3 months in 8 paragraphs

So I know I said I would back on here writing sooner then this. Didn't I say 21 hours and 31 minutes? Maybe I have been watching 'Rent' too much and think my life is a musical, creating a song almost adjacent to one that's out there already. Either way I cannot hide any more and need to come to terms with telling you why I have been away for so so long. 
Wow I do sound very dramatic and by no means is this a dramatic story, its a story of 3 months in London and my reasons to why I haven't posted.

From my last post here you saw that I was jetting to New York City. Ah, New York City, what can I say. I love this place, it has stolen my heart. I had an amazing experience with amazing friends and enjoyed every moment. I do feel I was unable to discover the city completely however it gives me reason to go back time and time again to explore the rest. The only unfortunate thing was that I got quite ill. Being unwell in a different city is hard enough but being unwell in America is something you don't really want. The health system is crazy, charging a fortune if you don't have private health insurance. 
My mum said to the day before I left to double check my travel insurance as I was heading to America, she made me cautious and worried,  making me check and check that all would be ok. I wonder now if maybe this was a jinx (sorry mum) but either way I became unwell, unable to talk, having a fever, breaking out in a whole body rash and then self diagnosing myself only to freak my self out even more.
I finally succumbed and had a doctor visit and inject me with anything that would make the horrible rash disappear and give me my voice back. The worse thing was I had to see her again to get clearance to fly. Could you imagine seeing a girl getting on a flight covered in a red swollen rash? Would you really want to fly with her?
I do have to say upon my return to London I was very depressed, I missed the city, it was raining in London (after a warm New York) and my boyfriend was heading on a 2 week trip to Poland. I couldn't shake it, I think it stole lot of my creativity. I guess being sick for the next week also didn't help the cause. 
After New York I vowed to enjoy London as much as I enjoyed New York. I think I was starting to become comfortable and almost at ease with my life here not discovering anything new. 

We moved not long after to East central London to a new flat in the middle of it all. I have to say I love the flat and the location but not always the drunks that without fail spend every Sunday night below the apartment block drinking and yelling. I have started to wear ear plugs. 

As the London summer continued on, summer trips became a pivotal part of everyone's lives, as the rain for me doesn't really count as a summer. Our summer trip was Ibiza!
At the beginning of the trip I remember waiting at the airport with our friends saying that I really think that this would be my only trip to Ibiza, as once you go you've seen it all and why would yo want to go back... my thoughts now have changed. I would head back in a minute. Ibiza isn't all about big clubs, being out until 6am, sleeping all day and then doing it again. Its about the beautiful beaches, the food, the culture and soaking up your surroundings. This is only if you stay out of St Antonio. We were very lucky with our accommodation, staying in a villa in the mountains just outside of St Jose. I recommend to anyone to rent a place with friends away from the main towns and to grab a car and discover the island. I loved it!

On our return to London, the sunshine must have followed. Giving us a week of beautiful days. I think if the rain was there when we arrived back, I would have packed my bags and left the country!
My attention in  London soon turned to work, house warmings and the Olympics. All three things brought special times with friends, lots of enjoying the city (as I vowed to do) and new discoveries. The Olympics gave London a great vibe, not a busy vibe but a great one - I got to see the Olympic torch go by and I attended a Beach Volleyball match. Everyone that went to the events talks about how much they enjoyed. 

I sit here now in a coffee shop, writing on my laptop (how very Sex and the City of me) the real reason is because we don't have internet at home. My attention now turned to the heat outside, that's right the heat, 31degrees in fact. Hoping I have explained or really filled you in with where I have been. 
My bigger attentions beyond this day is to continue writing and sharing more with you, exploring new projects and continuing my travels.
Come to think of it, I will be in Madrid this time next week....

2 months, 14 days, 11 hours and 24 minutes

Can you believe that is how long I have been away for?
But don't worry, only 21 hours and 31 minutes  until I am back and giving you a really really good explanation to my absence!

In New York...

Tomorrow is the day that I will be...

getting on a plane,

flying away

and landing in this concrete jungle.

We'll be sleeping (?) here...

riding bikes through there...

...and shopping up a storm like these ladies.

What a show!

London, you have been putting on the performance of your life this past week. Sunshine, love and happy thoughts have filled the air and minds of every person I have walked by.


It has made me feel at home, made me feel warm and gooey inside, made me enjoy London and the magnificent parks, which we unfortunately don't get to use too often.


The weekend felt extra long and I'm looking forward to the sunshine heat wave...


How did you spend your weekend? 


Mine....

Everybody has a story

Week 4- Jewellery-licious-mama-Mia

Mia is a jeweller/ jewellery designer raised in Sydney but has travelled far and wide. She loves a challenge, meeting new people and experiencing anything and everything. Loves food, coffee, art, yoga, fashion, bling of course, skipping and sunshine. Florence is her magic place and she's a killer whistler. Mia is on a mission to make it big in London.

How did you get to be living in London?

Living overseas had always been on the cards for my boyfriend and I. Originally we were tossing up between the UK or US, I much prefer Europe plus we have family and friends in Italy so it made sense to be here. The timing was right so we left at the end of 2011 and travelled for a couple of months then started fresh in Londontown.

What helped you make this decision?

I think we both carry the notion that life is too short to not do everything you want to do or at least give it a try,  and to experience everything the world has to offer. We needed a break from life in Sydney and a change of scenery; I always find that you appreciate home so much more after spending time away too. Also, one of the main reasons for me was I wanted to grow my business and try and succeed on a much larger scale within the European jewellery trade.  

Who encouraged you? Who didn’t encourage you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?

Everyone was very supportive.... except my little Grandma who was very sad :( But my family and friends are pretty used to me disappearing overseas for stints each year, however I think this time they think I may never come home! 

Why London? Explain you love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn’t it there?

I'd ultimately love to be living in Italy, Florence specifically, as the culture and quality of life there is like no where else. However, the job market is not so good so London was the next best option. Being so close to the rest of Europe was definitely a huge attraction, and makes it so easy for weekend escapes.

Are you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends, social?

I am loving London so far, we've only been here a little over 3 months and it's just recently that I have felt completely settled. I'm renting an amazing shared jewellery studio in Hatton Garden, working part-time for a Jewellery Gallery and have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. I'm really lucky to have a handful of my best friends living here too who have made the transition super fun and easy. 

What goes on in your flat during the week? Do you rent alone, random share? Was it always like this? Where were you before? Do you feel a connection with the area you live in? Why/why not?  

We are renting a flat that belongs to a friend of a friend, in Islington. It's an old Edwardian school converted into lofts, it's just the two of us and we live in the girls/ infants quarter :) We really love the apartment and the area. Some friends used to live around the corner who we stayed with 2 years ago so it always brings back memories of when we first discovered Islington. Apparently there are more pubs per square mile here than any where else in London - fact. And there are so many great cafes and restaurants and design shops so there's always a real buzz.

Name your favourite places in your area you can recommend to others.

Maison D'etre is a great little cafe and has the best coffee by far in Islington. Otto Lenghi for brunch/ lunch and amazing cakes. The Albion is our favourite old school pub - great kitchen and beautiful beer garden for summer. The Almedia theatre and their modern french restaurant is a must.

What is your favourite memory so far living in London?

Too many to count.... probably Sunday avo drinks and roast tradition with the Sydney crew. Also walking through Hampstead Heath on a sunny day with all the magnolia's in bloom. 

Are you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you always do that?

I have been living in my black leather jacket because it's been soooooo cold, until today when the sun came out and the heat wave hit. My wardrobe mainly consists of vintage floral dresses so they are always a staple for me. 

What are you anticipating at the moment?

A few special visitors - friends and family - from back home, and an amazing summer full of travels to Italy, Spain and France. Oh and a new collection launch.

The best colour in the world is….?

GOLD!

Fantasy question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret talent, what would they be?

I always wanted to live in The Magic Far Away Tree and hang out with Moon-Face.

Would you change anything in your life?

Not a thing.... I have my prince charming, amazing friends and the best-est family ever!

check out Mia's jewellery at www.miachicco.com

Maybe new digs

Exciting news, we potentially might have a new home very soon! We started the hunt and landed on a flat  in the most amazing location in central London.

Farringdon is home to Fabric night club, Smithfield meat market and Aussie cafes - all the things you want to have so conveniently located to your home.


So, we are still waiting for the final go ahead but I thought to share with you what could be our new digs... what do you think?


And if its not our new digs then you will see a really big sad face here in a few days!

Hola!

How do you think my Spanish is coming along? Quite well I think. Barcelona helped with that one. 


After a fabulous trip and coming back to London, it made me realise how much I miss the sun. A hot hot hot 27degrees warmed up my bones and teased me making me want more!

Next trip countdown - 16 days! eek!

Enjoy the pictures amigos...

(Oh and listen to the music to feel the whole vibe)

Interesting facts

Tomorrow we head off for our next trip...destination Barcelona. To get you in the mood and well me too I thought to check out some interesting facts about the city we will be visiting. 

Did you know?

• In 2010 Barcelona was the 48th most populated city in the world ranked by population density.
• 268,000 foreigners currently live in Barcelona.
• Barcelona attracts over one million visitors every week.
• Barcelona is famous for having no less than 130 hectares (260 football fields) dedicated to pedestrian zones
• The city never had beaches until 1992 when beaches were created for the Olympics.
• Barcelona and Spanish drivers in general are one of the worst, according to recent statistics an accident occurs on average every nineteen seconds weekdays Monday to Thursday but this rises to one every sixteen on Fridays. Weekends are better at an average of ten a second. It's safer to walk or take public transport.

(source:www.barcelonaescape.com)

Everybody has a story

Week 3 - The Pilates Pro

Claire moved from sunny Sydney to London two years ago and instantly felt at home.

After working in the fashion and beauty industry for 10 years she made a career change to pursue her true passion of helping people lead healthier and more fulfilling lives, starting her own business as a pilates instructor.

How did you get to be living in London?

I had thought about moving to London for a long time. Five years before I came over for a holiday and fell in love. My mum was actually living here at the time and my English roots were calling me so I booked a ticket and made the move.

What helped you make this decision?

I think it was the right time for me to go. I needed a change from my current job and nothing I looked at was really appealing to me so I thought why not. I emailed a few companies in London before I moved and the encouraging response I received was great.

Who encouraged you? Who didn’t encourage you? What was the feeling from your family and friends?

I was really lucky, all of my friends and family were extremely supportive, although my dad said I would hate it (he is from England and hadn’t returned for 10 years)

Why London? Explain your love? If it wasn’t here where else would it be? Why isn’t it there?

London is such a wonderful city with so many opportunities. Originally it was going to be in Bergamo Italy but the work situation wasn’t so good.

Are you happy with your situation here in London? Work, love, friends, social?

I am definitely happy with my situation here in London. I feel if I was still in Australia I would never have had the confidence to make the career change. I have never felt so comfortable and happy in a city before. You can be who ever you want here.

I have some really wonderful friends here that make me smile every day. What else can I ask for?

What goes on in your flat during the week? Do you rent alone, random share? Was it always like this? Where were you before? Do you feel a connection with the area you live in? Why/why not?  Name your favourite places in your area you can recommend to others.

I live with my boyfriend Gus and the best flat mate in the world Sally. We have a two bedroom apartment in Islington.

We love the area and have been in here for two years. It’s close to great cafes and shops. Highbury Fields is a 5 min walk from us and I love spending lazy Sundays there.

What is your favourite memory so far living in London?

Ahh there have been so many! I had a pretty amazing time at Florence and the Machine last month but I think a good memory here is always a lazy Sunday picnicking on Primrose Hill in the summer with my beautiful friends.

Are you constantly wearing something in particular at the moment? Why? Do you always do that?

Since I made the career change I live in my black leggings from Top Shop and over size jumpers. A bit obsessed with my boyfriend’s white  t-shirts at the moment too.

What are you anticipating at the moment?

An exciting new client in New York!!!!!

The best colour in the world is….?

Sky blue – It makes me happy

Fantasy question – if you could live in another era, be another person, have a secret talent, what would they be?

If I could live in a different era I would have to say 1920’s. I just love love love the fashion and class.

Would you change anything in your life?

I wouldn’t change anything. Life is good. It’s not perfect and there always new challenges around the corner but that’s life you just have to take one step at a time and remembering not to take everything too seriously.

www.clairetpilates.com