Hello everyone, I'm now writing from London after arriving here last night local time. And now for the second part of the change I'm making in my life – I've relocated to London for awhile on a working holiday visa. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to be doing at the moment but it's just going to be very different from Singapore that's all. And I think that's what I need for the moment. It's not going to be all smooth-sailing, but it's going to be different.
I don't deny I'm scared...who wouldn't be? Leaving the security of home and venturing into a foreign land with no job waiting and few friends. It's having to build a life all over again. But it's something I've always wanted to try and I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't give this a try. I mean, what's the worst that could happen, right? Just go back to Singapore and find another job if I don't like it.
I bought a one-way ticket for myself. Well, I redeemed airmiles accrued through work travel in the past three years. I didn't have enough miles to get a return so I just opted for a one-way ticket instead and paid $111 in tax for the ticket. It's probably the only time in my life that I'll ever get a one-way ticket. It is quite liberating to do so. Haha.
Thank goodness the immigration officer didn't make things difficult for me. One girl at another counter had a very tough time with one immigration officer. I think she was also trying to enter UK on a working holiday visa. I also had to have a chest x-ray done. They were screening for TB. Anyway, clearing immigration was a real bitch. The queues were horrendously long and I took a total of about 1hr 20min to clear immigration. And when the plane landed, it waited on the tarmac for about 15min for parking space. All in all, it took me about two hours from landing to get out of the airport. Fantastic introduction to English efficiency.
I'm not sure how long I'll remain here for even though the visa is valid for two years. But I can only work one year out of the two. The rest of the time I'm supposed to be travelling, which is what I want to do anyway.
But I have no concrete plans as yet and I'm taking a play-by-ear attitude to things. I'm now staying with two very good pals, Joe & Keith, who have kindly offered me couch space in their living room for the moment. Thank you my dears!!! They're staying very near Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Chinatown so it's a really nice place.
So the dimsumdolly is now conquering London! More tales and pictures to come!
Posted by DSD at May 21, 2007 5:21 PMGood Luck! If you short of money, is home sick and want the return ticket back, just write. Have a blast when you are there!
Posted by: Vyvy at May 21, 2007 11:22 PMoh wow. what i wanted to do two years ago. =) enjoy yourself DSD!
Posted by: a l at May 22, 2007 1:14 AMWell maybe one of two times in your life that you will buy a one way ticket :)
So good to have you here!!!
Posted by: joe at May 22, 2007 7:08 AMHey, i believe Shob (CS, my batch) is there too!
Now i'm envious... i planned to do that too a couple of years back, but then Ben got into the picture =P So now i'll have to do it with him, but he's bonded for another 2 years, and then we'll be over the age limit!
Hmpfff.
But well, i dare say you won't ever ever regret this! God bless!
Posted by: vitavian at May 22, 2007 11:00 AMHURRAY!!!!
you should try the US-immigration... i bet you a gazillion blueberries that it is none better.
go and listen to the quartet at covent gardern for me won't you, or watch a Darcy Bussell (ballet) performance at the RoyalOperaHouse?
and say HELLO to Big Ben!!! you will love the Tate Modern... and Nottingham -- i reckon you could probably find something Foody-related to do somewhere...
GOSH!!! I ENVY YOU!
Posted by: overacuppa at May 22, 2007 12:02 PMCongratulations! Stay as long as you can and make the most of it. I did the working holiday thing in Australia a long time ago and it was fantastic. Have a wonderful time!
Posted by: ahem at May 23, 2007 5:59 AMHi Congrats,
Long time reader and first time posting... =) but that really strike a chord coz I spend 4 years in England studying. Don't think you will regret it. Have fun and made the most out of it while you're there!
Very rarely will you hear one raving about English food but I miss my fish & chips, roast dinners, sausages and mash, yorkshire pudding etc. Not to mention strawberries, plums, conference pears...Yummy!
Glad to see that you've arrived safely. Yes, go forth and hunt for job and a new guy. Say Hi to V and SW for me.
Posted by: ivan at May 23, 2007 11:32 AMhey DSD, wooohoo!! havent checked yr blogin a while, look after yourself there k. my aim for the Uk working hol is APR 2008 so maybe i'll see you next year if you are still around. Promise me you'll do all the music festivals!!
Posted by: mariana at May 29, 2007 11:38 PMhi dsd! just chanced upon your blog randomly. london sounds bloody fantastic and even though i don't know you, i feel so excited for you! i mean how many singaporeans would take 2 yrs out of their lives to do something they really want? good luck and i hope you have the time of your life there!
Posted by: aerin at May 31, 2007 9:12 PMYou don't know me but I very much approve of what you are doing, its such a great adventure! Wish I had the same courage to just up and go.
Take care in UK and take more pictures of everything!
Posted by: qing at June 5, 2007 1:11 AMHey.. DSD,
Congrats ! and enjoy and have fun .. while you are in UK.. :) it's a very good experience i tell ya.. ;)