My new neighbour, Mr Singh has just stuck his head over the fence. Closely followed by his hand of friendship.
I struggle to decipher his expectant enquiry. Reluctant to admit that my foreign ears cannot understand this obviously common opening shot.
“Warawak?” he beams.
And then my predecimal penny drops...
“In the hospital up the road.” I beam back at him. “Though actually I don’t start until the first of September. Just moving in today”
Mountaineers, I have moved to London. To the East to be precise. Somewhere in the sprawl between The River and Redbridge.
I have had several expressions of enquiry as to my sanity, and I understand. Truly I do. There I was with the forty acre smallholding. A small farmhouse. Sitting pretty in the middle of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. Dark skies and views of the sea and the Conwy Valley. Not to mention an enviably interesting job.
This I have exchanged for a small flat. The job I have been recruited is again enviably interesting and engaging of course. I am afraid though that I cannot tell you much of it. Nothing secret at all but it is in the health service and I would not seek to break the confidentiality involved.
So then, you must content yourself with my reactions to this vibrant city.
In my first week here, I have visited the Notting Hill Carnival, and attended the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. I have cycled far and wide. I am soaking up the rhythm of a new way of life,and adventure.
Let me tell you more then....
