We arrived in London to start our overseas journey on November 2nd. It was a great couple of weeks as we worked to get settled. We spent the first weekend living at Argos buying electrical appliances that we couldn’t bring with us. We managed to get mobiles and go on a few runs in Hyde Park. For the beginning of November the weather was relatively mild and it didn’t rain for a least the first week and a half that we were here. TO be honest, it was quite sunny and only tended to get cloudy midday. The sun does set here really early this time of year. Can’t wait to see how work is on Monday. Eric and I both start our jobs right away that first Monday, November 5th.
My first week of work went well. Everyone seems really nice and welcoming. They are actually going out of their way to make sure I am comfortable and introducing me to everyone. Allison and Nicola will be fantastic to work with and their English wit in incredible. My first embarrassing experience came that Friday when about 10 of us went out to lunch. I had ordered pizza and ate only half. I asked for a to-go box and was immediately ridiculed. “What will the neighbors think?!” “Are you really going to carry that all the way home with you?” The questions were endless, but just as it had been all week, me making fun of them as much as they made fun if me – I proudly marched out of Strada, pizza in hand. But…I left it in the fridge over the weekend. Our air shipment came that first weekend after we had arrived – what an incredible mess. So far we have to live amongst piles of clothes until our sea shipment arrives with all of our furniture. We did eat a lot of meals in - with the nice ready to heat & eat meals from Tesco and on the floor. That got old pretty quickly. We are loving our scary exciting adventure so far and can’t wait for the next trip we are planning – Belgium – next weekend.
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| First viewing of what would become our home. It was the sixth flat we viewed that day. |
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| Our sea shipment arrived in that embarrassingly large container and was hoisted up through our window. |
End of November, 2007
Our sea shipment arrived. We made many, many trips to Argos and one side-trip to Ikea for some additional furniture. We ended up having two Thanksgivings this year – one at Jim and Jason’s with Jennifer and her mom cooking a feast. We also met her sister, Kathleen, a high school senior who was kind of a trip. Colin, Jen’s fiancé, was also there. We had a great time and the food was fabulous. The night ended with a somewhat rowdy came of celebrity. The second Thanksgiving was on Saturday at Eric’s American boss’ house. Again, good food and a different crowd. Kathleen and her fiancé, Bruce, hosted. Jim and Jason attended along with David and Sara (boring!), friends of K&B.
The next few weeks were spent organizing our flat and setting up our home. It really is starting to come together. My Christmas parties soon began. These Brits know how to drink – yikes! I was ill for a few days after our agency “do” but it was black tie at a swanky club and quite a bit of fun. Eric’s was the following week. Again, black tie and again too much alcohol. I think we are about done for the holiday season – oh wait – Eric has his group party on Thursday and the theme is “cocktail making skills” – should be interesting.
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| The whole crew from Thanksgiving #1. Jen's mother, Jimmy, Jason, Colin, Jen and us. |
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| The hosts of Thanksgiving #2, Kathleen and Bruce. |
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| Finally unpacked. |
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| Our living room. |
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| Our bedroom. |
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