I’m not gonna lie, living in the tropical south of the UK is pretty exciting. Though the soaring-slightly-higher-than-home temperatures are for sure a highlight, this week’s cheers have been dominated by reunions, London and an excessive number of coffees en route.
On Thursday, Silvia, a friend from yonder catmacinjapan days, dropped by as part of a very indirect route from Boston to Thailand. Her sister, Nina, also works at the castle, and it was through this connection that I found out about the job in the first place. Got to love a personal link. Nina kindly gave me the afternoon off work allowing jetlagged-to-the-max Silvia and me to explore local hotspot town, ‘Battle’, famous for its proximity to that thing they call the Battle of Hastings. The famous abbey located in the town was unfortunately closed, leaving Silvia and me, 5 hours to kill with only cafés for entertainment. What to do? Guess we’ll have a coffee or two then. Or cream tea to be precise, darling. Of course there was time for a cheeky jumping photo, or twenty. It’s ok, I don’t know anyone here.
mmmmmmmmm
first attempt at a jumping hi-five. we’re so skilled.
Following our training on Monday, Nick and I accompanied groups of students attendings trips in London on both Friday and Saturday. This is really what our role is all about so it was good to get started, see what was involved and embrace some culture along the way. Free time at the Natural History museum, a fashion exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum and exploration at the National Gallery made for a snazzy couple of days of education. I’m sure I’d be much smarter if I lived in London. Multiple coffee stops featured along the way including a rather embarassing abandonment of the Harrods café after sitting down and seeing their extortionate prices (£4.50 for a teabag? Really?) and a very exciting reunion with university friends James and Jané on the sunniest day of the year. Seriously, what’s there not to love about London? It’s the shizzle.
making friends at the natural history museum
love a london reunion so i do
blue skies and pillars. this is like the best day ever.
The weekend has ended on a more chilled note. Last night, upon arriving back at the castle, Mitch, one of our colleagues, had a cheeky wee welcoming soirée in his apartment complete with cheese, crackers and champagne. Oh yes, this is how we roll in the castle, my friends. I also had the opportunity to go to church this morning which was rather exciting. As much as I do enjoy the castle banter, I hope I can be part of a community outside of it.
cheese in abundance is a very beautiful thing
In other news, I’ve temporarily acquired a keyboard in my room, cue me blasting out Caledonia at the top of my voice all afternoon in an attempt to ensure I don’t lose my Scottishness. #scotlandforever #butenglandisok
Cat Mac in the Castle 