It's easier.
02 August 2008
Flying Home from Slovakia
I’m at Bratislava airport with pen and paper because, not through lack of trying, we were unable to find a UK to Europe power adapter. My poor laptop has been asleep for days.
Had an awesome extra-long weekend. Arriving on Thursday night after a stressful train, tube, train, queue, check-in, queue, bag search, run, queue, boarding-journey from work to the plane, I took a car trip from Bratislava to Trnava for a sleep(-in) in a beautiful in-the-roof apartment.
The first day saw us strolling through Trnava’s centre, which is surrounded by a decaying, 5m thick fort with cavities for pointing guns through at on-coming attacks. I now refer to the bit inside as ‘the safe part of Trnava’. There are many old buildings inside, which seemed to be the norm for the town which was founded in 1238 (before I was born). For lunch we went to an underground restaurant with a room with walls/ceiling which formed a continuous brick arch. I asked Peter to ask the waitress what the building was originally used for, and I paraphrase ‘I don’t know, I’ve only been here for 2 years’. Later, on our way out I saw a plaque (in Slovak) that looked suspiciously like it had the buildings history written it and Peter soon revealed that yes, it did, and the building has been a wine cellar for hundreds of years. Lunch, at Peter’s whim, was Slovakia’s national dish. I’m told it’s mashed potatoe mixed with flour (and maybe egg) broken into pieces, boiled and served with a thick parmesan-tasting cream and usually bacon. It was yummy but too strong, too filling and too much, but I’d eat it again. We accompanied it with a cinnamon-flavoured Czech liquor called Becherovka. On the way home I was introduced to the wonder that is Kofola: Eastern Europe’s answer to Coke. A non-alcoholic herb-based drink that reminds me of Jagermeister and comes on tap. I can’t find any here at the airport L
As planned, Friday evening we were driven (via Tesco’s) to Peter’s friend’s cottage for the weekend with about 10 of their friends. We drank, ate, drank, slept, picked apples, visited a castle, dined for lunch (potatoe omellette and deep-friend cheese with Kofola), found blackberries, drank, listened to a lot of Slovak, played cards, slept and went home. A short description of what was a really awesome time.
At the apartment, Peter’s brother and his new wife were preparing for a celebration of their wedding with friends as they’d had their wedding in seclusion on a Greek island. We ate and drank and chatted (sometimes in English) and I found out that I really like the taste of Martini (the liquor, not the cocktail). In the evening we went on foot through the town on an ill-planned journey to get a kofola from a fav pub of Peter’s and maybe buy some wine and find a power adaptor from a Tesco’s that was maybe open. Through luck of coming across Peter’s friends who offered to drive us to Tesco’s (which was open) we got the wine, but no power adaptor, before walking our way home via the pub…and that was my last drink of Kofola :(
Now I’m watching my hour-late plane board. Love watching people board for free-seating planes. Especially the English.
Highlights:
Had an awesome extra-long weekend. Arriving on Thursday night after a stressful train, tube, train, queue, check-in, queue, bag search, run, queue, boarding-journey from work to the plane, I took a car trip from Bratislava to Trnava for a sleep(-in) in a beautiful in-the-roof apartment.
The first day saw us strolling through Trnava’s centre, which is surrounded by a decaying, 5m thick fort with cavities for pointing guns through at on-coming attacks. I now refer to the bit inside as ‘the safe part of Trnava’. There are many old buildings inside, which seemed to be the norm for the town which was founded in 1238 (before I was born). For lunch we went to an underground restaurant with a room with walls/ceiling which formed a continuous brick arch. I asked Peter to ask the waitress what the building was originally used for, and I paraphrase ‘I don’t know, I’ve only been here for 2 years’. Later, on our way out I saw a plaque (in Slovak) that looked suspiciously like it had the buildings history written it and Peter soon revealed that yes, it did, and the building has been a wine cellar for hundreds of years. Lunch, at Peter’s whim, was Slovakia’s national dish. I’m told it’s mashed potatoe mixed with flour (and maybe egg) broken into pieces, boiled and served with a thick parmesan-tasting cream and usually bacon. It was yummy but too strong, too filling and too much, but I’d eat it again. We accompanied it with a cinnamon-flavoured Czech liquor called Becherovka. On the way home I was introduced to the wonder that is Kofola: Eastern Europe’s answer to Coke. A non-alcoholic herb-based drink that reminds me of Jagermeister and comes on tap. I can’t find any here at the airport L
As planned, Friday evening we were driven (via Tesco’s) to Peter’s friend’s cottage for the weekend with about 10 of their friends. We drank, ate, drank, slept, picked apples, visited a castle, dined for lunch (potatoe omellette and deep-friend cheese with Kofola), found blackberries, drank, listened to a lot of Slovak, played cards, slept and went home. A short description of what was a really awesome time.
At the apartment, Peter’s brother and his new wife were preparing for a celebration of their wedding with friends as they’d had their wedding in seclusion on a Greek island. We ate and drank and chatted (sometimes in English) and I found out that I really like the taste of Martini (the liquor, not the cocktail). In the evening we went on foot through the town on an ill-planned journey to get a kofola from a fav pub of Peter’s and maybe buy some wine and find a power adaptor from a Tesco’s that was maybe open. Through luck of coming across Peter’s friends who offered to drive us to Tesco’s (which was open) we got the wine, but no power adaptor, before walking our way home via the pub…and that was my last drink of Kofola :(
Now I’m watching my hour-late plane board. Love watching people board for free-seating planes. Especially the English.
Highlights:
- Picking Blackberries from the side of the road
- Kofola
- The Communist Slovak Cottage
- Deepfriend Cheese
- Cheap alcohol
- Finding a new type of fruit on the side of the road (like a plum, but not; one orange, one purple)
- Picking apples
- Becherovka
- The apartment I stayed in (it had a bidet!)
- Light switches that make ours look like dolls-house ones (nothing better than turning a light on with your whole palm)
Lowlights:
- Not understanding what everyone was always laughing at because my Slovak is limited to a handful of words
- The Skinheads/Neo-Nazis
- Forgetting my camera
- Not being able to use my new computer
- Being considered rude because I don’t put my hand over my mouth when a yawn (culture thing) :P
24 July 2008
Flying to Slovakia
I’m currently on a RyanAir flight to Bratislava, Slovakia (yes, that’s one half of former Czechoslovakia) typing on my brand new Dell laptop which set me back two weeks wages. Having a laptop removes one more reason for not keeping my blog updated and so stay tuned to see what lame excuse I come up with next.
Trying to remember what mention-worthy stuff I’ve been up to, I’ve realised I don’t even know when I last blogged (I don’t have internet access). It’s been a while.
I’ve been to quite a few gigs. I’m mostly steering clear of gig guides (there‘s just too much highlighting to do) but plenty still keep popping up. There was Robyn and Sam Sparro at the Astoria which was fantastic (<3 Robyn). Johann Johannson and Max Richter at an old church in Angel. Ladytron twice after the first gig ended 50mins in due to a power failure. Alanis Morrissette, lol. O2 Festival (Robyn, Cut Copy, Fat Boy Slim) thanks to Laura’s colleague’s friend. Intimate Sigur Ros gig at a (sort of) church which was absolutely amazing! Won tickets to Feeder/Infadels @ Koko’s and, yes, I actually went. And in the same way (iTunes festival) won tickets to see Annie and Sam Sparro, also @ Koko‘s. Annie was, umm, interesting and we skipped Sam for an early night. Oh and that free Sigur Ros/Bjork gig I blogged about happened; I watched it live on the internet.
Works going alright. I’m getting my tasks done. It’s not too hard. Have a ‘review’ at the start of September. That’ll be interesting. Since this is a public medium I don’t wish to mention too much. Every Wednesday we get free donuts. Jealous? No? Okay.
My parents came. You’d think that they’d have held out longer than 6 months but I actually think it was the pull of the English summer that contributed to their trip timing. I trained my way down to visit them in Cornwall for a long weekend. Cornwall’s a bit beautiful. We managed one tourist attraction per day starting with Lanhydroc House which was an old (well, a few hundred years) house lived in by a very rich family. It was my first National Trust experience and I enjoyed it much more than I thought. It was amazing to see how the rich lived in those times. They make celebrities with their butlers, drives and nannies look like the bourgeois. Second day was Cornwall Cyder Farm (not a typo). I also thoroughly enjoyed this which included a tour through the history of Cider in England which included fermentation-inducing donkey shit and mass death due to lead poisoning. The tour ended with tastings of a wide range of Scrumpies, Ciders and Alcohol distilled from Cider. I should also mention that this was the first time I saw apples growing on a tree. The third day saw us hiring bicycles and riding a long an old railway which followed the mouth of a river with some amazing views. The ride was from Wadebridge to Padstow and back. My first time on a bike in a while and the first time I’ve seen mum on a bike in 15 or so years.
Last weekend all but one of my flatmates was away on holiday to a Spanish music festival in Bennicassim and Peter was in his homeland. That left Charissa and me, and sometimes just me, in the house. While Saturday was super fun relaxing, listening to music and getting my chores done in the empty house, Sunday was I fell ill and was bored and lonely. I need to find the balance between relaxing me-time and social party-times.
Monday night Conan and Annie landed themselves in London direct out of New York (*sigh*). They were only around for a day and two bits but we managed a trip to my favourite Pakistani restaurant, Tayyab’s in Whitechapel. My third time at Tayyab’s (first with Ratty and friends and second for my mother’s birthday) and the food hasn’t been anything but amazing once. And it’s so cheap (remember, this is London). However, my friends and I aren’t the only ones fond of their food and prices, failing to book leaves you waiting in line for half an hour to an hour (even on a Monday or Tuesday night).
And this weekend I’ve taken two days off (Friday and Monday) and left work early on Thursday to jet off to Slovakia to spend some time in a country cottage probably getting drunk and not being able to speak Slovak*. Sounds like awesome to me.
*and maybe picking berries(!!!), but no guarantees on that one.
Coming up after my trip to Slovakia is a long weekend (an actual public holiday this time) to Edinburgh for the fringe festival meeting up with Conan/Annie/Tracey and my cousin who’s recently relocated there. A couple of weeks of London times with Annie/Tracey/Conan. A long weekend to Paris (Hello, Eurostar!) with Tracey. Antony and the Johnsons with the London Symphony Orchestra and then further towards the end of the year Sigur Ros (yes, again).
What should I do for my birthday?
Trying to remember what mention-worthy stuff I’ve been up to, I’ve realised I don’t even know when I last blogged (I don’t have internet access). It’s been a while.
I’ve been to quite a few gigs. I’m mostly steering clear of gig guides (there‘s just too much highlighting to do) but plenty still keep popping up. There was Robyn and Sam Sparro at the Astoria which was fantastic (<3 Robyn). Johann Johannson and Max Richter at an old church in Angel. Ladytron twice after the first gig ended 50mins in due to a power failure. Alanis Morrissette, lol. O2 Festival (Robyn, Cut Copy, Fat Boy Slim) thanks to Laura’s colleague’s friend. Intimate Sigur Ros gig at a (sort of) church which was absolutely amazing! Won tickets to Feeder/Infadels @ Koko’s and, yes, I actually went. And in the same way (iTunes festival) won tickets to see Annie and Sam Sparro, also @ Koko‘s. Annie was, umm, interesting and we skipped Sam for an early night. Oh and that free Sigur Ros/Bjork gig I blogged about happened; I watched it live on the internet.
Works going alright. I’m getting my tasks done. It’s not too hard. Have a ‘review’ at the start of September. That’ll be interesting. Since this is a public medium I don’t wish to mention too much. Every Wednesday we get free donuts. Jealous? No? Okay.
My parents came. You’d think that they’d have held out longer than 6 months but I actually think it was the pull of the English summer that contributed to their trip timing. I trained my way down to visit them in Cornwall for a long weekend. Cornwall’s a bit beautiful. We managed one tourist attraction per day starting with Lanhydroc House which was an old (well, a few hundred years) house lived in by a very rich family. It was my first National Trust experience and I enjoyed it much more than I thought. It was amazing to see how the rich lived in those times. They make celebrities with their butlers, drives and nannies look like the bourgeois. Second day was Cornwall Cyder Farm (not a typo). I also thoroughly enjoyed this which included a tour through the history of Cider in England which included fermentation-inducing donkey shit and mass death due to lead poisoning. The tour ended with tastings of a wide range of Scrumpies, Ciders and Alcohol distilled from Cider. I should also mention that this was the first time I saw apples growing on a tree. The third day saw us hiring bicycles and riding a long an old railway which followed the mouth of a river with some amazing views. The ride was from Wadebridge to Padstow and back. My first time on a bike in a while and the first time I’ve seen mum on a bike in 15 or so years.
Last weekend all but one of my flatmates was away on holiday to a Spanish music festival in Bennicassim and Peter was in his homeland. That left Charissa and me, and sometimes just me, in the house. While Saturday was super fun relaxing, listening to music and getting my chores done in the empty house, Sunday was I fell ill and was bored and lonely. I need to find the balance between relaxing me-time and social party-times.
Monday night Conan and Annie landed themselves in London direct out of New York (*sigh*). They were only around for a day and two bits but we managed a trip to my favourite Pakistani restaurant, Tayyab’s in Whitechapel. My third time at Tayyab’s (first with Ratty and friends and second for my mother’s birthday) and the food hasn’t been anything but amazing once. And it’s so cheap (remember, this is London). However, my friends and I aren’t the only ones fond of their food and prices, failing to book leaves you waiting in line for half an hour to an hour (even on a Monday or Tuesday night).
And this weekend I’ve taken two days off (Friday and Monday) and left work early on Thursday to jet off to Slovakia to spend some time in a country cottage probably getting drunk and not being able to speak Slovak*. Sounds like awesome to me.
*and maybe picking berries(!!!), but no guarantees on that one.
Coming up after my trip to Slovakia is a long weekend (an actual public holiday this time) to Edinburgh for the fringe festival meeting up with Conan/Annie/Tracey and my cousin who’s recently relocated there. A couple of weeks of London times with Annie/Tracey/Conan. A long weekend to Paris (Hello, Eurostar!) with Tracey. Antony and the Johnsons with the London Symphony Orchestra and then further towards the end of the year Sigur Ros (yes, again).
What should I do for my birthday?
08 June 2008
Shopping Day
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.
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.
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.
I've started Twittering
I've discovered a new next-big-thing internet feature called Twitter. Pretty much it's just like Facebook status on steroids.
I'll be now updating 'what I am doing' via SMS and it'll display to the right on my blog. Nifty feature. I'll try and keep it from being mundane but no promises.
If you wish you can sign up to Twitter and 'follow me' which gives you can update evertyime I update but that's a bit hardcore.
www.twitter.com
I'll be now updating 'what I am doing' via SMS and it'll display to the right on my blog. Nifty feature. I'll try and keep it from being mundane but no promises.
If you wish you can sign up to Twitter and 'follow me' which gives you can update evertyime I update but that's a bit hardcore.
www.twitter.com
28 April 2008
London Mayor Election
On May 1st London is holding an election for Mayor. As a commonwealth citizen living in London I'm (surprisingly to me) allowed to vote.
The media coverage of the election race has actually been quite entertaining. The two main contenders are the incumbent (of 8 years*) ex-communist-leaning 'Red Ken' from the troubled Labor party and the Ted E. Bear impersonating Boris from the Conversative party. The two token-mentions-in-the-media contenders are the gay ex-policeman from the Liberal Democrats and the attractive, young scienctist from the Green Party.
Anyway, it seems to be neck and neck between Boris and Ken and quite frankly the thought of this guy running London scares me.
*London has only had a mayor for 8 years
The media coverage of the election race has actually been quite entertaining. The two main contenders are the incumbent (of 8 years*) ex-communist-leaning 'Red Ken' from the troubled Labor party and the Ted E. Bear impersonating Boris from the Conversative party. The two token-mentions-in-the-media contenders are the gay ex-policeman from the Liberal Democrats and the attractive, young scienctist from the Green Party.
Anyway, it seems to be neck and neck between Boris and Ken and quite frankly the thought of this guy running London scares me.
*London has only had a mayor for 8 years
26 April 2008
Simon Amstell Stand-Up
Last night Laura and I trekked out to what was almost London surburbia (Finchley) to see much-loved comedian Simon Amstell do some stand-up.
For those who aren't familiar he hosts the hilarious Never Mind The Buzzcocks show (see: YouTube) and use to co-host Pop World.
To be quite honest, his style of humour isn't suited to stand-up and it felt at times that he was really struggling on stage, though that was also part of his schtick. That said, it was still really enjoyable and great just seeing him in the flesh. Unfortunately his smashing dress sense seems to be confined to his TV appearances.
For those who aren't familiar he hosts the hilarious Never Mind The Buzzcocks show (see: YouTube) and use to co-host Pop World.
To be quite honest, his style of humour isn't suited to stand-up and it felt at times that he was really struggling on stage, though that was also part of his schtick. That said, it was still really enjoyable and great just seeing him in the flesh. Unfortunately his smashing dress sense seems to be confined to his TV appearances.
Goodbye Beautiful Big Black Coat
Well it's finally happened, Spring has properly set in, though boy did it take its time. It's currently 18C outside and that's really not coat-wearing weather and so I've swapped to just the leather jacket and I doubt the coat will get any action (other than a dry-clean) till late Autumn.
Being a lover of the cold it's a little bit sad for me but I can't deny that the weather is absolutely beautiful right now. Out my window it's sunny, green, flowery and the perfect temperature.
And on that note I'm off to buy an expensive suit for next week's interviews!
Being a lover of the cold it's a little bit sad for me but I can't deny that the weather is absolutely beautiful right now. Out my window it's sunny, green, flowery and the perfect temperature.
And on that note I'm off to buy an expensive suit for next week's interviews!
update: just came home from shopping and the novelty of the sun wore off very, very quickly.
23 April 2008
Svenska Skolan (Swedish School)
A while ago I signed up to Swedish school through Cactus. One pays a lot of many and then participates in tutorial-style classes for 2hrs once a week for 10 weeks.
I just came home from my third lesson. I'm really enjoying it and it's nice to get some speaking practice (hard to do on your own). It's nice to be back in a learning environment. There're are a range of courses at different levels and by year's end I'll hopefully have completed my current and the next one and then competently speak basic conversational Swedish!
Then I can go back to Sweden and feel less stupid. :)
I just came home from my third lesson. I'm really enjoying it and it's nice to get some speaking practice (hard to do on your own). It's nice to be back in a learning environment. There're are a range of courses at different levels and by year's end I'll hopefully have completed my current and the next one and then competently speak basic conversational Swedish!
Then I can go back to Sweden and feel less stupid. :)
My never-ending job serach as it stands
So it's all looking a bit more positive. These are the companies that I am currently pursuing:
Imagination Technologies
Data Connection
Codian/Tandberg
The first looked at my resume and asked me to do an online test (which I completed this morning). I'm pretty sure I passed it, just waiting to hear back from them.
The second I did a GIANT online application for and have a 5hr interview scheduled for May 1st.
The third was applied to on my behalf by an agency just yesterday.
I would be delighted to work for any of these companies as they have pretty sweet work conditions and their operations look exciting.
P.S. I also applied to Google but don't expect to hear back from them. They don't bother contacting you in the case of a negative result, unfortunately.
update: i now have two interviews (second is for Imagination Technologies)
update2: now have to do ANOTHER online test and if successful will have a third interview. also applied to Sortex.
Imagination Technologies
Data Connection
Codian/Tandberg
The first looked at my resume and asked me to do an online test (which I completed this morning). I'm pretty sure I passed it, just waiting to hear back from them.
The second I did a GIANT online application for and have a 5hr interview scheduled for May 1st.
The third was applied to on my behalf by an agency just yesterday.
I would be delighted to work for any of these companies as they have pretty sweet work conditions and their operations look exciting.
P.S. I also applied to Google but don't expect to hear back from them. They don't bother contacting you in the case of a negative result, unfortunately.
update: i now have two interviews (second is for Imagination Technologies)
update2: now have to do ANOTHER online test and if successful will have a third interview. also applied to Sortex.
21 April 2008
Gig Update
So I went to Bjork again. It was amazing, again, of course. A few different songs and an extra guest in Einar Örn. I must say though, the whole experience is so much more intense and enjoyable at the front.
And this morning I found out that Johann Johannson and Max Richter are playing London in June.
My previous embedded YouTube clips were deleted so I'll put up Bjork's amazing new video.
01. Intro - Brennið Þið Vitar
02. Earth Intruders
03. Hunter
04. Unison
05. All Is Full Of Love
06. Hope
07. The Pleasure Is All Mine
08. Dull Flame Of Desire
09. Vertebrae By Vertebrae
10. Where Is The Line
11. Desired Constellation
12. Army Of Me
13. I Miss You
14. Triumph Of A Heart
15. Vökuró
16. Wanderlust
17. Hyperballad
18. Pluto
encore
19. Anchor Song
20. Declare Independence
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