Bob & Betty go British

A place in Putney

Despite my initial fears that no one was going to take rent from 2 jobless IT professionals from Australia, I have been once again been amazed at the level of trust that some people have. We made one offer on one unit and were accepted. So we are now the proud owners of the largest rental bill that I ever hope to have. We're moving to Putney. For those of you who don't know, it is South West of London city, just south of the Thames. In fact we are literally spitting distance from the murky brown water. I would classify the unit as cosy. It's one bedroom. It is in what they call a "gated development". So there is a pin number to get into the area then there is a security intercom at the entrance to the building. So the chances of anyone getting to us is greatly reduced. This probably means that no one will ever come to visit either. Don't worry, there is plenty of room in the living area to put down a matress for those who wish to stay with us. It's close to rail, tube and bus so you'll have no problem getting where you need to go. I've popped up a picture here cause it wont stay online for very much longer (that's if our references and bank balance meets the land lady's approval).

We're using an agent called Foxtons. They are one of the main London Real Estate agents and all their agents drive around in foxton-branded minis. It's all very swish. You even get free coffee and drinks when you come into the office to see someone. The guy who drove us around to see the places in Putney was very nice and so very young (only 21) but he was totally professional. Good to see the young ones are out there doing a good job.

Having made such a huge commitment (235 pounds per week) we need jobs! Luckily both Robert and I have interivews with real companies tomorrow. This is good news as up until this afternoon the only people wanting to talk to us were recruiters. Not that that is a bad thing, but unless you get to talk to the ones with the money and the decision making power, it's all just potential.

So we've got one more week in Ealing looking after our friends' flat while they are in Tuscany (lucky for some). So we've got the place (and their broadband connection) all to ourselves!! We are so very grateful to our friends for looking after us so well. We'd have spent an absolute fortune in internet cafes otherwise.

And so to my final topic - the weather. The front page headline on "The Standard" was "Seven more days of rain forecast". That was on Monday. And so far it has rained every day. Like Sydney there is a ban on using the hose on the garden. Seems strange in a city that we think gets so much rain. The problem is that it rains so lightly when it does that there still isn't enough water to go round. Yesterday it was sunny most of the time but still quite chilly. I keep looking at the silly summer clothes in the shops and feel even more cold. I keep wondering which 2 days of the year that those clothes will come in handy. Anyway, enough whinging. It's great! Wonderful! Fabulous! :-) We left Sydney so we could see rain again, right?

posted by Elisabeth @ 8:03 PM