Wifi on the Train!

I'm just on the train on the way back for a weekend at home so what better time to write a little blog post for you all. And added bonus I have free wifi!

I wanted to air my observations on the difference between placement and being back in lectures down in Southampton. I don't think while I was away I ever really appreciated not only the cultural change (which was pretty obvious when you are in a different culture) but also the genuine and more generic 'lifestyle' change which I was having to adapt to. 

I'll just sum it up in a few short words, I was only ever busy with work. Back in Southampton I have so much more going on, be it going to gym classes, organising meetings or social events, I always have something I should be preparing for or something fun in the diary for the next couple of days. There are also plans for the weekend, trying to make dates match with friends or, like this weekend, fitting in a weekend at home. I didn't have any of this whilst I was in Barcelona. And in hindsight it might have been more than the culture and language I was getting used to. 

Now don't get me wrong, I meet some pretty amazing people whilst I was away, and I was head down with lab work to keep me occupied, plus exploring a new country. But it wasn't the busy life I have got used to over the last couple of years at uni, the lifestyle I like and have chosen. Anyone who knows me well can appreciate how bad I am at doing nothing, let's just say my morning shower and brisk walk up to campus is enough 'me time' for me.    

Selfie with Rosie. She still hasn't mastered looking at the camera YET. 

It's got me thinking about where I want to work when I have finished, I need a varied job which lots going on. I want to live somewhere where I can make a life which is busy. Basically I still want to be a little bit hectic sometimes!! I guess that's a start with the job search, it's slow process when you aren't 100% what you want to do or where you want to go. 

I guess now I should fill those of you who are still interested enough to be reading in with what I have been up to in this self-proclaimed busy life of mine (obviously not writing blog posts). Embarrassingly I finally made it to Winchester after three and a half year, and I can't wait to go back to visit in the summer, it's such a lovely little town so close but so different to Southampton. I have also been salsa dancing which was so much fun, and I want to make sure I keep up going regularly, and it's such a transferable hobby - everywhere has a salsa club (forward planning I know)! I have also had nice catch up with a number of friends, and feel quite old as a cheese and wine night now has so much more appeal than a night in jesters (think I'm finally out of the cheese coma!)

A pretty awful, but a photo, none the less, of Winchester Cathedral. 

Found a lovely spot down by the river watching all the ducks. 

Dinner with Rimini. So much food. So much wine. 

And SHOCK HORROR I have FINALLY about five years too late started DRIVING lessons!! I'll keep you all posted on this because let's be honest I'm sure it will throw up some funny stories. And any tips on how to make this process as pain free as possible will be much appreciated!!    

Back in Ann's Tea Room!

Also, slight side note, there is the funniest lady on the train who has just proclaimed because she is Northern she talks to everyone. I want to point out she is the only person (minus the young children) chatting and laughing in the whole packed carriage. Maybe moving to the North would be fun! 

*Update, she's getting slightly annoying now.