‘Life is like a box of chocolates’…I heard a wise man say in a movie once. I must say, my life has certainly been a mixed box of chocolates over the past couple of years and rolling the dice to come to London was a good gamble from a work perspective. The joys of Europe was never in doubt.
I am writing my first official ‘London Calling’ report from your Swimming Idiot correspondent and ensuring that you don’t forget me too quickly. To Rod, Ruth, Bob, Bevan, Judy, Louise, Sutho, Flipper Dave, Linda, Dave the postie, Matt, Rup, Rob the flexi worker, Chris & any other idiot I’ve forgotten – I hope you are all well and the fountain of youth (known as the Balmoral Beach swimming area in front of the Wishing Well stairs) continues to deliver the elixir for eternal youth.
I have had one dip in 5 months – the pool was 3m x 2m on top of a small Air BNB in Seville. It was a magnificent tea bag experience – after a very long & very cold 4-month winter in London & then 4 days of 35-degree warmth in Spain – the dip was a joy! I am making plans for 2 weeks in Greece in late July to thaw out completely.
In January when I arrived, I thought I’d keep up the Aussie outdoor healthy lifestyle – on one run to Kensington Palace gardens the temp. gauge read -4 degrees. When its below freezing you should have skis on, not runners.
I have been getting into the swing of London life by whingeing about the weather regularly (& enjoying it) and talking about my next holiday in the Mediterranean. The greatest remedy they have for their weather here is pubs – and what a grand remedy it is. The commute to work on the Central Line – Shepherds Bush to Holborn – is simple & my place of work in Australia House is in a truly magnificent location. You truly feel like you are in old London Town in the Strand/Aldwych area – Somerset House, the High Court, Australia House, Kings College, etc.
Work is going well & enjoying what is quite a different type of role – meeting with the High Commissioner (Stephen Smith) & the various State Agent Generals is a learning experience. Our membership base is diverse & the people very interesting. My suit & tie has been worn more in the last 8 weeks than it has in 8 years! And no hybrid working for our team – it’s 5 days in the office. Old school!
I am enjoying life despite no golf or swimming or sand between the toes – who would’ve thunk it. Belinda & I have settled into our home and getting ready for the wave of visitors during the summer period.
I continue to enjoy my dose of Balmoral vicariously through the WhatsApp banter & photos. Life is like a box of chocolates….
Richard
Great to hear your news Stephen!! We’ve just experienced the coldest May in 9 million years so were all in wetsuits well before the offical 1st June target. Today’s gang included special guest “the man from Warriewood” Mr Dave Sanney who is taking up new residences today. We’re hoping we’ll still see him regularly to distract the jimbles from their fave targets – in the shape of David, Stephen and Judy. (I’ve managed to escape so far!!)
In other news, my scooter is taking inspiration from your machine. I’m currently using Sarahs e-bike to get by!
Pls keep sending pics of you in suits. Love a trip back in time to to the 2000’s!
Hi Ro’s Dad,
You are a funny Englishman…I can report my Vespa is running like a dream! The 2nd hand engine replacement continues to pur & make no noise (it wasn’t the same when I rode it for those last few weeks before I departed). Pip Pip.