21-24 February 2011: Bulgaria and Oxford
Another week in Bulgaria for Tracy, so Scott is left to his devices in London where he is running and running and more running – not from me, whew, but in an effort to get fit and there is a running track of sorts where we lived (Thames Path). So although it is cold, wet and sometimes muddy it is an interesting run. Meanwhile back in Bulgaria, it is snowy, freezing and even colder. I cannot believe how cold it gets outside. However, in the office, each morning someone has cranked up the heating to about 30 degrees which is unbelievable.
On Monday Scott headed to to listen to a lecture at Oxford University in relation to Radiation and whether the hype and fear can be overcome in our lifetime. So he made a dash from home in Chiswick all the way to Oxford and back in an evening – very committed to the environmental discussion cause and very happy I as he got me the book and took lots of notes. I am not in favour of nuclear energy, but realise we have to do something different as nobody is willing to adjust their lifestyle or reduce consumption, in fact it is ever increasing and although renewable energy is a feel good source of energy, unless storage is addressed, it isn’t a permanent answer.
25 February 2011: Natural History Museum
I am flying back to London and get home, change clothes and head straight out to the monthly Friday night drinks at the Natural History Museum and debate with Scott. We really love this place for something different – you can have drinks, see the museum and engage in a debate with people who are interested in similar events. Definately one for your diaries if you are in London. Although after a week of working away, I am totally exhausted and pleased to get into my own bed at the end of the day.
26 February 2011
Well although the weather might be a bit warmer in London, it is also wet. What is new, our new saying is that if it isn’t raining, it soon will be. Miserable – no idea why people live here. So we are trapped in the house deciding what to do when the weather breaks – yes it has stopped raining, so we take advantage and head up to Chiswick High Street for some shopping and the obligatory visit to the bookstore, if only I had a whole container to bring back to Australia, books are so cheap here, it is fantastic.
Before you know it, it starts raining again, so we pop into the Bow Marley Pub to watch the beginning of the Rugby and end up staying for the game and way too many drinks. The atmosphere was fantastic, especially with the result going England’s way. Scott had a great time – he is loving the Rugby here, not just because it is great to go and see the game at a proper rugby ground, but the pubs are interesting.
27 February 2011: Kew Gardens
The weather is nice, sunny even, although freezing. So we take advantage of the free entry to Kew Gardens for WorleyParsons employees, and wander across the river and into the park. Obviously it must be spring as the daffodils are in bloom everywhere, someone obviously forgot to tell the weather though.
As usual we headed out without a jumper as we were so excited it was sunny. So we had a cold walk walk through the park, which is very interesting and full of different perspectives. Some of the trees are just huge and beautiful.
During Victorian times, botanists were obviously flavour of the times with the amount of flora that was brought back from the English travels abroad.
This has resulted in an extremely diverse variety of plants in addition to the beautiful buildings, conservatories and water features. The art within the park is also interesting, using natural materials.
We particularly enjoyed the Bamboo Garden, getting some ideas for a new part of our garden at home. Also very impressed with the art made from natural materials, again lots of ideas for home – we are of course missing having our own garden, so can only dream. Eventually the cold weather got to us and we headed out, walking past a family who were telling their young child to try and catch the shadow – Scott thought this was funny as it was probably the first time the child had seen a shadow due to the overcast and gloomy weather.
After our walk, we yet again undid the good work and headed to the Coach & Horses for the obligatory Sunday lunch, pint and paper. Again it was packed, lovely and warm and a nice way to while away the afternoon.
28 February 2011
After work we did a quick trip to Wesfield, Shepherds Bus, via the worlds slowest bus trip. We are both convinced that we could have walked there quicker, which is saying much as I am a slow walker. Anyway we were there to try and get an iPhone cover that Scott could put on his arm, but alas, there seems to be a million of them and none of them offer any waterproof protection for the iPhone and I think it is a bit of an expensive item to let it get wet considering the weather here. After shopping we visited Wahaca which is a street food mexican restaurant. Alas it was a very westernised style of mexican food and we were disappointed. I have no idea why westernised food ideals should dictate such huge changes in a cultures food styles. So after a disappointing meal we headed back home.