Warrenism

Day 30: Living on a Pound a Day - Done, Finito, Kaputs The End!

2010-05-03T21:34:00.010+01:00

How sweet it is to have come to a conclusion of this monetary challenge. I've taken my time to post this one as I've taken time out this long weekend to relax and return to unrestrained living. I've revisited the London Underground (and realised how much i dislike it), I've indulged in an expresso and caramel slice at the cafe. I've put on a delightful lunch for a friend and best of all, I haven't eaten porridge for the past 3 days!
What you really want to know though, is did I spend to constrains of the 30 pound budget?

The Grand Total for the month of April - £39.06

What! You broke the budget! You Failed!

Well, yeah i guess i did fail and I knowingly did this as well. As much, as it would be an accomplishment to have gone under the target value, this challenge to me was really about assessing my everyday actions/functions and to explore further in how i would have to adapt my life when a stringent financial restraint is applied. Reliance on self-transport in commuting around, the limitations in quality of food available and the reduction in social outings are all difficulties I've had to overcome this month. For the most part, the difficulty was managing the balance between work and conducting the day to day essential tasks. Between the foraging for clearance food, preparation of meals, weekly chores, handling of personal administration tasks, fitness training and attending social engagements, there doesn't leave much else for one to fit in the day. I've found a certain discipline is required to be efficient in managing one's day. It provides a possible reason as to why convenience stores are a plenty in London. For those that are time poor, we now rely on prepackaged, ready to go solutions! It allows us to divert our attention and attend to more 'critical' tasks at hand.

So what can I personally make of this challenge?
It is possible to live on meager standards although nutritionally, you aren't getting all the necessary dietary intake.
London is relatively cycle friendly city and it's quite viable to commute to work.
It's okay to drink water at a pub. All you gotta do is say No.
Man / Woman can not survive on porridge alone!

There are few topics I hope to explore post challenge as I didn't get a chance to incorporate and document my findings during the month. I'm hoping it will provide some further insight to what the ramifications for those living on a minimal means.
Thanks for those who have been reading along. I hope I've delivered some sort 'food for thought' in how you go about your daily lives and looking further in who we consume.

Day 30

Breakfast - Porridge
Lunch - Wagamama (Courtesy of NMQA)
Dinner - Cous Cous / Chick Pea / Corn Salad.

Daily Spend: London Underground Return Trip - 4.60 / Early Post challenge celebration drinks (7.4)

Day 29 - Living on a Pound a Day - Join Me!

2010-04-29T22:48:00.003+01:00

As I draw closer towards the end of this challenge, many have asked how I've been coping and managing with this financial restriction. My reply to them is "pretty well". To most this comes as quite a shock.
"How do you do it?" they then follow up with.
"Well, you should try it for yourself!"

So that's what I'm putting to you, the curious reader.
Join me!
While you may not want to go to such extremes of thrifty living, why not challenge yourself in assessing your own spending habits. Whilst, many will justify that they work too hard to subject themselves to such restrictions and meager standards, it serves to give you some insight to the banal activities you enact in your day to day life.
Consider,
The things you eat for breakfast;
The cost to commute to work/school;
That morning coffee that kicks start your day;
The casual shop at the high street retailer during your lunch break;
The social drink after work with colleagues;

All these activities carry some sort of cost that we can so often casually overlook. Multiply this 5 - 7 days a week and the costs really do stack up. If your like me and get paid monthly, we are looking at one very sad and empty bank account come the end of the month.

So could you/would you live on a pound a day? If so, let me know how you get on in the comments below.

Day 29

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Cous cous & Spinach
Afternoon Tea: Porridge with Banana & Cafe Nero coffee courtesy of SS
Dinner: Cous cous, chick pea salad

Daily Spend - 1.60 (Coffee)
Budget Spent - 27.06

Day 21-28: Living on a Pound a Day - A week in review

2010-04-28T00:29:00.003+01:00

So evidently, I have been dreadful in keeping this challenge updated in a timely fashion in the past week. But lo and behold, I've got 3 days left in this month. Mentally, i'm at the end of my tether in trying not to think about food. I didn't want food to be the main key point to this challenge, but somehow I have morphed into an all devouring beast that will happily chomp at anything (with conditions).

I'm rather pressed for time with the external pressures of wrapping up a work contract by the end of the week. Going forward, i'm going to attempt post smaller updates to keep you clued in to the last 72 hours of being thrifty.

Day 21

Breakfast - Porridge / Orange
Lunch - Tomatoey Bean Mix/ Potato
Afternoon Tea - Porridge
Dinner - Potato/Carrot/Split Lentil Curry

Daily Spend - 1.34 (Oranges, Seasonal Veg pack - Carrots/Swede/Leek/Parsnip/Onions)
Budget Spent - 19.93

Day 22 - Thurs
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Carrot/Potato/Lentil Curry
Dinner: Vegetable Soup

Daily Spend - 0

Day 23 - Fri
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner: Pasta (Courtesy of JL)
Dessert: Cheesecake with Double Cream!!!

Daily Spend - 1.10 (Reduced Price Cheesecake / Double Cream)
Budget Spent - 21.03

Day 24 - Sat
Breakfast: Vegetarian Fry up (Courtesy of JL)
Lunch: Air from all that test rides on bikes
Dinner: Porridge

Daily Spend - 4.43 (Porridge Oats / Margarine / Sugar / Spinach / Reduced Price Bananas)
Budget Spent - 25.46

Day 25 - Sun
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: BBQ w/ Pasta Salad (Courtesy of RH)
Dinner: ANZAC Cookies

Daily Spend - 0

Day 26 - Mon
Breakfast: Porridge w/ Banana
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner: Indian (Free food thanks to Holy Cow opening)

Daily Spend - 0

Day 27 - Tues
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Butternut Squash Curry @ Dim T (Courtesy of NMQA)
Dinner: Cous Cous with Spinach

Daily Spend - 0

Day 28 - Wed
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Cous cous with Spinach
Dinner: Cous cous with Spinach / Carrot

Daily Spend - 0

Budget Spent - 25.46

Holy Cow - free indian food!

2010-04-26T20:24:00.001+01:00

Doo't you just love store openings. Archway just opened a branch of Holy Cow and to celebrate they had an open buffet. Tasty!

Anzac cookies

2010-04-25T14:08:00.001+01:00

Lest we forget.
These are for the fallen of past wars gone by.

Day 19/20: Living on a Pound a Day - Get to the facts!

2010-04-21T22:53:00.009+01:00

The challenge hasn't been so much whether there is enough food to eat, but moreso whether I have enough time to do everything I want to complete in a day. So, I'm keeping this post short and sweet.

Day 19

Breakfast - Porridge
Lunch - Mixed Vegetable Curry
Dinner - Orange / Apple / Homemade Oatmeal Cookies

Daily Spend: 1.39 (Cous Cous / Canned Beans / Canned Tomato)

Day 20

Breakfast - Porridge
Lunch - Tomatoey Bean Mix with Cous Cous
Dinner - Orange / Homemade Ginger Cookies

Daily Spend: 0

Budget Spent - 18.59

Day 17/18 - Living on a Pound a Day - Money makes the world go ...

2010-04-19T23:54:00.008+01:00

As the UK economy shows signs of recovery, the media has been continually scrutinizing over executive pay and bonuses. Million pound salaries are met with million pound bonuses of banking corporations. Whilst public outcry has seen some of these CEOs reject this year's bonuses, one would suspect that those working the executive level are still managing to live a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. So what about people who live on the other side of the spectrum - those on the minimum wage?

The National Minimum Wage in the UK as set by the HRMC is broken down in three age brackets and as of 1st Oct 2009 are:
* £5.80 - the main rate for workers aged 22 and over
* £4.83 - the 18-21 rate
* £3.57 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18

For those unfamiliar with the term, the National Minimum wage serves to set a minimum level of pay in which an eligible working individual can be paid from an employer. While there are numerous arguments for and against setting a minimum wage, I thought it would be interesting to conduct an exercise in how someone like myself, might survive on the lowest income (no government assistance / working in central London).

Minimum wage - 5.80
Hours - 40 Hours a week
Gross Pay - 232 Pounds

Essentials
Accommodation - Flatshare for £50pw @ East Ham
Travel - Upton Park Z3 -> Central London Z1 - £30.20 (Weekly tube ticket)
Bills (Mobile) - £10
= Expenses - £80.2

So that leaves 151.8 pounds a week to cover food (~£30), household goods(£10), entertainment costs(£60). Breaking it down further, this would then leave £51.8 for further allocation into savings / European travels / consumer goods.

So what can you make from this? Whilst, it would appear that you could definitely survive, there is a real onus and burden on the individual to keep track on their budget constraints. It doesn't leave much contingency to cater for emergency expenses that can arise (medical expenses). Another variable to consider is the amount of time required to both travel further distances and the reliance of public transport to get you to required destinations. When maintenance takes place, the journey time is stretched considerably.
Social outings such as dinners carry restrictions based on what you may be willing to afford. And just when you need a break from it all, the holiday you worked so hard for, gets marred by the little volcano that could.

So while living on a pound a day may be considered admirable, it's a minor wonder to me knowing that there are people who make so many concessions to live so meagerly and frugally whilst still attempting to 'enjoy' a modern life.

Day 17

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Tomato Sandwich, Apple
Dinner: Tomato Sandwich, Orange, Mushrooms (Pre-drinks courtesy of JL)

Daily Spend: 0

Day 18

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Mushroom en Croute / Walnut Salad (Lunch courtesy of SD)
Afternoon Tea: Oatmeal Cookies
Dinner:

Daily Spend: 1.18 (Porridge, Margarine)
Budget Spent: 17.20

Day 15/16: Living on a Pound a Day - The Vulture

2010-04-15T23:24:00.014+01:00

As I enter the soulless plains of homogeneity, I survey my surroundings with a vigilant gaze. The persisting drone of electricity surging throughout the area is broken only by bored beeps of the scanning contraptions and their equally spiritless operators.
As I coast through the valleys of steel and mountains of cardboard boxes, fellow hunters pass me by lost in their own patrol. Suddenly, I am alerted to an item of interest. It lays alone, separated from the rest of the pack. Senses heightened, talons ready, I swoop in towards my targeted prey - a packet of sweet red plum tomatoes.
They still look fresh despite what the exterior indicates. A delicious find indeed and worthy to spend my precious coin on. However, i will not rest on my laurels, circling further a field will yield more delights. I will just have to wait and pounce as further opportunities arise. Patience is key.

So i took some time to checkout the supermarket after work and it was more fortunate that i came across an array of clearance items that were being cleared for a reduced price. Most of the items were reaching the end of their shelf life. Shelf life can be categorised into 3 dates - Use By, Best Before and Display Until. Where an item of food exceeds a Use By date, it's generally best to avoid consuming said item. Food that has expired beyond the Best Before date will mean that it is consumable, but may not be at it's intended quality. Display Until is used by the stores to indicate that it should no longer be sold commercially. The product will generally also be labeled with a best before date.
It's always going to be a personal choice in how you feel about purchasing reduced items. To some, it's seen as an inferior product when other options are available. I've always taken the approach to avoid wastage of food and for me I try to use the better judgment in my selection of reduced items.

Tips on scoring and choosing a bargain.

- Time your shopping excursion. Head later to stores/markets when the main crowd rush has passed and stores begin clearing their perishables.
- Check around the store. Typically there is a damaged goods item that harbour a collection of groceries subjected to harsh treatment (dents/ripped labels/incomplete sets).
- Look around open refrigerators for perishables that may only have a day or two left on it's expiry date.
- Breads can be taken home and frozen to increase storage life. Reheat as toast.
- Other foods can be cooked and then frozen for later consumption.
- Don't be prejudiced on your food types. Try sampling a new food type that you may not have tried before to see if you have stumbled on the next best thing since ... sliced bread.
- Check for seasonal produce. When a food comes in abundance due to the seasonal climate*, large stock quantities are often sold for cheaper prices.
- Price check items at different stores. Certain carried items will be found to be cheaper at one store than another.
- Processed foods such as packaged greens have been subjected to wash treatments and don't keep well even if unopened.

Day 15

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Chickpea / Corn / Mushroom Salad
Dinner: Mushrooms / Tomatoes on Toast

Daily Spend - 3.11

Day 16

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Mixed Vegetable Curry
Dinner: Mushrooms / Tomatoes on Toast

Daily Spend - 0.00
Budget Spent - 16.02

Day 14: Living on Pound a Day - Running for life

2010-04-14T23:33:00.005+01:00

Nothing better than ending a sunny afternoon on a runner's high.

So as noted, I trekked down to Hyde Park for the 1st Series of the BHF Trilogy 10Km run. Having been overcast for most of the day, the sky opened up to what was a spectacular afternoon. With over 2000 runners/walkers gathered around the starting point, the park was spilled red as participants donned their charity shirts.

Whilst there are many keen to achieve a PB, there's also quite a few who are passionate to the cause. A few have paper hearts pinned to their shirt as a tribute to those that this run was in remembrance. Call me cliched, but I think it's simple gesture that so poignantly conveys one's sentiment.

Breakfast: Banana on White Bread
Lunch: Mushroom and Spinach
Afternoon Tea: Slice of White Bread
Dinner: -

Daily Spend: 0.00
Budget Spent: 12.91

British Heart Foundation: Running my little heart out.

2010-04-13T23:38:00.007+01:00

So, I will be running in the 10km Hyde Park jog on Wed 13th April. As part of my life challenges to run and complete a marathon, I've set some smaller milestones to gradually build up the fitness and running experience in attaining my fitness goal.

So, whilst I can't advocate that living on a pound a day is a reasonable approach in healthy living, taking the time to consider the foods you consume on a daily basis could very well be of great benefit.
Thusly, the British Heard Foundation (BHF) has organised a series of jogs in order to raise awareness of heart disease. Check out the site if you are keen to know more about the charity.

The British Heart Foundation is Britain’s leading charity fighting heart and circulatory disease – the UK’s biggest killer. The BHF funds research, education and life-saving equipment and helps heart patients return to a full and active way of life. The charity relies on donations to continue its vital work.

If you are interested in contributing to this charity do get in touch with me and I'll endeavor to arrange for means to get your donation.

Day 10 /11: Living on a Pound a Day - A weekend of indulgence

2010-04-12T10:05:00.012+01:00

What a weekend. London was greeted with a clear sunny morning and when the Sun takes the time to pop around, Londoners come out to bask and in it's welcoming warmth. And where else better to do so, but down at the park.

Day 10
This weekend served to be a great reminder of the simple pleasure that can be had over the sharing of food and good company out in the great outdoors. Squeals of elated children frolicking in tufts of grass, the gentle gurgle from fountains, boisterous canines of varying sizes gleefully chasing each other ... SQUIRREL!

Needless to say, picnics are a fantastic activity to do on the cheap and with a large group, there is always bound to be a smorgasbord of food in which the cost is distributed around the group.

Breakfast: Banana
Lunch: Picnic spread (My contribution: Chickpea and caramelized salad)
Dinner: Picnic left overs

Daily Spend: 1.00 (Lost a bet that a deck of playing cards would not be more than 2 pounds from a souvenir store situated next to Hyde Park)
Budget Spent: 9.75

Day 11
As clear weather continued to prevail over the weekend, my good mate IL announced that this was day to kick off the BBQ season. Let me just state in this public domain, this man puts on one glorious feast to rival that of the Roman Bacchanalia . All attendees leave both very satisfied and gorged and glutted with food. This time was no different from any other occasion. From deviled eggs to vegetable kebabs and tofu sausages I ate as if was my last supper. Kudos to you IL for being an incredible master BBQ'r!

I thought I might provide some visual idea in terms of the commuting that i'm undertaking to get around to said locations. One characteristic I'm discovering about myself is the inability to follow a straight line. As it can be seen below, I crossed the Thames river not once but three times in order to arrive back at home.

Breakfast: Butter Bean in Tomato w/ scrambled Eggs
Lunch: BBQ Spread
Dinner: -

Daily Spend: 1.20 (Caffè macchiato @ Talyor St Baristas)
Budget Spent: 10.95

Day 9: Living on a Pound a Day - Don't Panic!

2010-04-12T04:00:00.001+01:00

I'm still alive

A brief update as im running behind in publishing the past couple of days. Friday was the most content I've been in regards to food consumption. As they say, variety is the spice to life, my spice is the curry powder of which I've discovered a large tin in the pantry. God Bless ex-housemates!

I should note, I've been using existing foods that are open in the pantry. Anything unopened hasn't been touched in order to make the challenge somewhat more interesting and so not to invoke the wrath of the naysayers that I laden the cupboard with food prior to commencing the challenge.

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Mixed Vegetable Curry w/ Pide
Dinner: Pide & Banana

Daily Spend: 1.33 (3x cans of Chick Pea, 1x Can of Corn Kernels)
Budget Spent: 8.75

Day 7/8: Living on a Pound - A week in review

2010-04-07T22:48:00.011+01:00

(Image Courtesy of Laurie | Liquid Paper)
Sum up your week in 3 words.

Hungry Hungry Hippo!
So the first week of this challenge has elapsed and I'm still kicking along. Brilliant!
Only 3 frugal more weeks to go.

Adjusting to the change in diet hasn't been too difficult although there is not a single hour that i don't think about food. It extends beyond the usual what am I going to eat? Instead my pondering considers, what food type will represent best bang for the pound? Am i forsaking quality and variety due to monetary constraints? What impact does the choice i make, have on my health and well-being? I'm really keen to delve a bit further into the topic of food choices and the wider implications it has beyond filling one ravenous stomach.

I've now also changed my primary transportation method - cycling which has been proven to be quite thrilling and challenging. I've rekindled a relationship with the bike, long forgotten since my high school years. Though I'm exploring London from a different perspective, it's not without it's woes. Heavy traffic and lack of bike fitness requires earlier starts to the day to ensure I have adequate time to arrive at the work place. Continual expenditure of energy requires a well balanced intake of food types - an area the dietitian states her concern. Then there is the overall concern of road safety. Despite all this, it's been a positive experience thus far. The new conversations with fellow cyclists has highlighted to me that this activity goes a deep than being a transportation option. It's a passion!

Over the weeks, I'm hoping to continue exploring some of the other topics that bear relation to living on a pound a day. Such topics such as food choice, community support, aid and volunteering, social ramifications and the all important question, "How much porridge can a person eat before they turn into a rolled oat?".

Stay tuned!

Day 7
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner:

Daily Spend: 49p (Bananas)

Day 8
Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Tomato, Cabbage and Potato Soup
Dinner: Mixed Vegetable Curry w/ Pita Bread

Daily Spend: 1.29 (Frozen Vegetables / Pita Bread)
Budget Spent: 7.42

Living on a pound a day: Which would you choose?

2010-04-07T12:42:00.001+01:00

Mixed salad or porridge?

Day 6: Living on a Pound a Day - What does a pound get you?

2010-04-06T22:55:00.005+01:00

How far can 1 pound go?
I thought i might start collating all the interesting goods/services you can purchase for a Pound/Dollar equivalent. Hopefully this will grow.

London to Cambridge via National Express
Didier Drogba Plasticine Head (excl postage)
____________
Daily Spend: 0.56 (Carrot & Mushroom)
Budget Spent: 5.64

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Potato Salad
Dinner: Asianslaw - Red Cabbage/Carrot dressed in Rice Vinegar and Sesame Oil.

Day 5: Living on a Pound a Day - On your bike

2010-04-06T21:17:00.009+01:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/errolyucel/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

As a new cyclist to the City of London, i thought i would touch my earlier experiences in making the commute around this bustling city.
London has an extensive cycle network to support and encourage commuters in taking to the bicycle as mode of transport. The Transport for London (TFL) estimated 545,000 daily bicycle journeys occur throughout London. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is known be a cycle enthusiast himself and even made media waves in flouting road rules.

With dedicated cycleways and greenways, one can cycle with relative ease and without the thundering lorries and buses on the major roads. The TFL provides a journey planner in addition to other guides to assist commuter in identifying ideal routes to reach their destination. The London Cycling Campaign(LCC) are another organisation that advocate for cyclists and present various policies/news that affect cyclists.

As an additional incentive, employers can sign on to the Green Transport plan, where employees can salary sacrifice a new bicycle purchase for work commuting, effectively saving a large percentage of the cost of the bicycle. Should all go well, money saved from this challenge could very well be directed to the purchase of a shiny set of wheels. I'm hoping fellow cyclists might throw me some recommendations.

So what about the ride? Apart from the lack of bike fitness, the rides to work have been relatively smooth so far. Traffic is quite ridiculous at times and I admit there is a certain nervousness when tackling roundabouts. To some comfort, there is quite a cycle populous on the roads, so strength in numbers will hopefully ensure that cars and motorcyclist are more attentive of their surroundings. Speaking on that topic, how well does this TV ad convey the need for awareness?

Day 5

Daily Spend: 0.00
Budget Spent: 5.08

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner: Tomato, Cabbage and Potato Soup

Day 3/4: Living on a Pound a Day - Get around round round I get around

2010-04-04T21:46:00.014+01:00

Do you ever feel like life just goes around in circles?
If so, you gotta hop off the merry-go-round.
Day 3 was the realisation of not having any other forms of personal transport really affects one social activity. Sure, i was extolling the virtues of walking in my earlier post, there is a limit to how far you can walk without spending half the day traveling to your destination. SD invited me out to Yum Cha / Dim Sum which i had to politely decline. CP then invited me out to watch the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race over at Putney. Again another polite apologetic decline. In order to be extend my traveling range, I'm going to have to get me a set of wheels - bicycle.

Dejected, I headed out to inspect what food options where available to me. Asking the the local grocer for the cheapest vegetable options, i was met with the response "Potatoes". At 68p for 2kg, who could argue with the guy. Keen to find out what else this insightful knowledge grocer had i continued to prod further.
"So what other vegetables can i get on the cheap"
"Cabbage!"
"Isn't that what Polish grandmas eat?"
"85p, are you going to buy or not?"
"um ... OK!"
I can't say I've had much experience with cooking cabbage. My encounters with cabbage have been limited. Coleslaw and maybe as a sauerkraut. From experience, i recall consuming large quantities of cabbage causeth his wind to blow as noted in Psalm 147:18.
So what does one do with cabbage and potatoes? Warren's Cooking 101, when in doubt - make soup. Combine vegetables, throw in a tin of tomatoes(48p) , add water, salt, pepper - meal served.

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner: Split Red Lentil Soup / Roast Potato.

Daily Spend: 2.01
___________________________

Day 4 has arrived and I've got in touch with IL and his offered to lend me his bicycle. Only problem is his located down south, whilst I'm up North. To compromise, we have agreed to meet in the middle. Problem is I'm not going to get there at a suitable time if I walk. It mean's I've got to use public transport. The average cost of one way tube fare is about 1.80 ~ 2.20. A bus on the other hand is 1.20. No second guessing as to which option I'm taking. The Bus!

After a stop off to checkout a free photo exhibition(A Positive View) at Somerset House, I embark on my trek on home. It's been a while since I've ridden a bicycle and having never negotiated London traffic, I am anxious.
Findings: Whoever tells you London is flat, their lying. I managed to get lost and come across some seemingly challenging hills. Whether i owe that to my lack of bike fitness or that the hills formed a pact to make it difficult for my initial ride, i just can't be certain. Either way, I'm looking to develop some hamstrings that cut through steel!

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Coleslaw - Red Cabbage / Carrot
Dinner: Tomato, Cabbage and Potato Soup.

Daily Spend: 1.20
Budget Spent: 5.08

Day 2: Living on a Pound a Day - Lounging on a Bank Holiday

2010-04-03T10:29:00.006+01:00

A Good Friday ... to just lounge around.
The joys of lounging around can easily be had regardless of your income. Of course, depending on your personal characteristics, it will be an easy activity for some and not so for others. With the occasional rays of glorious sun through the day puncturing through the grey clouds and then only to be followed with lashings of heavy rain, it's a good day to be indoor.

Food today saw a trip to the local Mediterranean store to hunt out some cheap and hearty options. Here I am presented with a vast selection of legumes and lentils. Although these can take some foresight to prepare (soaking overnight), these food serve to be quite filling and nutritious (so various sites inform you). I've settled for the red split lentils as they are quick to prepare and should go well with the carrots I have left in the fridge. Cooking creatively is going to be an activity that i am going to be conducting for a significant amount of time. So, if you have any recommendations on making some cheap hearty vegetarian foods.. do leave me a comment.

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Leftover stale bread with Nutella
Dinner: Split Lentil soup

Daily spend: 1.29
Total Budget Spent: 1.87

Day 1: Living on a Pound a Day - On your feet!

2010-04-02T09:33:00.007+01:00

So in order to get to work, one would typically flock like sheep to the tube station or buses. Trapped like zombified sardines, commuters push and squeeze into any available train space. Those fortunate enough to secure seating earlier on, have drifted off into land of nod. Others, mainly females - go through the routine of applying the tribal war paint, readying for the corporate battles. Men armed with hardened briefcases and donned with uniform trenchcoats are focused on revising the daily battle plan. The carriage is void of chatter, each individual's mind thinking of one thing alone - COFFEE! Will these combatants emerge victorous or defeated at the end of the battle? I will never know, I've instead, elected to walk to work.
My walking route begins in Archway, down through Holloway, snakes Highbury and Old Street and 11km later winds up at London Bridge. I'm greeted this morning with blue skies and the glorious warm rays of the sun. It's absolutely fitting start to kick off a challenge and I'm feeling positive. By walking, I'm saving myself 26 pounds on a weekly tube/bus ticket. Granted walking is neither quick nor even suitable for certain commutes, it's an activity that is free so long as you can arrange your timing. My commute to work takes me an 1hr 20, quite reasonable so long as i rise at the appropriate time.

Today's food menu has yet to be decided but it's going have to cheap and filling. Only one food comes to my mind that fits that category around breakfast time - Rolled Oats AKA Porridge. Love it or hate it, porridge is a great sustaining food. On a brisk London morning it's also rather warming.

Tesco Metro presents an array of choices for rolled oats. Some for instant cooking, others contain banana flavouring. Ranging from 2 pounds to 4 pounds, it bears a similar cost to a coffee and toast from your local cafe. The one that grabs my attention is the Tesco Value brand - Porridge Oats 1kg. Cost: 58p. Sold!
Needless to say, I'm going to be reporting porridge for quite some time as my major food source.

The evening proceedings was to walk on down MM's birthday drinks at Shoreditch. As stated in my challenge conditions, I can't have friends buying me drink so this was going to be a sober affair. The bar is teeming with frocked up ladies and suave lads. The long weekend is upon us and the masses are eager to get stuck in. The nectar of the gods is flowing freely and most are partaking in the imbibing. Did someone call shots for the birthday girl? 5 CSC emerge out of nowhere and then disappear just as rapidly. At 3.5 pounds each - that's 17.5 pound for a round. It's a value that resonates with me, over half my budget consumed in a sitting!

Party proceedings over, I trek on home. Patrons and party-goers are spilling in and out of the establishments. Some flag down a cab, others board a bus to whisk them home. I rate public transport in London. Sure there the hiccups and various grievances but on the whole, it's miles ahead of the Sydney Transport experience. Buses are scheduled at most 15 minutes apart throughout the day with undergrounds tubes scheduled even less. With a considerably large network - numerous routes are on offer for the individual to embark and to traverse around London. However, for me this evening, March Boy March!

Breakfast: Porridge
Lunch: Porridge
Dinner:

Budget Spent: 58p.

Challenge: Living on 1 Pound a Day

2010-03-31T22:23:00.005+01:00

(Image Courtesy of UnknownDomain)

The Challenge
For the month of April, I will be living on 1 Pound Sterling a day (1st - 30th April) in the city of London. This challenge serves to explore the more mundane day-to-day activities we perform in our lives and the impact that financial constraints will have upon the individual.

The Conditions
The total budget available will be 30 pounds.
Purchases may exceed that of the 1 pound daily limit but should not exceed 30 pounds at the end of the month.
The following services/consumables that are subjected to the budgetary constraints are:
- Food / Beverages (Non Alcoholic/Alcoholic)
- Public Transport
- Entertainment and social events
- Personal items (Clothing/Personal Care/Consumer Goods)
Consumables/services can not be paid for by friends.

The Exceptions
Household and Personal Bills
Medical Emergencies / Acts of God
Pre-purchased events (Gigs)
Work functions that form part of my remuneration for services rendered.
Food/Beverages/Services that are on offer to the public.
A weekly game of squash (Courtesy of JG)

A more personal insight to this challenge to follow. Meanwhile, i welcome your comments/ridicule of the challenge charter.

How do you document your life?

2010-03-18T00:34:00.003Z

Earlier this year I picked up a diary book from Foyles in the hope that i could have a repository to track my state of mind as time passes by. An entry from Keel's diary is not as simple as the name would have you to believe. Encapsulated within in this diary are pages of quirky ponderings for you to consider in tracking your everyday life.

Allow me to present you an example.

Date:

You day was
( ) sweating
( ) seet and sour
( ) sorry about it

Explain why __________

If there were no tomorrow, you would end up being a /an __________

You have been swamped with responsibility
( ) Yes
( ) No

Some give affection
( ) like a racehorse
( ) cozay as a pillow quietly
( ) as clueless as a politician
( ) full of expectations
( ) with a childish temper
( ) as generous as the lottery

Who had a bigger influence on you (sorry)
( ) you mother
( ) your father
( ) someone else

Iceland - Takk.

2010-03-15T21:50:00.011Z

Iceland Montage v0.1 from Warrenism on Vimeo.

Iceland Video Montage.
Videos and Images courtesy of Craig and Ria and from myself.

Video shot with a Canon IXUS 860 IS / Olympus Tough Mju

My thoughts about this video after the link.
I posted this Iceland video montage some weeks ago on FB and have only just got around to linking it on here. Truth be told, this video editing is all very new to me and subsequently requires alot of time and effort. The current version is a result of 2 months of head scratching and continual recomposing from scratch in order to arrive at this version. I'm not 100% satisfied with this edit, but I thought I might share how I went about creating this montage for those interested.

My approach was to run through all the available video clips and then to identify a music track that bore a similar feel and reaction between visual and aural media.
With that in place, it was then a matter of piecing video clips together for their context in relationship to each other i.e. water themes / rotating theme. Finally, it is placing these clips in section of the song that could be timed with the song. Towards the end of the song you notice a crescendo of beating snare drum, crashing cymbals and squealing guitars with distortion are unleashed. It gets all very intense. At this point that I decide to increase the video frame changes whilst shortening each clip duration to accompany the music for dramatic effect.

So for those of you who are experienced in making shorts, what approach do you take in creating your little masterpieces? What makes an interesting video? And at what point do you stop and say, I'm done!

Realizing my 2010 Goals.

2010-02-11T20:25:00.013Z

We all love to set personal goals. It gives us a sense of purpose and direction. I'm no different and instead of setting a New Year's resolution goal immediately after post festivities that herald the new year, I've managed to have a good hard think about what my future endeavours will be.

The goals for me to achieve for this year 2010 are as follows:
To set and complete my photography objectives and fulfil my aspirations in being a paid photographer.
Create and complete a social task/challenge that is rewarding not only for myself but beneficial to others.
To improve fitness and compete(and complete)in a marathon(42km)

I intend to go further with follow-up posts regarding each goal, breaking them down into quantifiable and specific components. This will make objectives less ambiguous and provide a finish line to know that such tasks have been completed. I've stuck to three which I believe challenge a person in the areas of mental, social and physical states.

Some may feel it somewhat absurd to broadcast these goals to the gargantuous black hole that is the Internet, but in doing so I am publicly encouraging any of YOU to challenge ME on my commitment in achieving my goals and not being distracted by the old women who offer us candy and often leading us astray. Drop me a comment at anytime to ask questions / give advice / prod me along. God knows that I'm going to need it to stay focused.

So let's rock this year out!

Happy New Year to all you out there!

2009-12-31T12:47:00.002Z

Happy New Year to you all. May 2010 usher in new found direction, clarity of mind and good times. Whether you make resolutions or not, I can only hope that you as an individual continue to aspire for your goals and endeavour to pursue your dreams. Make the most of opportunities that present themselves and don't deterred when failure/obstacles come your way.

I got a few things to tick off in terms of accomplishments and goals, but that can wait for the new year. I hear the champagne bottles popping and laughter all round... got to get them priorities straight.

Peace out 2009 and the "Noughties" decade. It has been swell!
See you on the other side.

Snow ... and we awaken the inner child.

2009-12-16T22:36:00.004Z

First snow sightings in London. from Warrenism on Vimeo.

And so the winter season has really commenced.
For most Northerners, the appearance of snow barely raises an eyebrow of a reaction. Yet again, another day of cold bitterness and gloom. However, for the recent migrated Southerner, it invokes the inner child. How delightful it is to have the soft gentle flakes float down and rest on the bridge of our noise. Like mana falling from the skies, we eagerly devour the delights on offer.

Where do you stand #6

2009-12-14T02:07:00.001Z

Where do you stand #6, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

The edge of the Blue Lagoon - A geothermal heated seawater bath pulling seawater 2000m below. Not only that, the spa contains unique natural ingredients, silica, minerals and algae resulting in the blue colour.

Where do you stand #5

2009-12-01T22:48:00.001Z

Where do you stand #5, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Roads

Cloud watching - Timelapse

2009-11-27T12:15:00.005Z

Cloud Watching from Warrenism on Vimeo.

Fairy floss clouds casually tumble on by,
while the frentic citizens scurry along in their time-poor lives.
Elephants, lions and dragons too,
they are all up there, an everchanging zoo.

Where do you stand #4

2009-11-23T22:35:00.002Z

Where do you stand #4, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Sometimes, it's not about where you stand but what you stand on it with!

Music: Fink - So Many Roads

2009-11-17T09:26:00.003Z

Fink - So Many Roads, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Caught the trio of Fink at the Jazz Cafe in Camden.
In a word - Brilliant!

Lead singer Fin Greenall comes across with a certain meekness on stage, an artist who truly enjoys the craft he delves. The songs although simple pack an undenialable potency that courses through the body. Check out "If Only", "So Many Roads" to really be caught in a trance.

{16/52} - Stillness in time

2009-11-03T00:28:00.001Z

{16/52} - Stillness in time, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

There's a stillness in time
Which I cannot define
Does your heart bleed like mine
Oh does your heart yearn
For a place we can go
Where the troubles of our time are far away
- Jamiroquai

For the hustle and bustle that is a major attraction, i love the fact there are spaces throughout the Lourve for one to stand and observe the outer world madness. Queues stretch to 500+ people long, kids running a muck, tourists from all corners of the world mindlessly snapping candid pictures of themselves infront of the attraction.
I prefer to watch and contemplate...

{15-52} - Big kids should never grow up

2009-10-27T00:12:00.002Z

{15-52} - Big kids should never grow up, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

What does getting older mean?
Is it about being sensible and serious about career progression, financial security, responsibility, commitment to others? Or is it about learning from past experiences and making changes to our lives to ensure we don't make the same mistakes.

As serious as life can get, you have to make sure you are enjoying the ride. At times we can become too preoccupied with the things that we have to achieve by a certain time. We simply check things off for the sake of appeasing others, whilst losing focus on what our true ambitions/goals lie.

My advice: unleash the inner child. Realign your thinking to what it was that you wanted to be/do all those years back. It never is too late to pursue your dreams and to fulfil the long forgotten aspirations.

Where do you stand #3

2009-10-17T10:43:00.001+01:00

Where do you stand #3, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Tesco Extra - Slough - Approx 13,360 m2

Earth's surface is covered approximately by 29% land, so have you considered it as a scarce commodity? We walk, peddle, drive over without necessarily giving too much thought of the ground we tread on as we live our lives. This is my journey to document where I stand.
So where do you stand?

Where do you stand?

2009-10-01T23:16:00.004+01:00

Where do you stand?
Well.. it definitely has been a while since my last update. 2 months in fact! Time to get back into gear and give this another go.I've started another little project (not that I have complete any of the others.) This one is slightly easier to manage and deliver over the coming months.

Where do you stand?

Earth's surface is covered approximately by 29% land, so have you considered it as a scarce commodity? We walk, peddle, drive over without necessarily giving too much thought of the ground we tread on as we live our lives. This is my journey to document where I stand.
So where do you stand?

Fast Food Junkie!

2009-07-12T22:58:00.007+01:00

I always thought the U.S.A was renowned for being a fast food nation. But having spent some time here, I've come the conclusion that London as another large western city, gives the US a good run for it's money. I present to you the 18 inch pizza aka The Game Keeper!

So what goes on a 18" pizza
Chicken
Spicy Beef
Mushroom
Salami
Mozzarella Cheese
all surrounded by a stuffed cheesy crust.

Suffice to say, this was a half decent pizza to have eaten. Base was of an acceptable thickness, toppings were porpotionate to the size and the crust was crisp.

Good bye size 32, Hello size 36. I'm definitely hitting the tarmac for the next couple of weeks in order to burn the calories off!
.

{13-52} - Questions over the horizon.

2009-07-11T18:00:00.002+01:00

Questions contained within.

Sun, why must you go and leave me behind?
You show me the joys of life and lead me forward in time.

Sun, who will be my champion and ace?
Your ever-glowing radiance envelopes me like a lovers embrace.

Sun, who will you see on your trip around the world?
Will your arrival herald new beginnings or bring despair as suffering unfurls?

Sun, i am lonely and in dismay
so hurry back around and bring forth a new day.

{12-52} - Waiting for my Apocalypse to come...

2009-06-18T00:15:00.004+01:00

Will it rain down fire? Will the slumbering zombies arise from the earth and eat our brains? Will the forecoming of Apocalypse be announced with the sound of trumpets sound or the thrashing of distorted metal guitars grinding out a screech?
I'll be waiting with open arms, but in the meantime, i've got so many weeks to catch up on in my 52 Weeks Project..
________________________________________________

I piggy backed this shot off an art installation in the church(www.markswysen.com). Upon walking past this church in Bruges, we initially saw smoke billowing out of the doorway. Armed with half litre water bottles, we were ready to put out the fire! Much to our disappointment, turned out it was merely a smoke machine...
This installation as noted in the flyer, "invites you to search the very heart and direction of your existence. The walk across the misty water lifts you out of every day reality to another level of experience".

My Rant: It's confronting when you are posed a question/statement concerning your own personal goals and aspirations. Often, I get caught up in routines and habits without necessarily providing much thought as to why I do what I do.
I'm not a fanatical self-reflective person who is seeking Zen but on occasions where i have taken time out to review the things i have done and do, it's really quite mind-boggling. I've yet to do achieve something as grand as develop a cure for cancer or create a wicked hoverboard but by through sifting through the haze of obscurity, anaylysing and reviewing my actions, strategising and implementing my goals, i do hope to find clarity in realising my dream that is of benefit to the wider community.

Music: Patrick Watson @ Union Chapel

2009-06-04T23:44:00.003+01:00

Who would have thought that going to church would be so entertaining. This evening saw me catch Patrick Watson up in the Union Chapel - Highbury and Islington. It is actually a church on Sundays that functions as a music venue on other days.

The church is of Victorian gothic architecture, and was designed by James Cubbitt, and constructed between 1874 and 1877. The stained glass windows and gothic alcoves are all there and to be able to experience music in such an intimate setting is really quite something. Pews are free for all and it's first come - first served, hence down the front pews would provide some great seating. For the gig photographer, there are just some great little nooks to get around whilst also using the decor to really enhance the mood and ambiance of these live acts.

Patrick's vocal work for Cinematic Orchestra To Build A Home is pretty unforgettable. It's haunting and moving in the delivery, definitely one of my all time favourite tracks.

For most of the evening, these guys were just having a blast playing a collection of their songs from there 3 album catalogue. Stellar tracks for me were Great Escape and Luscious Life. Much to the delight of the audience, Patrick strapped on a portable loudspeaker pack and with band in tow, proceeded to run around the chapel belting out an acoustic tune.

A tip for those who enjoy heading out to gigs and taking an odd photo, try turn the flash off! It still astounds me how people who can sit over 50 metres back and still pop off their flash hoping to get a shot! Instead, steady yourself against a wall/post/pew/shoulder of someone, turn off the flash and fire a shot. You never know, you just might like what turns out.

Beached as in Brighton.

2009-06-01T11:16:00.001+01:00

Brighton, situated on the southern coast of England, is approximately an hour an half out of London. Being a beach town, it's a natural choice when the Sun decides to grace us with its presence. It's easy to moan about the lack of sand, lack of surf and most importantly - lack of buxom bikini-clad women but really, Brighton really does offer more!

My visit to Brighton happened to coincide with tail end of the Brighton Festival which was more fortunate. The city is a buzz with locals and visitors reveling in the warmth of the sun and gentle sea breeze. Street performers line the street demonstrating both feats of strength and artistic entertainment to keep the young kids enthralled.

Being a beach town, what would a trip be without shots of the beach and horizon. The key difference though, is the significant lack of sand. Known as a shingle beach, pebbles and stones cover the vast stretch of the foreshore. Definitely makes for uncomfortable sitting.

The key attraction of Brighton is without a doubt, Brighton Pier. Initially built in 1899, it has undergone numerous reconstructions but it was only since 1986 did it begin to operate as an amusement park. This includes a roller coaster, countless spin-trons, a merry go round and a plethora of skill challenging side-stalls.

So while Brighton lacks the surf, the sand and the hot bodes, there is still a charm about the destination that really oozes positive sentiments and vibe. It's evident that people are enjoying themselves as indicated by the smiles and laughter. For young and old, there definitely is plenty to be engaged with.
Check out more images over at Flickr

Running around in Hampstead Heath

2009-05-29T00:04:00.001+01:00

Running around in Hampstead Heath, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

Have been wanting to go for a run and came across this neat Nokia app for my phone. By no means is it 100% accurate, but getting any feedback is great in my books

The plan is to get a nice workout collection. Is running 6km in 20 mins reasonable?

Check it out

Greenwich, not Green Witch!

2009-05-25T18:32:00.006+01:00

Greenwich - pronounced GREN-itch, is based south east of London. Noted for lending its name to Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Time, it's also home to several iconic landmarks - The Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and the Old Naval College. Armed with trusty camera, novel(The Kite Runner), and Percy Pigs, I set out on a glorious sunny Spring day to bask in history and culture. Oh did i mention sun? In England!

Yes, it's hard to believe the naysayers that London is cold and miserable when one is blessed with days like these. Wandering through the quaint Greenwich town centre, markets are littered around the district with home cooked foods, knick knacks and antiques on offer. The town is bustling with tourists and locals, faces carrying smiles apart from those scoffing down on refreshing treat.

First notable landmark was the Old Naval College. In the Painted hall, an intricate and expansive artwork covers the entire ceiling.

Next up the National Maritime Museum, housing a collection of marine artifacts from yesteryear, there was also a simulation of a modern ship sailing through the River Thames.

And finally, the main drawcard of the district, the Royal Observatory.
This places draws some serious crowds who flock to have their picture taken standing on the Prime Meridian, essentially a steel line running on the ground that marks the basis of longitude (the lines that run north-south of Earth). What people get out of it sure beats me.

More images can be seen here.

{11-52} - The Cleaner

2009-05-17T23:46:00.000+01:00

Beware! Lurking out there is a germ fighting vigilante poised to attack and rob you of all filth and grime. Mold, dust, grit have no place in this world when the Cleaner is around.

Didn't wash your hands after toilet usage, prepare to cop a spray of cleaning justice to the face! Left unwashed dishes in the sink, watch your back, his coming to whip you with his Duster of Pain until you plead for mercy!

Don't relax, don't ever let slacken up. The Cleaner sees all and his coming to a household near you!

London: Camden Crawl 2009

2009-05-14T00:29:00.000+01:00

Well Dublin didn't happen as you maybe aware. So eager to avoid a weekend at home lamenting what could have been, the hunt was on to get out and about. Camden Town, a suburb renowned for it's alternative atmosphere, liberal attitude and associations with popular culture. Each year, an inner city festival takes the town by frenzy with a smorgasbord of live entertainment. Running over two days, music is the big attraction of the event, drawing bands like Klaxons, Mystery Jets, The Fratelli's and Hot Chip. Rumours are rife throughout the day as big name artists throw impromptu lounge room gigs whilst British celebs are spotted out and about for a sneaky drink.

Events are spread out over the entire town at numerous bars, pubs and music venues. With wristbands armed and setlist ready, the challenge; to get too as many gigs as possible.

The tickets! No need for visas here!

Pub No# 1 - Hello 1st Pint of Beer

Pub No #2 - Free cider courtesy of our generous sponsor - Gaymers Cider

Pub No #3 - Bar Vinyl

Pub No #4 - The Good Mixer - too bad it stank!

Event No #5 - General Fiasco @ The Electric Ballroom

Event No #6 - Elviin @ Earl of Camden and the gang of Camden troops

Event No #7 - Random Hard House mixing it up on petrol powered decks.

Event No #8 - The Invisible @ Dingwalls

Event No #9 - 808 State @ Koko

Not too shabby of an effort one would think until you realize that there were approximately about another 50 bands available to check out!! Although there wasn't any authentic Guinness to sampled, it was a great replacement!

Don't Panic!

2009-05-05T23:48:00.003+01:00

I am still here, free from mucus and kidnapping from my adventures.

A whole lot has happened since my last post and are sitting in the pipelines waiting to be flushed out! However, like any normal social person, I'm just prioritising my social outings and events over blogging.

So forgive me for my lack of updates, but do hold on and more will follow!

Ireland: Dublin - Take 1

2009-04-25T10:26:00.007+01:00

Ireland, home to leprechauns, shamrocks and the infamous Guinness brew. Eager to explore beyond the cliches and stereotypes associated with the nation, i was quietly excited to be setting off for a short international trip.

I present to you; Dublin.

It's always the small details that one can overlook and subsequently results in drastic consequences.

Having arrived early at Gatwick airport to mitigate against travel delays and overzealous security( note to others; don't bother with any personal items over 100mL - Pat lost hair gel, deodorant and creams) Pat, Kaan and I were on-time to fit in a hearty meal. Turns out that our flight had been delayed by 30 min. Not a problem! Lets pass the time by indulging in a game of air hockey.

The time arrives when the boarding gate open and passengers are called to embark. Boarding passes out and we are only a couple of hours out from wrapping our lips on some glorious Guinness. Passengers shuffle towards the boarding gate, it's looking to be a packed plane for the last flight for the evening.
"Hold up," says the boarding lady, "I'm sorry, but you haven't gone through the Visa Check."
"What! What Visa Check?" geninuely astonished i reply, "I'm an Aussie! Everyone will let us in".
"I'm sorry sir, but you have to go back to the departures and validate this boarding pass, it's company policy".
Shocked and confused, we hurry towards the Customs and security gate. They have no idea what this validation of visa is required. "Speak to the RyanAir service desk".
Just our luck that the RyanAir service desk is now closed. The attendant servicing passengers traveling on Aer Lingus is in though. She however, has heard of no such policy where visa checks are required. Panicking, we plead for assistance.
"Surely, there is a stamp that you could give us?", "I don't have a stamp to give you i'm afraid" was the reply. Instead, she offers to take us down to Border Control and see what they are able to make of it. At this point, it becomes obvious we are not alone in our plight to board flight FR119. Two Americans and a fellow Aussie join us in the confusion.

We weave through the labyrinth that is an international airport and soon arrive at Border Control. They too are perplexed in terms of what Visa check is required and are unable to provide us a stamp. Next stop, the airport booking desk. More corridors and back passages. Time is ticking! Arriving, at the service counter, agitated and flustered we proceed again to tell of our misadventure. No joy. He states there is nothing he can do as the check-in is now closed. The Americans ain't happy. Phonecalls are being made to friends onboard the plane. The flight attendants are apparently trying to hold the flight. Pleading now turns to an authoritative demand. "We need to get on this flight!"
The service desk attendant makes a call then leisurely strolls around the corner. Success! Apparently a check-in desk is still open. We rush on over. Passports are inspected, boarding passes are exchanged. "Run, don't walk! I can't guarantee they will hold the gate for much longer." We bolt.
Bags are thrown through the X-Ray machines for the second time. Pat struggles to get his belt back on. He won't be able to run if that belt doesn't hold his pants up. Kaan had already disappeared on his own accord earlier. He was nowhere to be seen. I tie up my laces. I am cheetah! I am faster than Usain Bolt! I run. 50m, 100m, sidestepping sleepy passengers in waiting. I hurdle over baggage and trolleys - I'm going to catch this flight! The finishing line is close, but wait, what is this? People walking back from the departure gate.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The gate is closed. Our fellow comrades, the Aussie and two Americans are walking with the boarding gate attendant. We lost the battle. Pat, huffing and wheezing joins the party. His furious, his not built for running. Dejected, we are lead through the back passages to exit of the airport. RyanAir won't be refunding our flight and the next flight is at 10am the next day where we would have to buy a whole new ticket - 120 GBP. Home is the next destination.
Lessons learned: Read the small print; Americans are great at being forceful; Red underwear does not make you run faster.

{10-52} - Leaking like a tap

2009-04-22T01:33:00.002+01:00

WARNING! - Strong descriptive language regarding bodily fluids after the link

So for the past week, I've had this darn head cold which has proven to be rather troublesome. You know the one with the symptoms of a stuffy head, hot and cold flushes and a nose that just doesn't stop dripping! You just can't stop the drip because there is no handle to switch it off. I've resolved to sticking tissues up both nostrils, most effective and a sight to behold!
The part i dislike the most is the buildup of mucus though. I mean, i could hock up a glass and a half of mucusy goodness for you on demand. Forget Cadburys or Tooheys, try The Bopperleaner Brew!

UK: Bath and Stonehenge

2009-04-14T09:11:00.008+01:00

So what better to do on a weekend than to escape the buzzing hive of activity of London and to head out to the countryside. You are greeted with lush green rolling hills with the livestock leisurely grazing at the grass. It's far removed to the concrete jungle that London has evolved to be. Our journey, would see us head to both Bath and Stonehenge.

The City of Bath is famed for its Roman remains and Georgian architecture is situated 120 miles west of London. It's a charming and quaint city filled with laneways of history and stories of the past. The Romans conceptualized and built a bathing establishment known throughout Europe, the Saxons and Normans erected monasteries and cathedrals and finally with the pre-modern age, Georgian architecture constructed to complete the ecelectic mix.

Rolling green hills overlooking the city

Pulteney Bridge - Built for William Pulteney by Robert Adams, the bridge was an attempt to connect central Bath to land on the other bank of the River Avon and make Pulteney's fortune.

The Royal Crescent was built between 1767 and 1775 to the design of John Wood the Younger, and forms a semi-ellipse of thirty Grade I listed houses arranged around a great Lawn.

Begun in 1499, Bath Abbey is the last of the great medieval churches of England.
More images can be found here

Stonehenge
For the uninitiated allow me to post an extract from Wikipedia:
"Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) west of Amesbury and 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones and sits at the centre of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred burial mounds.[1] Archaeologists had believed that the iconic stone monument was erected around 2500 BC

I present to you in colour - Stonehenge.

And something a little more edgier!

To be honest, it's rather difficult to be overly enthused by what is essentially a set of rocks piled together, but nevertheless the mystery of its function and the reason for the construction is one of interest.
If anything, i guess i can tick it off the "list of things to see that i can say i have seen".

{9-52} - My Office

2009-04-10T20:27:00.001+01:00

{9-52} - My Office, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

So for the past couple of weeks i have established an established in the heart of the household - the kitchen.
As a full-time job hunter, my duties include; surfing the online job classifieds, cold calling recruiters, updating of the C.V and brewing/consuming copious amounts of tea.

It's rather daunting not being employed having worked since the age of 16. The freedom of getting up when i wish and wearing just pajamas for an attire does have it's perks, but in the end, income is a necessity.

To all those who are unemployed as well, i can only wish you the best of luck with your endeavors. Have faith and be persistent, it's what I'm clinging on to.

Archway - Home #2

2009-04-09T23:48:00.000+01:00

I guess some of you maybe curious as to the condition of the abode that i am residing in. Be curious no more. I present to you - 61 Bachelor Place .

Eating out: London - Inamo

2009-04-07T10:47:00.000+01:00

Having heard rumors that there existed a restaurant that integrated both a nerd's love for technology and food, i myself was quietly thrilled. Inamo, located in the diners district of Soho, London serves up a pan-Asian cuisine drawing from Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese/Chinese influences. Nothing to out of the ordinary, but the major draw card to this restaurant is the unique virtual interactive dining experience that has generated all the buzz.

The interior styling of the restaurant is futuristic-digital, with Oriental themes underlying the modern decor. For most part, the venue is dim and moody but gleaming with red/green/blue hues from the radiating tables. The tables serve as a interactive screen, where the diner conducts the various functions of ordering food and drink and settling of the final bill. But it's the other additional components of changing your virtual tablecloth, previewing the menu selection and playing a game of battleship with your fellow diner that add that to the interactive experience. Not content, you can even eye the chefs activities through "Chef Cam"!

So does all this technical wizardry detract from the food quality served? In a way yes! The menu does not really consist of anything profoundly innovative and consists of slightly tweaked traditional dishes from the Asian influences. Quantities are minute and often laden with oil based sauces. I'm not a major food connoisseur but the dishes we ordered failed to excite the palate. This included chicken betel leaf, tuna tataki, seafood gyoza and salmon and avocado cerviche. All this plus drinks wounds upward of 30 pounds - not exactly a cheap meal.

All in all, it was a fun experience and is a novel concept to your regular dining. The inner geek is surely to be entertained especially if your accompanied with a like minded troupe. Now if only they could arrange for Jolt cola to be added to the menu.

Architecture in London

2009-04-04T23:37:00.000+01:00

So after i was freed from the G20, i took some time out to wander more of the streets of London.
Not really knowing much about the cityscape and landmarks, it was a great opportunity to explore and acquaint myself with the geography of the city.

There is a great contrast in the architecture between that of the modern and that of the historic. Dispersed amongst modern buildings, there are monuments that have withstood the countless generations and societies that have come and gone. St Paul's Cathedral is one example of this. There has been a Cathedral on this site for 1,400 years and the present Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren is now fast approaching the 300th anniversary of its completion.

Tower of London

On the more modern end you have the Swiss Re building - affectionately known as the "erotic gherkin". There are just somethings you don't question.

Definitely looking forward to expanding this portfolio of architecture images.

G20 Protest

2009-04-01T23:14:00.000+01:00

I don't profess to know much about world politics, but what i do know is that there are a large group of passionate and vocal people who want their thoughts to be heard concerning the current state of affairs. News reports state about 35000 showed up around the banking district of Moorgate / Old Street and supporters no doubt made their presence felt. With anti-capitalists calling for reform, greenies demanding for climate change to be addressed and those calling for bankers' heads, there was little doubt most had an issue of contention on their mind.

More can be seen in my London set here

Rewind: Hong Kong Time

2009-03-29T16:33:00.000+01:00

Prior to my arrival in London, I made a week long sojourn in Hong Kong in order to reacquaint myself with my roots. Hong Kong with a population of 7 million people is a cosmopolitan city that is all hustle and bustle. It's evident when you walk down the streets and walkways are at least 10 abreast. From the troupe of high school girls giggling with bubble tea in hand, the scurrying businessman hailing to catch a cab, or the old lady toiling behind a the monstrous cart filled with a mountain paper/cardboard waste, all these people are the many faces of Hong Kong.

I'm not quite sure what it is that draws me to Hong Kong. Maybe it's the frenetic energy and fast pace the city operates around the clock. Conversely, there are numerous satellite islands that one can visit to kick back and enjoy the slower pace these sleepy towns operate at.
Then there is the smorgasbord of cuisines from all corners of the world to cater for the epicurean. If the fiery Bangladesh / Nepalese curries won't sate the demanding taste buds, there is always fired pig intestines married with a sour and chilli oil or the infamous fried tofu - it reeks of a thousand dirty socks and can be smelt a 100 metres away!

The real attraction about Hong Kong is the diversity in services/entertainment that this tiny city has to offer. There is the corner store(literally hugs a corner) that sits beneath Soho Staircase which operates as a newsagency but also sells the most amazing tofu dessert, the seemingly dodgey diners around every back alley which offer tasty and cheap meals (3 AUD dollars) and finally the plethora of restaurants offering Yum Cha. At the other end of the scale, there is the ultra chic entertainment quarter in Lan Kwai Fong(LKF). This small district have a pumping atmosphere where locals and expats mingle, play dice games and party away to the early hours... and that is on a Monday night!

Some select pics. More can be seen here.

Mong Kok - A shoppers haven for fashion, electronics and the occasional goldfish.

A moment of silence - I find it a amazing when you can find a spot in the metropolis where there is no one.

Old Ladies - From what i understand, these old ladies take a donation from you and proceed to smack out your inner ghosts and transgressions that are recorded on these holy papers.

Tofu Dessert - It's a refreshing snack served hot or cold with a blend of caster sugar and crystalised ginger . One of the silkiest and smoothest tofu you can get in town by my books and all for $2 AUD. I got through half of this and then realised i should have taken a picture.

Poor Ugly Sidekick Dog

{8-52} - Taking the plunge

2009-03-26T11:13:00.001Z

{8-52} - Taking the plunge, originally uploaded by Mr Bopperleaner.

I've left it behind. I'm on the edge, why i am here, i'm not entirely too sure.
Life is a journey and sometimes you just have to hop on and face obscurity and the unknown. Opportunities are everywhere but can you see them and will you take them?

I've left quite a few things behind - friends, family, job and the usual day-to-day routine.
I am filled with mixed emotions,thoughts and decisions about where i am going, what i will be doing and when will i return. One thing is sure though...

I've taken the plunge!

London - A week in review - Sights, Quirks and More

2009-03-25T00:16:00.000Z

Hands numb, ears bitterly cold and there is no sun in sight, welcome to old London town. A week has elapsed since i left my fond surroundings of Sydney for the greener pastures (figuratively and physically) of the United Kingdom - home of our matriarch Queen Elizabeth II, rowdy diehard football fans and warm beer.

By all accounts, the acclimitisation to my new surroundings have progressed smoothly. The locals still speak English, the public drive on the left hand side and the toilet flushes in the same manner - all over the place with no adherance to a particular direction! Allow to guide you through a photographic journey of the sights of London.

The London Underground

Better known as the "tube", this network of train stations closely resembles a spaghetti bowl of train lines interconnecting various areas of this bustling city.

Many of the stations can be reached by several routes that span from north to south, east to west, south south west to north north east. Urban legends note that many a person can be trapped in the network for days on end with no glimpse of day light. Nevertheless, the system works remarkably well for most part, leaving commuters very little wait time (1 - 3 mins)between trains. Payment requires the usage of electronically read carts (Oyster) which only need to be scanned at the entry and exit points of the station. The fact this process can be done through a wallet, purse, handbag or satchel means that throughfare is extremely efficient.

There was this station which i believe is extremely noteworthy.

Trafalgar Square

Westminster Abbey

British Museum

Outside

Inside

St Martin in the Fields

On the flip side, i thought i might some of the more peculiar differences that be noted between Sydney and London.

Bathrooms with carpet

Do i need to say more?

Foster Lovers

I'm still trying to get my head around this one, but i've been told that Fosters Beer is quite popular here. It's quite shocking! For most part i've avoided it back home but here people drink it by the pint.

pic

Call me non-patriotic but I'm avoiding it all cost! I'll take a bottle of chloroform over Fosters any day.

Pennies and Two Pence

Ever since the removal of the Australian 1 and 2 cent coins from circulation in 1991, life has been so much lighter. But these coins still remain in the British currency. Products from the local store are priced at these points and when it comes to chump change, the UK is place for it.

52 Weeks of .... ME!

2009-01-13T11:49:00.000Z

So I've started a new project inspired by the group 52 weeks.

Too often do i shy away from the lens side of the camera. Be it fear, embarrasment or sheer vanity i don't normally appear in many photos from my camera. It's time to change that.

I'm going to document me - one pic a week, for the next 52 weeks. A self-portrait so long as it contains a part/limb of me in the image. In addition, im going to have a theme/story to accompany the image to provide some context and a vision of what goes on in this head of mine.

Welcome to my World

2009 - Another year rolling on

2009-01-08T13:01:00.000Z

So yeah, i'm late in my New Year postings but it's better late than never.
Happy 2009!

I don't do New Year resolutions for the reason that one shouldn't wait until the New Year rolls on to do something for yourself. If you want to fulfill or attain an objective, go out and reach for it! Don't wait until you have a regrets that you didn't give it an attempt.
As i want to further my photographic skills, i have set some photographic goals for 2009 that i hope to be able to review at the end of year and tick off.

- A image that i can proudly hang on a wall (A2 Size)
- Score a paid gig to shoot an event.
- Have images published by a media publication (online/print)
- Complete 52 Weeks (1 self portrait a week for 52 weeks)
- Make a photographic calendar/photo album to be presented to the family.

So let's see how i go.

Gone Pro..

2008-12-15T13:32:00.000Z

Dec 15th 2008 - I bit the bullet and went pro - Flickr Pro.

Now the arduous task of organising all those images into sets and collections.
It's also reason to back up all those images i have taken in the past year since acquiring my DSLR. I've spent too much time not to have these stored elsewhere besides my HDD.

Let the fun and games begin.

What's in your bag?

2008-11-28T12:10:00.000Z

Home on a Friday night and got nothing to do...
Why not empty your bags and document it to show the world?

Ever since i got hooked into Flickr so many moons ago, it never ceases to surprise me on the creative ideas that emerge from this social photo sharing site. What can seem such a simple concept to an individual can actually be taken to a whole new level when shared with others.
Take the "What's in your bag" group that i have recently joined. The concept; take a photo of what is in your work / camera / travel / hand bag and let others catch a glimpse of how you tick.
I find it a truly insightful way to see how we have evolved and think from these modern age. Rarely will you not find some mobile or electronic gadget in one's bag. Have we become all to dependent on these electronic gadgets in order to survive the fast paced lifestyle?

So what's in yours?

A New Start

2008-11-24T11:30:00.000Z

Welcome to the humble beginnings of a blog that i plan to document my

musings on life and the course i undertake
still images that i capture through the viewfinder
links from my travels in the series of tubes
rantings from a rambling man

Peace.