Stay home day

So last night's brownies turned out well! It was quite funny cos we estimated the amount..no measures or weighing scales around. Oh yes, before I forget..just to note down some differences in spoken English they use here.

1) Cashiers are also known as tills (I was asking if I was after a till at Tesco but didn't know what it was until the lady said check out).

2) Cash out (or taking money out while charging to your debit card at the check out) is known as cash back

3) Knock off work is known as finish work (I think they don't use the term knock off cos L laughed when I asked her what time people knock off from work..oops!)

4) ATM or tellers are known as cash points

Cooked pasta for lunch today with my celery and carrots and yes, the canned meatballs in tomato sauce. And I guess I didn't mention that I bought choc chip cookies and a bar of choc yesterday at Aldi supermart

Indulgences!

and I thought the designs on the Tesco plastic bags are nice too so took pics of it

Wanted to head out to explore an area called Perry Barr cos saw online that they have a few shops that sell household stuff quite cheap and a few outlets stores there so thought I'll check it out. But it's about 1h journey by bus..hahaha! I prob can do this when I have time which is now. I guess when uni starts, I won't have much time to do shopping, even grocery shopping only on my way home! Well, it's great that shops here close ard 6+ to 7 or 8pm (supermarkets close later), compared to in Aust. Maybe I'll go tmr or thur. The orientation events are more or less fully registered and targeted more at undergrads. For Postgrads only like tea sessions or welcome evening etc. those usual networking stuff. 

Oh ya..yday also past by the Uni Halls in the car..I'm sure my choice is right. Halls didn't look that lovely as where I am now..haha! L did ask if I wanted to stay in Halls and also asked abt the rent. Hmm..hope she doesn't increase mine! Till now haven't talked abt housekeeping matters..hah..keep telling me settle in first. I'm blessed!!

Shall watch my shows on laptop now..

Day 3 - cool weather

Finally Mon when the bank opens. Opened an account with them..the lady was v friendly. I think people here are generally very friendly (except for certain people like the guy behind the rail station counter!).

After tt took the bus down to the bigger Tesco that L told me about. Managed to find it..yea, it's bigger but sells more food than other items! Managed to get hangers which were not cheap (6 for S$4.50) and more convenience food. I got a lasagne which I can pop into the oven for S$3.20 (it was on half price offer) and also some pies that I can pop into the microwave or oven. Got a tetra pack of chopped tomatoes with basil in tomato sauce as well and canned meatballs in tomato sauce (to go with pasta!) and more instant soups. Eggs are quite expensive..the cheapest I saw in Tesco was 15 for S$2.70. Bought yoghurt too.

Just some sights to share

View from the bus

View from bus stop at Tesco

A better picture of the attic

Later in the afternoon L brought me to so-called asian grocer cos I asked if there's anywhere to get cheaper vegetables. So we went since she also needed to get some vege for some detox juice. Anyway, asian grocer turned out to be where the Pakistani community is..called Stratford. I just got peaches, celery and carrots for a start..and pasta. The cupboard and fridge space really limited lor..so have to resist temptation to buy more. After tt went to Aldi supermarket..couldn't resist the temptation of chocs. I've been resisting temptation of chips and snacks already! Don't want to put on weight, like in Aust.

L says she's making brownies later tonight..she herself said she's not good at baking. We shall see how. Feels a bit weird with her male partner, T, (I think considered partner liao) around cos I'm not sure to be in my room or be bulb..hmm...for now just waiting for her to finish cooking before I do some light cooking. Prob just have pasta. Have still been waking up early..probably knowing that I can chat with ppl at home. L also drove off early at 6+am, probably to drive T to work or something. Earlier in the morning, also created a ppt slideshow of photos of sights I took and just my room and sent to my team and bosses.

How goodo I am! I just realised that the heaters in my room, attic and toilet are on! Or maybe today then turned on. Anyway today's weather was chilly. About 17deg in the afternoon - yes, I've installed a thermometer app on my new hp.

Into town

Woke up pretty early today around 5+am. Partly cos I wanted to chat with my loved ones..also scared that I might disturb L cos the walls are pretty thin here, like in Aust..hahaha! Managed to viber my aunt, ah ma and parents..so it was good!!

Stayed in my room including having my muesli till about 11+am then left to town. Checked out phones and telcos to make sure I don't waste time and not lost when I'm out. Settled for T-mobile or vodafone. The bus ride itself took about 15mins from home..it takes about 5 min walk to the bus stop from home. Walked around the town..following the crowd..haha

Think this is their city centre

the Library of Birmingham

Birmingham Town Hall

Victoria Square

Managed to pick up some maps and brochures from the Visitor Centre. Then settled my hp. Prob will change plan after 1 month cos other operator's seems cheaper. Got Samsung Galaxy Fame (doubt it's available in SG) for a total of £120 (S$240). Throughout the whole process, learnt that mobiles sold in telcos are locked to the operator...so got to find one that's unlocked so I can use it even when I'm back in SG. Got a toasted panini (£1.49) along the way too and went grocery shopping at Poundland (yes, everything in there is £1) and Tesco.

Had soup and bread for dinner cos I ate late lunch. Managed to chat with L a while..finally got her to show me how to open room window..haha! She's still impressed by my great sense of direction and not needing to look after. I'm indeed very blessed! I'm just not very used to having a dog running into my room, jumping on my bed even and licking my things..eeeeee...so leaving my room door closed most of the time.

Was checking out what events there is over Orientation week..nothing much interests me..what an anti-social person I am..hahaha! So prob will check out around first before gg into uni thur or fri.

Tomorrow got to settle banking stuff and see if I can find hangers, laptop table, cheap tumbler for brushing teeth and maybe some fresh food. Storage space in kitchen not a lot though..so can't buy too much to stock up!

Alright, I should call it a day soon. Have a wonderful week ahead, all!

I've reached!

And yes, I've reached Birmingham safely. Thanks for all who sent me off!! Feel blessed to have all of you there despite of unforeseen circumstances that my parents couldn't make it.

Checking in and transiting and finally reaching my destination was pretty smooth. Managed to see some scenery on the plane Frankfurt to Birmingham.

When I arrived at the airport, didn't see my landlord!! Good that Birmingham airport is pretty small such that seems that there's only one arrivals gate? Called and whatsapped and even emailed landlord (thanks to free 30min airport wifi!!). While waiting for her, was also calmed by kakis, mum, aunt. Finally she replied saying she is running late and will explain later. Turned out that she overslept and don't know why left her hp off and charging downstairs =X Phew..at least she didn't run with my money..hahaaha!

And so, here's the house

As you enter the house on left

The main hall

The kitchen which is pretty compact

My fave part of the house!! Back garden

my room!!

My room with pretty lights on

The stairs leading to the attic and private toilet

The attic with old sofa, seating area and a telly

and the private toilet

Bath area with half stall

So after settling down a bit, I decided to go into Uni to get IDs and stuff. Queued for so long..spent like 3 hours there just to get my student ID and proof of registration letters (for starting bank acc and register with GP). But the uni ppl were nice and friendly. One of them even shared that she was engaged in SG!

Where I'll be mostly at

Part of the Uni

Then wanted to figure my way home (yes, L dropped me off at the uni earlier and told me to ring or text her if I'm lost). Luckily, she gave me a little drive around on our way from the airport. I also vaguely remembered the route I researched on google maps and their bus website so headed to the bus stop. Then I realised I had only 20pounds and bus fares should be abt 1 or 2 pounds. So went around asking people for change but all didn't have. It seemed so rare to hold 20 pounds worth of change. So happen the counter at the train station was not open too. No choice lor..so paid for a train ticket to the city (anyhow clicked one)...and viola, got 18+ pounds worth of coins!!! Just as I was about to leave and decide if I'll end up being lost in town, the counter opened. So I enquired about the student Railpass. The guy was pretty unfriendly but managed to get it done so I can travel anywhere at ease (limited zones for trains though).

Dropped by Harborne High Street on my way back (anyway I had to change bus) so got a few essential items like shampoo, conditioner, bath soap..and some tea, instant food. And also dinner..fish and chips which was 2.90 pounds. Claimed is 100% cod..haha..the storekeeper wanted to put salt and vinegar but I asked just for salt. Chips is v different from ours..fat and short and irregular shaped.

My fish and chips

Came home and L was sooo impressed that I managed to get home by myself and even got myself dinner and some stuff. Had an early night cos was just too tired from the plane journey.

Pre-departure

This day shall mark the beginning of my journey to Birmingham, UK! 

As much as I love travelling and the adventure that comes with it, I'm also worried as I don't know anyone there this time.

But I'm really touched by the gifts I was showered with (was even fooled!) and all the well wishes!! Love you all! 

I shall write when I get there and settled down.