Hitting London in high heels

31 Months in...and will she ever go home?

2007-11-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

So here we are at the 31 month mark, can you believe it? I have lived in London for 31 months. I would call that an achievement for a girl who grew up in Hobart in a safe and secure little suburb with her loving family taking care of her.

London and I have a love hate relationship.

I'm not going to lie, there have been months when I have struggled to find a reason to stay. Having experienced a non existent summer we are now entering the winter months and it doesn't seem fair. Where was the summer sun? The bars are all throwing 'Goodbye to the summer that never was' parties!'

Now I am waking up in darkness, working in an office which cannot seem to set the heating to the correct temperature and watching as the sky grows dark at 5 once again..

I wonder what I am doing when every morning I have to hop onto a crowded train to travel 6 stops with a lady pressing her oversized handbag into my back THEN shuffling off the train and getting dragged along by the crowd, only to board a tube to travel a further 10 stops...they are the moments I wonder why living here is a choice I have made!

But then I have to remind myself. Living in London has changed my life. For the better.

I have met so many amazing people in my time here from all walks of life. Saffas, Kiwis, fellow Aussies - to round off the antipodean quarter…..hilarious English people that show me that they really are a funny bunch with a wicked sense of humour…Polish ….French, Italian, and Spanish men and women - who ooze style and class…it is a breeding ground for all the different cultures which is a beautiful thing …something I would never have fully experienced in Australia. (John Howard to thank for that perhaps?) I have made a hand picked selection of wonderful friends and I have met my love - Mark.

And best of all? Whenever I think of coming home I remember one thing. I have my whole life to live in Australia. I have the luxury of dual citizenship and while I have that luxury I am sure as hell gonna make use of it. Prague, Amsterdam, Switzerland…I wanna see 'em all…

….so a smelly hour long tube rides and darkness in the afternoon? I can handle it if it means I get to live in London….for now…

Rachixx

The new house

2007-09-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my beautiful new apartment with my man Sparki!

Hit prediction

2007-08-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

Haven't done one of these for awhile...not since James Blunt...and look how popular he is now...not very. Doesn't help that he is lording it up with the ladies.

Anyway my latest hit prediction *drum roll* Listen out for Newton Faulkner. He is brilliant, toured with John Butler over here and his sound is incredible. That's my next hit prediction...

Rachixxxxx

Austin Powers Party

2007-08-16T01:25:00.001-07:00

Photies!
Hello peeps...here I am at work obviously time wasting. I hope you can waste a bit of time with me looking at my random party snaps from Alina's Austin Powers themed party on Saturday night. Don't know exactly who I went as - perhaps a fembot...the dress was a bargain and the shoes where £5! After a rummage in the cupboard mark pulled out a t-shirt and shorts (no change there then) but using the ingenious technique of snapping out the lenses of his glasses if you cover one eye with your hand and squint with the other he kinda looks like a version of Austin Powers...
Love ya lots
Rachixx

Chianti on the Grand Canal....

2007-07-13T03:42:00.000-07:00

I could not have asked for a better way to spend my 25 birthday…
VENICE!

It was everything I expected and so much more. We arrived by boat to our destination at around 10pm after an amazing hour long ride from the airport, our heads dizzy with excitement and eyes wide. Our destination? Arsenale (pronounced ARSE-AN-AR-LAY not Arsenal like the football team.) When Mum pronounced it as the latter she was loudly corrected by a proud Italian!

Our hotel was tucked away in one of the tiny little alleyways, a beautiful 3 star hotel with a tiny red carpet at the front door (put out for me no doubt…) After freshening up we were famished and decided to stay local. We ended up in a quaint little restaurant where I feasted on seafood pasta and my new favourite red - Chianti. Ah bliss…

The next day we decided it was time to explore the sites. The heat was quite oppressive as we made our way through the busy streets to St Marks Square. As I gazed up at the cathedral, my hair shining from my new Sunsilk for blondes I felt a splat, then a cold sensation at the top of my head. A pigeon had popped one on my head! Mum and Mark saw the funny side but I was absolutely livid!

We spent the next few days in some fabulous restaurants and I have to say, had some of the most enjoyable and tasty meals of my life! A highlight was definitely dinner on the Grand Canal. We were seated outside in the late evening sun. After enjoying a delicious steak and more red (easily the best steak I have ever tasted) we heard a few rumbles in the sky. We looked out when suddenly a freak thunderstorm hit! Everyone tried in vain not to get wet, holding table napkins and menus as protective shields over themselves. It was amazing to watch the lightening light up the sky as a man ran around trying to sell everyone umbrellas. Luckily the rain subsided and we were able to leave without getting drenched.

Another highlight was a day on the beach in Lido. It wasn't as busy as the beach in Barcelona and it was surrounded by a street full of beautiful restaurants where you could sit outside and have a beer or three. Mark and I spent many hours after our swim chilling out there. Pure bliss…

I also FINALLY got the designer wallet I had always wanted from my folks. A beautiful black Coccinelle wallet with a buckle strap. Mark bought me an amazing Giorgio Armani watch, perfume and tickets to none other than John Butler Trio (for the 6th time and third over here!) Lucky girl…we dined in a place we had gone to twice which had become our official favourite for taste and value for money - La Nuova Perla. I even had my own personal accordian player play Happy Birthday! What a blast.

For anyone that hasn't been, I thoroughly recommend it for the food, wine and atmosphere!

Rachix

Parental Guidance

2007-06-22T04:28:00.001-07:00

What a month it has been!

My parents arrived in the 28 May after a year of not seeing either of them (folks, you don't look a day over 50!) I am a big kid at heart and have missed them dearly so it was fantastic to see them again. Mark and I picked them up from the airport then went home and chilled inside, out of the rain. It was such a nice afternoon gorging on lasagne and red and chatting away. Conversation flowed effortlessly even though it was the first time they had met my man. We shared pictures of the family and I was impressed to see how great my brothers were looking...Richard, nice jacket and Tom your gonna be a chick magnet if you aren't already!

The following week we ate for Britain at some lovely restaurants including Belgos a fancy little Belgian restaurant. Dad has the biggest saucepan of mussels I have ever seen! Mmm. Afterwards we went to see Mark rock out at Tommy Flynns in Camden.

We also saw the new Pirates film and I have to say, as much as I am a fan of the divine Mr. Depp I was not a fan of this snore fest.

We had a very memorable night at a pub down the road. They had a beautiful courtyard where we sat in the evening sun feasting on olives, bread and some hearty steaks… the red wine was once again flowing. On one of the warmer days I went to Hyde Park with the folks and we took a ride on a row boat - it nearly ended badly when mum had a mini heart attack after dad and I tried to tip her into the Serpentine!

The three of us have also managed a trip up North to the relies, where we spent a lovely few days eating, chatting and chilling. Perfection!
On the way back to London we stopped in Blackpool....AGH! Holy moly, not somewhere you wanna stop for long, that's all I have to say.

And in just over a week I will be spending my 25th birthday in VENICE! Can you believe it? The entire week....AGH! I am sure I will have some pretty brilliant updates after that trip....

Rachixxx

ps - I'm gonna bang on some photos in the next few days to accompany this blog.

SnOwBaLLs

2007-04-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

On Easter Saturday we all piled into a big 10 seater van, excited by the prospect of our snow extravaganza! We arrived in style at the extraordinarily beautiful chalet Courchevel in France after a three hour drive from the airport. The sun was shining and the mountains were covered in snow.

We made ourselves comfortable in our bunk bedded rooms then settled into the chalet. We had two hosts who were around the 24-25 age mark and worked at the chalet for five months of the year. It was their final week and you could tell they were feeling the strain of looking after 10 people every week. They would cook our breakfast and dinner and have an afternoon snack consisting of baguettes, coffee and tea cake ready for us everyday (a welcome sight after 6 hours on the slopes.) Dinner consisted of anything from a Caribbean themed chicken dish to a french specialty.

My first day on the slopes started out well, the girls showed me how to stop and I found that starting wasn't too complicated (it is slippery on the piste after all!) I ended up mastering the green slopes and had grown to love riding up on the pommel looking out over the mountains (a plastic plate that you put between your legs to drag you uphill on the snow.)

I was feeling super confident up until 5pm when Mark decided to take me on 'the shortcut' home. BIG MISTAKE! We ended up on the steepest blue run of all and I ended up crying all the way down, sliding backwards and cursing Mark for taking me down such a steep slope on my very first day!

Having gotten over my dramatic first day the next few days were heaven. We would ski for hours on end, have lunch at some lovely cafes, sipping red wine in the sunshine.
By the third day I had mastered getting on and off the chair lift which is actually easier than it looks! I stuck with the girls for most of the trip as the boys were all snowboarding but by our last perfect day we hit some massive slopes all together, taking videos and photos as we went.
On the final evening we headed down to the local ski bar where we had a selection of dangerous concoctions and toasted to one of the most amazing trips ever!

I'll never forget our trip and my 10 ski buddies: Kaine-it, Claire Polar Bear, Narctic, Lance Mountain, Fast Laine, Charlie Chilled, Marc-ski, G.I. Snow, Sleet Kid and me - Tuff Stuff!

snow snaps soon to come....!

2007-04-17T12:30:00.001-07:00

New Job! (again)...

2007-03-26T14:13:00.001-07:00

Well hello everyone...or anyone...not sure if anyone still checks this! I have been so super slack, no excuses, none.

I started a new job today! - I am working for an super professional company in Euston, as communications assistant in the marketing department. By day one I was already juggling three or four tasks which is a good start as I feel there is nothing worse than sitting at my desk twiddling thumbs and clock watching.

So there you have it.

Anyway, my weekend rocked. It started early on Thursday which was spent with 'the girls'. The girls bascially consists of the girlfriends/fiances of friends I have met through Mark and they are fantastic fun. On Thurs we went to the local pub with every intention of just having one or two glasses of red then heading for sushi at the local restaurant...didn't happen...after three or four glasses we were hurling our legs in the air and singing karaoki! Wild fun.
Saturday Marky played a gig at the local pub, which didn't turn out too well after issues with the sound guy. He performed super well but the sound dude let him down. Afterwards we had a wicked night dancing and apparently showing an obvious-lack of-muscles as the photos reveal.

Ciao for now, miss you all dearly x x x x x

Visiting Rachi part 2

2007-01-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

Hey peeps!

Its been a great start to the year having Chaz to visit. Although the weather was dismal Chazza didn't seem to mind as I showed her around the sites. She also did a bit of exploring on her own on a hop on hop off tour. We spent some great evenings in bars talking for hours and catching up on each others lives and she met my mark (who gained her full approval I might add!)
This morning I woke to the most beautiful sight - snow covering the ground outside. It is very rare to get any snow around old London town and after just constant chilly weather it was nice to have a little snowy surprise to be greeted with. I took some photos of my back garden which I shall post on my blogo. In April I'm going skiing in France which I'm very excited about - lets hope I manage to maintain some sense of style as I slide down the slopes on my backside!
Rachi roo xx

Marky, Chaz, Stu

Belushis my fave bar

My boy and I

Chaz and me

One comment of mine surprised Cherae so much she slammed her wine glass on the table, breaking she stem! (of course the amount of wine consumed was not a factor...)

Visiting Rachi

2007-01-22T03:11:00.001-08:00

The above are a couple of photos from Cherae's visit in December. It was great to have someone from Tassie who I could share my world with.

I will be getting some more photos in the near future of my time spent with her so I will accompany those with a blog.

Rachixxxx

Work Do-be-do

2006-12-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Had my work Christmas function last night and am feeling a bit sorry for myself today! It was so much fun, it was in an amazing place called Studio 54 which had thousands of different work functions happening on the same night. You entered via a red carpet with fake photographers and celebrities, into a huge building with a massive Saturday Night Fever style dance floor in the centre of the room, cages with women dancing in them and mermaids coming from a ceiling made of fairy lights! Phew! Inbetween our gorgeous courses (salmon, stuffed chicken, mousse) they had dancers who did some routines to 70s music then everyone got to get up out of their seats for a boogie on the dancefloor!

After a few too many classes of wine and vodka shots provided by my director, I went on the dodgem cars which were set up outside...dodgem cars when drunk is so much fun lemmi tell you! (and the only time you won't get arrested for drink driving!) It was by far the best party I have ever been to in my life! At £55 a head I would recommend it to anyone (however it was freeee for staff!)

I don't know if I will write again before Chrissy so MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! I miss you all terribly.

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Santa baby

2006-12-08T06:02:00.001-08:00

Hello darlings!

Firstly I must apologise for my slackness, I haven't updated this in a while...

Really good things have been happening lately! I have a new job. I am now working for an interior design agency called Fox Linton associates in the role of Project Secretary. In comparison to my job at C4, I am so much busier which is what I love! The people are all very friendly and warm and I'm having a ball!

Cherae is on her way to my part of the world in a few weeks time! I am so excited, I'm gonna take her out to see all the London attractions and hopefully we'll hit a few good bars and clubs. I may have to try some of my favourite places that I tried when I first got here...slug and lettuce.....flashbacks.....

Christmas time soon peoples!! I am sad not to be spending it with my loved ones but at the same time I am looking forward to spending it with my marky. We are going for dinner at his friends house, there will be about 12 of us and lots of food and alcohol so it should be a good night! I will take snaps. Speaking of snaps, I will make sure I get some more when Chaz is in town as I'm sure she will. It will be a race to see who can put them on their Blog first!

All my love Rachi xxxxxxxxxxx

PS Congratulations to Amanda and Aaron on their engagement!

Incubus

2006-11-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Well last night I saw my favourite band in the entire world Incubus. I haven't seen them in about three years so I was understandably very excited. Their performance was electric and the sound was amazing. I could not contain my excitement as I sung along to every song...now my voice is sore and crackly! Brandon looked so gorgeous it should be illegal! Here are some snaps…

Had a celebrity experience of sorts the other night. I was standing in the line at my local Prime Time video store and who was standing next to me? Delta Goodrem and Brian McFadden! Even though working at Channel4 I see a few celebrities it was still quite a thrill to see a couple of quite big ones going about their everyday life. Delta was shorter than me which was unexpected because she looks so statuesque on the television and she had on a pink and grey Adidas tracksuit, greasy hair tied back in a messy bun and no make up. She turned around when she heard my accent and smiled at me. She seemed very sweet and down to earth and they were obviously smitten with each other. I didn’t see what they rented but I did see that her munchies of choice were marshmallows!

Rachixxxx

Ooooh Spooky UPDATED

2006-10-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

*JUST ADDED A PHOTO TO THE HALLOWEEN SNAPS. ITS MY FAVE OF ME AND MARK LOOKING LIKE NAUGHTY LITTLE SCHOOL CHILDREN!

My first Halloween! Check out the costumes, we went as gothic school children and by the expressions on our faces really got into character! It was a fun night, Alina has an amazing house in Wandsworth and there was a lot of atmosphere with the rooms and courtyard decked out with Halloween decorations.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN.......................!!!
*

My Rockstar

2006-10-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday 21st of Oct.
Finnegans Wake.
Band - Transkei
And the world's best lead guitarist Marrrrrrrrrrrrrrrk!
It was a great evening and they went off something shocking!
Rachixxxxxxxxxxx

Mark practicing before the gig

My Marki

Rhino

Lina and Rachi

James and Mark

Stu on drums, James and Mark

My new pad

2006-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hey peoples

As I know doubt would have mentioned I have a new room in the heart of Chelsea and I just had to take a few snaps because I finally feel quite settled and wanted to share. On the weekend I hit one of the best stores known to man - Argos. Now this shop is such an interesting set up. You walk in to this small warehouse type store where there are heaps of big catalogues and little computers. You flick through the catalogue, choose the products you would like to purchase, write down the ID Number, and then take it to a cashier. They print you a slip then you wait in line to collect your goods. Ingenious! I am not much of a shopper and find this to be a much easier way of buying things. Okay so you only get to see the product in pictures but that’s the beauty of it. Because Argos is saving money by not having all this stock on the shop floor and manpower, the products are cheap as chips and good quality! I bought a magazine rack, TV stand and night stand and I am in love with them. Cheap thrills for me these days!

Tonight it’s off to Orson, are they big there yet? I loooove them, I listened to the cd on the way to work. I will try to take some snaps and post them up. Sugarbabes were in work yesterday…probably the plainest celebrities I’ve seen yet. Good lighting and make up can do wonders for these people. I missed Ashley Simpson who came in, by all reports a very skinny girl and very attractive. The new nose must be working for her….

Mark and his band Transkei are performing on Saturday for the first time since they re-formed. I am so excited and proud, I haven’t heard him play for months now and there are going to be heaps of people there. I’ve bought a cute little ‘Rock Chic’ singlet and am going to wear some skinny jeans so I am the ultimate rock girlfriend (minus the cool attitude and trendy walk.)

Rachxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bouffant Hair

2006-10-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hi girls and boys

I'm back from Wales, had a beautiful weekend with my man, visiting my relies. My gran had a lovely time and it was a good chance to treat her to a movie as she doesn't get to the cinema much (saw The Devil Wears Prada, cracking film). We had loads of nice walks, yummy traditional English food and a few pints down the local. The BNB was to die for, it had only been open a couple of months so everything was brand new and untouched.

The Chart Show recording was so interesting! We rocked up in all our best outfits and were told they were going to play two songs over the loud speaker and that we had to cheer and make loads of noise. This was to give them something to use later on when they are putting the show together, which will be broadcast this Saturday. Then Girls Aloud came on first and did their little routine. My god they are so plastic fantastic, with big bouffant hair and far too much make up. Mark said none of them were particularly attractive (but he was probably just being sweet...) They were a little too manufactured though. The two rap stars where quite good but not really my thing and my Chemical Romance went off. It was good to see what really happens as a live audience for a program like that. I have entered for tickets to X Factor which I would also love to get.

Got a couple of photos from nights out with my buddies...not many, I am hopeless at remembering to take any.

Cheers big ears

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just another Friday at C4

2006-10-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well I just met the band All Saints! I love my job sometimes...

They strolled in after having a quick cigarette outside. They are all about 5ft3 with long hair and stacks of make up, wearing completely casual un-trendy clothes. Liam Gallagher's wife has quite an old face but lovely skin and she is of course quite skinny. None of them looked unnaturally skinny and they all went down to the Channel's cafe and tucked into jacket potatoes with baked beans - polishing off the lot! See celebrities do eat! Can't help but think I may be eating baked potatoes from now on... Melanie Blatt was by far the prettiest. It was so cool seeing a band that, when I was 15ish, I loved. Everyone knows that song....never ever have I ever felt so low....

Last week I spoke to the guy in the band Magic Numbers (not sure if they've made it big over there). Not in the slightest bit a looker but a really gentle lovely man.

AND Monday I have won tickets to attend the live recording of The Album Chart Show! I am sooo excited, I'm gonna take 5 friends and we are gonna see bands including Girls Aloud (yes...I know, they suck but I wanna see what they look like) My Chemical Romance and a couple of rappers I haven't heard of (The Game and Lupe Fiasco anyone...?) There is an open bar and dress code is 'trendy and very sexy' so I've got my thinking cap on as to what to wear... any suggestions Lousi?

Soon I am off to see my favourite band of the moment live: Orson! Wooohooooooooo I cannot wait!

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chelsea

2006-09-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

The following photo was taken by Sam from her birthday, just to keep ya'll updated with photos because I am good like that haha.

Well I am now living in my new Chelsea home and I have to say I LOVE IT! It is so spacious and quiet and I never see my other flatmates which is a change from seeing flatmates in your face 24/7. I am just off Kings Road and have been exploring some great pubs and restaurants up the Kings Road. I discovered the best pancake house in the world where they make savoury or sweet pancakes the size of large pizzas! The bars are a little more pricey but my new favourite is Henry J Beans which was going off last Saturday (although for Chelsea I didnt think the fashion sense of the women was all that flash and thought my new leopard print top and skinny jeans worked quite well...what is the fashion there now girlies?)

Last night I saw Alina play which I haven't done in a while. The newly dreadlocked girl went off and it was a good chance to catch up with her again. In a few weeks time Mark and I are off to visit my rels in Wales, we are gonna stay at a spekki little BNB in Bridgend and take Gran out for tea and biccies. I am so looking forward to getting out of the city for a few days. Mum recently sent me a few of the episodes of The Secret Life of Us which my man fell in love with and now we are frantically buying Series 1 and 2 on Ebay.

Luv you luv you long time
Rachxxxxxxx

Just because

2006-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

My fellow Hobartians...

I felt like writing a blog 'just because' today.

Just because...its a quiet day today and the hours are ticking away as I think about my weekend, in anticipation of all the good times to come.

Just because...I am in a good headspace at the moment. I had a wonderful time last night with my girlie friends Alice, Alina and Soph at a lesbian bar called Rush. No I haven't jumped ships, my roommate Soph bats for the other team and we were there to meet her for a few (too many) glasses of wine.

Just because...I wanted to mention the separation from my lovely roommate Sophie. We have mutually decided to haul ass from our current living quarters because - well as a matter of fact - our flat has turned into a squat. It’s so messy I'm sure it will soon be taken over by giant mould/flesh eating monsters.

Just because...my new home is loooovely. I'm moving into a three storey beautiful Victorian conversion flat in the upper class suburb of Chelsea (do you think if I stroll down the street with a fake Louis Vuitton and big sunglasses people will think I'm rich too?) The room is massive, with a big king-size bed, lovely wicker chair and plenty of storage space. I will be living with three English girlies who all seem very nice.

Just because....Mark....mark mark mark...just because I can't actually go for very long without mentioning my lovely boyfriend.

And lastly just because...it’s FRIDAY!!

Rachixxxxxxxx

Soph, it has been an absolute blast, your an amazing, strong woman. I will never meet a Marfa quite like you – love Felicitay!

Reading Festival

2006-08-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went to the Reading Festival with Mark and his mates which totally went off! You'll see by the pictures just how many people were there, but once inside the festival grounds it didnt seem too crowded and there was enough space to pass out in the grass as you will see in the photographs.

My favourite performance was definitely Placebo, they sounded amazing. The headlining act Pearl Jam had terrible sound and you couldn't hear Eddie Vedder's beautiful voice properly. My Chemical Romance got pelted by bottles - apparently no one likes them? I felt a little sorry for them but they played on despite this.

The masses

The campsite

Bullet for my Valentine performing mainstage

Me, Sam and my Mark

Slayer performing mainstage

Passed out in the grass

From the top: Sam and Marks bandmates Stu and James

Night time - Placebo mainstage...

Cheers big ears xxx

John Butler rocks She Bu

2006-08-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

Here are some snaps from my wonderful time at John Butler. It was by far the best performance out of the four I've seen of JBT. He was so into it, he played for an extra hour and had all the crowd going. I was right up close in prime location and I swear he noticed my 'I love Rock and Roll' T-shirt! He played heaps of songs from his new album which is sure to be another hit. Perhaps more so than the second album! That's my prediction anyway.

Mark and I are off to Reading on the August Bank holiday, so excited! Pearl Jam and Placebo are headlining, wowzers! (did I just say, wowzers?)

Ciao for now, ya'll be good now! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Music is a way of making sense of this world"

Barcelona Baby

2006-07-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hola!

I am back after an amazing four days in Barcelona. What a stunning place. It was simply buzzing with the beautiful people. The weather was scorching and we spent everyday on the beach which was full of holiday makers topping up their tans. I enjoyed some of the most gorgeous food - paella, tapas, sorbet - and drunk my body weight in sangrias.

The festival was wild. My favourite acts were Keane and Daft Punk and Fat Boy Slim totally went off. I didn't quite master the Spanish language but in the end it didn't really matter, most people are English speaking.

Here are some of my best bits...

A nightclub we hit after arriving around midnight

The harbour and a busy side street

Hitting the beach Antipodean style

Getting a Henna Tattoo and our hotel

Getting a Henna Tattoo

The festival

Ta ta now!

Rogue Traders

2006-07-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hola

Went to see Rogue Traders last night! Thank you Drysdale buds for putting me onto their music, I am addicted to the album! They are virtually unknown here so it wasn't too busy and I was able to get right up to the front and dance like a mad thing. She is so gorgeous, she is petite, like a size 6 with long curly brown hair extensions and a wicked punk rock outfit. I want to be her! I am sure they will be huge in London after that gig.

I am off to BARCELONA this weekend! My flatmates Jen, Oli, Pat and I are heading to a festival called Summercase. Its a two night festival over the weekend with acts such as Fat Boy Slim, Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers, Keane, Dandy Warhols, Cardigans...lalalala excetra. The forecast is 32 degrees everyday, I am so fricken excited!!!!! Gonna hit the beach during the day. Will hopefully get some wild snaps to post up!

Ciao! xxxxxx

She came, she saw.....finally!!!

2006-07-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

For anyone that knows me they know my main aim in life....to see Johnny Depp.

Well....

I have achieved the near impossible....I have seen the man of my dreams....

Johnny Depp.....the proof is in the pictures....

My life is now complete, everything after this is just a bonus...

Well hows this for a bonus...Orlando Bloom...

Bliss....

*Pirates of the Caribbean Premiere Mon 3rd July 06

Ascot Races

2006-06-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

The following are photos from the Ascot Races. It was such a scorcher of a day and definitely the most expensive day out I've ever had. The venue was stunning and Kirsten her friend Nina and I felt very glam in our racing outfits.

Rachixx

HOME

2006-06-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

I am writing this quite late as I didn't intend to continue my blog but seeing as I obviously still am I thought I should mention my lovely visit home...

My visit was awesome - a perfect chance to see my loved ones, friends and the beautiful state that is Tasmania. I experienced some of the best weather for winter, it was predominantly sunny and I hardly needed my big winter coat. To slide right back into family life was so nice, as it can be tough being so far away from them. We spent days and nights out wining and dining, visiting all the great wineries including Peppermint Bay, Morilla and Meadowbank. We dined out at restaurants like Casablanca where we had some amazing dishes, Amigos, Blue Skies - god saying them all now I can't believe how much we actually did!

I caught up with my Drysie girls who I had missed from the social scene, wish you guys could all come party with me sometime! Amanda had hired a delux room at Woolstore where we ate pizza and got all dressed up for a night on the town. We also went drinking on several occasions and I had a chance to see Cas and Cam too, it was nice to catch up.

Seeing my little animals brought a tear to my eye, I miss the comfort of having animals around the place, its rare to see any around London.

Although I am loving being back, Tassie will always be home to me...

Rachixxxxxx

snaps

2006-05-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd put up my last batch of photos before the visit:

Kirsten my flatmate and Sienna - Sobar

Me and flatmate Jen at the Sobar

Me and Keeks

Dodgy pose from Rachi, Jax and unknown friend drunk at So

Petie and friend - Pitcher and Piano

Pete and Andrew - PnP

Clairsey and I in a black cab on way from bar

See you all soon for some hot nights out in Hobart!

Love rachixxxxxxxxxxx

Travel update

2006-05-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies

A little surprise courtesy of my decision that 3 weeks is just not long enough...I am all booked on a flight to Aus this Friday! I'm on my way in 5 days! That means my visit is now extended to a month which will be just perfect. I cannot wait.

We have been having awesome weather here and I spent the weekend living it up. I got some take out Wagamamas and went and Sat in Hyde Park which was sooooo relaxing. Hyde Park really is just stunning and so ridiculously massive. Its funny to think its in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world.

But the city I cannot wait to see right now is Hobart....I can hardly believe I've been here a year, it has gone so quickly and you know what they say, time flies and all that.

Rachixx

Get some sleep woman

2006-05-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Hello foxy people

I am suffering today, does anyone care? Had a ridiculously massive weekend and am not sure if I was completely sober for any of it, but baby it was worth it! Wasn’t my fault that it was a long weekend…

Started on Thursday at my old stomping ground Slug and Lettuce where I haven’t been for aaaages. I guess you could say I hadn’t missed much; still the same old meat market atmosphere. I didn’t quite warm up until I heard my absolute favourite song of the moment and here goes Rachi’s second hit predication: ORSON. They are from California and they are brilliant.
Friday my flatmate Kiki and I started fake tanning – an essential pass time for any Antipodean as even the English and browner than me at the moment. The winter drained my skin of colour and I ain’t happy! I am ashamed to say I now love fake tanning and am more than a little addicted.

Saturday night Alina and I headed out for what was meant to be a nice quiet night – do they ever turn out that way? We started in Wimbledon for a guy Tom’s birthday, then made our way back to Fulham where we met up with Kik’s, her man Brownie and Jen for a couple more. The night ended at Belushi’s as all good nights do where I met up with Jackie and a few others and proceeded to Jackie’s House in Fulham Palace Road where Jax whipped up some strange concoction of chicken omelette and cheeky fries.

After a swim in the morning (had to be done after my strange omelette/fries munchies) and a power nap we started all over again. Alina and I headed to another Antipodean institution which I’d wanted to try out – The Redback in Acton Town. These are the places that anyone coming to the UK has to visit in order to truly experience a day/night out for Aussies - London style. We arrived there at 0330pm and lined for a total of 1 ½ hours which is not a good idea when your wearing 6 inch heels I can tell you that much. An old lady passed us in the street and asked what we were lining for – our answer ‘Um…beer?’
It was worth the wait, the live band was the best cover band I have ever heard and the atmosphere was just buzzing. We stayed long into the night and, after a stopover at a house in Acton, Alina and I finally arrived home at 4am….I think.

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Xavier

2006-04-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine kicked off to a great start with multi talented Xavier Rudd at the She Bu Empire. I took a little piccie from the outside but it didn’t turn out too well. I’ve attached some more photos of my nights out lately and will add some commentary as I go:

The Shepherd's Bush Empire where Xavier Rudd played on Friday night

Emett and I, Saturday night

Alina my new singer/songwriter mate who has a voice like Missy Higgins and is recording some tunes at the mo, me and Jaxie

My ex flatmate Ryser and my new roomie the lovely Soph-a-loph

My new gap jeans! - okay just added that one cos I love my jeans...

Me and my girlie Claire - who will soon be gone, will miss you buddy.

That's it for my updates, guess whose coming to visit in 5 weeks.......

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Church

2006-03-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

What a mad weekend! One of the best I’ve had since arriving in the UK.

Saturday was spent as usual at Belushi’s where I saw Emett – his hair was longer and he had the beginnings of a beard. I hadn’t seen him for many months as he’d been travelling throughout Europe. It was so good to see him again for a chat.

After a total 1 hours sleep I got a call from Alina who ordered my ass out of bed so she and I could head to the Church. Not any old church, but a huge abandoned theatre in Kentish Town where they hold a ‘Sunday session’ every week. http://www.thechurch.co.uk/ It’s vital that people get there early as the lines are massive after about 11am. Everyone takes a bottle or two of beer/lolly water for the wait.

Once in we were given a beer ticket and could go and collect three beers in a bag to tie onto our belts. We met up with some really cool muso mates of Alina’s who we spent the day/night with. Every half hour there was a different act on stage ranging from ‘fat bastard’ who sings whilst he strips (avert your eyes ladies) to Stevie Starr, the guy that swallows 8-balls and goldfish! He was amazing in a gross kind of way – had he killed the fish I wouldn't have been laughing...

At about 4pm when the Church closed we were on too much of a high to stop so we headed a good half an hour and two tube swaps to The Walkie in Shepherds Bush. During the ride we played corners which is even more fun in a tube with 15 odd people than in a car with three lemmi tell you! The Walkie was packed and I spent the night dancing with Lina, a hottie called Mark and co.

Its now Monday, I’ve had very little sleep and I have a 12 hour shift….

Good times.

rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Star Sighting

2006-03-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

Oh oh oh my god! I am way too excited. I just sat on the sofa with PAUL WALKER!

He came into C4 to promote his latest movie - no idea what the movie is...do I care...I just sat on the sofa with PAUL WALKER! Okay so I was sitting on the arm of the sofa and he came and sat down but WHATEVER!
It just takes me back to when I was with my ex, we'd be sitting on the sofa watching Fast and Furious because he was obsessed with the film...now I'm in London sitting on the sofa with the star of that movie!

Yes I am a sad loser but I don't care...he is Paul Walker and he's hot.

See that photo? Well he is just as hot in person. He was wearing lovely denim jeans and a suit jacket and had the most amazing skin - just tanned enough. He was so softly spoken too.

Here's one for the ladies......

Sleeping Rough

2006-03-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hiya

How is everybody? Guess whose coming to Tassie in two months – Me! I am waaaay excited.

The weekend was great, I spent most of the time shopping in Kingston (the UK version) then later on Claire and I had a couple of bottles of wine then headed to Elk for the evening. Met up with some friends who we spent the evening with. Claire proceeded to wrap herself around some tall black haired bloke and could be found in a darkened corner.

Flat update: Claire has found someone for her half of our room – Soph. She already lives at the flat but is thinking of buying a place so she wants to spend less money and our room is like £100 less rent per month. It will be so sad to see Clairsey go but its good news for me in that I know who is moving into the room as I have lived with Soph since November.

Found out some surprising news. I have always been quite emotionally affected by the hundreds of homeless people along the streets of London. As you walk along they reach out, begging for money usually, sometimes food. I had one little lady that came up and asked for 50p for the bus just the other day. I gave her the money then as I walked away I looked back and noticed that she didn’t even get on the bus. That made me think so I decided to look into the facts. Turns out 70% of those that are arrested for begging tested positive for Class A drugs. Money given innocently for a bus fare or a cup of tea is helping feed their habit. It stated that although those who needed it could have a free bed in hostels across London, people actually choose to sleep on the streets. Of those arrested 42% gave a fixed address and the last official count identified that there were only 169 people sleeping rough in the whole city.* I find it quite shocking that people resort to sleeping rough (and let me tell you in London it is rough) just to feed their addiction.

rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

*Civic Watch Newsletter Victoria Spring 2006.

My love for London

2006-03-03T09:51:00.000-08:00

It has been the longest winter ever, I've had a cold throughout most of it and up until yesterday I had no appreciation for it whatsoever. But that all changed. It snowed! It was the prettiest, softest snow I’ve ever experienced.

There are so many things I love about London and I have had some of the most amazing times. Every time I see a plane fly over the city it reminds me of the night I spent on Emmett’s roof watching all the aircrafts and trying not to slip.

I love walking down the street in the cold with a smile on my face, trying to brighten the days of grumpy grimacing Englishman and seeing how many smile back.

I love the cookie and cake culture, where if anyone has been away on holiday or are having a birthday they bring in a whole lot of baked goodies and send an email around the department.

I love having my own little community in Fulham where, when walking down the street I’ll always see someone I know. I love the friendliness of the bar staff, bouncers, DJ’s and the managers.

I love having Europe on my doorstep but feeling no rush to get over there because there is so much of London I have not seen...and having the freedom to see Europe when I want.

I have a love hate relationship with the crowds, I hate the early morning/evening rush but I love that you can feel safe in a crowd and that the city is always buzzing whatever the time.

I just love London…

rachixxx

Thurs and Sat

2006-02-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Claire and I had a couple of great night's out in the past week so I thought I'd share.

Thurs night we went out with the roomies for a long 4am effort, below is a photo of me with Gaz, Michael and Ryan. It is lethal when they have a buy two glasses of wine and the rest is free offer, Claire had a bottle under her arm for most of the night!

Saturday Claire and I headed to TGI's for dinner and a gossip. Again the two glasses and the rest of the bottle free offer was on there as well which led to tipsy Claire dropping her mobile in her red wine glass just as the sleazy manager was passing. That effort didn't even earn her a free glass! We headed up to the bar where Bab's the friendly bar manager with clever bar skills whipped us up a fishbowl cocktail. Not sure if it was the fishbowl cocktails or our overfriendly nature but we got attacked by a group of spanish men, confirming my theory that all spanish men are sleazy...

We had a photo with them then proceeded to run out the door. We headed to a cocktail party at Ryan's mates house. It was so average that we ended up nicking a couple of beers which Claire put in her coat pocket and heading to our favourite place of all Belushi's! By this time we were in no state to operate a camera....

Love ya long time fancy pants.

Rachixxxxxx

Pics!

2006-02-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

As promised xx

First one is Phil, Claire and I at Jackie's Party, then the crew including Rache (miss ya rach)

And some of our speccy new flat:

Okay there weren't as many as I thought. Oh well.

Love ya lots xx

Helsinki-dinki

2006-02-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hiya girls and boys

Helsinki was so good. Mum and I arrived in MINUS 14 degree weather and located our hotel which was luckily only a 5 minute walk up the road from the bus station. The hotel was gorgeous, our room was massive and the hotel had all the amenities including a restaurant where we spent the first night eating tapas and drinking sangrias and a pool and sauna pronounced ‘sowner’! On the second day we did a bus tour and took some snaps and then hit a massive department store where apparently: ‘If it wasn’t at Stockmann’s you didn’t need it anyway.’ I was pleasantly surprised to find that they all speak English so there was no need for any dodgy attempts at Finnish and the other thing I noticed was the hot factor in Helsinki. The men are divine, all blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Mmm mmm…I am planning to go to either Amsterdam (am curious about the cafe’s…) or Prague (cheap wine…) next.

I will be looking for a roommate around the 25th of March as Claire is moving out around this time and leaving London shortly after. If anyone is in a rut and thinks a change of scene would be perfect – let me know! London has it all and more and with summer coming you’ll be sure to have a ball (what a sales pitch)! I’ll miss Claire and wish she was staying a bit longer but everyone has got to give London however long they feel for themselves. London can’t get rid of me…I feel like I’ve made a home for myself and I’m not giving it up just yet. London is the best boyfriend I’ve ever had! We are inseparable…

rachixxx

Coming home did you say...?

2006-02-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Hiya gorgeous folk

Australia Day rocked – apart from the massive memory blanks and the loss of a jacket which I had owned since ‘borrowing’ it from an old friend in high school. Fair dos I guess since I never returned something that hadn’t belonged to me in the first place but I just loved that jacket. That jacket and I had some good times. It’s in a happy place now I’m sure. Either that or some homeless chick is now ridiculously stylish. Either way it’s long gone.

I had a great night last night with the girls and boys - Alice/Ange/Andy McDowell look-alike/Phil and his sis etc (I have photos of these people, I will post as soon as I get the camera off my darling Claire). We went dancing at Elk where I requested David Hasselhoff's 'I'll be there' (Baywatch theme song) cos Phil is a Baywatch fanatic - funny that, so was I! I remember in primary school I did a Baywatch play in assembly and made some Baywatch costumes and red floatation devices!

Did I seriously just admit to doing that?

Anyway, we then went to Belushi's and danced some more, this time my song request was Madonna's 'Hung Up' - how good is that song to dance to people? I saw Liam surfer boy there and we had a catch up of sorts. Seeing him tonight for a meal and a chat.
Tomorrow mum is coming for the weekend then Sunday she and I are off to Helsinki! Too excited for words, it will be so relaxing and a great way to end her visit.

Now for some news hot off the press - my flight home is all booked! I am on my way back people! Only for 3 to4 weeks but I am so excited! It will be around the 22nd of May - under four months away! Mark it on your calendars and free up a weekend! I cannot wait to see everyone again, it will have been a year by the time I'm home...my how we all will have changed and yet, be very much the same (with loads of gossip to share I’m sure!) I have kept my promise and don't think I sound at all British although some cockney slang words have slipped into my vocabulary such as 'y'all right?' 'sorted' and 'whatever minger!'

Love you all lots and I swear that I will get some photos sorted pronto-schmonto.

rachixxxx

Australian’s all let us rejoice!

2006-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Australia Day!

My first Australia Day in London! I am so excited and proud to be from the sunnier side. It’s really strange; you come to the UK and feel so passionate about your home country. I never appreciated Australia as much as I do now. Antipodeans really stick together and constantly poke fun at the English for having poles stuck up their nether regions. That said the British are some of the funniest people I've ever met (but don’t tell my boss I said that…)

Last night we had the inspired idea of making some tradition Aussie tucker – lamingtons. Claire and I ran excitedly up to our local Sainsbury’s on the hunt for sponge cake. Um hello? No plain sponge to be seen. In a fluster we headed to our next and more expensive supermarket Waitrose where we found some trifle sponge. We bought 6 packs, some cocoa, icing sugar and coconut and headed home, feeling very proud of ourselves. After a glass or two of red and some Baileys on ice we proceeded to ‘get messy’ in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of lammies. We only ended up making half the batch cos we rapidly lost interest. This morning I sent a joint email around the department to let everyone know what special day it was and what delights we had in store. No one has had food poisoning yet so I’m guessing they went down well!

We are off tonight to ‘do Fulham’. We will undoubtedly have some trouble getting in, as the word is that the pubs are full by lunchtime with Aussies taking rostered days off just to celebrate. A friendly word in Gustav’s ear and we should at least get into Belushis. I will fill ya’ll in tomorrow on the nights outcome.

A short update – Paris was simply marvellous with Mumsi, fine food, finer men, who can complain? No Johnny sightings but I have not given up hope yet. We also spent the week visiting friends and relatives who spoilt us rotten. Aren’t we lucky? And next weekend it's Helsinki for pampering in Paradise (besides the minus degree weather) so excited!

All my sweet luvin'

rachixxxxxxx

Resolutions?

2006-01-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hi girls and boys

Hope everyone has had a wonderful start to 2006 and are of course keeping all their New Year's Resolutions. I made some very important ones including:
Drink more water - sounds obvious but who ever really drinks 6-8 glasses a day and after all the water being leached out of my body from alcohol I thought this was one I had to keep...
Learn peoples names - seriously I have a terrible time remembering peoples names and think it is one of those really rude things that I MUST rectify. For example "Alan" becomes 'Bar Guy’, "Michael" more commonly referred to as 'no shirt guy' and there lies my need for a resolution!
Keep up to date with current events – towards the end of the year I was told about the riots on Sydney beaches by a South African Officer at work! That is just horrifying; I think I should know what’s going on in my own country of origin! Poor form Rachi, poor form!

Christmas/New Years was lovely; I had a totally relaxing (if not a liiiittle quiet) break in Wales with my relatives and my mumski. I had a mad phone call from my girl Claire who was living it up on New Year’s with fellow housemate Ryan and co. Wasn’t jealous AT ALL as I sat in my trackies on the couch watching the celebrations on telly (shut up.)

Just got back from a stay in Worcester with mum’s bridesmaid Anne and family. Had some terrible weather but bought some fantastic new outfits including a really wicked dress – just need an excuse to wear it now. This Monday Mum and I are off to ‘do Paris’! Might drop round to Johnny Depp’s bar just off the Champs-Elysees. He will of course just happen to be there with ring in hand and an offer of marriage because he simply cannot take the torment of not being with the one he loves…ME…of course…

Love rachixxx

Christmas Time

2005-12-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Just thought I'd drop an ultra festive message as I may not get a chance later. I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas with far too much wine. I am lucky enough to have my mum with me, we are heading up to Wales to share the special day with my rels. I met mum at the airport a few days ago in freezing conditions and took her to the flat. She loved it and said it has a very cosy walm feel. She also met the boys - Garret and Ryan - who she thought were very nice but hasn't met Soph yet as she isn't home much.

Rachel has now left and should be soaking up the rays in Aus. You will be missed Rach, you will have left a noticeable gap in my social life I'm sure! Friday was her farewell party, we started at Punch and Judy's but couldn't resist heading back to our old favourite Belushi's in Fulham for a final farewell to the pub that holds many memories and secrets best left behind the bar...I will try and continue the tradition without you and will make sure no one forgets Rach-o.
Saturday night was Jackie's house party in Wimbledon where she's housesitting with her friend Phil. (I will have photos up from that party in Jan, promise!) It was meant to be a fairly tame night but do they ever end up that way? Had a sore head the next morning (a reminder to ones self not to mix drinks.) I was amazed to find out that night that bars do deliveries - handy! We all chipped in a fiver and ordered an assortment of beverages.
My social calender is now clear and I am going on a 'kate moss style' detox in Wales! That is the intention anyway. No more parties, late nights which turn into late mornings or alcohol. I am going to be a good girl for at least two weeks. I may even take up tai chi, find my inner self and get all zen. 'hmmmmm...'

Take care ladies and gents, will speak to ya'll in 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of love and festive ass slaps

Rachixxxxxxxxxxx

Floridita

2005-12-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hi guys

Rachi is back and raring to go having spent half the night in casualty! Yes that’s right, I’ve had an ongoing chest cough and last night I had this incredible chest pain which was affecting my breathing so Claire got me out of bed and took me to the hospital. (thanks mummy Claire.) After two blood tests, a heart scan and chest x-ray it was revealed I was – fine! Just an intense muscle strain. So you know what that means? I have a clean bill of health and am ready to hit ‘em up style! How stupid did I feel though? It was a relief to find out that I wasn’t going to cark it anytime soon but now I have these massive purple bruises on my arms from where they took blood. Soooo not going to match my party outfits…

The weekend just gone was huge, we met up with some fun people including Welsh Matt, Contiki Timbo and a guy named Andrew (agh, flashbacks to ex…) and I finally saw Rachel again – its been so long cos she’s living all the way out in Essex. It was fun to play catch up and laugh over all the crazy things we did in our time living together. I’ll never forget our ‘bonds boys’ or our nights of random phone calls to Michael and Ben, or the car crash into our front door – then the hottie tottie firemen that came to save the day (and your classic commando roll)!! Love you long time Rache. See you at your farewell Friday…

Tuesday was the Channel 4 Christmas Party and what a glamorous affair it was. The venue was at a place called Floridita http://www.floriditalondon.com/ a stunning Cuban Bar. It was made up of two stories with a massive dance floor downstairs and these amazing chocolate fountains that you dipped strawberries and marshmallows in. Mmm. We spent most of the evening with the security team, dancing the night away.

The following photos are from the Christmas Party

The last is my boss Andy - doesn't quite seem old enough to be a 'boss'. That's what I like about Channel4, its such a young company.

Anyway it was a fun night! Check ya'll laterz

Rachixxxxxxxxx

Weekend news

2005-12-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Well Rachael is in a festive mood today after the trees went up for Christmas at the channel. Channel4 doesn’t do anything by half lemmi tell you. The trees are massive and beautifully decorated with purple and silver lights. One thing I’ve noticed is how thick and lush the Christmas trees actually are. I remember my family and I wading through dozens of sad-ass looking trees at the servo in Clarence St, only to go home with something that was minus a few branches. I always remember being so upset when it came time to throw out the tree, I would often go and visit it on the woodpile for days afterwards until it got taken to the tip.

Saw my lovely friend Alice on Thursday; it’s been too long between drinks. We headed to a Sushi party in Camden where Alice ended up totally trashed. I stuck to the soft stuff as I was still on antibiotics. House parties are in a league of their own over here, the guy Dan had hired out a DJ and invited over 40 people with a £5 cover charge at the door! It was an amazing house and the people were very ‘arty’ cool.

Friday night was spent in Leicester Square with Claire and Lynnie from work. We went for some yummy Italian then to the flicks to see In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz. Loved it. Cried three times. Having read the book beforehand they had adapted it really well. Saturday night my new roomies Mel (actually, we’ve taken her room so technically she isn’t a roommate) Ryan, Garrett, Sophie, her girlfriend Natalie, Claire and I went out for a pub-crawl around Fulham. We started off at an Oktoberfest Bar then headed to Pitcher and Piano where we played ‘I have never’ a drinking game where you say something you’ve never done and those at the table who have done that thing have to have a drink. Very fun game and a little bit naughty! Received a text from my fave doorman from Belushi’s Gustav saying:
“Listen sweetheart, you and your friends are our stars and with your absence it’s quite boring. Do come around when you can”.
Well what could I do but go? Ha-ha. Not happy Jan that he didn’t waver the entrance fee though.

Sunday Claire and I were lazy buggers for most of the day but by 4pm we were ready to go again and headed for 2 for 1 cocktails at TGI Fridays. Due to the gentle persuasion of the Welsh barman Claire and I ended up having a fishbowl Strawberry Daiquiri, Sex on the beach, Bailey Oreo, and then two shots - a Flatliner and some other with three layers. I made some dodgy map of Tassie joke to Matt the barman (under the influence) as Claire passed on her phone number then we headed Pitcher and Piano to dance the night away.

Mouldy blankets

2005-11-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hi peeps

Our new flat is all sorted! Claire and I are moving into a brand spanker in Fulham on Saturday. Its such a beautiful flat, renovated earlier this year so its ultra modern. I met some of the roomates last night who seem like my kinda people. There are two males from Australia and NZ and one English girl. It is so ideal, its about a three minute walk from Fulham Broadway which is my favourite spot in London, where all the great pubs are!

It’s getting really cold at the moment, they say it may snow on the weekend. I was listening to the radio and they were speaking about the homeless and how a large percentage will die during the winter months. It really makes me stop and think about how awful it must be for them. Its bad enough walking to and from work, these people are lying on the freezing concrete, wrapped in carpet off cuts and mouldy blankets in minus degree temperatures. I want to do something to help but I feel afraid of them. Not that most of them are threatening in any way but a lot are drunk and out of it. There was this one little homeless man that used to sit in an alleyway where I passed on my way home. I haven’t seen him for ages; I gave him a few of my groceries once or twice. I sometimes wonder how he’s doing; he was so skinny and frail.
I just realised I talk about homeless people a lot! I think its because being from a small city like Hobart you don’t really see any, then you come here and the streets are full of them.

On a brighter note, work is going fabulously well. This coming from the girl who claimed she wasn’t a "career type." I got some great feedback from my bosses who want to put me on a manager’s course at the beginning of next year which is an internationally recognised course! Sweeeet. I may actually have a promising career after all. It would be so great to stay in the television industry, as it’s such an interesting ever-changing environment to work in.

My social life has taken a nosedive for the past couple of weeks because I’ve been stuck with the dreaded flu. It should be back on track this weekend so I’m sure to have more news to report on that front.

Hope that everyone’s exams went well and your all readying yourselves for the party season! Have a cocktail for me! Keep me tuned in on all the goss.

Also wanted to make mention of a blog I wrote back on 29th June regarding James Blunt and my prediction for him being big in Aus. I hear he is? So happy for him, hes a bit of a hottie eh girls?

Lots of love hugs and a long overdue ass slapping

rachixxxxxx

Mayfair

2005-11-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hi guys

Well Claire and I are living in luxury in Mayfair, a house with four levels. It looks like its out of one of those classic British movies...so cute. Even the homeless guys are more upperclass than your regular street people. I had to do a double take this morning when I saw a guy sleeping in a doorway with a tray of sushi lying next to him. Nice.

Claire's 21st birthday weekend was great. Friday night one of the security officers took us to a lovely French restaurant in Covent Garden called Tutons. He freaked us out a little though, having brought his camera he took over 20 photos and kept laughing and commenting on how he couldn't believe he was at dinner with two girls. Oookay mate.

We spent Saturday chilling out at the hotel then that evening we went and met up with Rachel my ex roomie who now has brown hair and looks really gorgeous as well as Tash and Kristen. We shared a few drinks then headed for a boogie at Belushis.We stayed till close at which time the bar launched in to song, singing a drunken version of Waltzing Matilda. I think it was partly to get back a little Aussie pride after the frustrating English win in the Rugby. (Yes, they are are all gloating.) Sunday we were back at Pitcher and Piano my fave Sunday bar where several of the bartenders asked where I'd been the last couple of Sundays which was lovely. Its nice to feel like part of a community and that's what its like in Fulham. Its mah home! I took it upon myself to find fellas to give Claire a birthday kiss for her 21st, there were many takers lemmi tell you!

Claire and I are flat hunting this week, aiming specifically for Fulham but last night Claire saw a gorgeous place in Action which is also quite an Australian dominated area so we're considering that too.

Peace and love to all, mah mummy is visiting me in under 5 weeks! Yay.

Lots of love rachixxx

French Adventure

2005-11-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!

Claire and I had an amazing, fun and surprising time in France. After picking up our cute little VW Polo we cruised towards Mt Blanc. Having no understanding of French road signs we somehow managed to wind up on the border of France and Italy! The guy at the Toll asked if we'd like to go to Italy and we were like Nooooo! After a quick reverse in our speedy little car, we finally found our destination - Les Contamines!

The chalet was massive and was seriously the ideal party house, with enough beds for 18 people. We dumped our stuff, turned up the heating and relaxed. In the afternoon we headed down to the town and were surprised and impressed to see a condom machine next to the local boulangerie!

The next day we took a hike in the mountains near the town of St Gervais, how spectacular. It was trully breathtaking even for gals like me who prefer the sites of a good shopping mall or a hot ass.

That evening we discovered there was an ice hockey match in the town and having not seen any ski hunks decided to attend! It was well worth it, we are serious ice hockey fans now. The game was very exciting and rough and the men were rather lush. We ended up being approached by French guy named Jerome who was friends with the players and invited us to a local bar and club to celebrate afterwards which was loads of fun.

Sunday was spent relaxing and playing scrabble, which I won with some choice words. We also tasted some of the local delights including a delicious savoury quiche and of course croissants. I also mastered the French style thanks to a matching pink hat and scarf leant to me by the gorgeous Claire.

We were so lucky and had such a great time. It was nice to have a break away from work, a bit of fresh air in our lungs and a car to drive for a few days. I didn't realise how much I had missed being behind the wheel until I started driving (although driving on the right and giving way to the left was a change!)

I would recommend a visit to anyone, if everything I have said hasn't convinced you, let me just add that all the cows have massive bells around their necks and all you can hear is the sound of the bells ringing as they chew grass. Too cute! xxxx

Love rachixxxxxxx

What tha? - UPDATED

2005-11-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hi mingers (mingers is now an affectionate term)

Rachi is off to the ski fields of Les Contamines on Friday - YAY and MEXICAN WAVE! Its about time I saw a bit of Europe, I've been a Londoner for a good 5 months now! Claire and I fly out Friday morning to Geneva where we're hiring a car to Les - C in the French Alps. It will be a weekend of relaxation, hiking and eye spy for any cute snowboarders...

Had a blinder of a Friday, was bollocked by my boss for cracking onto one of the security officers. hehe. I do need to take a moment to whinge about that actually. Do men have to apologise for subjecting us girls to countless hours of chest ogling and ass pinching? Now, my girlies in Hobart would know only too well that I've always tried to change this stereotype by pinching a few asses of my own. I'm thinking my boss is jealous his own ass remains un-pinched. Word is that the security team are very happy that they now have a 'hot sec/rec supervisor' so stick that where the sun don't shine Mr. Manager.

We went to a very average Halloween Party on the Saturday hosted by TNT. The bar itself was dark and depressing and everyone but Claire and I were dressed up – although it was a good outfit day - my new boots made an appearance coupled with denim mini. The highlight of the night was a guy dressed as The Crow which is one of my favourite movies of all time. I swear this guy must live for Halloween, as he was the spitting image of Brandon Lee with all the white makeup and black eyes.

Here he is, spotted him in the latest issue of TNT Magazine...mmm. Richard, you would have to agree with me on this one...

Claire and I are doing the monopoly board of London suburbs as far as living arrangements go. We are currently residing in Knightsbridge in a gorgeous four-bedroom apartment rent-free so we are lucky little chickens. The week after next we will be living at her relly's apartment in Mayfair for a couple of weeks whilst looking for a fantastic new studio apartment. It’s great cos it gives us the extra time to find a really swanky pad for just two people which are definitely not as easy to come by as share houses.

Love ya long time sexy people.

rachixxx

Mah Boots are bananas..B-A-N-A-N-A-S

2005-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a moment to introduce mah boots...

Yes these are my lovely new boots. They are my latest obsession...the love of my life so I thought I would dedicate a whole blog to them.

The new boots were made in Brazil by some of the finest craftsmen in the world. They were carefully boxed and sent to the UK where they sat proudly on the top shelf in River Island. One rainy afternoon a girl (lets call her Rachael) strolled into the store and was immediately distracted by a lovely reversible fur gillet.......................................................

But something just didn't feel right. Was Rachael searching for something more...?

Seems she was. As she cast her eyes across the room she spotted the boots. Standing tall under the fluorescent lighting. And she has never looked back since. There has never been a love quite as strong as this. The whole of her department have now met her boots and love her boots. These boots it seems, have changed Rachael's life.

Somebody stop her

2005-10-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Hobies

Things have been a little tense at the Fulham flat (major understatement) and Claire and I are currently living in the lovely Knightsbridge at her step mum's pad which boasts Harrods and Harvey Nichols just around the corner. Anyway because of the stress of finding another place to live, on top of the tension within our Fulham flat I disgraced myself in the most unladylike, unclassy way on Thursday night. For any family members, it was similar to Christmas Eve 2000...

...after drinking the contents of a medium bottle of vodka (some of it straight) and dancing along to the likes of Daniel Powter’s - Bad Day, Coldplay and the ass shaking Pussycat Dolls song - Don't cha, we headed to The Slug (how, I don’t remember.) Once inside I decided no I wasn’t drunk enough and ordered a glass of wine…hmm. I then chose to try out my dance moves – somehow my hand eye coordination was a little gone, then made my way outside for a sit down on the nice cool concrete. Claire was my wing lady and looked after me for most of the evening – thanks luv! Surprisingly I made it to work the next day with little more than sore legs from my yoga-like dancing and an even sorer ego.

I am thankful to say Friday night was much tamer. Claire, Alice and I went to Chan4 Bar and socialised with the security team.
Saturday was brilliant. After a lazy morning we went to view a property which resembled ‘Grandma’s house’ (so that’s a no) then spent the afternoon getting ready for a night out at Belushi’s which is a new bar in Fulham. It was heaps of fun, my dancing was a little more coordinated so much so that one guy asked for a dance off. After putting some money down we showcased our greatest moves then a group of seven or eight guys voted…funnily enough I won (I don’t think it was all that fair that only men voted but I’m not complaining!) We then had a Sunday Sex and the City fest with snacks and a good nights sleep .

Love and ass slaps

Rachixxx

Times they are a changin

2005-10-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi peeps

I’m back having slackened off the old blogs for the past week. Naughty me. A lot has been happening so I've got news a-plenty...

1. Rachel moved out and Claire moved in. I felt quite emotional once it had actually happened. She now lives 5 minutes from work as apposed to an hour so she can save more money as she’s moving back to Australia in December. Sucks the big one but I know she’ll be a friend for life. Rachel played such an important role in my life from the time I arrived, introducing me to lots of fun people and showing me the happening places to go. She is the big sis I never had.

2. Claire and I have decided to get a studio apartment now that the lease at our current apartment is coming to an end in November. We would totally love to stay in the same area but just get somewhere without sharers which will allow us the freedom to be noisy little mingers 24/7. We have three to look at on Wednesday so I’ll keep ya’ll posted!

3. Went to see Saturday Night Fever with Liam from QLD. It was such a fantastic show, I would totally recommend seeing it. The lead was an ex Neighbours actor who used to play Casper years and years ago. He was stunningly gorgeous and totally pulled off all the John Travolta moves. I tried some of the moves down at the Slug last Thursday with mixed reviews from friends!

4. Claire, cousin Becs and I went out in Covent Garden to Punch and Judy’s and The Walkie on Saturday – it was a fun night, my favourite part was the £12 ride we took from Punch and Judy’s to Tiger Tiger. We hopped on a three-seater bike and got driven through the streets of London. We got the guy to race another bike and ended up kicking ass! Got some photos on my phone, the poor guys legs were sore by the time we arrived at the club!

5. Claire and I are off to France in November. Her step mum owns a Chalet in the French Alps which sleeps 18 so we are getting some people together and heading there for a weekend. So excited!! Luvin’ it. Now I just have to learn to ski...

How is Hobart? I am missing everyone loads. I’ve been here over 5 months now. The weather is cooling down and the coats are coming out. Time to get all snugly with a nice hot cocoa and an even hotter man…hehe.

Love rachixx

Photo Moto

2005-10-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Didn't I say I was gonna get some photos sorted pronto? Well here is a serious overload. They consist of the past couple of nights out and Madam Tussauds. Enjoy! Lotsa luv xx

Firstly, here I am outside my lovely gorgeous work. Isn't the building pretty speccy?:

Here are Rach, Claire and I last night at a bar in Convent Garden called the Bunker Bar:

The wonderful Madam Tussauds, the first photo is of me with Ant and Dec, us with posh and becs, third me and the lovely (and rather tall) Jamie Oliver

And lastly Rach, Jono and I last Sunday at Pitcher and Piano.

There ya go, sorted!

Celeb sighting no..4583759827

2005-09-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Joseph Fiennes, star of Shakespeare in Love just popped into the Chan. Claire, Alice and I were luvin it! He was tall and very suave, with a cool leather jacket, jeans and tight tee. Mmm.

Have the tune "I can't wait for the weekend to begin da na na naaa" in my head. Totally can't wait either, big weekend planned. Will take snappy snaps and fill you all in Mon as I'm too slack and fuzzy headed after my celeb sighting to think right now. hehe.

Hugs, ass slaps and air kisses. rachixxxxxx

Career or Lifestyle

2005-09-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hi guys

Well the grand final was so much fun! We went to bed early and got up at around 3am for a 4am start. Turns out we made a good choice, we arrived at The Slug to find a whole lot of tired, drunk, messy looking people, whereas Rach, Tash and I looked fresh and revitalised. The line was massive, but Emille on the door let us jump to the front...reminds me of those annoying Isobar queue jumpers...now I am one!

There were massive screens everywhere, we set ourselves up in front of one and grabbed a meat pie and snakie. The game was so exciting, I loved it! Everyone really got into the spirit and I was so pumped when Sydney won! Got hit on twice which I thought was hilarious considering it was officially the earliest I'd ever pulled: 5am! We left the bar at 9am, Rach, Jax, AB and Ange headed to Parsons Green to chill in the sun but I went to the pool cos I was feeling guilty about my meat pie…! That night I had to get Rachel from a house party cos she had officially run out of fuel then that night I went dancing.
The following day Claire and I met up for a Wagamama's lunch then chilled until that evening when we got totally sassed up and headed to Pitcher and Piano - which she loved. I introduced her to many new faces including Emett and his pals, Jackie and the guys and Michael.

I've had very flattering news at work. My boss Andy's boss has asked whether I would be interested in taking an office management position within her department in Canary Wharf. It would be a massive career move with loads more money. I haven't made my decision but my main motivation for coming to London wasn't career or money. I earn good money now and I still have the freedom to enjoy the lifestyle. This would mean long hours and all the responsibility of running the office resting on my shoulders. I have built up a great working relationship with everyone at Channel 4 I don’t think it’s the right time to make the move.

Anyways, nuff serious stuff. Going to Madam Tussauds this week – love love Madam Tussauds, hopefully a waxwork Johnny will be there so I can pretend that he’s my husband…

Lotsa love rachixxxxx

Rach and I

2005-09-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

A photo from last night at the Slug and Lettuce...was madness! We like black and white films now, we don't look quite so drunk!

Have to get up at 3am for the Grand Final tomorrow morning...AGH! I will officially be on Aussie time, watching it live with everyone back home. Cheers guys! May the best team win (thanks Cherae for letting me know the teams...I'm going for the winners, I hear it will be Sydney.) Who is everyone else going for? How crazy, I hated football in Australia, now I'm in the UK I'm a fan...what is this country doing to me?...making me more Australian? I'm so frickin' patriotic!

Luv yas lots.....rachixxxxxxxxxx

Claire joins the apartment!

2005-09-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yes that's right Claire is movin' on in!

I'm sad to say that Rachel will be moving out of the flat early October to Romford in Essex. She's tired of the commute to and from work; it takes her about an hour from Fulham to her place of work and it wears her down. She says she's going to stay over at the flat on weekends. I will miss my lil Rach so much, she really has helped me adapt to life in London and introduced me to some amazing people and places. She is someone I know I'll be friends with forever, we just mesh so well; it’s hard to find someone that you can share a room with and socialise with and literally never get sick of!
That said I love Claire to bits and its gonna absolutely rock living and working with her! I am taking her out for a celebratory drink on Sunday with the girlies before she starts work on Tuesday.

Tonight I'm off to drinkies at the Slug with Jax and Rach, Jackie gets free meals for a year and I’m in no mood to cook. Rock on.

Luv yas….rachixxx

Claire joins the department!

2005-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well my lovely friend Claire arrived on Monday and by Tuesday afternoon she had a job! How brilliant is that? She will be working in reception at Channel 4! I am so glad I was able to help out. It was amazing to see her, its been a whole year since we last saw each other. She was looking fab in all her Melbourne gear, and she said I looked very 'London girl about town' haha.

Although I have never followed AFL football in my life and only really know a couple of teams, I'm off to a massive Grand Final party on Saturday morning at 4am and am so excited! It should be madness! We are gonna rock up there at around 3am for beers and breakfast! Apparently it’s a hugely popular annual event at The Slug, and tickets have already sold out. I don't even know who is in the Grand Final, can someone tell me so I don't look like a complete knob?

The fashion over here is heading into all the Autumn/Winter looks which are absolutely gorgeous. Think Victoria Beckham with tailored military style jackets, singlets, tight ripped denim jeans and camel boots over the top. I am purchasing all of the above on Monday when my next pay cheque comes in! So excited! Gypsy skirts are a thing of the past after being in fashion for sooo long. The look for the London summer was skirts and singlets with loads of chunky jewellery, what is featuring in Australia for your summer? Let me know girls.

The weather is chilling up, I've been told that my pissy little 'Boots' umbrella will not withstand the weather and I need to purchase a sturdy big ass man umbrella. Will do. I have been feeling the chill lately and its getting darker a lot earlier...bring it on. I'm not scared. That just means cosy nights in with a hot male.

Credit cards at the ready, spare a thought for the poor little pets from New Orleans...

Luv yas...rachixxxxx

Plastic fantastic...?

2005-09-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

I can barely keep my eyes open after a big one last night. I think I'm still a little drunk (don't tell my bosses...) My friend Alice temps in promotions and she managed to get us into the Celebrity Love Island Reunion Party. I don't think the show was ever broadcast in Australia but basically it was like B grade celebs on an Island getting it on. It was very addictive viewing. It starred page 3 girls, ex footballers, singers, soapie actors from the UK and Rebecca Loos. The 'celebs' from Big Brother UK were also at the event last night.

It was held at the Embassy Club which is an extra extra swanky bar. Alice and I rocked up having spent hours getting ready. The club was absolutely FULL of fake boobs, you could not escape them! I didn't rate most the men either - short, tanned, rich wanks with oily slicked hair. We headed to the toilet and I saw a big brother actor and was whispering to Alice like, oh my god, but by the end of the night you had seen everyone. I think of all the people there Rebecca Loos was the most naturally gorgeous woman. She was stunning, my height, slim but not skinny, fantastic hair and a great natural tan. I can see why David cheated on Posh with her, there was definitely something about her.

Alice had taken a camera with her but it was the kind of place where to be cool you did NOT IN ANY CURCUMSTANCES pull out a camera. Having said that, I 'bumped' into ex Leeds Soccer player Lee Sharpe outside the toilets who I had been spying on all night and whilst giving him a quick cuddle I asked for a photo. Alice took out the digital only to discover that after 30 seconds of Lee and I posing like knobs the battery was flat! I got a kiss on the cheek though. mmm...

Later in the evening we managed to get into the VIP section after Alice said I was Australian and wanted to see some celebs…hehe…good line, it worked. It was like the movies with all the famous guys sprawled out on cushions and trashy plastic women draped all over them with wine and smokes and drugs. It was a rush to get in though. At the end of the night we joined the paparazzi outside which was so much fun. Every time someone came out they would jump all over him or her. Who's leaving with whom? So cool. I've seen a few of the photos in the tabloids today and I'm like 'I was there!' I never would have dreamed I’d actually be going to these types of parties.

Brilliant Xxxceptional night!

Love ya long time rachixxxxxxxx

Busy in the Bush

2005-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Finally! Rachi has stopped being so slack and taken some snaps! The quality is poor because someone was rude enough to steal my digital camera and I am relying on a bloody disposal piece of crap.

Went out Saturday night to the Shepherd’s Bush Walkie and got a little worse for wear on Snakies! I was getting them half price from the pierced and tattooed bar guy which everyone thought was just brilliant. The people in the photos include from left Me, Ange, Hamish, Rachel, Alistair and Jackie.

It was a mad night, lots of fun. Went out to PMP last night and took some more great snaps so they will be up within the week. Am a little worse for wear today but it was well worth it. As my little bro Tom would say...
'Luvin it..'

Lotsa love and ass slaps

Rachixxxxxxxxx

Lights of Leicester Square

2005-09-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hi gorgeous folk

I had the best night out since arriving in this wonderful city. Alice my work buddy and I hit Leicester Square on Friday night and had an incredible night. Leicester Square was simply buzzing. It is so alive and exciting. We had intended to go to a Bikini and Beachwear party and had dressed to the nines! Alice was on the VIP list so it was free entry. By the time we got there it turned out everyone was on the bloody vip list! Line for miles. We stood patiently in line for a good oooh 5 minutes then decided there was no point seeing as there were like a zillion wicked looking bars and clubs in L/S. We started the night at the Buzz Bar (although I had a preference for The Metra Bar where a John Butler look-alike was handing out flyers for entry...!)
There were two for one cocktails at Buzz Bar so that was a good reason to stay for a while. Two Sex on the Beach’s and one Tequila Sunrise later we headed to Metra (!!). Such a cool club! We somehow managed to get into the VIP section, which was just how I imagined a VIP section would be with funky couches and our own little bar. Was ultra cool. I hoped that Johnny Depp would swing by and propose on bended knee.

Finally crawled home at 5am. Spent Saturday in the sun with Rach at the Boathouse on a nice hangover cure of cheese and biccies. Then Sunday my cousin came down from Newbury so Rachel, Hanie and I took her down to Tootsies, also on the waterfront for lunch. We then had a brief shop in the mall and I spent the afternoon asleep!

My friend Claire is arriving on the 19th of September which I'm so excited about! I've managed to line her up with a job interview at my work! Cannot wait to see her, it seems like it's been ages since we've actually had a chat and a catch up. Cannot wait to go out for drinkies and a goss in Fulham.

Love Rachixxxx

BBQs in the Sun

2005-09-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Firstly, I haven’t done a word of the week for a while so lets start with that shall we? I’ve somehow developed the annoying habit of calling everyone a TWAT. It basically means idiot so there you go ladies or gents, the annoying boy/girl in the pub that won’t leave you alone….twat….use it in a sentence today.

Ooh this week has been so hot hot! I am totally loving the weather; I cannot believe what a hot summer it’s been. On Wednesday it was up around the 33degree mark so Rachel, NZ Hannie and I decided to have a BBQ on our lil patio. Being Aussies Rach and I thought we would be brilliant with the BBQ but we ended up burning our little pork sausages to a crisp and losing several in the fire! The girls decided my best role would be as host considering I sucked with the BBQ so they put me on door duty (wasn’t very good at that either and ended up putting a sign on the door which read ‘If we don't answer please phone Rach or Rach or Hannah (cos we can’t hear you)’. Proved to be very successful! I ended up getting a total of 1-hours’ sleep which my bosses found very amusing the next day. They actually like my hangovers because they think I do more work! (Strangely enough, I do seem to!)

Thursday night was Greggo’s 28th. We went to a seafood restaurant where the bill came to a whopping £345! It was a really fancy-shmancy place with the smallest portions ever. My own meal was only a £20 cos I was off the wine last night! Smart choice.

Guess who popped in to Channel Four yesterday? Robbie Williams (I love my job!) The sucky thing was my boss said I could go and see him in the loading bay which is like the entrance/exit the ‘exclusive celebrities’ use so as not to be seen by all the fans. I was so excited all day but my boss ended up getting a call saying Robbie was leaving an hour earlier than planned. I raced down to see him leaving in a big car with blackened windows (so I couldn’t actually see him). Bloody hell. Oh well, he’ll just have to propose to me next time he’s in.

Love ya long time

Rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Facials

2005-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hiya sweetie-pies

My weekend away was ultra ultra good! So relaxing, I feel completely rejuvenated and my skin is all dewy after my facial. I have vowed to have a monthly facial now, as that was my first and it felt soooo good. The hotel was gorgeous, really spekki 4 star with pool, spa, sauna and gym. Did lots of swimming and eating of the yummiest and most indulgent food.

Went out this week with my Tassie buds CasnCam. Showed them the sights and sounds of Putney and Fulham, I felt so proud, I truly adore my area of London. On Wednesday night we went out to dinner at Wagamamas, then last night was the biggie, am suffering the after effects this morning...major hangover. We went for a meal at Pizza Express in Fulham Broadway and then hit the Slug and Lettuce for some Snakebites by the jug! We danced out little arses off for most of the night, they were lovin’ the 80’s classics. You just can’t help loving a bit of Johnnie Farnham when you’re legless!

Made a few drunken phone calls to my little mate Tom from NZ then struggled home. Got a max of three hours sleep and now I’m at work under the glare of the fluorescent lights! Need my sunnies…

Love rachixxx

Prime Time Video Store

2005-08-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hi peeps

I had another 'this is my city' moment on Tuesday. I became a member of the local video store! It was all very exciting for me. I blissfully walked down the road clutching my Series 4 Sex and The City, smiling gleefully to myself. How sad am I? Its little things like that which make me realise this is my home now. I am a member of the community. I matter, I'm special...and yes, I am also a loser.

Have lots of things in the pipeline for the next few weeks which I'm very excited about. This Saturday I'm meeting my cousin and aunty for a girlie night in Warrington at a B&B with pool and gym and a free facial thrown in the mix! I can't wait to get out of the city for the night and just chill. My body and mind need a break! Work is very busy but I love it to bits and have been getting lots of great feedback from my bosses, when they're not busy teasing my Australian accent.

The following Wednesday Cas&Cam from Tas are visiting for a couple of nights. It will be great to see them again and I cannot wait to show them around my flat and Fulham! Will be taking them out for a few snake-ies...! hehe
Then on the Friday I'm off to visit my relies in Wales. Looking forward to the four hour bus ride. Its so beautiful, the scenery on the coach ride there always blows me away, its so luscious and green.

Went out last night to The Frog and another nameless pub for a few with Greggo, Jax, Benno (rach's ex) and a few others. Had a few too many and sent random texts to Hobart friends and family! Missing everyone stacks.

Take care, lots of love to all.

Cheers big ears

Rachixxxxxxxxxxx

Colour Issues

2005-08-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hiya peeeeeeeps!

What a gorgeous day! The weather is hotting up once again, I knew there had to be at least one more heat wave before the cold snap hits old London town.

Okay time for one issue that is really bugging me about living in this country. And boy, it’s a biggie….

One thing I hate about this country is the unnatural colour of the women. All the hottie-tottie tradesmen have this lovely dark skin tone because they’ve had to work outside all day in the sun with no shirts on (ooh, what a shame) but the women WELL! Every other female is an unnatural orange colour. They are literally glowing bright orange! Spray tanning is so popular over here. I feel so pale and I’m Aussie! We are meant to be brown! That said I have discovered this ultra brilliant moisturiser with added tanning cream which is giving me a nice light tan.

Am off to Slug this Thursday with my pal Jackie. Rachel is in Denmark lucky girl. I do miss her when she goes away. It’s strange because you’d think you’d want your privacy in a share room but I actually miss our late night de-briefs! (usually surrounding the topic of men; this week we were loving all male species, last week men could do nothing right…wonder what the week after has in store…) Women must gossip and what’s more convenient than sharing a room and gossing into the wee hours? We are blatant Big Brother UK addicts which is on at 10pm every night. Speaking of Big Brother the final is on this week and being Chan4 there is an eviction party at the Chan4 bar so I might go to that! How did the Australian version go? Has it wrapped up yet?

Weekend was grand, great weather and ended up discovering new places to drink too! Hung out with Rach and Emett on Sat at SO, party was postponed damnit! Went shopping saturday in Kingston (yes, the UK version) and bought some gorgeous tops (my look is changing, the fashion over here is really thrown together kate moss/sienna miller cool.)

Love ya long time.

Rachixxxx

Rainy Friday

2005-08-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Having a very non work day today, my bosses are in a slack mood which I have benefited from! They just took me for a very English fry up which was nice of them. Tonight I'm going for drinks with my boss and the reception team cos Alice a girl I've become friends with who is temping with Chan4, is finishing up today.

Met Emett (music buff) at the SObar last night, its a great oriental style bar with huge cushions on the floor and a wonderful decor. Cheap drinks aswell cos his friend Ryan works there. Then went and met Rachel at Prospect after. Saw Ben, very civil but still not happy that he arsed Rach about. Heading to a party on Saturday at one of Emett's friend's houses so that'll be fun. House parties in London are wicked and there's no lights on at 11-12 like in all the bars!

I read the paper today which said the numbers of people using the tubes were down by 450,000 each weekday and 750,000 fewer on weekends! That surprised me, I didnt think it would be by that much. God, I'm either very brave or very stupid. Can't really think of any other option to get to and from work. I was going to go into the city tomorrow and go shopping in Oxford St but I dont think I will for the time being.

I'm biting the bullet and buying a disposable camera today so I can FINALLY get some great pics. The things I've missed from not having had one...hehe

Cannot believe its August already. I worked out yesterday that I've been here just over 10 weeks! When put like that it doesn't seem like that long but its still an achievement. The number of times I've spoken to someone in a bar (usually male) and they've been blown away that I came over on my own. Most men I've met come in groups, not many on their own. They say I was brave which surprises me when coming from a guy...I don't feel it was particularly brave of me, it just felt like something that had to be done. And you know what? It was the best thing I've ever done...

Love rachixx

Chocolate Flavoured Johnny

2005-08-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hiya peeps

The remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was brilliant, best movie I've ever seen (yes, I'm biased.) The wonderful sir Johnny didn't disappoint. It was a great evening, I had loads of fun...

Weekend was cruisy if not a little cold, the days are getting shorter and I think summer is winding to a close. Spent my first night in the flat last night in a long time...and it sucked! I swear I woke up this morning much more lethargic than after a 3am bender. I can barely keep my eyes open now and its only midday.

There is a huge police presence on the tubes now. It is quite comforting to see, although I do feel sorry for many members of the Muslim population as the spot checks being conducted are completly racially biased. It makes me think of this sweet Muslim father and his 12 year old son that catch my tube. They carry big black backpacks and are completely harmless and yet they draw the attentions of the police every morning. I have friends that won't catch the tubes still. There are definately less people on the tubes and I'm sure bike sales have skyrocketed. My roomate Mick just bought one and the roads are full of them. Am I strange for not being fearful in the present climate? I just want to live every day as it comes and not be fearful of anything.

Take care, will update more asap.

Love rachixxx

Some girls

2005-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hiya

Went to see 'Some Girls' starring David Schwimmer last night! Was so excited to see one of the friends characters in the flesh('pivetttt' hey Lousi!) l I would say that old Dave doesn't have the greatest range tho...he played a very similar character to that of Ross Gellar. It was a great show, very amusing and he was really tall and quite attractive in the flesh. He got his kit off which was a nice surprise.

There's been a bit of heartbreak around the camps, Rachel and Ben are no longer together. He was a two timing jerk so she's better off without him. He actually looks a lot like Owen Wilson and the terrible thing is, Owen is currenty starring in that new movie The Wedding Crashers so there are billboards on every street corner with Owen's/Ben's face...Rachel is threatening to grafitti one of the billboards near Ben's house with some reference to his manhood...I say go Rach!

Had a massive weekend, met some cool people including a music buff who loves Incubus and Johnny Depp, my kinda guy...very cool. Am way excited about this Thursday, my cousin Becca is coming down and a big group of us are going out for a night of dancing and general craziness. (don't worry Uncle Cedric, I WILL lead her astray)....hehe

Had my first pay cheque on Monday! My god, it was so good. I made my first big purchase which ended up not being that big cos of the sales. A cute little pink VK Mobile for £60.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is out Friday...everyone go see it! It will be fantastic I'm sure. My little Johnny won't disappoint. Will be seeing it with aforementioned music buff...

Love ya long time. Rachixxx

Film Premiere

2005-07-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hiya

Was walking through Leicester Square yesterday on my way with Alice to the 'Speed dating session' when we noticed a massive crowd ahead, outside a cinema. We walked up and somehow managed to get to the front of the crowd and guess who it was...KATE HUDSON! Well firstly I saw Goldie Hawn walking the red carpet, then realised it was Kate Hudson's film premiere for her latest movie. Goldie Hawn looked very mumsie, didn't like her dress and her skin was quite wrinkly but I guess she looked good for her age.

Kate on the other hand was gorgeous. We were only metres away and got a great 'paparazzi' type shot of her. She is ultra skinny, a little too flat chested and she had the worst orange fake tan. But other than that she has the most amazing smile and her face is flawless.

The speed dating was TERRIBLE! I had this image in my mind of a really hip and trendy place where 20 somethings went to sip cocktails and mingle but NO. The reality was a bunch of balding 30 somethings in really bad suits strolling around with star trek cards trying to get a 'match' for a free drink. I walked in, stood for 15 minutes too long then left! It was the most uncomfortable situation I've ever been in cos the lady hosting the event would bring over these nerdy buggers who wanted to meet me. I felt like meat! EwEwEwEwEw...had a long shower this morning. It was funny because as we were leaving the cute bouncer said he wondered why I went in there because I wouldn't need to go to a singles night to get a date...hehe. I just thought it would be an experience...I guess it was. An experience of what never to do AGAINNNNN...you've been warned ladies...

We ended up at my fave local drinking wine and laughing over it and I ended up being hit on by a couple of normal 20 somethings who weren't armed with trekkie cards...

Lots of love rachix

Australian Times

2005-07-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hiya beautiful creatures

Well I have now made my second newspaper appearance in two weeks! HAHA. This is the ultimate for any Australian expat living in London..AUSTRALIAN TIMES! Its a free newspaper which comes out every Wednesday and updates us Aussies on the goings on in Australia as well as the local music and pub scene in London. Page 7, there I was having drinkies at the Pitcher and Piano, my favourite pub for a Sunday night. I am totally going to have to get a scrap book. Way exciting.

Everyone is going to laugh but tonight I am off to....speed dating! A girl I work with Alice asked me if I wanted to go with her and since its in Leicester Square and its £10 a head unlimited drinkies I thought why not? I think it will be hilarious. I've always wondered what they're like. I don't particularly want to meet a love match tho, I am more in love with being single.

Bad news to all my faux designer handbag loving friends. I have just found out that rip off designer bags such as Louis Vuitton are said to be used to fund terrorist groups like Al Qaeda!! So ladies its time to ditch those imposters! (And sorry Deelee it looks like I won't be sending you that fake Louis as promised....!)

Lots of love rachixxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Weekend

2005-07-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hiya peeps

My god I'm buggered today, what a big weekend I had! The weather was heaven, so so good. It was warm but breezy and I even got the bikini out and had a sunbake on our patio! Fun fun.

Went out from Thursday through to Sunday, bleeding my poor bank account dry, can't wait for my first pay packet on the 25th...

Had a real 'Secret life of us' moment on Saturday, this guy Fraser has this rooftop terrace which overlooks the street and it is basically identical to the one on the television show. It was such a beautiful day so about 15 of us sat out in the sunshine drinking and bbqing. We played a ratings game where the men and women in the street walking past the flat got scores out of ten...I rated everyone over 7 cos I didn't want to hurt anyones feelings!

Had a wonderful meal on Friday at a place called Tootsies on the waterfront. It was packed out full of people, all soaking up the rays.

Totally excited that my friend Claire is coming over in September! You can doss with me any day Clairebear. That reminds me, all my hobbie crew have to come over too! Let me know if anyone has any plans to visit in the pipeline...also Cas and Cam are visiting in August which will be loads of fun, will show you guys round Fulham!

Take care luviesxxxxxx

2 minutes of complete silence

2005-07-14T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hiya

Observed a 2 minute silence today in Victoria Street. It was a beautiful experience, all the cars and buses came to a halt and the streets were full of people. No one made a sound...not a peep. It really made me stop and think about how lucky I was to avoid the terrible events of July 7th. There was another scare this morning at the tubes, nothing came of it but they are extra paranoid right now. It always makes me feel a little uneasy to see so many policeman at every tube station but I guess they are being extra vigilant at the present time. I can't exactly see the point, the terrorists are only going to wait until London has its guard down.

It is extra hot which is wonderful. I am maintaining a tan which I never thought would happen in little old London town. Am hitting the pub scene this evening with mates. I am hanging out for it today, cannot wait!

I had my third celeb encounter yesterday! Again, B grade celeb that no one would know in Aus. She is the host of a very popular music and gossip program on Chan 4 called T4. She was so tiny, like a little doll, and very pretty. The male host is drop dead gorgeous, Steve Jones...all the receptionists have met him so they are going to buzz me when he's at reception and I'll race down! And of course, Johnny Depp will have a personal tour of my office if he drops over to Channel 4.....

I would like to send out a big apology regarding my slackness in sending postcards! I was so touched to receive so many birthday cards, my housemates couldn't quite believe how many, so there is no excuse now. They will be in the mail tomorrow...promise xxxx

Phrase of the week. Instead of saying "Hi, How are you?" at the beginning of a sentence when you meet someone every English person says "You alright...?" Its like "Hi, You alright?" I'm thinking, course I'm bloody alright, why wouldn't I be? Its weird. Very english.

On another note, my god Tasmanian's get SO MUCH crap. I am actually starting to really stick up for little Tassie because I'm so over the jibes. NO I don't have two heads NO I'm not inbred (I have a Welsh mother for F-sake!) and NO Tasmania is not part of SOUTH AFRICA! Dumbass...!

Okay, I'm off, lots of love hugs and several ass slaps.

Rachixxxxx

Bad luck comes in threes...

2005-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

What a weekend.

Enjoyed a big one Friday night, 4:30am beddi-bies. The night started at TGI Fridays, a new bar/restaurant which is part of a converted tube station. It's so gorgeous, with all these mock 'mind the gap' signs and a big round central bar in the middle. I had a heavenly Strawberry Daiquiri which kicked off the night perfectly. Met up with the others at Prospect and stayed there till close, then headed to a house party at Greggo's. Jackie took some pics so I'll have to get copies.

Spent Saturday chilled out in the sun; it was a fantastically hot day. Went swimming, 60 laps...go you good thing. Then decided to be a sensible girl and have a night in cos of my naughty Friday. BIG MISTAKE. I'd just drifted off to sleep when there was this massive BANG. Rachel and I jumped out of bed, thinking it was some bus blown up outside our flat. We looked out the window only to see that a car had gone through our front fence! And I'm talking a big mother of a thick stone fence. Panicked we raced downstairs to find our roommate Mick helping some guy out of a car. Some drunken tosser had rammed our house, hitting the window of our lounge and f-ing up the front of his car.
He was so out of it that he was actually trying to start the car because he didn't want to get arrested! I grabbed a towel for the guys bleeding head then, worried that the car might blow up, grabbed Rach and got out of the flat. The ambulance came and took the guy away, and then the police came and waited with Mick for a tow truck. By then Rach and I were tired so we decided to wait back upstairs. BIG MISTAKE. 5 minutes later 2 fire engines arrived with dozens of hotty-totty firemen! We were going to get dressed and go downstairs but instead watched and giggled from the window like stupid schoolgirls.

So anyways, bad things come in threes so.... what’s next? Hmm, naaa.... not going to live like that. Went out last night with Rachel and met up with her hotty-totty Ben and co.

Caught the tube today into Victoria Station and I'm not going to lie, I was very nervous. The tube was nowhere near as busy as it usually is at 8:30am so the only upside was I managed to get a seat! I couldn't help looking around suspiciously at everyone. And everyone was doing the same. It's sad to hear about the hate crimes starting up against Muslim communities. Come on people don't be so narrow-minded. Everyone is still so shaken, but coping. It's pretty surreal to think about what happened on July 7th. I know I'll never forget.

Love rachix

Rush hour....?

2005-07-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

It was as if half the population of London didn't get up today. The streets are near empty, the buses only half full and the tubes that are running have one or two people to a carriage. Do they know something I dont know? Terrorist attack or something?...I feel brave just for getting out of bed.

I woke up early, had a chat to my family on the phone then stood at my window and watched the tubes go past. Near empty tubes. The lines are slowly being restored but I didn't risk it today. I took the Putney to Waterloo overground train. Walked across The Thames and past Westminster to get to work. 15 police vans roared past as I made my way along the path. They pulled up at a road near Westminster and sectioned off the road. I don't know what was happening but I didn't stay around to find out...

It amazes me to see tourists still snapping away at all the landmarks, Big Ben...The Eye. Perhaps waiting to catch some breaking news which they can then sell to the television stations. I really hope there isn't anymore 'breaking news..'

Walking home last night it amused me to see the pubs so full. Everyone having a quiet pint down the local. I love the way Londoners have reacted. There is no real panic. Just a quiet acceptance of what's happened. I bought a bottle of wine and watched the news all night, listening to the number of casualities rise. It started at 2, I knew it wouldn't stay at 2. My heart goes out to all the people affected.

Lots of love rachix

Updates

2005-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I just went for a walk around the city near my work. It was like that scene in Vanilla Sky where all the streets are empty. All the shops have closed, excluding one lingerie store which was full of women buying underwear! Nothing will stop a woman from shopping it seems!

I have never seen the streets so empty, its usually buzzing at this time with people buying their afternoon cappuccino's. Handwritten signs were stuck on the doors saying they had to shut early due to 'staff shortages'. Two police cars roared past as I was making my way across the road. The only sounds outside are sirens. The only sounds inside are police reports on Sky News. No one is really talking now.

I've worked out a way home and just spoke to the girl I met off the plane, Jackie, who is going to meet me at Waterloo. From there we are taking the overground to Putney, which is then a 15 minute walk home from the station.

Will update again soon.

Lots of love Rachixx

Terrorist Attack

2005-07-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

Firstly, obviously, I'm fine. But it means so much to know that people have been phoning and texting my home in Hobart and finding out if I'm okay. Really appreciated.

The atmosphere is one of pure shock and anger. Initially it was thought to be a power surge but now its confirmed as a terrorist attack. It's something that you don't expect and really can't prepare for. Its always in the back of your mind, being a major city and everything but I honestly didn't expect it. I had been running late this morning and got off my tube at 8:40am and the attacks began at 8:50am. That really is the most surreal feeling. You can't prevent fate, if something was supposed to happen to me on that tube it would have.

The update so far is that 2 have been killed at the Aldgate Station, with many, many more injured. The locations are so varied and very much aimed at the centre of London in the financial district. There was a suicide bomber on one bus and the images coming through on the television are simply frightening. I cannot imagine being stuck on the underground. It is the most confined space at the best of times, getting stuck down there would be horrific. It's strange recognising all the areas I've recently visited. I've been texting all my friends over here and everyone seems to be fine.

My first thought was 'how is mum feeling?' Knowing my family is so far away is hard because all they have to rely on are updates from the television. So immediately I emailed and spoke to my grandma who phoned mum for me. I've since spoken to Mum on the phone and reassured her that I'm fine.

I feel comforted at work, everyone is teaming together and just hanging around the televisions, catching all the updates. Being Channel Four we are surrounded by televisions and no one can draw themselves away from them. All public transport has been put on hold so I don't know how I'll get home tonight. I think I'll either stay at work or leave with a workmate. They are closing off all the major streets and all cabs are banked up with hundreds lined up waiting for any available ones.

Will update when I get a free moment.

Take care everyone, lots of love rachixx

Well behaved women rarely make history - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

2005-07-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hiya Gorgeous peoples

ITS MAH BIRFDAY!

23, I sound so fricken old! I bought a sexy top and some body products as a gift to mah-self.

Tonight I am off to ASK, an Italian Restaurant to celebrate with Rach, Tash, Jax and Greggo. I am going to PIG OUT like a mad thing. Haven't had a naughty meal since I got here so tonights the night! Will try and take some piccies, a little harder since I had my digital camera nicked but will see..!

What a weekend, Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun out and about. My god, its like you have this endless supply of energy over here, its weird...I'm sure I'll hit a wall and just sleep for 7 days but at the moment I'm loving keeping busy.

I have met so many wonderful people, you are never short of someone to hang out with, everyone is so ready to socialise and meet/greet. Watched Live 8 on the big screen at The Walkie in Shepherds Bush and I must say Robbie Williams on the big screen is a beautiful thing. Live 8 was a huge event over here in Hyde Park.

Went to my favourite restaurant Wagamamas for dinner Sun then to the PMP for drinkies. Wagamamas is a trendy noodle bar with the yummest, freshest food.. I'm addicted. Was seated next to a London celebrity. If you want to do a bit of celeb spotting, Wagamamas is the place to be. She works on some music channel over here and is absolutely gorgeous and petite.

A big congratulations to Simon and Andrea, its great to hear you two are engaged. Well done guys!

Lots of love and kissies. Rachixxx

ps-thank you for all the cards, emails and txts, means a lot to me.

Vegemite Tales

2005-06-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hiya

What a week. Work is fab fab, I am loving it silly.

I am planning a weekender for August now and cannot wait. Its a bank holiday on Aug the 29th and I wanna go somewhere super spesh that I haven't been before. I think its going to have to be Venice. Either that or like Prague....NEW YORK? There are some bloody cheap flights to NY. I love having the opportunity, its crazy to think I can juz go somewhere like that.

Its mah birfday Its mah birfday in 6 days...yay! I feel sad that I can't be around all my family+jody having a nice meal then out on the pisser with my hobie/drysie buddies and my cute lil bro dancing to 'Switch'. Aw shucks, am having a 'moment' bare with me...

...okay back being positive again! Anyway my gorgeous cousin Becca is coming down Fri the 8th to stay overnight so we'll prolly go out to tea and then the Slug and Lettuce, my fave local and get slaughtered on Snakebites! I think I scare my mum when I write things like that, hehe!

And I'm planning to go to dinner on the night of my birthday with my roomies and some others so its all good. Going to see the vegemite tales, a theatre production about aussies living in a share house in London, looks hilarious! Stars that big dirty spunk Jude from H&A, goody.

A word of warning girls, London water totally stuffs your hair and skin! It's so damaging. I have spent £££ on Body Shop scrubs, cleansers and facial treatments and my hair is being attacked with as many super shine formulas as it can handle! Its just crazy what it does to you. On the upside you stay fit in London cos you walk the ass out of your pants. (Is that a phrase or did I just make that one up?)

There is a newish artist who is huge here so I'm going to predict he's gonna be huge there (if he isn't already). James Blunt. Buy his album, he is a god. He sings like an angel. What's happening in the Aussie charts anyway? Fill me in. Oh yeah, Charlotte Church is also HUGE over here, she is so funny, always in the mags for being out drinking. Rach and I joke that we'd love to go out drinking with her, she'd be classic...she actually has a cute song, Crazy Chick. Theres my other daggy hit prediction.

Bye babes, love rachixxxxxx

Bouncers and ass pinching

2005-06-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hello peeps

Well my hand modelling sesh was loads of fun! hehehe, it still makes me laugh. I had to do all these hand 'poses' then he showed them back to me on the computer. Hilarious. I asked if he knew any famous people and he said he was actually having a party in a few months time and that Jamie Oliver was coming. HELLO! Invite please...!!! My god, to meet Jamie would be the ultimate.

Was meant to be in Paris right now, sipping Champagne in Manray but the worst thing happened. We arrived at Waterloo Station to catch the Eurostar and were checking in to get our tickets and F-in Flight Centre had totally stuffed the booking. We weren't even booked on the Eurostar! Buggers. So Kristen is going to try and get a free trip out of them for the inconvenience. I phoned Johnny Depp and apologised, letting him know that he'll just have to propose to me next month. He said that was ok. (Yes, I am delusional, its getting worse.)

I am loving my job, its just so wonderful and I have so much responsibility. My bosses are also such a laugh, their desks are across from mine and they spend all day taking the piss out of each other. I join in sometimes, in my typical sarcastic Australian way. Its a really nice environment to work in, the offices are very Bridget Jones, we are on like a mezzanine floor, overlooking the other offices. Very trendy.

Went to a local bar Fri night, The Prospect where the bouncers, owner and bar staff all know us by name which is really cool cos we can jump the queue! One of the owners actually threw some Italian stallion out for me because he wouldnt take no for an answer. We have our own security! Coolcool. Going to a guy named Michael's (pronounced Mick-a-elle)'s 25th tonight so that should be fun. I would take piccies but I had my camera stolen in a club last night! Buggeration.

The weather is hothot, we are in this massive heat wave. It's really nice but I miss the beaches.

Love everyone, big hugs, cuddles and ass slaps. That reminds me, Roomate Rachel and I had a competition last night who could pinch the most asses. She won but only cos she actually resorted to pinching some 50yr olds ass who was massively tanned with a grey ponytail down to his knees. Sure sure, you win Rachel.........

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hand modelling anyone...?

2005-06-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Okay just a quick one cos I had the most bizarre thing happen yesterday.

Was down at Parsons Green and this guy asked to see my hands and I'm like 'Havent heard that pick up line before' and then he said he was a photographer looking for 'real' hands for an ad campaign! Hahahahahahaha! How classic. My goodness, so he gave me his card and said if I was interested to phone him in a couple of days. He said for a few photos of my hand he would pay £350 which is like...$823!!!! ooooh, tempting. Am thinking about it for sure.

When I get back to Aus I'll be wearing one of those preservation domes on my hand as seen on David Duchovny in Zoolander (Cameron knows what I'm talking about!) Gotta protect the goods! hahahahahahahahahahaha

Love yas.

Rach in recovery mode

2005-06-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hi peoples

Rachi is still recovering from a three day party weekend, Thursday's are huge so went out Thurs, Fri and Sat. The weather is crazy hot, it was 32 yesterday and today its 28! I am loving the heat but am missing the beach quite a lot. I went for a swim at this gorgeous pool down the road which was totally refreshing.

Friday night I went to a pub/club called The Swan with Jackie a girl I met off the plane and her mates from Australia, Ireland and NZ. We had loads of fun dancing to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers cover band, the guy looked so much like the real lead singer, only his tattoos drawn on with permanent marker were a little dodgy...and had all smudged after countless stage dives!

I am freakishly obsessed with the Body Rockers, the band with the sexiest lead singer in the world. They are huge over here at the moment and I would almost say that the lead singer of the Body Rockers is hotter than JDepp......almost! Gosh did I neally say that! Go buy their album peoples!

Men are very forward over here, you could have a date with one guy friday, another friday evening, another sat morning...there is no holding them back, seriously! My theory is the fact that there are ten men to every one woman! So all singles in Hobbie, get ur asses over here!! Hobartian men just don't appreciate you enough!

Start my new job tomorrow. Very nervous, totally excited! I had a pay meeting with my new boss and almost fell off my chair..amazing offer..but then again it is London and things are damn expensive. I have stopped converting to aus$, its not worth it. You definately pay to live here! But its worth it.

Miss everyone so much, I really do. I will have been here a month in a couple of days, it feels like 6!

Hugs and kisses. Rachixx

Channel Four baby YEAH!

2005-06-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

I HAVE A JOB! I am so over the moon, I am pumped to the max and so excited! I didn't tell many people cos I didn't hear about it until yesterday but....

I applied for an office management position within a department of Channel Four which is the MAJOR Channel over here, with stuff like Big Brother and music channels and soaps...and I GOT IT! Its a very varied role with stacks of responsibility and I had two interviews with a panel of two the first time, then a panel of three! I am pretty chuffed. At the second interview there was one of the reps from Chan 4 who said they have loads of events and dinners and things so I'm thinking I may even meet a few famous people! This is my dream job, I am living the dream! I start a week Monday. They are a really young, dynamic group of people at Chan 4 and pride themselves on being 'trendy'. The uniform there is jeans and casual tops! They basically say no to suits! Very cool.

To celebrate I've booked a weekender in Paris! Hehe. 24th of June myself and my two roomies and off to 'do' Paris...will go to Johnny Depps bar and scout around for my future hubby Johnny, hehe.

The soccer match was amazing, I totally loved it and got a couple of pics which ill email. There were the fantatics there which are a group of aussies who wear green and gold and chant the whole match so we hung with them, very entertaining! Met a boy, from Sydney, seems nice, will see...hes phoned a couple of times, pretty cool aussie guy. Rachel ran onto the ground (not nudie) but didnt quite make it to the players!

Went out to a great club called Fez last night with the roomies, met some Swedish guy whos opening line was 'I am a model for Armani'.....not my type. Gave him my number (whoops) and he rang this morning...will avoid that situation.

I am on a high, totally natural and cannot wait to start my new career! I am going to give it 100%, it is what I've always wanted to do.

When is everyone coming to hang with me? I actually know some cool places to hang now so get ur arses into gear! I am almost a Londoner, I don't carry my maps anymore!

Love to all, hugs and ass slaps

Rachixxx

Soccer and Kath n Kim

2005-06-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am having such a good day, the weather is HOTHOT and I am just chilling in a gorgeous internet cafe/coffee shop. Just went for a massive explore in all the boutiques, so gorgeous.

Had a swim in my new local gym and this arvo I'm going to take it easy and prepare for an interview tomorrow...fingers and toes, fingers and toes....crossed..

I am going to watch the Socceroos play NZ tomorrow night and am so excited! My first real, very english soccer match. Its in a stadium in Fulham right near where I live. Then on Sunday apparently theres this celebrate Aus night in Fulham and Kath and Kim and Ricki Ponting are gonna be there! How funny, will get pics, cannot wait!

Good to get so many emails, I am an email freak and hit the internet cafes daily. I had the yummest caramel frappuccino today at Starbucks, the most basic things get me so excited. I'm such a nut. I also wrote lots of postcards which I have to send soon. There was a cute posty guy at the post office but I don't think I'll be dating another postman in this lifetime.....(some of you will know wot I'm saying! hehe)

Hugs and cuddles, rachixxx

Wales

2005-06-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hi ya mah scrummy bunch

I'm totally chilled out hanging in Maesteg, Wales with my lovely gran and uncie and aunt-o. Totally love it here, its such a pretty place to relax and unwind and is only a coach ride from London. I'm very lucky to have places like my grandmas and cousins to retreat for a few days.

I am slowly recovering from a bender on Thursday night with the flatties! Rachel and Kristen took me to the Slug and Lettuce, more commonly known by all that go there as the sl** and leggless.....

Thursday night is the big night out in London, (well, every night is, but people like to go to work on Friday a little tiddled over here..!) The SandL is quite a cool pub with good music and is the busiest place Ive ever been to at 9pm! Cos the pubs close at 11pm everyone is in the bars by 7pm! (A big change from the nights when us Drysdale girlies wouldnt leave to go out till 10:30-11pm eh?!) There are places to go once they close so that's good.

I drank a lethal mix called The Snakebite, its lager mixed with blackcurrant juice and is V-cheap and V-tasty!!

The bar manager also gave us jugs for free so....uh oh! On the whole it was lots of fun. Rachel is a more extreme version of me, she is crazy and a real laugh! Yes, there was a Coyotee Ugly moment..bar dancing is very popular! I also met loads of funny people, lots of South Africans and New Zealanders and posh British men!

Am missing everyone lots and lots, really appreciate all the emails, I'm very lucky and try as often as possible to jump on the computer. I feel like Ive been gone for ages! Everyone make sure you keep me well informed on all the happenings in Hobie!

Had a job offer on Wednesday for temp work in a hospital, £10p/hr but turned it down because I am waiting to hear about a different job which I would love more...will keep u all posted...! I'm enjoying just getting used to the city at the moment.

Speak to you all soon, hugs and cuddles all round....everyone order a snakebite for me...they are TASTY!!

love yasxx

Moving day..

2005-05-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Hi gorgeous peeps

I spent the weekend with my cousin Becs in Newbury at Andrew Lloyd Webbers place (Andrew and I go waaay back) Na, just kidding, my cous helps manage his race horses there. It was such a huge, gorgeous property and I had the most chilled out relaxed time, it was FAB.

Last night was my final night in the Bush....shepherds bush that is (Yes lousi I lived in a 'bush' for a while but im moving now so no more 'bush' jokes for you!) hehe.

I decided to spend it in true Londoner style so I had a couple of crownies down at Belushis Bar with two american girls who were great, Katie and Stacey (how american eh?) We sat for a while until some very aussie guys came over and asked us if we'd sit with them so we did. They were so funny and we went to their place for a few drinks (none were my type so no funny business) but they were a greeeeat laugh and most of them had been in London so long that they'd lost their aussie accents and had funny british ones. I got pics! Will work out how to send them thru. On the way back on the train they did some tube olympics....classic! So funny.

And today I moved in to my gorgeous new flat! I met the girl Rachel there who was very welcoming. It is as cute as I remember and very mod. I packed all my stuff into the massive wardrobe and now Im down in the main shopping strip in Fulham. It takes five mins from my place to The Thames! Very cool. You are all welcome to top and tail with me anytime! I have a double bed so it won't be too cramped! Im going to go to Sainsburys shopping centre and get some food to stock up the cupboard. I love their packaging! Too cute! Will get flat photos aswell!!

Thank you all for updating me on your lives, it is so important to me to keep in contact with all my lil loveys. Remember that Im only an email away!

New word of the day: Chav. Meaning very daggy ugly girl (there are loads of words for ugly chicks here!) Use it in a sentence today!

Lots of love rachixxxx

I have a FLAT!!!

2005-05-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hi ya guys!

Well I have just been racing around for the past few days...i am totally in love with this city, it is so alive and exciting!

Well I have a flat and I am just so pleased with it. Its the one I mentioned on my other post, and is in Fulham which is just 10mins from the city. I'm sharing with four great people, Rachel, Kristen and guy who I've met but can't remember the name of and his girlfriend who I haven't met yet. They are all Australian and there is this cute little patio out the back for drinkies...they are also big on drinkies and parties so YAY!

I'll take photos when I move in on Mon and post them up!

I went all through Hyde Park yesterday, its so much more massive than I remember! I was looking to see if Kate Moss was out jogging but no luck..oh well! Its so interesting reading the mags cos it says things like a famous celeb spotted in Oxford St and I'm like 'I was there today!!' very exciting. I did see one celeb today but he's only from British tv. I recognised him from the mags over here and in real life hes so fake tanned hes almost orange! Still trying to find the elusive Johnny D....

Had two interviews with recruitment agencies who said they can line my up with a job Tues...woo hoo! I have been surprised by costs here on both sides of the spectrum. On the one hand there are the unpleasant surprises like paying 20p to use a loo and the high cost of the tube and then the nice surprises like groceries and clothes. You can really get some great value things (and the food packaging here is just TOO CUTE!)

I have a new word aswell so everyone use it in a sentence today! MINGER! It's to describe an ugly girl. Harsh!

Met some aussie guys who work at the hostel...friendly.. They were going to take me and Kristianna out and show us the sites but she piked at the last min and I didnt wanna go alone. I hate pikers..! The boys here are beautiful, it has to be said...and it is amazing how many people are from Australia. Australians have taken over London, they are all over the place.

Have been looking at Iso and Surreal photos today..where are you Drys girls?? hehe.!

Luv Rachixxxxxxx

Comfy shoes in London..!

2005-05-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hi peeeeeeeps!

Totally have to wear flat shoes, no heels too much walking!

Rachi here, writing a post from an internet cafe in Trafalgar sq! How exciting!

I had a great flight over, the food was yummo and I met a girl from Melbourne who was doing the same thing! She invited me over Sunday for drinkies in Fulham so that's a good start!

I met my cousin Becs at the airport and she and I found the Shepherds Bush hostel pretty easily on the tube. It was there I met a girl called Kristianna who hung out with us for the rest of the day cos she was on her own too.

Today I took a tube to The Strand and walked along trying not to look too much like a dorky tourist! I only took my directory out of my bag twice!! I did a bit of cleb hunting but didn't see any! The shops are so trendy, I keep hoping Gwennie or Jen will walk out of one!

I made my way to Trafalgar sq which has lots of little shops and gorgeous buildings and I'll probably stay here for most of the morning then walk down and have some lunch near the Thames this arvo. Oh, I saw the London Eye again! Im saving that attraction for when I have a hot boy to take up there...hehe! But apparently they are taking it down so I have to hurry!

Speaking of hotties, there was a French guy at the hostel.....it was so cute listening him try to pronounce english words...hehe! The St Chris's web cam is up and running so check me out..!!!!

Thank you for the email deelee, lousi and katski! It was so good to hear from you guys. I am missing everyone heaps and think it would be so cool if we were all here hitting the clubs together, doin our thang!

Oh yeah, I also checked out a flat share last night. It was so modern and cool with a gr8 kitchen, huge lounge and a patio with bbq. A couple and two aussie girls live there and they were very nice. They said I cld take the room if I want it so Im gunna suss out if ive got enough £ to afford it!

Chat to you all soon....love everyone and miss everyone stacks!

Rachixxxxxxxxx

Nite b4

2005-05-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

Bye bye to all my gorgeous family and friends, this is my last night in hobart for a while! It doesn't feel real yet.

Went out last night with little deelee and mandy lous, and had drinkies the night before so I got to say bye to kati, lousi and aimes! Im gonna miss you all so much.

Had a bye bye sushi lunch saturday with my brothers rich and tom and richis gorgeous gf jody which was so tasty and so relaxing..

..and this morning had a bagel and pikelet breakfast with my lovely parents and lil bruv as per my "last breakfast" request! hehe. It was perfect.

I feel so sad but excited about what's to come....

I'll write again in a few days, post jet lag. Take care everyone, remember that rachi loves you and rachi says never fear the unknown and just do what makes you happy.

Here I come Johnny D....

xxxxluv yas.

ps: promise I wont come back in a year with a fake british accent (See Friends Season 10 Ep- "The one with Ross's Tan")

Three days and one sleep

2005-05-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

My first post! I haven't left yet so nothing to say really...trying to fit as many shoes as possible into my bag without going over the 20kg limit!

Very excited but massively nervous!

Have to go, the OC is on in 5!

Luv yas

Rachix