing a free gig in Iceland later this month. Does it get much better? No. Except for the fact that it costs 150 pounds to fly to Iceland. Could be worth it?
Anyway, it's the 24th June and I'm excited.
P.S. Bjork and Sigur Ros (and maybe Radiohead) are playing a free gig in Iceland later this month. Does it get much better? No. Except for the fact that it costs 150 pounds to fly to Iceland. Could be worth it?
05 June 2008
Last Job Hunting Update
I haven't blogged for a while. This is because all I've really needed to write about was my job hunting and I didn't want the details of that out in the public space, but now it's all over!
I start at 9.30pm Monday 9th June at Imagination Technologies. I originally rejected their offer but started negotiating and ended up accepting another offer. And boy does it feel good to have the process over and done with.
In this position I'll be writing simulators to test the latest low-power graphics chips developed by Img Tec which are licensed out to chip manufacturers (such as Texas Instruments, Samsung, Intel) who then produce chips which find themselves in products such as higher-end phones like the Nokia N95 and Apple's iPhone.
I've definitely learnt a lot from the four job interviews I've attended. Job interviews are hard work. Not only did I have to perform quickly in response to hours technical questions and problem-solving questions but also mentally 'repackage' myself to suit each position. It's bloody hard work.
I looked forward to my bank balance increase for once.
I start at 9.30pm Monday 9th June at Imagination Technologies. I originally rejected their offer but started negotiating and ended up accepting another offer. And boy does it feel good to have the process over and done with.
In this position I'll be writing simulators to test the latest low-power graphics chips developed by Img Tec which are licensed out to chip manufacturers (such as Texas Instruments, Samsung, Intel) who then produce chips which find themselves in products such as higher-end phones like the Nokia N95 and Apple's iPhone.
I've definitely learnt a lot from the four job interviews I've attended. Job interviews are hard work. Not only did I have to perform quickly in response to hours technical questions and problem-solving questions but also mentally 'repackage' myself to suit each position. It's bloody hard work.
I looked forward to my bank balance increase for once.
28 May 2008
How to Instantly Stun an Aussie
So I just got off the phone to my job agent. Three seconds into the phone call he'd rendered me useless, turned into a momentary vegetable. This was a stark reminder of this strong weapon the English have against us.
I'd been warned about it as soon as I arrived but didn't quite understand or pay it much significance. It wasn't long though before I'd fallen victim to a very well-timed attack. I was bounding sprightly down the stairs one morning in the house I was staying when my flatmate hit me with it and I just froze, staring.
What did she do? She'd said 'You alright?'. That's all; a simple greeting equivalent to 'how are you?' or 'how you going?'. But this is one that seems to tweak the Australian brain into submission. Not once when I've been presented with this greeting have I been able to utter a single word in reply.
It's the unfamiliarity of the greeting. Their ambiguous way of expressing it. The speed with which they fire it at you.
I'll consider myself properly assimilated when I can reply 'Good, thanks, yourself?' without pausing enough to create awkward silence.
I'd been warned about it as soon as I arrived but didn't quite understand or pay it much significance. It wasn't long though before I'd fallen victim to a very well-timed attack. I was bounding sprightly down the stairs one morning in the house I was staying when my flatmate hit me with it and I just froze, staring.
What did she do? She'd said 'You alright?'. That's all; a simple greeting equivalent to 'how are you?' or 'how you going?'. But this is one that seems to tweak the Australian brain into submission. Not once when I've been presented with this greeting have I been able to utter a single word in reply.
It's the unfamiliarity of the greeting. Their ambiguous way of expressing it. The speed with which they fire it at you.
I'll consider myself properly assimilated when I can reply 'Good, thanks, yourself?' without pausing enough to create awkward silence.
23 May 2008
Two Gigs and Lots of Job Hunting Stress
About a week ago Charissa and I went to see Ladytron at Astoria. It always amazes me how different gigs are here. Firstly (and unsurprisingly) in the number of people for such a size band. And secondly the diversity; I just struggle to fathom what brings all the middle-age conservative-looking men to these gigs. Unlike the one at Bjork, I spotted one in the Ladytron audience who actually looked like he was kinda enjoying the music too!
Anyway, Ladytron were okay, nothing special, but then 50mins into their set they lost power and 20 mins later we were told the show was over which was followed by much booing and then cheering when it was announced that a replacement show would be scheduled and all tickets for that night's show would be honoured. Nice.
Last night I saw Atlas Sounds (Bradford Cox from Deerhunter) and Animal Collective at Koko's. Firstly, Koko's is an AMAZING venue with so many levels (like 6 or 7?) and little nooks and crannies it's like a game to point at a certain spot and then figure out how to get there. What was not-so-pleasing about the gig was the crowd. The teeny boppers (I hate that term but it's neccessary here) infront of us were most-annoying and WTF possessed the crowd to barge and push each other around during an Animal Collective gig? I spent most of the time thinking how much better the gig would have been at The Zoo.
And throughout all this and since the last blog I've been job hunting. More optimism, high hopes, interviews and disappointment. Job hunting is one of the most emotionally stressful activities I've partaken in. Anyway, my agent (hah, I sound like a celebrity) is in negotiations with the company who offered me a job two weeks ago. So feeling optimistic about what will come of that :)
Anyway, Ladytron were okay, nothing special, but then 50mins into their set they lost power and 20 mins later we were told the show was over which was followed by much booing and then cheering when it was announced that a replacement show would be scheduled and all tickets for that night's show would be honoured. Nice.
Last night I saw Atlas Sounds (Bradford Cox from Deerhunter) and Animal Collective at Koko's. Firstly, Koko's is an AMAZING venue with so many levels (like 6 or 7?) and little nooks and crannies it's like a game to point at a certain spot and then figure out how to get there. What was not-so-pleasing about the gig was the crowd. The teeny boppers (I hate that term but it's neccessary here) infront of us were most-annoying and WTF possessed the crowd to barge and push each other around during an Animal Collective gig? I spent most of the time thinking how much better the gig would have been at The Zoo.
And throughout all this and since the last blog I've been job hunting. More optimism, high hopes, interviews and disappointment. Job hunting is one of the most emotionally stressful activities I've partaken in. Anyway, my agent (hah, I sound like a celebrity) is in negotiations with the company who offered me a job two weeks ago. So feeling optimistic about what will come of that :)
05 May 2008
Weekly Update
I was a busy boy last week. So busy that I even forked out for a weekly travel card!
Since Monday I:
So finally I bit the bullet and bought the suit. Half price thanks to Peter's staff discount (but still cringingly expensive!). Suit + Shirt + Shoes + Belt + 2 x Tie = 350 pounds after the discount.
After purchase we took it to the alterers so I could be all pinned up for a perfect fit. Peter also happened to be friends with the alterer so he did a whole lot more altering than I paid for.
Hair cut was a spur-of-the-moment thing. It was rather neccessary due to the interviews. I toyed with the idea of going to the Toni and Guy academy for 5 pounds but didn't want to risk it. I settled for some chic salon in Soho and while I wasn't very happy when I left, it's a good haircut, just a fair bit shorter than I wanted. And ya'll know how attached I can get to my locks.
Swedish school is still going. I think next week will be half way. I'm really enjoying it and definitely getting better. There's still a LOT to learn/practice though.
My first interview (at Data Connection) was 1pm on Thursday. I arrived way too early (because I wanted to be on the safe side) and found myself in a small suburb where nothing opened until 12pm. The area was quite nice though and I'm pretty sure I met a leprechaun. The interview process was quite gruelling. A short presentation on the company followed by 3 aptitude tests (just like IQ tests) and 4 problem solvings tests over about 2 and a half hours. There was a postgrad and a summer intern interviewing as well. After all the tests there was a one on one interview where the problem solving answers were discussed along with general questions. While I wasn't that happy with my answers the rest of the interview went swimmingly. I decided that I really wanted the job and found myself home in just 20 minutes! AMAZING!
Dinner that night was to say good bye to Ratty who'd been on-and-off staying with us for a month. We went to a pub called the Salisbury (right near where I lived for my first month in London). I ordered a vege burger and didn't eat it all :(
Next day was my second interview (Imagination Technologies). I once again arrived way too early (actually, eariler this time) and was once again in a fairly uninspiring part of outer-London. The highlight was finding the now-defunct Ovaltine headquarters. This interview was more orthodox. I was interviewed by three different managers (each of whom was interested in hiring me for their respective departments). Questions ranged from 'Do you intend on staying here longer than a year?' through 'What's your ideal job?' to a whole heap of problem-solving and lateral thinking questions. I was quite satisfied with how I went and it seemed they were two. At the end one of the managers told me he'd be very suprised if I didn't hear a positive response early the following week. That felt good! The work they do is really interested so I'd be happy to work there.
That night Charissa, Peter and I went to a Club PopJustice in Soho. It was quite a lot of fun dancing to pop until about 2.30am before unsuccessfully chasing the N29 down Charing Cross Rd.
Saturday night was drinks to celebrate a friend's unexpected visa approval. Meaning she doesn't have to go home anymore. I didn't drink any alcohol but found a new love in pints of post-mix cola (no ice).
Sunday the weather was amazing; no sun but a beautfiul 21 all day. It's a amazingly green outside and full of chirping birds. I had a deep afternap half hanging out my window.
And then today Laura, Mon and I went to Brick Lane where I had a bad cream-cheese bagel and a good barbecued corn cob. And then Green park where I relaxed in the shadey grass and had a look at Buckingham Palace. The palace is big but not that great to look at. And the guards reminded me of a bad Movie World entertainment show. Nice gardens though. The day finished with a stroll round the extravagant Harrods.
Tomorrow I should hear back about both jobs (nervous!) and have a phone interview for Codian and Tandberg. Right now I'm really tired and want to sleep.
Since Monday I:
- Bought a suit
- Had it altered
- Had my hair cut
- Went to Swedish School
- Went to my first interview
- Went out for a goodbye dinner
- Went to my second interview
- Went to popjustice
- Went for a friend's visa celebration
- Spent a weather-prefect day starring out my window
- Did London things on a public holiday
So finally I bit the bullet and bought the suit. Half price thanks to Peter's staff discount (but still cringingly expensive!). Suit + Shirt + Shoes + Belt + 2 x Tie = 350 pounds after the discount.
After purchase we took it to the alterers so I could be all pinned up for a perfect fit. Peter also happened to be friends with the alterer so he did a whole lot more altering than I paid for.
Hair cut was a spur-of-the-moment thing. It was rather neccessary due to the interviews. I toyed with the idea of going to the Toni and Guy academy for 5 pounds but didn't want to risk it. I settled for some chic salon in Soho and while I wasn't very happy when I left, it's a good haircut, just a fair bit shorter than I wanted. And ya'll know how attached I can get to my locks.
Swedish school is still going. I think next week will be half way. I'm really enjoying it and definitely getting better. There's still a LOT to learn/practice though.
My first interview (at Data Connection) was 1pm on Thursday. I arrived way too early (because I wanted to be on the safe side) and found myself in a small suburb where nothing opened until 12pm. The area was quite nice though and I'm pretty sure I met a leprechaun. The interview process was quite gruelling. A short presentation on the company followed by 3 aptitude tests (just like IQ tests) and 4 problem solvings tests over about 2 and a half hours. There was a postgrad and a summer intern interviewing as well. After all the tests there was a one on one interview where the problem solving answers were discussed along with general questions. While I wasn't that happy with my answers the rest of the interview went swimmingly. I decided that I really wanted the job and found myself home in just 20 minutes! AMAZING!
Dinner that night was to say good bye to Ratty who'd been on-and-off staying with us for a month. We went to a pub called the Salisbury (right near where I lived for my first month in London). I ordered a vege burger and didn't eat it all :(
Next day was my second interview (Imagination Technologies). I once again arrived way too early (actually, eariler this time) and was once again in a fairly uninspiring part of outer-London. The highlight was finding the now-defunct Ovaltine headquarters. This interview was more orthodox. I was interviewed by three different managers (each of whom was interested in hiring me for their respective departments). Questions ranged from 'Do you intend on staying here longer than a year?' through 'What's your ideal job?' to a whole heap of problem-solving and lateral thinking questions. I was quite satisfied with how I went and it seemed they were two. At the end one of the managers told me he'd be very suprised if I didn't hear a positive response early the following week. That felt good! The work they do is really interested so I'd be happy to work there.
That night Charissa, Peter and I went to a Club PopJustice in Soho. It was quite a lot of fun dancing to pop until about 2.30am before unsuccessfully chasing the N29 down Charing Cross Rd.
Saturday night was drinks to celebrate a friend's unexpected visa approval. Meaning she doesn't have to go home anymore. I didn't drink any alcohol but found a new love in pints of post-mix cola (no ice).
Sunday the weather was amazing; no sun but a beautfiul 21 all day. It's a amazingly green outside and full of chirping birds. I had a deep afternap half hanging out my window.
And then today Laura, Mon and I went to Brick Lane where I had a bad cream-cheese bagel and a good barbecued corn cob. And then Green park where I relaxed in the shadey grass and had a look at Buckingham Palace. The palace is big but not that great to look at. And the guards reminded me of a bad Movie World entertainment show. Nice gardens though. The day finished with a stroll round the extravagant Harrods.
Tomorrow I should hear back about both jobs (nervous!) and have a phone interview for Codian and Tandberg. Right now I'm really tired and want to sleep.
29 April 2008
And another interview
This time it's a phone interview and only lasts half an hour. It's the third company I previosly mentioned (Codian) and the one I did an online test for on the weekend.
Should the phone interview be successful I'll then graduate to the industry-standard half day interview.
What this company does looks quite facinating so I'm a little bit excited.
Should the phone interview be successful I'll then graduate to the industry-standard half day interview.
What this company does looks quite facinating so I'm a little bit excited.
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