It’s farewell Oval, and hello Balham. I have left my jacuzzi, monster kitchen, and local pub. I believe that the Oval was the longest time I’d lived in one place since, well, school. Kind of depressing. And made me realise that this job – actually, just the project I recently finished – is the longest I’ve been in one job since the Dairy Board/Fonterra.
Which makes my feet kinda itchy. Well – they were itchy anyway, both metaphorically and not. But now – well, I’m certainly casting my eyes about for some kind of escape route. And, my plan of North Korea is slowly being refined. Unfortunately – it’s also being postponed. The new plan is September 2010 – but now involves catching a train from one side of the world to the other. Have a look on a map – and check out the line from London to Beijing. The plan is now to do that. Twice. Well, nearly twice. London -> Moscow, via Mongolia, with a couple of stops on the way. A couple of weeks in North Korea – bowing to the almighty Kim Jung, and not taking photos unless given permission. And not being allowed cellphones, video cameras, or cameras with a lens over 150mm. No internet. No credit cards. And no going for a “walk around the block”. And then – train from North Korea back to London, via Siberia. Oh yeah – it’s been a long time since I had a plan as good as this. It does mean, however, that I need to do something in the short-term – so that I don’t go crazy. I have discovered that I have a disorder where I actually require international travel. Otherwise, I… ummm… die break-out-in-hives sulk get a little bit sad.
I think I’ll be making a trip to Aotearoa in January/February (should probably start looking into that) – but I’m not sure if that counts. I might have to stop off somewhere on the way, or on the way back – for a few days. Dubai doesn’t interest me too much, but if anybody’s got other opinions on it, or places nearby – I’m happy to hear suggestions, thoughts, etc.
In other news, I have started playing squash. I am a squash player. I play squash.
And – there’s a New Year’s Party at our place this year. Probably. For those who have experienced Opononi, Lake Taupo, Waikaremoana, Houseboats on Waitemata… this will be kinda like those. But in a house. In Balham. And cold instead of hot. And no barbeque. (hmmm… maybe no barbeque). But definitely no swimming. Which means no bombs/staples/bellyflops. But – it will still be good. So come. Airfares are cheap around that time of year – so all you people in NZ/Oz – no excuse. And yes, we have heaps of space for cricket and/or tents, in the snow. (Really).