100 days later

Sometimes travel is really hard. There are always going to be incredible experiences and awesome times but there will also be huge f*ck ups along the way… it’s all part of the adventure!

I think there is a point in every traveller’s travels where you just wish for a bit of routine and stability. That is not to say that I don’t love the travelling lifestyle – but sometimes there a moments when you just want to rest your wary head on your own pillow and put your clean clothes away in your own wardrobe. For me, the excitement of exploring a new city or destination is one of the best feelings in the world, followed closely by the satisfaction of returning home and getting back into work.

100 days of sight seeing, moving, travelling, packing, unpacking, flying, catching up with friends, visiting family, partying, packing, unpacking and relaxing was more than enough for me! I was back in London and impatient to get back into regular work.

We arrived back in the UK just over three weeks ago, sponsored, and ready for the next stage in our ongoing adventures. Dan started work almost immediately after our return, while I was on the hunt for work and a more permanent living arrangement.

 

I was surprised when I was offered freelance work after only 10 days, and very grateful for the opportunity to return an office work environment. Without a planned holiday to look forward to (or the spare cash to plan one) I was reaching the end of my tether and ready for a new challenge.

So, after 100 days of unemployment, I eagerly entered the work force. The work I am doing is intriguing and I really enjoy working in a smaller agency. Finding work seems to have been the easy item on my to do list…. finding a new home, on the other hand, is proving to be much more difficult.

Searching for a room in a sharehouse in London is awful. We had forgotten about the rejection and the skewed supply vs demand that gives the existing tenants or landlord the power to dismiss house hunters without a second glance. I think this process is going to take a little longer than we expected… at least we have got almost everything else set up! 

But there are things other than finding work and a home that we keep ourselves busy with in London.

One weekend we went out in Greenwich to for the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival along the Thames River. And enjoyed a ride on the carousel, of course!

Today we went up the Gherkin!

The Gherkin, or 30 St Mary Axe, is one of my favourite buildings on the London skyline. Each year over 800 buildings open for free over a weekend called Open House London.  Last year we spent house wandering around the City of London, with thousands of others, enjoying the free attractions and events. This year, we were up at dawn to get into the city as early as possible to visit the Gherkin. Even the pouring rain couldn’t dampen my spirits and excitement for finally getting to the top of this iconic building.

Here are some snaps of our day!

Until next time!

xx