Well, I can safely say that I have survived a week in the UK (albeit it only Kingston and London city for a few hours, by hey, I have survived).

First week at work has been a bit slow - scheduled project due to start 'some time in near future'. Realisation set in, I should probably make the most of the down time. People have been quite friendly - no snobbish generalisations here!

A few things I have noticed while here:
- Supermarkets and their 'pack up your own groceries' policy. Weird factor is high on this one, I mean, the checkout chicks sit down on a chair and we have to quickly try to pack our bags before the next customer. I feel like I am in a factory line of sorts and am sadly missing aussie supermarkets for that reason.
- Hot water and their 'hey! turn on the hot water yourself' policy. Annoyance factor is high on this one - first couple of showers were cold and couldn't understand why. Luckily people in the office have been so helpful to this obtuse Aussie.

Well, this blog is not all rant-and-rave, and I am having a great time here in the UK. First weekend was spent in Greenwich and London.

Greenwich is a fantastic place, a proudly historic suburb with maritime and time (I got to step in both hemispheres at the same time!) connections. Most sights only suggest a donation - and you have to wonder, as some of them are breathtaking. I have attached some pics to show you what I mean. To get to Greenwich required three transfers on the underground and train system (yes! there is a difference) - which as a Melburnian is unheard of.

Weather started to turn towards the end of the weekend, so headed home soon as the clouds rolled in. Before then, I managed to go on the London Eye (long queues!). Thought I got onto a good thing by buying a coffee while I waited in line. But unfortunately was told I could 'get in line' with a hot drink.
Then I walked to the Big Ben himself, mind you, wasn't so much captivated by the size rather its magnificence, so thinking of referring to him as 'Taller than average but still magnificent' Ben. Made my way to Trafalgar Square where St Patricks Day celebrations were happening. I swear I could smell the alcohol in the air and feel it on my face (it was before midday) as I walked past.
Deciding to get lost after this (may be the after effects of having alcohol in the air), I then luckily found an underground sign. And as all girls do, I indulged myself in a bit of retail therapy in nearby Oxford Street. Great as I bought myself a thicker coat and scarves (just in time for the spring sales!).

Other honorable mentions so far:
- Sainsbury supermarkets (pre-cooked meals - will I ever cook in the UK now?)
- UK buses (sometimes I feel like an extra from the 'Speed' movie)
- Ceroc dancing (who knew I could salsa to Christina Aguilera, let alone UK guys?)

Anyway, the weather has decided to turn on me (first week was all sunshine and no rain) - will be glad to see springtime soon. Until the next blog...