Hello London/Portsmouth arrival

If you have never tried carrying a 30kg suitcase through the London Underground you are a very intelligent person..... I can say, with pride that I conquered staircases, escalators and the occasional persons foot with pure Aussie grit and determination. I'd appreciate a round of applause please, thank you.

Arriving in Heathrow airport was a completely surreal experience, I was hoping that Hugh Grant would be eagerly awaiting me, I was slightly disappointed when no one was there with a sign, or flowers, or an engagement ring but I'll survive. 

Next stop was into the heart of London, where it finally started to feel real. All the brick houses (that look exactly the same), the iconic black cabs and yes the red double decker busses!!! Unfortunately due to my chronic jet lag I spent the evening passed out in bed, but definitely made up for it the next day.....

WESTMINSTER 

Exactly how you imagine it to be... I hopped off the tube and emerged from the underground directly under Big Ben, continued to be gob smacked as I took in the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the buildings of Parliament and of course Buckingham Palace. You would assume that Buckingham Palace was my highlight.... I have an admission.... I saw a squirrel for the first time and it ALMOST took the cake, but not quite. As we crossed the park and I kept pinching myself to make sure that it was all real (and to keep myself awake because I was still bloody tired) the royal palace emerged before my eyes and it was exactly as magical as I had anticipated. Unfortunately the Queen wasn't in but we were treated with a procession of guards on horseback which made it all very fancy pants. 

I think it's time I talked about the accents. Holy mother of god. They are unbelievable. Although, I can already feel myself talking like a New Zealander as it is my co gappies native land, so who knows what I'm going to sound like by the time I get home..... Apologies in advance. 

After two days in London it was time for me to jump on my train and head to Portsmouth. Only a short journey but mesmerising as I found myself feeling as though I was in an episode of escape to the country, with the lushest green fields, little British stone houses, barns and horses and cows surrounded by white picketed fences. All the while I felt at peace and in a way, at home. Jumping off the train and on the school bus to our new home it ALL became real that this would be where I would spend the next eleven months, this small seaside town is incredible, so full of history and charm I have no doubt that this will be one incredible year. 

Now for some fun facts......

I have a house with a red door.

I live with an American, a Kiwi and an English woman.

Apparently I have a posh Australian accent.

It's not as cold as I expected.

I get to travel on a HOVERCRAFT everyday (Yeah you read correctly).

I am now known as Miss Cragg.

I am teaching students aged 3-12.

Today I played what's the time Mr Wolf, I read stories, I held hands and walked in a line to the library, I made three new 4 year old best friends, I was told quite adamantly that boy dogs can have babies (imagine a five year old telling you that in a British accent).

I was thrown out of my depth (you would recognise this if you know me).

But guess what?


 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT.