London is calling

With the sun shining and blossoms blooming this was a much nicer welcome into London than the snow I had on arrival 13 months ago. Despite blue skies there was still that crisp English chill in the air which meant a jacket was still required and the kiwi desire to have mostly naked feet in either jandals or sandals was still not quite justifiable yet!

I was suprised how very much at home I felt arriving back into London. So familiar. I topped up my London transport oyster card and was on my way, back on the tube like no time had passed. 

When I looked up the definition of 'home' it read; where one resides permanently. According to this definition I am homeless! I am ok with that though. In fact, right in this moment I wouldn't have it any other way. As I dwelt on this further though, I came up with my own definitions of 'home'

1. Home is where I lay my head to rest - even if only for a night and 

2. Home is a roof over the head and a spot for the suitcase to stay. 

I dwelt further still and thought on the friends, family and even accomodation staff all around the world and how I can feel so 'at home' due to incredible hospitality. So..

3. Home is being in the presence of great company which I feel I am blessed with no short supply.

My cousin and her husband were kind enough to let me crash at their sweet wee apartment in West London. A few days to myself before they return from their own globe trotting adventures. I arrive at my abode for the week about 2pm local time, cart my excessive luggage (aka: my life) up the stairs and once dumping my bags all I want to do is go fast to sleep! I lay down and think through how to fill the hours til a reasonable bed time hour. A walk, supermarket shop, dinner with friends made this attempt successful, and I passed out about 11pm.

I feel sorry for myself the following morning as I woke with a pounding headache. Consequently I treat myself to a lazy start. I did eventually get out to explore 'my new neighbourhood' and spent a couple of hours in the sun but needed to hit the books during the afternoon to study for my up and coming trip to Gallipoli, Turkey. 

With the headache gone and cabin fever taking place from my day mostly indoors I hit the pavement for a jog the next morning. Thinking of pushing my jet lagged body for possibly a 4-5km stint I   instead returned home having done a full 10km. Naturally I was starving now and proceeded to consume more than the amount of calories I had just shed, felling somewhat justified.

Though I travel for my job, there is still an office and office days are required so I ho i ho off to work I go to collect my trip folders for trip #1 of my 2014 season. Such an honour. I will be flying to Istanbul to take a 4 day trip to Gallipoli for ANZAC day. Fully loaded with maps, info, forms, forms and more forms I leave the office eager for Easter weekend approaching with numerous friends arriving into London Town and these catch ups after 5 whole months of absence couldn't come soon enough! Specially when there was an engagement in the mix.

Good Friday was a great Friday. Blue skies and first attempt to make hot cross buns succeeded - I was actually suprised. I don't exactly have the best track record when it comes to domestic/household/kitchen skills, I certainly wouldn't have a place in the nationals, well until now that is.... Perfectly risen buns, beautiful texture and scrumptious deliciousness were fresh and hot out of the oven in time for my cousins return. (Yes that noise you hear is me blowing my own trumpet) I could be a baker yet!

It wasn't just a Good Friday, it was followed up with a good Saturday and Sunday as well. Portobello markets where I rediscovered my passionate hate for crowds but still loved the experience and the food we took away! 

Tonight called for celebrations of my amazing friends engagement so naturally a few glasses of bubbly were had, followed by a few cocktails for us friends to be caught up on all the catching ups and the going ons, there were not enough hours in the night for the yarns to be had. So thus, required a follow up brunch. Eyes on the prize we trudged our way in the pouring rain and cold to the famous breakfast club in the area of Angel. As we awaited a table we shivered and huddled and drooled at any food that passed us by. All worth the wait when I saw the plate! 

Feeling a touch weary due to a somewhat late night out I sign off here to have a good sleep before my last day of preparation before Gallipoli! Then it's back on the metal bird winging my way to Turkey for another exciting adventure.  Weeee!