If someone had told me, even as recently as three months ago, that my first home would be on London's Hyde Park, I'd have probably told them where to go.
Yet, two days after signing the dotted line on a lease, here I am.
Yep, from Friday, we'll be living in a wonderful, modern apartment no more than a minute's walk from Hyde Park, Whiteley's Shopping Centre and a stone's throw from many other London highlights (including, but not limited to, the entire green section of the Monopoly board; yes, that's the second-most expensive one). The rent is a bit on the pricey side, but considering the area, Bayswater (one of London's more upmarket suburbs), and its proximity to much of the city, it's a fantastic place. Pics to come soon (I'll be uploading a tonne over the next week or so, I hope; apologies for the lack of updates on that front).
After staying in a few dives over the past week, we're all excited about settling down somewhere we can make our own mess, as opposed to wading through everywhere else's.
In fact, it's funny how your idea of "swanky" changes over time. On the weekend, we stayed in a hostel room with a creepy, oafish-looking guy who silently paced the room cracking his knuckles (we wisely opted to change rooms before he went postal) and a hotel in which the shower was situated conveniently on a wooden crate in the living room / bedroom; the shower, meanwhile, had to be running for the sink taps to work. Yet both of those places seem like the Hilton compared to our current accommodation. The foyer had us all fooled with its royal blue carpeting and gold lettering on everything in sight. However, the façade was shattered when we discovered the pile of dishes perpetually sitting in the kitchen sink (beneath a sign kindly asking patrons to clean up after themselves), the communal cutlery set (singular) and the room that once housed a double bed, but is now home to a cramped eight bunks.
Surprised we're keen to move into our swisho new apartment?
Job-hunting's on the go-slow, but now we have a home locked in, we'll knuckle down and find some work. Went to a temp agency today, who seem to be shaping up alright, and I hope to be signed up with another tomorrow. The pound is knocking my savings around something chronic.
Of course, one upside of moving back to London is the commencement of The Monopoly Challenge™: 22 photos of me on each of the Monopoly streets. Let the mayhem begin!
Oh, and it snowed today! And it was sunny! At the same time! In London! Crazy!
Anyhow, thanks to all of you who've emailed. It's great to hear from you all! Hope all's well for everyone back home!
m*a*s*h* 101
13 years ago
The Green section hey? Pfft, it isn't that expensive, its only like $30 a night in the game, for unimproved lots! Have you any houses or hotels yet? What rent can I expect to pay should I come visit?
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