The last month has been a whirlwind!
Sorted lots of admin out, had lunch and dinner with friends and family everyday for the 2 weeks before I flew!
The flight was no way near as bad as I had expected - I had 3 seats to myself - bonus!
First impressions of Brisbane - sunny!!! Hilly; cafes all over the place, city-like, but less hustle/bustle-like than London...
Started work the day after I arrived, which was a good way for me to not sleep during the day and get over jetlag. We have an amazing view of the river from the office which is quite mesmerising!
For the first week or 2, I took the ferry into work: a refreshing change from the time spent on the Tube!
Spent the first 2 weeks looking for an apartment, and found one in New Farm, which is a fairly trendy area 10 minutes drive from the city centre. Lots of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars - so I am in the heart of it.
I've been to 2 great markets (I love markets)- one which was a fair way out in Rocklea: after a short train journey, I had to wait for a bus that only comes once and hour! So even though I have moaned about transport in London, I do appreciate it's frequency! The other was in the West End - much closer!
There is a lovely area on the other side of the river called South Bank - which has it's own mini-beach: with sand and everything! Nice markets there too - and lots of places to sit/eat/barbecue etc. Just lovely!
However, it has unfortunately been raining for the last 4 days - and when it rains, it RAINS! Everyone has been telling me how uncharacteristic it is of Brisbane - because it is normally only wet in the summer...maybe I brought it with me...?
We have a long weekend coming up - to celebrate the Queen's birthday - so I'm hoping that it stays clear for that, so I can adventure a bit further out with my compass and high spirit...ok, with a map and a Lonely Planet!
Back from SA
I cannot believe a week has passed since I got back! SA is an amazing place and at my every gasp of surprise, my South African colleague responded - 'welcome to Africa!'
The only real way to travel is by car; but you have to be ready for serious traffic jams - especially during load shedding i.e. power cut when means the traffic lights are out!
The food is great - I ate very well - they always provide big portions!
Went to Soweto where I saw things ranging from squat camps to a newly built mall selling Kurt Geiger! Disparity...!
Went to Sandton city shopping centre on Sunday - it is HUGE - probably could have spent the whole week there! Moving away from the city, the mountainous areas are just stunning and serene.
The careers fair at the University of Pretoria was also a great success - lots of companies attending, lots of inquisitive students and the grounds of the uni were an idyllic setting.
So all in all, fantastic trip and can't wait to go again next year!
Photos will be up shortly...
Now just over a week to go before a flight and a half to brissie land!
Lots of arrangements still to make, flat viewings to arrange and friends/family to eat with!
The only real way to travel is by car; but you have to be ready for serious traffic jams - especially during load shedding i.e. power cut when means the traffic lights are out!
The food is great - I ate very well - they always provide big portions!
Went to Soweto where I saw things ranging from squat camps to a newly built mall selling Kurt Geiger! Disparity...!
Went to Sandton city shopping centre on Sunday - it is HUGE - probably could have spent the whole week there! Moving away from the city, the mountainous areas are just stunning and serene.
The careers fair at the University of Pretoria was also a great success - lots of companies attending, lots of inquisitive students and the grounds of the uni were an idyllic setting.
So all in all, fantastic trip and can't wait to go again next year!
Photos will be up shortly...
Now just over a week to go before a flight and a half to brissie land!
Lots of arrangements still to make, flat viewings to arrange and friends/family to eat with!
Off today!
Flying tonight! Very excited. 22 degrees! Seeing some candidates tomorrow and then planning to go to Soweto and Sandton Shopping Centre on the weekend!
i'll keep you posted...
i'll keep you posted...
In the beginning...
When I first joined GAAPS and was surrounded by the words: 'global,' 'worldwide' and 'international;' - I don't think I realised the extent that it would apply to me too! It is true that the world is so fluid - people move houses, jobs, countries all the time (yes, I am aware that I sound like I have only just woken up to the 21st century) , but it seems strange as I am now starting my own GAAPER adventure.
I am going to South Africa in 2 weeks for our actuarial careers fair at Pretoria University in Jo'burg and then 3 weeks later, am off to our Aussie office in Brisbane!
Jo'burg looks and sounds incredible from all sources, and am v excited about seeing Soweto/Nelson Mandela museum etc. I have also been told that Sandton City Shopping Centre (a prominent feature of the Sandton skyline) might become my favourite place on earth, especially with the exchange rate at the moment!
Umm...should think about getting a couple of suitcases...
I am going to South Africa in 2 weeks for our actuarial careers fair at Pretoria University in Jo'burg and then 3 weeks later, am off to our Aussie office in Brisbane!
Jo'burg looks and sounds incredible from all sources, and am v excited about seeing Soweto/Nelson Mandela museum etc. I have also been told that Sandton City Shopping Centre (a prominent feature of the Sandton skyline) might become my favourite place on earth, especially with the exchange rate at the moment!
Umm...should think about getting a couple of suitcases...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)