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So of course the whole idea behind this blog is that we are diplomats on our way to our first posting. However we hadn't actually received our passports yet. Their arrival has suddenly made things feel that little bit more real. From now on it will also fly by. Our diaries are packed with dates to meet people, have people round, tidy things, book flights and so on. It's really happening...

Up, up and away

Now that I've handed in my notice the final countdown has started.  I was really happy that I managed to still be an employee here when Up at The O2 was opened and I got the opportunity to go on it for free. It is pricey but I think it's worth it. The views are incredible (be sure to go up on a clear day). Even the experience of climbing was great, as well as a surprise. At the beginning it's quite steep so you have to work for your treat. By the middle you are walking comfortably, and coming off is easy as it's all downhill. Once again I had forgotten my camera and captured all of the images below using the iPhone. I must do a post showing which Apps I use and how.

We went up as a team and got to spend two hours enjoying the sun, relaxing and taking photos looking super cool in our jumpsuits... Only the lovely Ms McArthur was missing, that would have made the day complete.

 

Missing in action...

So I have been absent since Hipster Dufus went away for his first posting in Moscow. I really wanted to be able to find the time to sit at the computer and write however the reality is that life takes over. This has been a good thing for me, it has allowed me to re-evaluate what I want to do here and has made me realise what I do well, what I want to write about and most importantly what I want to cut out.

I have to remember that when we leave London in T - 1 month this will be my main point of contact with a lot of people, so the shift into postcard like posts is on it's way. It will be a way of letting my friends know what we're up to and how we're coping and of course it'll become a city review.

So, what have I been up to? First I have been practising with photography a lot!I love it! It's great fun and so rewarding. My favourite photography tool at the moment is the iPhone. Once you know which apps to use, and how to use them it can become such a powerful photography tool. The benefit of the iPhone is that if you forget your camera you always have it on you so you never have to miss a moment. Look at all of the shots below I have posted pictures before and after editing all with the camera + app.

I have also been busy visiting Hipster Dufus in Russia. First I got to go to Moscow (all the picture below were taken on the iPhone). It's one of those places that you don't necessarily have a desire to go to but also realise that you probably should say that you have seen at least once.I had a fantastic time although I really think it helps to have someone who know the city and better still someone who can speak the language. It's not really set up to welcome tourists and you really feel it as soon as you arrive. It's also ridiculously expensive so be sure to save before you go. It really is a city for the rich...

Finally I got to see St Petersburg. This was much more fun and accessible than Moscow. Being a museum professional I had always wanted to see the Hermitage collection so it was a defining moment for me (geek alert!) Again all of my photos below were taken on my iPhone. It was a beautiful place to explore if only the Russian manners could keep up with the beauty of the city.

SnapShots

Colour study:

I love exploring themes, colours and textures. Been practicing with my Fujifilm Instax Mini and got "purple".

Where to?

If you don't know already, Hipster Dufus is a rather jammy dodger. He not only managed to get this new job in Moscow, he also managed to get our first 3 year posting to start 1 month later. So now we have four months until our new lives and I've already started thinking about how to keep in contact with people. I'm taking it back to basics, can you remember the last time you got a postcard? Emails are great but surely postcards are more personal?

Where do you think we're going? I'm not going to tell you yet, I'll be documenting the process and dropping hints along the way. Here we go!

Burger time

Have you been to Boxpark yet? I completely love the concept, the idea of recycling containers for better use is admirable. However, it's really targeted at those who are more interested in the Urban city look. Which is a shame but I just felt that there wasn't much there for me.

The one thing that there are a lot of, are new eateries such as Bukowski. I'm a big fan of burgers but can't always make it down to central London to get my fix of Meatliquor. This is quite a close runner up. The burgers are chunky but don't leave you feeling like you've eaten a tonne of lard. The flavours are pronounced and melt into your mouth,  and the home made sauces delish. The only problem perhaps is that it's quite small (around 14 seats), so if you go at peak times you can't get a seat. At least they do take-away.