1 Jan 07 Best for 2007
Today is not only the beginning of a new year; it’s the first anniversary of our arrival in London! At this time one year ago we landed at Heathrow, took a taxi to our hotel near Trafalgar Square and dropped our bags in the room we would call home for the month of January. We set out to explore the city for the first time (for me) and enjoyed the enormous welcome parade, what would become the inevitable street celebration of each anniversary to follow. Yes, shortly we’ll get out and watch what is commonly known as the annual New Year’s Day Parade!
The past year feels like a just a few months and somehow longer than a year, too. Londoners’ accents no longer sound foreign. We’ve learned enough new regional words and slang to form a small dictionary (which eventually I’ll publish here). Instead of riding the tube we’ve crossed the city on foot a number of times, each time diverting down unseen alleys and snickleways, discovering historical oddities and architectural gems in many turns. We visit many of London’s quirky markets regularly, such as those in our own neighbourhood - Petticoat Lane, Spitalfields, Sunday UpMarket, Columbia Road, Roman Road - and some further afield like Borough, Camden, Portobello Road. Our memberships for the Tate galleries and ICA have been well used, and the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Photographers Gallery, the V&A, Barbican and Museum of London are all familiar with us.
In the past year we have entertained visiting friends and family and had travels in Paris, Barcelona, Edinburgh, and Wales. And being careful not to snub England in our adventures, we’ve seen Brighton, Lewes, York, Scarborough, Cambridge, and a few country parts where the wind could blow through the train station without resistance by humans. This one time while walking in the woods we even entered the Matrix (perhaps a story for another day). Oh and we’ve encountered many sheep.
Matt has been to work most weekdays at his office in Mayfair, which has been sufficiently challenging and enjoyable. He estimates he’s read about 40 books in his leisure time, while I’d nearly double that number. He has also enjoyed almost all of his annual 25 days off from work. Last week he saw Victoria Beckham in Saville Row with a swarm of paparazzi close behind.
In 2006 I shot many photographs, mostly of people and landscapes. I joined the London Independent Photography group, had work in their annual exhibition and just took on the role of designing their website. I participated in a Street Photography workshop at Tate Modern and regularly attended forums at Photographers Gallery.
Yesterday - the last day of the year - I found five grey hairs in my head!
All that’s a general overview of what 2006 was for us.
Already 2007 promises to be a full one. We are currently searching for a flat to buy, which is an extremely difficult and expensive venture in central London, particularly for first-time buyers. There’s no doubt this will be a frustrating experience, one which I plan to document here blow by inevitable blow.
There’s a strong chance I could start a full-time job next week, too. I had an interview before Christmas that went very well, and expect to hear a decision by the end of this week. I have mixed feelings about working again full-time, but it has been nearly four years since I did!
Well, here’s to an healthful and exciting 2007 for those of you reading!
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GET FED:
The very best to you both in 2007 and good luck in your ‘flat’ search……Love Dad
Comment by Dad — January 15, 2007 #