Cycling ready for France

Lots of TDF watching here, it makes such a difference not having to stay up late to watch it like in New Zealand!

I went for a cycle with John yesterday around 9. And he had asked me Fri night if I wanted to, and I was keen thinking it was going to be about 2hrs...well 4hrs later we arrived back at Windsor after setting off!! I was destroyed. And absolutely dying to get inside and lie down, but their neighbour was outside and it was one I hadn't met but who had told C&J she would be keen to use me as a babysitter, so I thought I should say hello even though I was in total pain, and then a man came over looking for directions and he took his sweet time. The whole time I was aching and just wnted to lie down!! So next time I'll mentally prepare myself for an intense ride :)

Babysitting was pretty good. The boys were pretty cute. One wanted to play ball as soon as I got there, I was still tired from the cycle, but I thought it would be important for the boys to like me so I could babysit again. And then he wanted reading to before he went to sleep. Reminded me of Vanessa reading to me years ago :) Babysitting again next Tues, so it's good to be saving a bit. However, we live very close to the Jack Wills store and there's a very nice blazer in the window. 229 pounds so I might be saving up for a while :)

Went into Sheen today and to the bike shop C&J use. A Kiwi guy owns it so we had a chat about the Italy and NZ football match, I'm still fuming about that!

Freaking hot yday and got some sweet tan lines on my thighs and from my socks, feeling like a real cyclist :) Was shocked at how the roads are so flat! After 4hrs of cycling there was only 1 hill that was steeper than those that you have to go up just to get out of John Stokes at home, so not sure how I'm going to train for the Alpes, John told me it's more about stamina seeing as there's a lack of hills.

Cycling in England

Uhhhh Dad says he and Max have been out cycling when the weather is 0 degrees in Albany - but that's nothing compared to here? How cold does it get here??

I went for an extreme cycle with John yday morning, me not realising that it would be 4hrs, and prob not extreme by John standards, but that's the first ride in ages where I've been trying to keep up a fast pace for so long.

Having a morning off as got home quite late after babysitting, might go for one this arvo when it's not so hot.

The lady who rang me last week STILL hasn't got back to me about where to get my suitcase that was sent over as unaccompanied luggage. I'm just afraid of her charging for it, even though it's me waiting to hear back from her.

Trip into Windsor was good, it's easier to find my way these days. We were driving through there yday and there were 2 weddings at the castle..place, can't remember what the hall is called. But there was even a carriage! And I think the Queen is in too, I'm keen to see the changing of the gaurds that John has told me about, sounds unecessary to get a band going when they do it, but I'm sure it makes for a great spectacle.

National Insurance process

Went for the interview to get my national insurance number just now, and not only was the Indian man hard to understand, but he went around showing people my NZ passport cos they'd never seen one like it before!! Think they were confirming it was real.

Going out for a Thai dinner tonight, also, John and I went out for Wagamama last night and he gave me some tips on trying to get my career started and how to go about it. The shop Zara is looking for staff so I'm going to hand my CV in there tomorrow, I have to email it to Chris to get it printed as the printer here is broken. Also, I'll email the lady from the theatre company.

Off into Windsor now to do some things for Chris.

Back in England - off to the bank

I went to the bank today and I was talking to the manager about opening up an account (they wanted proof of my address, but I don't have any) and he was asking why I was in the UK and I told him I was looking for a job in film, and he gave me the number of a client he has who owns a theatre company, it's called Stagecoach. So I'm going to email this lady about a job.

Also, he said to open up an account here I need proof of my address. I explained that I've just arrived and any bills that are sent to the house won't be under my name cos I don't own the house. He said I should get a bill sent to this house after ringing up the electric company and asking them to include my name on the bill, just for one payment.

He was a very friendly manager...was a bit suspicious, but I was very grateful for his help.

Cycling in Italy

Italy was absolutely amazing, I couldn't get my head around the hills. You guys should definitely consider doing it next year. You'd love the hills, probably similar to what you did in France, but I'm sure cycling with Italians is different! :p

Now back in England, loving the heat, but C&J have warned me that England isn't always like this :)

Arrived in England

At C&Js now, had a shower and now ready to settle down to an arvo of not falling asleep and waiting until 9pm before I can sleep! Flights were pretty good, apart from the first take off and landing...I forgot how fast planes go and that when they're landing they are supposed to make that scary noise, and when the scary noise stops it doesn't mean the engines have stopped working. Stopping over at Melb was fine, had sudoku and sat at a cafe for about 3 hours. Laura the book about the cats is hilarious.

Off to It. tomorrow around midday and then got a 3hr drive from Venice to wherever we're staying. Not sure if I'll be joining in the race on Sat, but will def jump on my bike.

So I survived the scary noises the planes make and have arrived safely with everything going to plan.