Indian Suburbs.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
What is truly important...
Crows (minor) Premiers 2005
It was with great excitement that I checked the footy scores this morning. Our best finish ever..... and I haven't been around to watch a moment of it! Ten games in a row! A final victory to clinch the title against a side that hasn't lost in twenty appearances and rarely EVER loses at Subiaco! Tremendous indeed.
I tried to revel in the moment andlet myself get caught up in the excitment this would normally inspire for me. In certain ways I can't remember a more exciting or happy time in my life as that of September in 1997, 1998. And surely we are primed for a bit more of that?!? But I have no-one to share it with (Football inspires very little in Dave, though he did comment on Neil Craig being his hero growing up ' I had his number on me Sturt guernsey'.... Blah blah blah - This is the CROWS! These are Mighty Warriors of Pigskin Wars! These are the Knights of SA who wear the colours of Red, Yellow and Blue! The Mighty Adelaide Crows!!!). And the only possibility of watching any part of their glory is in a highlights format one week after the event.... *sigh* Not even a call today from my parents who have called consistently throughout the year during television broadcasts or after they return from the game.
In fact, this entire season the only reasonable footy talk is that of the highly unsatisfactory and annoying sort. All I get over here is a Victorian who works in an office near me. The type who constantly scoffs at the crows, our abilities and likelihood to ever win and has conveniently no recollection of 97 and 98. One of those Victorians who instead of looking realistically at how teams have performed throughout the season states that without a doubt St Kilda will win it. I suppose I will ask him, in the most serene and concerned manner I can muster how his team, Collingwood, finished up this year...
Woe is Heather.
There is some for of relief in sight though. Come the Grand Final, it is played live on Sky if I wish to get up at 3 in the morning. Might buy myself a six-pack, deck myself out in the appropriate colours and cheer quietly (so as to not wake Dave) as the boys storm to another famous victory.....
CROWS 2005 PREMIERS!
It was with great excitement that I checked the footy scores this morning. Our best finish ever..... and I haven't been around to watch a moment of it! Ten games in a row! A final victory to clinch the title against a side that hasn't lost in twenty appearances and rarely EVER loses at Subiaco! Tremendous indeed.
I tried to revel in the moment andlet myself get caught up in the excitment this would normally inspire for me. In certain ways I can't remember a more exciting or happy time in my life as that of September in 1997, 1998. And surely we are primed for a bit more of that?!? But I have no-one to share it with (Football inspires very little in Dave, though he did comment on Neil Craig being his hero growing up ' I had his number on me Sturt guernsey'.... Blah blah blah - This is the CROWS! These are Mighty Warriors of Pigskin Wars! These are the Knights of SA who wear the colours of Red, Yellow and Blue! The Mighty Adelaide Crows!!!). And the only possibility of watching any part of their glory is in a highlights format one week after the event.... *sigh* Not even a call today from my parents who have called consistently throughout the year during television broadcasts or after they return from the game.
In fact, this entire season the only reasonable footy talk is that of the highly unsatisfactory and annoying sort. All I get over here is a Victorian who works in an office near me. The type who constantly scoffs at the crows, our abilities and likelihood to ever win and has conveniently no recollection of 97 and 98. One of those Victorians who instead of looking realistically at how teams have performed throughout the season states that without a doubt St Kilda will win it. I suppose I will ask him, in the most serene and concerned manner I can muster how his team, Collingwood, finished up this year...
Woe is Heather.
There is some for of relief in sight though. Come the Grand Final, it is played live on Sky if I wish to get up at 3 in the morning. Might buy myself a six-pack, deck myself out in the appropriate colours and cheer quietly (so as to not wake Dave) as the boys storm to another famous victory.....
CROWS 2005 PREMIERS!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
The Return of the Blog
It has been too long between blogs, so much so that I doubt my large fan base continues to check it each day.
And just why is this Heather? Well, largely for the reasons I said in the blog below: I’m too busy, I can’t be bothered. I don’t like any of you enough.
These are all de-motivating factors.
Another influence on my inaction is… well… that nothing that interesting ever actually happens to me. This will surprise and shock a number of you that have placed me on that pedestal for so long, but really – when it comes down to it – what truly interesting things happen in the life of Heather?? Answer: Fuck all. I re-read this stuff and make myself slightly nauseas – I diss the confusion of London life, I moan about the smallest thing Dave does, I tell you exactly what I eat for dinner in a restaurant. I mean really - Does the world really need another blog filled with the self-indulgent musings of someone rather mediocre? WHY ARE YOU READING THIS???
Furthermore –looking back at the blog about the London bombs (which isn’t a hugely important story at all, but unusual in my life and therefore a cut above the rest) … well…im not too sure what to follow that with. It seems sort of cheap to follow something that in writing was like therapy to me - with heady tales of shopping on Oxford Street or some petty lament over an insignificant sentence Dave may have said (or more likely – may not have said). To write something quite serious and switch immediately to the frivolous detracts from the whole point, doesn’t it?
But I’m typing now as though I am some great conscience–driven writer with a and a delicate and well-thought out message to spread to the masses. Which we all know couldn’t be further from the truth. Writer - I am not, Conscience – it wanes here and there, Message – hell no. Right now I am writing as though it is important for each blog to be an improvement on the one before, for each to be a perfect fit with the next. But that is impossible – and downright boring! So rather than chase villains, seek danger or crusade for humanity in an attempt to top one unusual blog, I will revert to the same old, same old.
Which means being petty.
And what better place to start than Georgia’s blog.
Well. Well, well. Well, WELL, well, well.
A new bog on the block I see. One that has photos immediately. (insert sarcasm) How impressive.
Georgia and Pete muscling into my territory. Cant say im particularly surprised, what with the way Georgia has been mimicking me for years. First it was the clothes, then it was the hair, then came the ‘older boyfriend’. A blog?!? Didn’t bat an eyelid.
For those few people interested, it can be seen at:
http://geordyrose.blogspot.com/
(although I would like to say that there was plenty of alcohol in the house, we just didn’t want to share it with them).
And just why is this Heather? Well, largely for the reasons I said in the blog below: I’m too busy, I can’t be bothered. I don’t like any of you enough.
These are all de-motivating factors.
Another influence on my inaction is… well… that nothing that interesting ever actually happens to me. This will surprise and shock a number of you that have placed me on that pedestal for so long, but really – when it comes down to it – what truly interesting things happen in the life of Heather?? Answer: Fuck all. I re-read this stuff and make myself slightly nauseas – I diss the confusion of London life, I moan about the smallest thing Dave does, I tell you exactly what I eat for dinner in a restaurant. I mean really - Does the world really need another blog filled with the self-indulgent musings of someone rather mediocre? WHY ARE YOU READING THIS???
Furthermore –looking back at the blog about the London bombs (which isn’t a hugely important story at all, but unusual in my life and therefore a cut above the rest) … well…im not too sure what to follow that with. It seems sort of cheap to follow something that in writing was like therapy to me - with heady tales of shopping on Oxford Street or some petty lament over an insignificant sentence Dave may have said (or more likely – may not have said). To write something quite serious and switch immediately to the frivolous detracts from the whole point, doesn’t it?
But I’m typing now as though I am some great conscience–driven writer with a and a delicate and well-thought out message to spread to the masses. Which we all know couldn’t be further from the truth. Writer - I am not, Conscience – it wanes here and there, Message – hell no. Right now I am writing as though it is important for each blog to be an improvement on the one before, for each to be a perfect fit with the next. But that is impossible – and downright boring! So rather than chase villains, seek danger or crusade for humanity in an attempt to top one unusual blog, I will revert to the same old, same old.
Which means being petty.
And what better place to start than Georgia’s blog.
Well. Well, well. Well, WELL, well, well.
A new bog on the block I see. One that has photos immediately. (insert sarcasm) How impressive.
Georgia and Pete muscling into my territory. Cant say im particularly surprised, what with the way Georgia has been mimicking me for years. First it was the clothes, then it was the hair, then came the ‘older boyfriend’. A blog?!? Didn’t bat an eyelid.
For those few people interested, it can be seen at:
http://geordyrose.blogspot.com/
(although I would like to say that there was plenty of alcohol in the house, we just didn’t want to share it with them).
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Poor Little Neglected Blog
My poor little blog doesnt seem to receive any attention from me anymore. When I first got him, I doted on him every day, wrote reminders in a pocket diary in mental preperation, was inspired by the thought of detailing my daily events to him. In those first few lonely months, his company was of great comfort as he listened to all my problems when no-one else was interested.
However.. then I got a job, started making friends, regained some sort of social life... and he has turned into a slightly annoying thing that hangs over my head and takes time during my precious weekends.
Im so busy at work I dont have the time to write here during the day. Im so exhausted when I get home after a long day/commute that doing anything other than eating and watching tv is impossible.
But soon, but soon, cos there are stories to tell (Cricket at Lords, Eleanor in town, WHeat the new job actualy is, Black Tie Emap-Awards night [though dont remember that too well], Nadsie and Sharpie coming over from Dublin, Pete and Geord stopping for a night in transit, etc. etc.)#
So soon, very soon.....
However.. then I got a job, started making friends, regained some sort of social life... and he has turned into a slightly annoying thing that hangs over my head and takes time during my precious weekends.
Im so busy at work I dont have the time to write here during the day. Im so exhausted when I get home after a long day/commute that doing anything other than eating and watching tv is impossible.
But soon, but soon, cos there are stories to tell (Cricket at Lords, Eleanor in town, WHeat the new job actualy is, Black Tie Emap-Awards night [though dont remember that too well], Nadsie and Sharpie coming over from Dublin, Pete and Geord stopping for a night in transit, etc. etc.)#
So soon, very soon.....
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Reflections on Thursday
I read a really interesting article today in the paper. It talked about a lot of things, one of which was how Londoners reacted to Thursday's events. On this topic, it mused about an idea regarding the morbid pleasure of collecting 'points' via the swapping of personal stories. Obviously there are 12 million people who live in London, and thankfully only a small portion of these people were involved in Thursday’s events. So the majority of stories are about friends, or friends of friends. The article suggested that if you knew someone that was on a train that got held up... 20 points. If you knew someone who saw the devastation... 40 points. If you knew someone who was on one of the three trains... 100 points. etc. etc. And as you can imagine there are lots of stories going around at the moment. The majority of which are along the lines of 'sliding doors', not being allowed out of a building or being kicked of the tube nowhere near your destination and having to walk.
And I don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing to be interested in these stories. I am the first to admit that I’m keen to hear them. I read every article on it in the papers I come across. It’s so shocking; it’s so hard to get your head around.
I’m not really sure why I'm starting this entry in this way, but I guess I'm trying to apologise and excuse the fact that you are about to hear my story. I’m loathe to be sensationalist; I don’t want to pretend that what happened to me deserves to be made a fuss of. To utilise my evolving London-speak - this isn’t an attempt to 'big myself up'. Me telling you this is a combination of wanting to make sure everyone know I’m fine, wanting to tell people what it was like ... and wanting to stop repeating myself!! :)
So here is your 40 points... :)
Thursday morning: Normal summer morning here in London... It was cold and raining. There was a bit of blockage to get on the Northern line which takes me from London Bridge straight to Euston Station - where I work. This is really normal for rush our. They often stagger letting people through the gates so that the platforms where the trains are don’t become too congested.
It was all very normal, normal- the lines were running fine. I managed to be at the front of the ‘platform crowd’ and secured myself a seat, which is always brilliant as typically I stand for a few stops until one is free. Sitting is good because I then have 20 minutes to read my book (currently House of Spirits, Isabelle Allende).
Before I go further, I will explain about the line I am on. I’m sure pictures of the tube maps have been on TV for the past few days, and if you Google 'London tube map' you can get one to follow. But for those who can’t be bothered - the Northern Line is a North/South running line (duh) which has two branches. I am on what is called the 'Bank Branch'. From home to work I head north from London Bridge. The stations I go through (in order) are Bank, Moorgate, Old Street, Angel, Kings Cross, and Euston. At most of these stations you can get off and swap onto another line. For example at Bank you can change to the Circle Line. At Kings Cross you can change for the Piccadilly line etc. etc. I don’t have to change at any (thank god! would double the time of my trip!). Ok. So I hope you understand. If not... http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/tube_map.shtml
So where was I? Getting on the tube. As I sat down the first unusual announcement was made. Commuters were told that the train would not be stopping at Bank. Some people jumped off the train straight away, some decided to stay on till Moorgate, get off there and walk back. The shutting of one station is not hugely unusual - delays and stations being closed are relatively common on the London underground. The driver announced the reason for the closure was attributed to a 'Power Surge'. I now realise that Bank is the next station to Liverpool St where the first bomb went off. At this point they genuinely believed it to be a power surge - if they hadn’t there is NO WAY they would have let my train leave London Bridge.
So the packed train took off, I started reading. I must admit that for the next half an hour I paid little attention to what happened around me. I listened to the announcements, but didn’t think much of them. Why would I? Whilst I thought they were unusual, but my mind didn’t go beyond the idea of a power surge. As came into Bank station one minute later (train slowed but did not stop) it was announced that now the train would not be stopping at any station until Euston. A collective groan went through the train. So many people would have a huge walk to work and be late. The five stops that had been cut out are in the heart of the commercial district here. I was fine, Euston was my stop and I smugly even thought at some point that as we wouldn’t be stopping I would get to work 5 mins earlier!! I suspect now that the second explosion outside of Kings Cross (on the Piccadilly line) must have happened at this point.
As we were getting closer to Kings Cross station we stopped in the tunnel. We must have been about 100m from the platform I suspect. The driver announced that we would now be stopping at Kings Cross and we were just waiting for the train in front of us to leave the platform and then ALL passengers would be required to disembark (bugger! I would have to walk to work and be late!).
Still - I didn’t think much of it. Was annoyed that I was going to be late for work and possibly get in trouble. We sat in that exact spot, 100 metres from the station for about 20 mins. I just read my book. At some point it was announced that there was a further delay as they were 'evacuating people from the Piccadilly line'. Perhaps something should have tweaked with me then. But it didn’t. I just assumed that the Piccadilly line had broken down or something. It was getting hot in the train and I was getting thirsty. People around me were chatting now, all in quite good spirits, all talking about how fickle the underground can be. Soon after it was announced that two things were going to happen. Firstly that the train was going to run two emergency stops (where the train would start accelerating and then suddenly stop and that we should 'hang onto something' ) and that after that the train would then slowly move into the station and we would all have to file forward and exit onto the Kings Cross platform via the drivers caboose. (The train in front of us on the Northern Line was parked in the station. The driver could just manage to nudge the front of our train onto the platform)
I’m taking a long time to tell this, aren’t I? Doing a bit of a Ben Seamark. I guess I can afford to be detailed in that part because.. well, what came next is harder to recall in a lot of ways. My recollection of what comes next is a bit more ethereal. It’s all very surreal.
OK. So the emergency stops happened, we filed forward out of the train. I was in the last carriage so it took a while. When I stepped onto the platform, it was then that I finally realized that something was terribly wrong. The tube station was a ghost town. The lights were dimmed. The air seemed dirty. The station was filthy. And the smell. The smell was the worst. I wouldn’t know how to properly describe it, but to me it was like there was a powerful gas leak or something. At it was so strong it seared into the hair of your nasal passage, it made your eyes hurt. And it was silent. Nobody was talking. People that exited my train were just looking around staring at each other, shocked. What was going on?
To exit the platform we were herded towards a long, long escalator. Directly opposite our exit from the Northern Line was the Piccadilly Line. The smell was horrible. The escalator wasn’t working, so we had to climb them like stairs. Of the three escalators, we commuters were climbing the middle one. On the two on either side of us, Policemen and Emergency workers were running up and down carrying cases of bottled water, boxes, other stuff I don’t recall. It was so surreal. I wasn’t really taking too much in, I think. It was so eerie. So silent.
Then I rounded the top of the escalator onto the main area of Kings Cross Station. Oh Fuck. Oh Fuck. For my sake as much of yours, I’m not going to go into what I saw too much. But it was pretty nasty. Lots of hurt people. Lots of emergency workers. The mood was just… surreal. Sorry about the repetition of that word, it is all I can think of. It was chaos, but organized and calm. Lots of the nasty stuff I only glanced at or took in peripherally. I couple of things I couldn’t move my eyes away from. I made eye contact with someone who was in terrible shape. His eyes are the thing that troubles me most.
We were ushered up a second, much shorter set of escalators and into daylight. It was pretty chaotic up on street level. Huge quantities of people stood at bay behind security cordons staring in. Taking photos. I was so confused. To my left, inside the secured area the were a lot of people that had soot/ash covering their faces. They must have been on the Piccadilly line. Cameras, firemen, ambulances, media, police, helicopters, tourists, emergency workers, paramedics, sirens. So many sirens.
Im not too sure what I did next. I was a bit shocked. I just got away from what I had just seen, as quickly as possible. I started walking to work. The streets were at a standstill. Traffic was either not moving or some streets were entirely cordoned off, devoid of cars. I remember just walking down the middle of Euston road – I feat I will never be able to repeat. There were so many dazed people were walking around. Everyone was on their mobiles. Mine wouldn’t work – the network was down. I couldn’t call work. I couldn’t call Dave. I didn’t know what it was that I had just seen. I don’t think I was even thinking terrorism. I think I was thinking that there was a power surge / explosion. But then - I don’t think I was really thinking. I just wanted to get to work. Find out what had happened.
As a slightly amusing aside, after about 20 tries I miraculously got a line through to Dave. The conversation went something like:
Oh my god! I finally got through to you! I’m ok!
That’s nice
What Happened?!?!
What?
The train! Something happened to a train!
Haven’t heard.
People are hurt! Something has happened!!
Oh. That’s no good. Actually im in a meeting with Eddie so this isn’t a good time, so I’ll call you later.
Click.
I finally got to work and to my embarrassment there was a bit of a fuss as I was the last to get there. Found out what happened. I sat at my desk very quietly for most of the day. There was such uproar around me. Everyone was constantly discussing the rumors. We weren’t allowed out of the building as we were quite close to the bus incident. I tried to work, but found it really hard. I sort of felt worse and worse as the day got on. I should have said something, and I sort of tried to, but I didn’t want to make a fuss. I could have gone home, but I didn’t want to a) walk those eerie streets again and b) be by myself. I only really felt better when I got home, tuned out of the news and watched a few hours of the Simpsons.
It was quite difficult getting home. All public transport was suspended. Everyone left work early. Outside my building there was just a constant stream of people walking home all day. I know of people that walked for hours. Some had to rent hotels for the night. Some people where I worked, stayed overnight. My work somehow magically managed to get a few taxis to get me and some for my colleagues to Charring Cross where I caught the overland train home to London Bridge, so I had it pretty easy (though there was a huge crush on the train).
Such an odd day. So surreal.
Since then?
Its all good, I feel fine. And so I should, I wasn’t hurt, nobody I know was. I’ve managed to have some really good talks to people which I guess is the most important thing I can do o sort out my already easily-confused mind. Eleanor, my family and a good friend at work have been most helpful . Shenth - the friend from work offered an interesting perspective - he was in the Tsunami (one of only a handful of survivors on a Sri Lankan train where 1000+ died... that’s a 150 point story I think!!) and saw some terrible things. Though I’m embarrassed to suggest that the small thing that happened to me even compares with what happened to him.
Im reading the newspapers, its all so sad. 21 people died at Kings Cross station and an estimated 20 more bodies have not been recovered. I’m thinking a lot about their families, a lot about the unpredictability of life in general.
Friday? Well I know a lot of people didn’t go to work. And I know that a lot of others altered their plans on how they normally got to work. How do I know this? Well, there were only about 20 people on my tube. I don’t know why I thought it was important to get back on the tube the next day. It was surprisingly unnerving. I stared down London Bridge for ten minutes before I walked onto the underground... I think I just realized that getting back on was inevitable, and I might as well bite the bullet (and bugger walking for 2 hours!!).
Because life goes on.
I don’t know what to think too much about anything. I’m not too sure how to close this one. I wish I could be profound, make sense of something, offer valuable insight. I wish I could say something inspiring or heartfelt but I cant think of what… And to attempt to… well, that worries me - as something awfully cynical in my head suggests that to be triumphant, to make a fuss, to create sweeping statements... brushes aside the very real pain of the families.
There are still so many people missing.
XXX
Heather
PS. Thank you for all for the texts and emails I received in the past day or so. It’s a good feeling to have so many people that care.
And I don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing to be interested in these stories. I am the first to admit that I’m keen to hear them. I read every article on it in the papers I come across. It’s so shocking; it’s so hard to get your head around.
I’m not really sure why I'm starting this entry in this way, but I guess I'm trying to apologise and excuse the fact that you are about to hear my story. I’m loathe to be sensationalist; I don’t want to pretend that what happened to me deserves to be made a fuss of. To utilise my evolving London-speak - this isn’t an attempt to 'big myself up'. Me telling you this is a combination of wanting to make sure everyone know I’m fine, wanting to tell people what it was like ... and wanting to stop repeating myself!! :)
So here is your 40 points... :)
Thursday morning: Normal summer morning here in London... It was cold and raining. There was a bit of blockage to get on the Northern line which takes me from London Bridge straight to Euston Station - where I work. This is really normal for rush our. They often stagger letting people through the gates so that the platforms where the trains are don’t become too congested.
It was all very normal, normal- the lines were running fine. I managed to be at the front of the ‘platform crowd’ and secured myself a seat, which is always brilliant as typically I stand for a few stops until one is free. Sitting is good because I then have 20 minutes to read my book (currently House of Spirits, Isabelle Allende).
Before I go further, I will explain about the line I am on. I’m sure pictures of the tube maps have been on TV for the past few days, and if you Google 'London tube map' you can get one to follow. But for those who can’t be bothered - the Northern Line is a North/South running line (duh) which has two branches. I am on what is called the 'Bank Branch'. From home to work I head north from London Bridge. The stations I go through (in order) are Bank, Moorgate, Old Street, Angel, Kings Cross, and Euston. At most of these stations you can get off and swap onto another line. For example at Bank you can change to the Circle Line. At Kings Cross you can change for the Piccadilly line etc. etc. I don’t have to change at any (thank god! would double the time of my trip!). Ok. So I hope you understand. If not... http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/tube_map.shtml
So where was I? Getting on the tube. As I sat down the first unusual announcement was made. Commuters were told that the train would not be stopping at Bank. Some people jumped off the train straight away, some decided to stay on till Moorgate, get off there and walk back. The shutting of one station is not hugely unusual - delays and stations being closed are relatively common on the London underground. The driver announced the reason for the closure was attributed to a 'Power Surge'. I now realise that Bank is the next station to Liverpool St where the first bomb went off. At this point they genuinely believed it to be a power surge - if they hadn’t there is NO WAY they would have let my train leave London Bridge.
So the packed train took off, I started reading. I must admit that for the next half an hour I paid little attention to what happened around me. I listened to the announcements, but didn’t think much of them. Why would I? Whilst I thought they were unusual, but my mind didn’t go beyond the idea of a power surge. As came into Bank station one minute later (train slowed but did not stop) it was announced that now the train would not be stopping at any station until Euston. A collective groan went through the train. So many people would have a huge walk to work and be late. The five stops that had been cut out are in the heart of the commercial district here. I was fine, Euston was my stop and I smugly even thought at some point that as we wouldn’t be stopping I would get to work 5 mins earlier!! I suspect now that the second explosion outside of Kings Cross (on the Piccadilly line) must have happened at this point.
As we were getting closer to Kings Cross station we stopped in the tunnel. We must have been about 100m from the platform I suspect. The driver announced that we would now be stopping at Kings Cross and we were just waiting for the train in front of us to leave the platform and then ALL passengers would be required to disembark (bugger! I would have to walk to work and be late!).
Still - I didn’t think much of it. Was annoyed that I was going to be late for work and possibly get in trouble. We sat in that exact spot, 100 metres from the station for about 20 mins. I just read my book. At some point it was announced that there was a further delay as they were 'evacuating people from the Piccadilly line'. Perhaps something should have tweaked with me then. But it didn’t. I just assumed that the Piccadilly line had broken down or something. It was getting hot in the train and I was getting thirsty. People around me were chatting now, all in quite good spirits, all talking about how fickle the underground can be. Soon after it was announced that two things were going to happen. Firstly that the train was going to run two emergency stops (where the train would start accelerating and then suddenly stop and that we should 'hang onto something' ) and that after that the train would then slowly move into the station and we would all have to file forward and exit onto the Kings Cross platform via the drivers caboose. (The train in front of us on the Northern Line was parked in the station. The driver could just manage to nudge the front of our train onto the platform)
I’m taking a long time to tell this, aren’t I? Doing a bit of a Ben Seamark. I guess I can afford to be detailed in that part because.. well, what came next is harder to recall in a lot of ways. My recollection of what comes next is a bit more ethereal. It’s all very surreal.
OK. So the emergency stops happened, we filed forward out of the train. I was in the last carriage so it took a while. When I stepped onto the platform, it was then that I finally realized that something was terribly wrong. The tube station was a ghost town. The lights were dimmed. The air seemed dirty. The station was filthy. And the smell. The smell was the worst. I wouldn’t know how to properly describe it, but to me it was like there was a powerful gas leak or something. At it was so strong it seared into the hair of your nasal passage, it made your eyes hurt. And it was silent. Nobody was talking. People that exited my train were just looking around staring at each other, shocked. What was going on?
To exit the platform we were herded towards a long, long escalator. Directly opposite our exit from the Northern Line was the Piccadilly Line. The smell was horrible. The escalator wasn’t working, so we had to climb them like stairs. Of the three escalators, we commuters were climbing the middle one. On the two on either side of us, Policemen and Emergency workers were running up and down carrying cases of bottled water, boxes, other stuff I don’t recall. It was so surreal. I wasn’t really taking too much in, I think. It was so eerie. So silent.
Then I rounded the top of the escalator onto the main area of Kings Cross Station. Oh Fuck. Oh Fuck. For my sake as much of yours, I’m not going to go into what I saw too much. But it was pretty nasty. Lots of hurt people. Lots of emergency workers. The mood was just… surreal. Sorry about the repetition of that word, it is all I can think of. It was chaos, but organized and calm. Lots of the nasty stuff I only glanced at or took in peripherally. I couple of things I couldn’t move my eyes away from. I made eye contact with someone who was in terrible shape. His eyes are the thing that troubles me most.
We were ushered up a second, much shorter set of escalators and into daylight. It was pretty chaotic up on street level. Huge quantities of people stood at bay behind security cordons staring in. Taking photos. I was so confused. To my left, inside the secured area the were a lot of people that had soot/ash covering their faces. They must have been on the Piccadilly line. Cameras, firemen, ambulances, media, police, helicopters, tourists, emergency workers, paramedics, sirens. So many sirens.
Im not too sure what I did next. I was a bit shocked. I just got away from what I had just seen, as quickly as possible. I started walking to work. The streets were at a standstill. Traffic was either not moving or some streets were entirely cordoned off, devoid of cars. I remember just walking down the middle of Euston road – I feat I will never be able to repeat. There were so many dazed people were walking around. Everyone was on their mobiles. Mine wouldn’t work – the network was down. I couldn’t call work. I couldn’t call Dave. I didn’t know what it was that I had just seen. I don’t think I was even thinking terrorism. I think I was thinking that there was a power surge / explosion. But then - I don’t think I was really thinking. I just wanted to get to work. Find out what had happened.
As a slightly amusing aside, after about 20 tries I miraculously got a line through to Dave. The conversation went something like:
Oh my god! I finally got through to you! I’m ok!
That’s nice
What Happened?!?!
What?
The train! Something happened to a train!
Haven’t heard.
People are hurt! Something has happened!!
Oh. That’s no good. Actually im in a meeting with Eddie so this isn’t a good time, so I’ll call you later.
Click.
I finally got to work and to my embarrassment there was a bit of a fuss as I was the last to get there. Found out what happened. I sat at my desk very quietly for most of the day. There was such uproar around me. Everyone was constantly discussing the rumors. We weren’t allowed out of the building as we were quite close to the bus incident. I tried to work, but found it really hard. I sort of felt worse and worse as the day got on. I should have said something, and I sort of tried to, but I didn’t want to make a fuss. I could have gone home, but I didn’t want to a) walk those eerie streets again and b) be by myself. I only really felt better when I got home, tuned out of the news and watched a few hours of the Simpsons.
It was quite difficult getting home. All public transport was suspended. Everyone left work early. Outside my building there was just a constant stream of people walking home all day. I know of people that walked for hours. Some had to rent hotels for the night. Some people where I worked, stayed overnight. My work somehow magically managed to get a few taxis to get me and some for my colleagues to Charring Cross where I caught the overland train home to London Bridge, so I had it pretty easy (though there was a huge crush on the train).
Such an odd day. So surreal.
Since then?
Its all good, I feel fine. And so I should, I wasn’t hurt, nobody I know was. I’ve managed to have some really good talks to people which I guess is the most important thing I can do o sort out my already easily-confused mind. Eleanor, my family and a good friend at work have been most helpful . Shenth - the friend from work offered an interesting perspective - he was in the Tsunami (one of only a handful of survivors on a Sri Lankan train where 1000+ died... that’s a 150 point story I think!!) and saw some terrible things. Though I’m embarrassed to suggest that the small thing that happened to me even compares with what happened to him.
Im reading the newspapers, its all so sad. 21 people died at Kings Cross station and an estimated 20 more bodies have not been recovered. I’m thinking a lot about their families, a lot about the unpredictability of life in general.
Friday? Well I know a lot of people didn’t go to work. And I know that a lot of others altered their plans on how they normally got to work. How do I know this? Well, there were only about 20 people on my tube. I don’t know why I thought it was important to get back on the tube the next day. It was surprisingly unnerving. I stared down London Bridge for ten minutes before I walked onto the underground... I think I just realized that getting back on was inevitable, and I might as well bite the bullet (and bugger walking for 2 hours!!).
Because life goes on.
I don’t know what to think too much about anything. I’m not too sure how to close this one. I wish I could be profound, make sense of something, offer valuable insight. I wish I could say something inspiring or heartfelt but I cant think of what… And to attempt to… well, that worries me - as something awfully cynical in my head suggests that to be triumphant, to make a fuss, to create sweeping statements... brushes aside the very real pain of the families.
There are still so many people missing.
XXX
Heather
PS. Thank you for all for the texts and emails I received in the past day or so. It’s a good feeling to have so many people that care.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Bombs
Dear All,
Perhaps what happened in London today has made the news back in oz. I assume it has. It should do. To all those who care (which is probably everyone taking the time to read this). I am fine.
Not to sure what to write, feel a bit shaky and there are constant reports/ rumours. I was held underground on the Northern line just outside of Kings Cross Station for half an hour. I assumed it was just a typical breakdown, and was annoyed that it was going to make me late. When we finally got out. The smoke, the smell, the injured people... not too sure what to write about it.. it was horrible. It took me half an hour to walk to work. All the places that were hit were on my line or places i walked past. We are not allowed to leave the building as Tavistock Sq is 100 metres away from here. It's really scary.
But all is well, im fine, dave is fine.
Love to all
xx H
Perhaps what happened in London today has made the news back in oz. I assume it has. It should do. To all those who care (which is probably everyone taking the time to read this). I am fine.
Not to sure what to write, feel a bit shaky and there are constant reports/ rumours. I was held underground on the Northern line just outside of Kings Cross Station for half an hour. I assumed it was just a typical breakdown, and was annoyed that it was going to make me late. When we finally got out. The smoke, the smell, the injured people... not too sure what to write about it.. it was horrible. It took me half an hour to walk to work. All the places that were hit were on my line or places i walked past. We are not allowed to leave the building as Tavistock Sq is 100 metres away from here. It's really scary.
But all is well, im fine, dave is fine.
Love to all
xx H
Sunday, June 12, 2005
She can do Photos Now!!
Well
Well Ladies and gentlement. I have figured out how to put pictures on this dammed thing!! I will start with Sydney. There are a number from the farewell party at St Morris I could have started with, but I dare not leak those onto the internet. Becasue obviously I am going to be a famous rock star one day. xxxx Plenty more where these came from, will put them all up over the next few weeks!!
After a few drinks at the alex's place we scampered onto a ferry and headed to the legendary Doyle's on Watson Bay.
Well Ladies and gentlement. I have figured out how to put pictures on this dammed thing!! I will start with Sydney. There are a number from the farewell party at St Morris I could have started with, but I dare not leak those onto the internet. Becasue obviously I am going to be a famous rock star one day. xxxx Plenty more where these came from, will put them all up over the next few weeks!!
After a few drinks at the alex's place we scampered onto a ferry and headed to the legendary Doyle's on Watson Bay.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Big Gay Jack
Well this is going to be a short one (again) as I have ot get home to get dinner started as I'm cooking Eggplant adn it is already 8.00 p.m...
As the title suggests, my first big 'shout out' is regarding the entry of Jack Seamark into the world. Im so happy and excited about the arrival of the little boy who is a compliation of two of my favourite people in the world. Im really sad and jealous that Im so far away and wont get to have a cuddle for a long time. Congratulations Kelly and Ben. I'm so happy for you, its all so exciting.
The second 'exciting' news - though no where near to the level of that - is that I find myself employed. Finally. I hear you all sigh in relief that I wont be on here bitching and moaning about my lack of job. NOW i will be bitching ABOUT my new job.
Im working for a companycalled Emap - these guys are quite a big magazine publishers over here - you might know some of the titles such as Empire (for those who know me.. will know this magazine) and FHM amongst many many many others. THey also do a large amount of radio / television stuff. Its a huge, huge company and was extremely hard to get my foot in the door. Im talking group interviews (going up agains 6 - 7 others in debates, role plays, etc) pshycographic testing (apparently im not a serial killer) and about 3 more interviews before I landed the role of.... wait for it.... 'Sales Executive for Nursing Times' Oh yes. Scarily impressive is it not?!? Ok, ok. It could possibly be the worlds most boring maazine, but its not like they were going to start me on Empire. And even though it could be the most niche area ever - it is one of the highest profit earning publications for Emap, and therefore seen as very important. The pay is good (40% commission!!), the people and place I am working at is great (great facilities/ all the other sales people are my age and great fun)and although it was not my ideal job, its proably a better job. Sales is such an important skill to have - its going to be a great place to learn - the support and the training are second to none.
But im not sure if my nature fits the agressive sales type (though dave will tell you it does) so in many ways im not sure if it is right. BUT - right now it is what I have decided to do and Im going to give it a really good go.
.. it also means I should be on the email more regularly so will be able to start replying to those emails...
xxx H
As the title suggests, my first big 'shout out' is regarding the entry of Jack Seamark into the world. Im so happy and excited about the arrival of the little boy who is a compliation of two of my favourite people in the world. Im really sad and jealous that Im so far away and wont get to have a cuddle for a long time. Congratulations Kelly and Ben. I'm so happy for you, its all so exciting.
The second 'exciting' news - though no where near to the level of that - is that I find myself employed. Finally. I hear you all sigh in relief that I wont be on here bitching and moaning about my lack of job. NOW i will be bitching ABOUT my new job.
Im working for a companycalled Emap - these guys are quite a big magazine publishers over here - you might know some of the titles such as Empire (for those who know me.. will know this magazine) and FHM amongst many many many others. THey also do a large amount of radio / television stuff. Its a huge, huge company and was extremely hard to get my foot in the door. Im talking group interviews (going up agains 6 - 7 others in debates, role plays, etc) pshycographic testing (apparently im not a serial killer) and about 3 more interviews before I landed the role of.... wait for it.... 'Sales Executive for Nursing Times' Oh yes. Scarily impressive is it not?!? Ok, ok. It could possibly be the worlds most boring maazine, but its not like they were going to start me on Empire. And even though it could be the most niche area ever - it is one of the highest profit earning publications for Emap, and therefore seen as very important. The pay is good (40% commission!!), the people and place I am working at is great (great facilities/ all the other sales people are my age and great fun)and although it was not my ideal job, its proably a better job. Sales is such an important skill to have - its going to be a great place to learn - the support and the training are second to none.
But im not sure if my nature fits the agressive sales type (though dave will tell you it does) so in many ways im not sure if it is right. BUT - right now it is what I have decided to do and Im going to give it a really good go.
.. it also means I should be on the email more regularly so will be able to start replying to those emails...
xxx H
Thursday, May 26, 2005
One Hit Wonder???
Well things are plodding along here as nicely.. as things can only plod. And if plodding doesnt exactly paint a great picture, I guess that would be accurate. Jobs - zero. Doing some admin work at Dave's place, which isnt exactly my cup of tea - partly because taking orders from Dave sucks - but mostly because the office is so cramped and the structure so disorganised that it makes working conditions pretty frustrating. To be shipped from one desk to the next, to be given a random workload that is devoid of the tangibility Im used to - I cant get any sort of consistency or any sort of rythmn to my work. So I put in all this effort and see nothing in return (and obviously dont get even a nod of approval from Dave as the man subscribes to a hard-love work ethic.) Couple this with a few problems in my personal world (which wont be discussed here) im becoming pretty despondant about my situation here in London. And im not too sure how to pick things up or make things better. My fate lies upon getting a job I suspect.
I went to an 'informal chat' with a PR firm yesterday about a position in the Product Placement field which was pretty good. The job that may be on offer in a month or two.. and it is my dream job, the company ideal. But its also quite painful to have done that becuase I didnt sell myself particularly well - stumbling over words and ideas ... im still groaning at ill sentences in reflection - and also that there may not even be a job. But experience is always a positive so I will take that, but how do you see your dream job and then realise that if it doesnt work out there are no similar options because there is no other company which is currently doing the same thing? Bitterly, hopefully... and swiftly push it into your personal room 101 in the back of your head, I guess.
But im going to stop talking about work otherwise the site will drown in self-created pity.
(though on a final note im starting a short stint of temp work at Camden Publishing as a Conference Assistant [read:admin] next wednesday which should be good for a change of scene. )
Last night on one of the 1000 music channels they have over here, they had a special on the 40 top 'one hit wonders'. I flicked past it only to hear johhny farnham singing 'you're the voice'.. ONE hit wonder!?!?! I wish..... Lucky english.
love to all
xxx H
I went to an 'informal chat' with a PR firm yesterday about a position in the Product Placement field which was pretty good. The job that may be on offer in a month or two.. and it is my dream job, the company ideal. But its also quite painful to have done that becuase I didnt sell myself particularly well - stumbling over words and ideas ... im still groaning at ill sentences in reflection - and also that there may not even be a job. But experience is always a positive so I will take that, but how do you see your dream job and then realise that if it doesnt work out there are no similar options because there is no other company which is currently doing the same thing? Bitterly, hopefully... and swiftly push it into your personal room 101 in the back of your head, I guess.
But im going to stop talking about work otherwise the site will drown in self-created pity.
(though on a final note im starting a short stint of temp work at Camden Publishing as a Conference Assistant [read:admin] next wednesday which should be good for a change of scene. )
Last night on one of the 1000 music channels they have over here, they had a special on the 40 top 'one hit wonders'. I flicked past it only to hear johhny farnham singing 'you're the voice'.. ONE hit wonder!?!?! I wish..... Lucky english.
love to all
xxx H
Thursday, May 19, 2005
West is not on the Right. It is Left. FACT.
Who knew that on Dave's Birthday I would be the one receiving a gift! Contrary to the last post, at the eleventh hour (that is, JUST before I started dicing the onions for a mushroom sauce [which i am currently perfecting]) Dave called from ... wherever he was that day (out visiting a cricket county or something. Haven't been interested enough to differentiate between them yet) and asked that I make a reservation at a restaurant for dinner!
Well well! We were leaving Bermondsey Street! Needless to say I overdressed magnificently for the occassion...
We went to a restaurant call St. John (s) which is located in the heart of London (such a big heart it is) near the Smithfield Markets. It caught Dave's fancy as it had recently been named (in The Times, of course, of course)as one of the top ten restaurants in the world (Big claim! I wonder if they have been to India...). I guess the food style is classified as 'Modern British' and St John (s) is seen as one of the beacons of the rejuvination of British cuisine. Or something like that. Blah de blah blah...
To describe the food will require me to ask the vegetarians to move to the next paragraph. So be gone with you, you dont want to know! Because we are talking a choice of neck, trotters, tail, liver, heart, tounge.. the works! You could call it nose-to-tail cookery. Dave - not the most adventurous of diners - and myself - not wanting to get a main that I didn't eat all of, such was the novelty of eating out - didnt really stray from the more conventional choices. Our entree consisted of fishing the bone marrow out of bones and eating it with a fine parsley and capers salad on toast. Not the healthiest food, but stupidly tasty. And messy. For mains I had the largest lamb shank known to man and Dave had a Beef fillet that from the looks of it had never touched heat. Desert was brioche and tart rhubarb custard which was nice (though not as nice as how Dave now makes it) but I was basically unable to touch it as the Lamb had staked too much of a claim on my tummy. I'm no food critic, and all in all it was nice atmosphere (very bare, all white, food-hall feel) and good french wine (learning, learning) but a top ten restaurant may be a bit of a strech. Nice, but no real wow factor. Perhaps I SHOULD have tried the ox tounge...
For Dave's birthday his movie education continued with Dodgeball and Schindler's Fist. I mean List. One we have already seen, the other will probably gather dust for a long, long time ... but I am hopeful. He received a nick cave cd and snoop's newest one also (his request. going through a post-35 'im still hip, pass me my bling and crank the snoop' phase). A few books (penguin are doing this £1.50 short stories/novels by famous authours series over here - bloody good idea! great value! so the authours included D. Eggars, F.S. Fitzgerald, H.S. Thompson, M. Moore, D. Lodge). He also got a brand new mesh running/weights tank top that shows off his 'guns' (to steal from Lleyton) magnificantly. And finally a tea pot, some matching cups and a selection of teas and tea canisters. Phew!! He was one lucky boy this birthday.
Ginny also sent across the new Longhorn album which we both think is pretty terrrrrriffic. Dave is currently petitioning to have it put on the Times review list.
What else has been happening in London town? Work is very, very busy for Dave. He goes back to India on the 18th of June as athletes1 India kicks into operation which is very exciting. The company has been in the papers over here following a very high profile dispute over one of their clients - a nigerian player - both Manchester United and Chelsea are fighting over. Why? Haven't the foggiest. But apparently they are going to be on the news tonight. But I think it is really good becuase their football (soccer) operations have for so long been a real fringe part of their operations - so its a real positive to be mixing it with the big boys.
What else? What else? Caught up with Kieran last weekend for the first time which was good adn Dave got to meet him. Was a bit worried about all that as Dave had threatened to commiserate with Kieran over the 'fiesty-ness of heather'. Luckily he maintained his manners and will live to see another day. Kieran, in true form, was wearing the most inappropriate t-shirt I have ever seen. It was bought in amsterdam. So I wont say any more...
I've been travelling the tube a fair bit lately (all shoes still accounted for) in my search for work. It mind-bogglingly boring when you do this -you sort of just sit there and stare up at the map of the line you are currently on. And something had been irking me for a while and only yesterday I put my finger on what it was. NOW. Some people will not follow what I am about to say becuase the best way to describe it would be to use a diagram. And most of you will not understand why it is such a big deal. Perhaps those close to me, those who understand my hatred of the inappropriate conjugation of 'you are' to 'your', will understand. OK. Here we go. This map basically is a picture of the line and all the stops that are on it. So for example the Jubilee line, which London Bridge (our station) also has stops such as Southwark, Waterloo, Wesminster, Bond Street etc. etc. In reality from WEST to EAST(picture it, picture it) the Jubilee line goes 'Westminster, Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge'. However the map you look at whilst sitting on a train from LEFT to RIGHT (picture it, picture it)goes (LB, Southwark, Water, Wesminster). Effectively the map is alligning LEFT with EAST and RIGHT with WEST. Which does. not. make. sense. Maps are supposed to reflect reality adn these ones do not. And it's not just the Jubilee line! Now that I have noiced it, they allll do it! It drives me crazy. I mean - its not like they read English here in an arabic fashion!!
Or maybe they do. Could be why i dont have a job. Hmm...
Anyway. Sorry about that one. I have a lot of time to think about these things.
ACTUALLY - perhaps it has something to do with what direction I am heading. Ohhhhh. I hadnt thought of that. I will have to look even closer the next time and report back (though I doubt I am wrong. That happens so rarely). No doubt I will get the comments pages rocking after this little discussion.
What I really need is a photo... speaking of which - It's funny - I started this site so I could show photos...and through a combination of not knowing how to put them on the site and not actually having any (except fore perhaps 3 from India) I have never lived up to that.
Anyways - I must go. Meeting with Kate, Eleanor's sister, and her man James for a drink in an hour or so and need to get my skates on.
Please keep sending the lovely emails - I read them all and will reply as soon as I can.
xxx H
Well well! We were leaving Bermondsey Street! Needless to say I overdressed magnificently for the occassion...
We went to a restaurant call St. John (s) which is located in the heart of London (such a big heart it is) near the Smithfield Markets. It caught Dave's fancy as it had recently been named (in The Times, of course, of course)as one of the top ten restaurants in the world (Big claim! I wonder if they have been to India...). I guess the food style is classified as 'Modern British' and St John (s) is seen as one of the beacons of the rejuvination of British cuisine. Or something like that. Blah de blah blah...
To describe the food will require me to ask the vegetarians to move to the next paragraph. So be gone with you, you dont want to know! Because we are talking a choice of neck, trotters, tail, liver, heart, tounge.. the works! You could call it nose-to-tail cookery. Dave - not the most adventurous of diners - and myself - not wanting to get a main that I didn't eat all of, such was the novelty of eating out - didnt really stray from the more conventional choices. Our entree consisted of fishing the bone marrow out of bones and eating it with a fine parsley and capers salad on toast. Not the healthiest food, but stupidly tasty. And messy. For mains I had the largest lamb shank known to man and Dave had a Beef fillet that from the looks of it had never touched heat. Desert was brioche and tart rhubarb custard which was nice (though not as nice as how Dave now makes it) but I was basically unable to touch it as the Lamb had staked too much of a claim on my tummy. I'm no food critic, and all in all it was nice atmosphere (very bare, all white, food-hall feel) and good french wine (learning, learning) but a top ten restaurant may be a bit of a strech. Nice, but no real wow factor. Perhaps I SHOULD have tried the ox tounge...
For Dave's birthday his movie education continued with Dodgeball and Schindler's Fist. I mean List. One we have already seen, the other will probably gather dust for a long, long time ... but I am hopeful. He received a nick cave cd and snoop's newest one also (his request. going through a post-35 'im still hip, pass me my bling and crank the snoop' phase). A few books (penguin are doing this £1.50 short stories/novels by famous authours series over here - bloody good idea! great value! so the authours included D. Eggars, F.S. Fitzgerald, H.S. Thompson, M. Moore, D. Lodge). He also got a brand new mesh running/weights tank top that shows off his 'guns' (to steal from Lleyton) magnificantly. And finally a tea pot, some matching cups and a selection of teas and tea canisters. Phew!! He was one lucky boy this birthday.
Ginny also sent across the new Longhorn album which we both think is pretty terrrrrriffic. Dave is currently petitioning to have it put on the Times review list.
What else has been happening in London town? Work is very, very busy for Dave. He goes back to India on the 18th of June as athletes1 India kicks into operation which is very exciting. The company has been in the papers over here following a very high profile dispute over one of their clients - a nigerian player - both Manchester United and Chelsea are fighting over. Why? Haven't the foggiest. But apparently they are going to be on the news tonight. But I think it is really good becuase their football (soccer) operations have for so long been a real fringe part of their operations - so its a real positive to be mixing it with the big boys.
What else? What else? Caught up with Kieran last weekend for the first time which was good adn Dave got to meet him. Was a bit worried about all that as Dave had threatened to commiserate with Kieran over the 'fiesty-ness of heather'. Luckily he maintained his manners and will live to see another day. Kieran, in true form, was wearing the most inappropriate t-shirt I have ever seen. It was bought in amsterdam. So I wont say any more...
I've been travelling the tube a fair bit lately (all shoes still accounted for) in my search for work. It mind-bogglingly boring when you do this -you sort of just sit there and stare up at the map of the line you are currently on. And something had been irking me for a while and only yesterday I put my finger on what it was. NOW. Some people will not follow what I am about to say becuase the best way to describe it would be to use a diagram. And most of you will not understand why it is such a big deal. Perhaps those close to me, those who understand my hatred of the inappropriate conjugation of 'you are' to 'your', will understand. OK. Here we go. This map basically is a picture of the line and all the stops that are on it. So for example the Jubilee line, which London Bridge (our station) also has stops such as Southwark, Waterloo, Wesminster, Bond Street etc. etc. In reality from WEST to EAST(picture it, picture it) the Jubilee line goes 'Westminster, Waterloo, Southwark, London Bridge'. However the map you look at whilst sitting on a train from LEFT to RIGHT (picture it, picture it)goes (LB, Southwark, Water, Wesminster). Effectively the map is alligning LEFT with EAST and RIGHT with WEST. Which does. not. make. sense. Maps are supposed to reflect reality adn these ones do not. And it's not just the Jubilee line! Now that I have noiced it, they allll do it! It drives me crazy. I mean - its not like they read English here in an arabic fashion!!
Or maybe they do. Could be why i dont have a job. Hmm...
Anyway. Sorry about that one. I have a lot of time to think about these things.
ACTUALLY - perhaps it has something to do with what direction I am heading. Ohhhhh. I hadnt thought of that. I will have to look even closer the next time and report back (though I doubt I am wrong. That happens so rarely). No doubt I will get the comments pages rocking after this little discussion.
What I really need is a photo... speaking of which - It's funny - I started this site so I could show photos...and through a combination of not knowing how to put them on the site and not actually having any (except fore perhaps 3 from India) I have never lived up to that.
Anyways - I must go. Meeting with Kate, Eleanor's sister, and her man James for a drink in an hour or so and need to get my skates on.
Please keep sending the lovely emails - I read them all and will reply as soon as I can.
xxx H
Monday, May 16, 2005
David's Birthday.
Well, it's Dave's birthday today and for that very reason I am unable to write anything. Because I have to go home and cook. BECAUSE unlike normal people who like to go out on thir birthday for a meal, Dave has decided that what would please him most is a home cooked meal (although he gets one every night...) HMPH!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
London Bridge
Well the roar of the disappointed masses has become too much for me. The stream of 'When is your next blog'? is a constant. I didnt realise that I had started such a craze here with my little website. Humble little me thought that perhaps I would only be writing to Courtney and my mum, but oh no - OH NO - a literary superstar has been born with her subversive and underground prose!! The pull of Heather's word has travelled far indeed, it has moved beyond whispers at the Water-Coolers in adelaide and now kids the world over, log on each night for their next installment.
Or they dont.. I dont know... Sometimes the images in my head are not reality and its hard to differentiate.
To all those who do actually read this (i count 6 so far, not including the printed pages my nana gets), apologies for being a bit slack... but in truth there isn't all that much to write about.
Let me see. I am in London. I dont have a job. I am running out of money. And we dont ever leave the street that we live on becuase Dave works till so late. Did I mention I didnt have a job? I have no friends. And no job.
I probably should get out and about and explore the place (the natural science museum is wonderful, purrs my dad, you can spend an entire day in there)- but Ive done a fair bit of that, and my motivation seems weighted down by the nagging fact that I should really be looking for jobs, and such exercises are frivilous.
The job hunt? Well half the problem here is that there are so many positions, so many recruitment firms, so many.... so many alternatives that its really, really hard to discern what you actually want/have a chance for. I can spend 3 hours on an application and not even get a confirmation of receipt. Wading throught the sheer mess that is the employment circuit is enough to drive anyone insane. My first little while was simply spent trying to tell A from B. I think Im getting a bit better at it all now, but it is still really hit and miss. The major problem is that so many of the positions require 1 years experience in the exact same role. So even though I have worked in offices for 5 years and am so capable of doing everything (besides being modest), they wont even open my CV without that experience. I cant even get my foot in the door - i cant even get them to give me a phone call. Which is all I want.
Ive had a few things thrown my way, but they all appear largely admin based... which is fine... but ive covered that area. I got offered a position in this nice marketing company which would require me to do 6 months admin before getting a marketing position... downside is its two hours travel each day and £30 a week to get there! SO that is a pity as I really liked the company and would have been willing to take the 6 months admin. Ive had an offer for managing a seminar program for a big law firm here (booo-ring) and potentialy working for a large soccer-based organisation (helping organise huge B2B soccer convention held in Dubai each year)... Dave is keen on me taking the last one!! Got a couple of mildly exciting things coming up, one including a informal talk with a Product Placment manager at a large PR firm. Fingers crossed for that one, so hard that its drawing blood...but I also dont want to get my hopes up as i have learnt that things dont seem to be what you want them to be on the job front.
But im positive as these things always seem to work themselves out for me in the end. And thankfully things have changed from 'No-one is calling me!!' to 'No-one is calling me with the right job!!'
Twas VE day here the other day (... as it was elsewhere I assume)which was celebrated a bit differently here than australia. About 30 channels had shows on about WW2 (some amazing colour footage as well) and its interesting because each show would be based in a different little area of europe, telling a different story of those days. Each town had its own tale. Quite moving really.
Speaking of moving - and georgia, you'll love this - the television here.. about a thousand home improvement/lifestyle shows. YES! And Ive become fairly addicted to them. Especially the one where they do up the house for the disadvantaged people. Dave ofen pops home for lunch to see me having a little weep over how joyus the whole thing is. Hmmm...pretend i didnt write that. And I watch cooking shows with a pad and pencil for a few hours each day planning that night's three-course extravaganza. I dont think Dave has ever eaten so well! SO whilst Im not really getting out and using my free time to see london - Im certainly bettering my cooking skills.....
... so much so that Dave asked people around for dinner the other night! Which is apparently the first time in a very, very long time guests have been allowed to eat at 136 Bermondsey street (unless they want to eat Dave's famous 'Sausage a la grilled' and nothing else... The man - Does. Not. Cook.). So Dave's friend Jo Black and her man Matt (who live literally 1 minute from us) came around and we had a pasta (roasting the cherry tomatoes wth balsamic and brown sugar - whose idea was that? i remember someone telling me that excellent!) which was a long and involved process roasting a thousand different veggies. AND... dum de dumn dum!! Dave made desert!! Rhubarb!! Jo, Matt and I were a little bit worried but... then ... we didnt realise how easy rhubarb was to cook...
Shouldnt take his small victory away from him - should I? But that was a very good night. Like Sandy and CHarlie (Daves other friends I have met) I really like both of them - and this time Dave managed to party on till a whopping 2am!!
Went out the other night with Matt (Dave's flatmate) his sister Gerry and Dave's friend Emma. It was all good fun (until Emma decided to... Hmm. Well. Anyway..) and we decided to end the night with round of Sherries in a tapas bar - as none of us could ever recall ordering sherries, as surely that was only a dink the nanas drank!! But is shouldnt be. Becuase not only was it quite nice to drink, but it had a hell of a kick... Hmm.. Cheeky nanas!!
Wow. MONSTER blog. No jobs being applied for at the moment!!
Must go, love you alkl and love the emails I get - please keep them up even if I dont email you direct. As soo as I get a job and a bit more time on the computer than my few hours each day I promise to be better with my emails.
Congrats on the job Vee. Sounds brilliant, Im so happy for you.
I hope you all saw Dave in the tiser recently. You can pay him out accordingly at david@athletes1.co.uk . Alternatively if you are nicer than Ben, you can send him a birthday wish as it is this Sunday (16th may) and he will be rounding that corner be officially 'late thirties'.
mwa ha ha
love you all.
Next post will be me detailing my delicious new job. hopefully.
xxx Hot Stuff
Or they dont.. I dont know... Sometimes the images in my head are not reality and its hard to differentiate.
To all those who do actually read this (i count 6 so far, not including the printed pages my nana gets), apologies for being a bit slack... but in truth there isn't all that much to write about.
Let me see. I am in London. I dont have a job. I am running out of money. And we dont ever leave the street that we live on becuase Dave works till so late. Did I mention I didnt have a job? I have no friends. And no job.
I probably should get out and about and explore the place (the natural science museum is wonderful, purrs my dad, you can spend an entire day in there)- but Ive done a fair bit of that, and my motivation seems weighted down by the nagging fact that I should really be looking for jobs, and such exercises are frivilous.
The job hunt? Well half the problem here is that there are so many positions, so many recruitment firms, so many.... so many alternatives that its really, really hard to discern what you actually want/have a chance for. I can spend 3 hours on an application and not even get a confirmation of receipt. Wading throught the sheer mess that is the employment circuit is enough to drive anyone insane. My first little while was simply spent trying to tell A from B. I think Im getting a bit better at it all now, but it is still really hit and miss. The major problem is that so many of the positions require 1 years experience in the exact same role. So even though I have worked in offices for 5 years and am so capable of doing everything (besides being modest), they wont even open my CV without that experience. I cant even get my foot in the door - i cant even get them to give me a phone call. Which is all I want.
Ive had a few things thrown my way, but they all appear largely admin based... which is fine... but ive covered that area. I got offered a position in this nice marketing company which would require me to do 6 months admin before getting a marketing position... downside is its two hours travel each day and £30 a week to get there! SO that is a pity as I really liked the company and would have been willing to take the 6 months admin. Ive had an offer for managing a seminar program for a big law firm here (booo-ring) and potentialy working for a large soccer-based organisation (helping organise huge B2B soccer convention held in Dubai each year)... Dave is keen on me taking the last one!! Got a couple of mildly exciting things coming up, one including a informal talk with a Product Placment manager at a large PR firm. Fingers crossed for that one, so hard that its drawing blood...but I also dont want to get my hopes up as i have learnt that things dont seem to be what you want them to be on the job front.
But im positive as these things always seem to work themselves out for me in the end. And thankfully things have changed from 'No-one is calling me!!' to 'No-one is calling me with the right job!!'
Twas VE day here the other day (... as it was elsewhere I assume)which was celebrated a bit differently here than australia. About 30 channels had shows on about WW2 (some amazing colour footage as well) and its interesting because each show would be based in a different little area of europe, telling a different story of those days. Each town had its own tale. Quite moving really.
Speaking of moving - and georgia, you'll love this - the television here.. about a thousand home improvement/lifestyle shows. YES! And Ive become fairly addicted to them. Especially the one where they do up the house for the disadvantaged people. Dave ofen pops home for lunch to see me having a little weep over how joyus the whole thing is. Hmmm...pretend i didnt write that. And I watch cooking shows with a pad and pencil for a few hours each day planning that night's three-course extravaganza. I dont think Dave has ever eaten so well! SO whilst Im not really getting out and using my free time to see london - Im certainly bettering my cooking skills.....
... so much so that Dave asked people around for dinner the other night! Which is apparently the first time in a very, very long time guests have been allowed to eat at 136 Bermondsey street (unless they want to eat Dave's famous 'Sausage a la grilled' and nothing else... The man - Does. Not. Cook.). So Dave's friend Jo Black and her man Matt (who live literally 1 minute from us) came around and we had a pasta (roasting the cherry tomatoes wth balsamic and brown sugar - whose idea was that? i remember someone telling me that excellent!) which was a long and involved process roasting a thousand different veggies. AND... dum de dumn dum!! Dave made desert!! Rhubarb!! Jo, Matt and I were a little bit worried but... then ... we didnt realise how easy rhubarb was to cook...
Shouldnt take his small victory away from him - should I? But that was a very good night. Like Sandy and CHarlie (Daves other friends I have met) I really like both of them - and this time Dave managed to party on till a whopping 2am!!
Went out the other night with Matt (Dave's flatmate) his sister Gerry and Dave's friend Emma. It was all good fun (until Emma decided to... Hmm. Well. Anyway..) and we decided to end the night with round of Sherries in a tapas bar - as none of us could ever recall ordering sherries, as surely that was only a dink the nanas drank!! But is shouldnt be. Becuase not only was it quite nice to drink, but it had a hell of a kick... Hmm.. Cheeky nanas!!
Wow. MONSTER blog. No jobs being applied for at the moment!!
Must go, love you alkl and love the emails I get - please keep them up even if I dont email you direct. As soo as I get a job and a bit more time on the computer than my few hours each day I promise to be better with my emails.
Congrats on the job Vee. Sounds brilliant, Im so happy for you.
I hope you all saw Dave in the tiser recently. You can pay him out accordingly at david@athletes1.co.uk . Alternatively if you are nicer than Ben, you can send him a birthday wish as it is this Sunday (16th may) and he will be rounding that corner be officially 'late thirties'.
mwa ha ha
love you all.
Next post will be me detailing my delicious new job. hopefully.
xxx Hot Stuff
Saturday, April 30, 2005
London Town
Well, its been a while since the last post and I apologise for my slackness. Not that anyone is probably checking this regularly, though the pictures in my head tell me you are all dilligently logging on each morning to see waht the next exciting installment is.
Exciting? Well, not so much. Unless ironing and risottos excite you that is. Actually, risottos are exciting, especially the one I made.
I've settled in quite nicely to my London life. Its so good to be moving into an established house where I the only things I had to do to get organised was to buy some soap, toothpaste and milk. I'm very lucky.
The main thing I do each day is look for a job. It has taken me a while to get my head aound the best way to do this and I feel like my first week was filled with dead ends. With me flailing around in a sea of information and not knowing the best path to take. Which is a bit demoralising but necessary. It just means Im closer to actually getting somewhere. Im not sure how long it will take me to find a marketing position that suits me so I suspect I will be doing some office work to make ends meet until that time.
But my off time is spent having a look around London, planning and cooking dinner, reading and relaxing with Dave. There are some great markets down the road (Borough Markets)that we went to this morning and got ourselves a coffee and bought our food for the weekend. We are going to play golf tomorrow. Apparently I have a lot of potential. Which is probably all bollocks and Dave's way of coersing me into be positive that playing golf is a good way to spend out long weekend.
Must go. The sun has come out and Dave wants to go outside and take off his top.
Happy Mothers day for Sunday mum. Hopefully will have called you.
xx Heather
Exciting? Well, not so much. Unless ironing and risottos excite you that is. Actually, risottos are exciting, especially the one I made.
I've settled in quite nicely to my London life. Its so good to be moving into an established house where I the only things I had to do to get organised was to buy some soap, toothpaste and milk. I'm very lucky.
The main thing I do each day is look for a job. It has taken me a while to get my head aound the best way to do this and I feel like my first week was filled with dead ends. With me flailing around in a sea of information and not knowing the best path to take. Which is a bit demoralising but necessary. It just means Im closer to actually getting somewhere. Im not sure how long it will take me to find a marketing position that suits me so I suspect I will be doing some office work to make ends meet until that time.
But my off time is spent having a look around London, planning and cooking dinner, reading and relaxing with Dave. There are some great markets down the road (Borough Markets)that we went to this morning and got ourselves a coffee and bought our food for the weekend. We are going to play golf tomorrow. Apparently I have a lot of potential. Which is probably all bollocks and Dave's way of coersing me into be positive that playing golf is a good way to spend out long weekend.
Must go. The sun has come out and Dave wants to go outside and take off his top.
Happy Mothers day for Sunday mum. Hopefully will have called you.
xx Heather
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
London
Well, ive arrived in London finally. after three or four days in mumbai and a final 8 hour flight, we arrived early this morning. feeling a bit shaky at the moment from the flight but will have an early one and hopefully land on my feet tomorrow. Though seem to have come down with something of a cold with my nose constantly blocked and my sentences punctuated with a sneeze.
Mumbai was excellent. However unfortunately besides the Gateway to India not much sightseeing was done. And this was mostly to blame on the Taj Mahal Hotel where we were staying and their immaculate pool. I have never stayed in such a luxurious place and after a week of wandering the streets of Bangalore by myself, I felt it was only fair to indulge myself. Plus it was good to have Dave as pretty much constant company, and as he was keen to keep his tan to show those in England, I too attempted to develop one (somewhat unsuccessfully).
Mumbai itself was a really interesting place. As predicted, the extremes were evident.
However that will have to wait till the next post as dave is standing behind me demanding that we go and find food.
Send me emails to heatheranders@hotmail.com and give me tall teh latest. as so much happens in adelaide in 10 days....
xxx Heather
Mumbai was excellent. However unfortunately besides the Gateway to India not much sightseeing was done. And this was mostly to blame on the Taj Mahal Hotel where we were staying and their immaculate pool. I have never stayed in such a luxurious place and after a week of wandering the streets of Bangalore by myself, I felt it was only fair to indulge myself. Plus it was good to have Dave as pretty much constant company, and as he was keen to keep his tan to show those in England, I too attempted to develop one (somewhat unsuccessfully).
Mumbai itself was a really interesting place. As predicted, the extremes were evident.
However that will have to wait till the next post as dave is standing behind me demanding that we go and find food.
Send me emails to heatheranders@hotmail.com and give me tall teh latest. as so much happens in adelaide in 10 days....
xxx Heather
Friday, April 15, 2005
Farewell to Bangalore
in a few hours we leave bangalore for mumbai. im not too sure what to expect of india's biggest city (18 million) but no doubt it will be a case of extremes. Extreme wealth vs extreme poverty. And no doubt it will make bangalore look relatively pristine - an odd concept. There is a recurring smell in bangalore that wafts into your path every now and then when walking the streets - a mixture of the awfullest smelling feet imaginable and rotting fruit. It is quite putrid and hits the back of your throat in a burning fashion. Even five days later it makes me retch. But I suspect the pollution in Mumbai will be far worse, as Bangalore is considered on of the cleanest cities in India. Another thing that worries me is the beggars and homeless people. No doubt it will be far worse in Mumbai and from what I have seen here in bangalore... terrible. Its quite haunting. I'm still trying to shake the image of a little five-year-old girl who approached me, holding her mangled arm up for me to see which was covered with a a sea of red and black and an evil-yellow puss, shrilly yelling for money. I cant bring myself to venture near the corner where I saw her, I cant quite shake the image.
But its not all doom and gloom, much of my stay has been pleasant and fascinating. My 'tailor' (who produced some 'fitted clothes' for me which can only be described as potatoe sacks.. though the materials and the ideas are nice so im hoping to get another tailor to fix as i dont have the heart to insult him) was generous and kind and taught me alot about the culture (and that at 24, i was getting on and really should get married!!) and we have made plans to meet when he comes to England (as is his dream). I truely hope he makes it there to see his beloved Liverpool play.
Last night I met a Tibetan monk (Tenzin) who is staying at the same hotel as us, a kind and generous man who offered me a blessing from the Dhalai Lama for myself and my family - because i was australian and therefore a friend of the Dhalai Lama. I received some blessed silk sheet things to hang in the house to remove obstacles from my homelife and some special tea bead type things (which was a VERY special thing to receive apparently) to clear the obstacles in my personal life and create inner peace (I drink them with hot water in the morning, then shower and eat no breakfast ). He then got me to bring Dave to his room and Dave recieved a different type of blessing for his business and his family also which involved a bell, singing, and wind blowing. It was an interesting ceremony, quite beautiful and at certain points i found myself very eager and toyed with the idea of embracing a bit more spirituality in my life. Certaily the Dhalai Lama a wise and gifted leader and his story is truely amazing. Buddhism seems to be such a positive and peaceful way of life which encapsulates the idea of Karma - a philosophy I completely agree with. Perhaps more inner peace is something my firey temprement needs. But then- in a manner -he asked for some money which sort of cheapened the whole thing - but I cant fault him as how will he be funded to spread the word otherwise? It definately fuelled dave's and mine dinner conversation (where i tried to explain to dave what happened in the Dhalai Lama's life but was a bit patchy as it is years since i saw and was moved by scorsace's 'Kundun') I had seen a few monks around bangalore these past few days and Tenzin explained that there is going to be a big meeting with one of the holiest leaders today in bangalore and monks from across the globe were gathering. It was quite a beautiful, and definately unexpected way tospend an hour in India.
The thing about Indians that cracks me up every time is the head bobble. When the are agreeing or saying yes to something the comical the side to side head bobble is performed. Its positively hysterical when the chinese people who yrun the hotel we are in also employ it I cant quite pinpoint why I find it so amusing, lets just call me a crude westerner.
The plan is to stay at a rather nice hotel which has a pool - a rarity here. im looking forward to being able to have the odd swim as i feel like ive been constantly tacky for a week. whether its the sunscreen, the mosquito repellant or the pure humidity- a glistining film of sweat has encased me constantly.
must go and pack. try to fit all the crap i have bought into my already full suitcases.
love, Heather
ps i hope nobody expects postcards because i literally cant find any!
But its not all doom and gloom, much of my stay has been pleasant and fascinating. My 'tailor' (who produced some 'fitted clothes' for me which can only be described as potatoe sacks.. though the materials and the ideas are nice so im hoping to get another tailor to fix as i dont have the heart to insult him) was generous and kind and taught me alot about the culture (and that at 24, i was getting on and really should get married!!) and we have made plans to meet when he comes to England (as is his dream). I truely hope he makes it there to see his beloved Liverpool play.
Last night I met a Tibetan monk (Tenzin) who is staying at the same hotel as us, a kind and generous man who offered me a blessing from the Dhalai Lama for myself and my family - because i was australian and therefore a friend of the Dhalai Lama. I received some blessed silk sheet things to hang in the house to remove obstacles from my homelife and some special tea bead type things (which was a VERY special thing to receive apparently) to clear the obstacles in my personal life and create inner peace (I drink them with hot water in the morning, then shower and eat no breakfast ). He then got me to bring Dave to his room and Dave recieved a different type of blessing for his business and his family also which involved a bell, singing, and wind blowing. It was an interesting ceremony, quite beautiful and at certain points i found myself very eager and toyed with the idea of embracing a bit more spirituality in my life. Certaily the Dhalai Lama a wise and gifted leader and his story is truely amazing. Buddhism seems to be such a positive and peaceful way of life which encapsulates the idea of Karma - a philosophy I completely agree with. Perhaps more inner peace is something my firey temprement needs. But then- in a manner -he asked for some money which sort of cheapened the whole thing - but I cant fault him as how will he be funded to spread the word otherwise? It definately fuelled dave's and mine dinner conversation (where i tried to explain to dave what happened in the Dhalai Lama's life but was a bit patchy as it is years since i saw and was moved by scorsace's 'Kundun') I had seen a few monks around bangalore these past few days and Tenzin explained that there is going to be a big meeting with one of the holiest leaders today in bangalore and monks from across the globe were gathering. It was quite a beautiful, and definately unexpected way tospend an hour in India.
The thing about Indians that cracks me up every time is the head bobble. When the are agreeing or saying yes to something the comical the side to side head bobble is performed. Its positively hysterical when the chinese people who yrun the hotel we are in also employ it I cant quite pinpoint why I find it so amusing, lets just call me a crude westerner.
The plan is to stay at a rather nice hotel which has a pool - a rarity here. im looking forward to being able to have the odd swim as i feel like ive been constantly tacky for a week. whether its the sunscreen, the mosquito repellant or the pure humidity- a glistining film of sweat has encased me constantly.
must go and pack. try to fit all the crap i have bought into my already full suitcases.
love, Heather
ps i hope nobody expects postcards because i literally cant find any!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Lost in Translation
(apologies for bad spelling in these past couple of posts - I have the toughest keyboard in the world - especially the i's and the l's)
Been having a few moments over the past few days that i can only liken to Lost in Translation. It's more a feeling than exact events, as there is something a bit disconcerting about wandering the streets by day, waiting for the person to share it with to come home. It's trying to assimilate to a culture and enjoy the adventure, but to only to feel increasingly baffled and alone. But these feelings can be directy related to the fact that Bangalore is probably a place that can be done in a day or two (and I'm on four) and my great planned day trip to Mysore has been cancelled. A bus trip was advised against for a number of reasons and getting a driver meant a seven hour round trip on bumpy roads. The drawcard of the Maharajah's palace was droolworthy, but for those who know me well, im a creature of comfort and doing such a slog by oneself lessened the appeal. So im very much looking forward to the weekend and a change of scenery (Mumbai).
I'm ripping thought my novel (Dave Eggars "You Shall Know Our Velocity" which is great company and has me laughing out loud often [Eggars was one of 2 authors (with Da Vinci Code's Dan Brown) just named in Time's 100 most influential people in the word along wth Bush, Bill Gates etc. etc .... Eggars?!?! Don't understand!]) and venturing out for three or four hours each day. Still shopping somewhat but finding it exhausing. Going to the art gallery this afternoon hopefully. There have been 2 backouts this moring - whch is pretty much on par as backouts seem to occur 3 or 4 times a day (especaly during heat of day) and last for half an hour to an hour.
Have sustained 4 mozzie bites so far, whch isnt too bad consdering their desire for me and the fact that there are so many here you need to be careful when you talk/eat not to swallow one. But up with my malara pills...i think...
Went to another roof-top restaurant last night, which was a very calssy, sliver service affair (cost us under $20AUD - so ive made a deal with dave that i buy him dinner here if he buys in London!). Had the best curries ive ever had. Bliss! Going there again tonight with Dave's work colleagues which should be great. We went there last night after going shopping, where Dave had put my batering skills to shame. I have a tendancy to pay whatever they ask me or get a 3 for 2 type deal whereas dave will spend half an hour debating the price of every litte thing. I have to walk away I find it so embarrassing - but he thrives on it. One of the most amsusing tidbits about shopping/going to restaurants here is the sheer number of staff. Last night we went into a small men's underwear shop, where we were the only people in there for the 20 mins we were there... and had about 7 people serving us!! No kidding.
xx Heather
Been having a few moments over the past few days that i can only liken to Lost in Translation. It's more a feeling than exact events, as there is something a bit disconcerting about wandering the streets by day, waiting for the person to share it with to come home. It's trying to assimilate to a culture and enjoy the adventure, but to only to feel increasingly baffled and alone. But these feelings can be directy related to the fact that Bangalore is probably a place that can be done in a day or two (and I'm on four) and my great planned day trip to Mysore has been cancelled. A bus trip was advised against for a number of reasons and getting a driver meant a seven hour round trip on bumpy roads. The drawcard of the Maharajah's palace was droolworthy, but for those who know me well, im a creature of comfort and doing such a slog by oneself lessened the appeal. So im very much looking forward to the weekend and a change of scenery (Mumbai).
I'm ripping thought my novel (Dave Eggars "You Shall Know Our Velocity" which is great company and has me laughing out loud often [Eggars was one of 2 authors (with Da Vinci Code's Dan Brown) just named in Time's 100 most influential people in the word along wth Bush, Bill Gates etc. etc .... Eggars?!?! Don't understand!]) and venturing out for three or four hours each day. Still shopping somewhat but finding it exhausing. Going to the art gallery this afternoon hopefully. There have been 2 backouts this moring - whch is pretty much on par as backouts seem to occur 3 or 4 times a day (especaly during heat of day) and last for half an hour to an hour.
Have sustained 4 mozzie bites so far, whch isnt too bad consdering their desire for me and the fact that there are so many here you need to be careful when you talk/eat not to swallow one. But up with my malara pills...i think...
Went to another roof-top restaurant last night, which was a very calssy, sliver service affair (cost us under $20AUD - so ive made a deal with dave that i buy him dinner here if he buys in London!). Had the best curries ive ever had. Bliss! Going there again tonight with Dave's work colleagues which should be great. We went there last night after going shopping, where Dave had put my batering skills to shame. I have a tendancy to pay whatever they ask me or get a 3 for 2 type deal whereas dave will spend half an hour debating the price of every litte thing. I have to walk away I find it so embarrassing - but he thrives on it. One of the most amsusing tidbits about shopping/going to restaurants here is the sheer number of staff. Last night we went into a small men's underwear shop, where we were the only people in there for the 20 mins we were there... and had about 7 people serving us!! No kidding.
xx Heather
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Bangalangalangalore
day two. i have upgraded from the tin shed and found an internet place in a pleasant department store. Air-condintioning inventor for president of the word!!
The numerous hours spent roaming the streets of Bangalore over the past two days have meant that I am now an old hand at crossing the road, avoiding dogshit and telling the flower children to bugger off (cruel but necessary to stop the tidal wave).
After getting lost and very disoriented for an hour or two yesterday i was grateful to have Dave home in the evening to go exploring together. We had dinner at this rooftop funky bar called 'Zero' atop a 10 storey building that overlooks Bangalore. We wandered the streets a bit, laughed a lot at the pure insanity of the place and bought me some highheels (!!)
We also managed to bookourselves into another Hotel which is one sixth of the price of where we are currently staying and has double the Indian Charm (ie. no air con, no proper shower, seperate beds and a bay windows that open onto a balcony that overlooks Bangalore's busiest road). We move in tonight. Not sure if this is a wise dea as the traffic will be waking us up very, very eary in the morning I suspect. Indians (like many other cultures) absolutely loooove their car horn. I'm pretty sure a car without one is considered unroadworthy. A toot on the horn can be interpreted as "Get out of my way!!" "I'm coming up behind you!!" "You fuckwit!" "Would you like a ride white lady?" and my favourite "Hello. I have a vehicle!" It had dave and I in stiches last night wen we caught a rickshaw home from the restaurant and even though the road was completely empty the driver woud periodcally beep just for the hell of it!
Hit the tailoring district of Commercal street today which was unreal. Thousands of shops packed together in a maze of narrow dusty streets, selling everything you could and couldn't imagine and hawkers yeling at you from the moment they spotted you 30metres away. So I had my frst foray into barganing today. With mixed results. Actualy suffering from post-purchase disonnance at the moment and pretty convinced that I have paid too much (though definatey not in aust terms) and that they were laughing at the sily white lady. And also not sure why the hell I bought what I bought. Have ordered two indian sets to be tailored for me (beautful fabric, georgeous patterns) but had the realisaton as I waked away from the store that I would probably never wear them (*georgia rubs her hands together*). Was going to get some silk scarves as well, but exhausted from the battle it was to communicate what it was i wanted at the tailoring store, and couldnt summon the energy to talk to anyone else.
So got in a rickshaw and made like a hockey player and got the puck out of there. Only to realise that the coupe of beautiful sequened handbags I had bought were left in the store. Unable to get the driver to turn around, I cut my losses and have started to hope that I can get them tomorrow when I collect my cothes from the tailor. And you better cross your fingers too mum cos one of those bags had your name on it. So i was feeling quite low and questioning everything I had just spent money on, why i was in Inda, and what the meaning of life was in genera (42). THANKFULLY I reaised that I should just buy the Robbie Wiams greatest hits cd, as that i would be guarenteed to make me (and eleanor when i send her a copy) happy. (shops se cds fro 10 dollars here!)
Bout to go and investigate getting a day trip to Mysore tomorrow or Thursday. Also need to get home and gather my stuff to move hotels. Im predicting a scene of me standing on the sidewalk of the busy road (no parking of course) screaming at people to not touch the luggage I am guarding as Dave and his driver carry it up the 700 fights of stairs to out new budget accommodation.
But then i am going to assult an indian curry and everythng will be brilliant. And if it sn't, the cd store is never too far away....
xxxx Heather
ps: cheers to nadsie for the comment. sure, it was mean - but its code for the fact she loves me.
Notes: it does you well to tell people you are bargaining with, that you are from austraia, that you love cricket and how s the inda/pakistan game going.
The numerous hours spent roaming the streets of Bangalore over the past two days have meant that I am now an old hand at crossing the road, avoiding dogshit and telling the flower children to bugger off (cruel but necessary to stop the tidal wave).
After getting lost and very disoriented for an hour or two yesterday i was grateful to have Dave home in the evening to go exploring together. We had dinner at this rooftop funky bar called 'Zero' atop a 10 storey building that overlooks Bangalore. We wandered the streets a bit, laughed a lot at the pure insanity of the place and bought me some highheels (!!)
We also managed to bookourselves into another Hotel which is one sixth of the price of where we are currently staying and has double the Indian Charm (ie. no air con, no proper shower, seperate beds and a bay windows that open onto a balcony that overlooks Bangalore's busiest road). We move in tonight. Not sure if this is a wise dea as the traffic will be waking us up very, very eary in the morning I suspect. Indians (like many other cultures) absolutely loooove their car horn. I'm pretty sure a car without one is considered unroadworthy. A toot on the horn can be interpreted as "Get out of my way!!" "I'm coming up behind you!!" "You fuckwit!" "Would you like a ride white lady?" and my favourite "Hello. I have a vehicle!" It had dave and I in stiches last night wen we caught a rickshaw home from the restaurant and even though the road was completely empty the driver woud periodcally beep just for the hell of it!
Hit the tailoring district of Commercal street today which was unreal. Thousands of shops packed together in a maze of narrow dusty streets, selling everything you could and couldn't imagine and hawkers yeling at you from the moment they spotted you 30metres away. So I had my frst foray into barganing today. With mixed results. Actualy suffering from post-purchase disonnance at the moment and pretty convinced that I have paid too much (though definatey not in aust terms) and that they were laughing at the sily white lady. And also not sure why the hell I bought what I bought. Have ordered two indian sets to be tailored for me (beautful fabric, georgeous patterns) but had the realisaton as I waked away from the store that I would probably never wear them (*georgia rubs her hands together*). Was going to get some silk scarves as well, but exhausted from the battle it was to communicate what it was i wanted at the tailoring store, and couldnt summon the energy to talk to anyone else.
So got in a rickshaw and made like a hockey player and got the puck out of there. Only to realise that the coupe of beautiful sequened handbags I had bought were left in the store. Unable to get the driver to turn around, I cut my losses and have started to hope that I can get them tomorrow when I collect my cothes from the tailor. And you better cross your fingers too mum cos one of those bags had your name on it. So i was feeling quite low and questioning everything I had just spent money on, why i was in Inda, and what the meaning of life was in genera (42). THANKFULLY I reaised that I should just buy the Robbie Wiams greatest hits cd, as that i would be guarenteed to make me (and eleanor when i send her a copy) happy. (shops se cds fro 10 dollars here!)
Bout to go and investigate getting a day trip to Mysore tomorrow or Thursday. Also need to get home and gather my stuff to move hotels. Im predicting a scene of me standing on the sidewalk of the busy road (no parking of course) screaming at people to not touch the luggage I am guarding as Dave and his driver carry it up the 700 fights of stairs to out new budget accommodation.
But then i am going to assult an indian curry and everythng will be brilliant. And if it sn't, the cd store is never too far away....
xxxx Heather
ps: cheers to nadsie for the comment. sure, it was mean - but its code for the fact she loves me.
Notes: it does you well to tell people you are bargaining with, that you are from austraia, that you love cricket and how s the inda/pakistan game going.
Monday, April 11, 2005
passage to india
Im currently sitting in one of the technology capital of India - Bangalore's - many internet cafes. Though it looks remarkably like a tin shed (something like swan reach but 1/5 the size) and smells like **** I have been assured that this is cutting edge. And after the hour spent in Mumbai (Bombay) between airports yesterday - I dont doubt that.
We arrived at the Alex's place in Sydney on Saturday afternoon and after a few catch-up wines headed out to Doyles on Watson Bay to indulge in a bit of beer drinking. A few hours later and after a mad giggling dash to the toilets on the ferry as we avoided the ticket inspector, we found ourselves at Mojo - a funky Tapas restaurant on Bondi Beach with Tommy Moore. I would love to describe what happened there but I have little recollection beyond lots of Sangria and the fact that Dave ate TWO prawns ("fckn delicious - some of the nicest food ive ever had") and male Al convinced him to eat a mussle. Pigs. CAN. Fly.
The result of this night, of course, didnt exactly set us up for the best flying conditions the next day. Thankfully we managed to swindle a four-seater between the 2 of us. For the twenty hours we were in fligh/transit (Sydney to Bombay\Mumbai, Mumbai to Bangalore). I slept no longer than 30 minutes for the 8+ hour first leg and dave staed awake no longer than that. Though I will tell you that Meet the Fockers is average, Ray was excellent, Spanglish was sub-par and the Incredibles is better the second time.
Impressions of India so far? Madness. The transit period spent in Mumbai was quite shocking. Slums as far as the eye could see, the 'houses' within metres of extremely busy roads. Little babies wandering these streets and the rubbish and smell ... unbelievable. But will be back there later this week and have more bout there then.
Bangalore on the other hand is much easier to accept. Whist still very dirty and crowded, the poverty is not so obvious. It's very humid here but Darwin trained me well to cope with this. Everyone stares at me (probably never seen a supermodel before) and the street flower girls like to touch me. Constantly. But it's all ok, im really enjoying the experience.
Crossing the road is a half hour task which I have to build courage up for.... whilst pretending to be waiting for someone so im not accosted. Im in the process of trying to find another hotel as the one we are staying at now is absurdly priced and I still havent managed to cross the road to get to the main strip of hotels. Might have to hire a cab or something. Hmmm....
Been into a few shops where I get my own salesperson everytime but im getting good at looking uninterested. Feel the shopping bug creeping back on me but quite content to look around for a day or two before getting out the plastic... And then... well - Mum - Im sure we can fit much much more in those cases
The food here so far is nice. Drank the Lassi this moring to build up my natural immunity to the local bacteria and found it delicious. Ate a couple of curries and in heaven. YUM.
All is well, missing everyone lots, wishing you were all here to share this with me. Becaseu its crazy. Absolutely Absurd. Anyway - must go, roads to cross.
xxxx Heather
PS. Carn the Crows!!!! PREMIERS 2005.
We arrived at the Alex's place in Sydney on Saturday afternoon and after a few catch-up wines headed out to Doyles on Watson Bay to indulge in a bit of beer drinking. A few hours later and after a mad giggling dash to the toilets on the ferry as we avoided the ticket inspector, we found ourselves at Mojo - a funky Tapas restaurant on Bondi Beach with Tommy Moore. I would love to describe what happened there but I have little recollection beyond lots of Sangria and the fact that Dave ate TWO prawns ("fckn delicious - some of the nicest food ive ever had") and male Al convinced him to eat a mussle. Pigs. CAN. Fly.
The result of this night, of course, didnt exactly set us up for the best flying conditions the next day. Thankfully we managed to swindle a four-seater between the 2 of us. For the twenty hours we were in fligh/transit (Sydney to Bombay\Mumbai, Mumbai to Bangalore). I slept no longer than 30 minutes for the 8+ hour first leg and dave staed awake no longer than that. Though I will tell you that Meet the Fockers is average, Ray was excellent, Spanglish was sub-par and the Incredibles is better the second time.
Impressions of India so far? Madness. The transit period spent in Mumbai was quite shocking. Slums as far as the eye could see, the 'houses' within metres of extremely busy roads. Little babies wandering these streets and the rubbish and smell ... unbelievable. But will be back there later this week and have more bout there then.
Bangalore on the other hand is much easier to accept. Whist still very dirty and crowded, the poverty is not so obvious. It's very humid here but Darwin trained me well to cope with this. Everyone stares at me (probably never seen a supermodel before) and the street flower girls like to touch me. Constantly. But it's all ok, im really enjoying the experience.
Crossing the road is a half hour task which I have to build courage up for.... whilst pretending to be waiting for someone so im not accosted. Im in the process of trying to find another hotel as the one we are staying at now is absurdly priced and I still havent managed to cross the road to get to the main strip of hotels. Might have to hire a cab or something. Hmmm....
Been into a few shops where I get my own salesperson everytime but im getting good at looking uninterested. Feel the shopping bug creeping back on me but quite content to look around for a day or two before getting out the plastic... And then... well - Mum - Im sure we can fit much much more in those cases
The food here so far is nice. Drank the Lassi this moring to build up my natural immunity to the local bacteria and found it delicious. Ate a couple of curries and in heaven. YUM.
All is well, missing everyone lots, wishing you were all here to share this with me. Becaseu its crazy. Absolutely Absurd. Anyway - must go, roads to cross.
xxxx Heather
PS. Carn the Crows!!!! PREMIERS 2005.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Links Archive
Feb 2009
- Best 3/4 Time Speech Ever
- van damme on the dance floor
- Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental & Storage
- Shoes
- Les peaux de lièvres
April 3
- garfield minus garfield
- Design*Sponge
- YouTube - Spiders On Drugs
- Music Video Clip - Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)
July 31
- YouTube - CSI Miami - Endless Caruso One-Liners
- YouTube - Logie Bonehead Challenge
- YouTube - Best Bridal Dance Ever
- YouTube - Conan Walker Lever
June 13
- 60 Reasons Why Spielberg Rules
- Celebrity Baby Blog
- YouTube Clip - MADtv iRack
- Music Video Clip - Thriller (Indian Style)
April 26
April 3, 2007
- Baby Rock Records
- Knitted Dog Hats
- YouTube Clip of the Week - Grape Lady
- Music Video Clip of the Week - Bjork - "Triumph of Heart"
March 11, 2007
- The Human Clock
- World Press Photos of the Year Gallery
- Music Video of the Week - David Hasselhoff "Hooked on a Feeling"
- YouTube Clip of the Week - "Brokeback to the Future"
February 2007
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