My United Kingdom/Ireland experience

Written 17th September 2003
I went to the UK on July 21, 2003. I flew via Japan and spent the night in Tokyo. The next morning I flew to the UK and met my friend Jamz who was incredibly nice and put up with me in his house for some months!


I was lucky enough to get a job at Symbian Ltd after only 2 weeks in the country, but before beginning work I managed to get in some standard London sightseeing.


Once I settled in I went sailing with people from Symbian, started playing some cricket, and even went to Lord's as every cricket fan must.


Before I left Australia, I had decided that going to the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland might be a good idea. I had a fantastic 10 days on Trevor Marmalade's Irish Tour, and little did I know that during that tour I would meet Martina. Shortly after this frequent trips to Ireland began! Just after the tour I also moved into a flat at Earl's Court.


I had also started making friends outside of work in London, and we went out a number of times including the AFL Grand Final and other pub nights about town. I also went to my first Nottingham Forest game against Watford with friends from work.


To complete an brilliant 6 months or so in London, two amazing things happened. My parents came over and visited me in London, and I started walking home to Earls Court to try and improve my fitness just that little bit.


In my last 6 months I have continued to have a great time, playing cricket for the second game and going to another Nottingham Forest game. I was also fortunate enough to attend two weddings, one near Birmingham and one in Belfast. Frequent Irish trips continued!


During my time in London, I have been very lucky. Ive met amazing people in both England and Ireland and wouldn't change anything. I look forward to seeing all my friends back in Australia soon, and maybe introducing you to someone as well. See you soon!

Ironically (as I never followed soccer before) my last night in the United Kingdom will be spent in Nottingham, at a Forest game!!

Email: glen@icypole.net