The Daily Rat Race

A rat race is for rats. We're not rats. We're human beings. Reject the insidious pressures in society that would blunt your critical faculties to all that is happening around you, that would caution silence in the face of injustice lest you jeopardise your chances of promotion and self-advancement. This is how it starts, and before you know where you are, you’re a fully paid-up member of the rat-pack. The price is too high. It entails the loss of your dignity and human spirit. Or as Christ put it, “What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?" - Jimmy Reid.

Reality is OK for a short break away, but I wouldn't want to live there.

An update and a birthday...

You're ridiculously overdue a blog update...sorry.

Although, there have been no ripples during my period of absence which generally gives me the impression that nobody noticed nor cared. Standard.

However, whilst pretending that somebody is reading this and does care, I'll continue.

I've been working and living in London for nearly six weeks now. It has been incredible so far.

I always loved London. But, living here gives me a sense of pride and achievement. There's a 24-hour buzz that I longed for. The pace of life is so much faster and I find it exhilarating. Each morning, no matter how tired I feel or how grey the day has begun, the walk over Vauxhall Bridge on my way to the office revives my spirit. The incredible view across the River Thames. The sight of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Gherkin.

I just hope my love of the city doesn't fade. I hope my experiences only get better. I hope to meet more new and interesting people and discover more of the city's beautiful, hidden treasures.

I must go out with my camera and take more photographs to feature on a blog.

Tomorrow, I'm due to return back home to Manchester. It's my 23rd birthday on Monday and the weekend will be spent catching up with family and, hopefully, some friends.

Happy Birthday to me. :-)

Thanks for reading.

Spring Time in Britain

Yesterday, Good Friday, was the most beautiful day of the year so far.

The good weather opened my eyes to just how truly beautiful the English countryside is.

If the weather was warmer year round (or at least guaranteed throughout the Summer months), there would be less of a desire to escape to foreign countries...

These are just a few photographs I took (again, using Instagram!).

 

 

 

Some pretty pictures...

I took the below photographs during my short holiday in Gran Canaria (March 2011) using Instagram, a pretty cool photography app for the iPhone.

Beautiful, eh?

A New Chapter In My Life?

It has been a while since I last posted on my blog as I have been really busy over the past few weeks.

I've had a lot of work on, which has occupied much of my time. I also enjoyed an absolutely incredible trip to Gran Canaria in March. The weather was beautiful, the people were so friendly and the holiday was short but perfect. It was an ideal escape away from the stresses back home.

Spring has well and truly arrived in England. Whilst there have been the usual overcast days, chilly winds and rain, we've also enjoyed some stunning weather. It's great to see the days becoming longer, the buds on the trees growing and the blossom and flowers blooming.

Moving on to the main purpose of this post...it's with great pleasure that I announce some exciting news. I've recently secured a job in London and, all being well, I am due to move down in early May!

I've written regularly about my love of London and big cities, so I'm just really really excited to move down. Hopefully, it's a step further in my career and I'm really looking forward to starting.

The pessimistic part of my inner-self is concerned with events occurring that might prevent me moving down...I am crossing my fingers and hoping that everything goes to plan!

I'll keep you updated...!

The Lake District

 Accessible via a relatively simple route directly along the M6 Northbound motorway, this area of incredibly outstanding natural beauty awaits you in all its pure and untouched wilderness.

The Lake District is a mountainous region in Cumbria, North West England. The central, most visited area of the region forms 'The Lake District National Park', one of the largest National Parks in the United Kingdom. The National Park was formed in 1951 to protect the landscape from the imminent threat of spreading industrialisation that was bound to have destroyed parts of this magnificent display by Mother Nature.

As well as being home to a huge expanse of lakes (more commonly known as 'waters' or 'meres' in this area), the mountainous region contains some of the highest peeks in England.

The highest mountain in England, Sca Fell, can be found overlooking one of my favourite areas in the whole district, Wasdale Valley (the pictures above are taken at Wastwater with a view to Wasdale Head).

Wastwater is located in Wasdale Valley and is the deepest lake in England. Looking out from the lake towards Wasdale Head is one of the most magnificent and breathtaking sights to be found in England, in my humble opinion. Wasdale Head is a tiny agricultural community, home to one of the smallest churches in England (and, apparently, once home to the biggest liar in England!), located at the head of the lake and is dominated by the imposing mountains surrounding the village. Such mountains include Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Pillar, Scafell Pike and, of course, Sca Fell.

The journey to Wastwater isn't easy. There are very few routes leading to the valley and the journey features long, narrow and winding tortuous mountain roads. However, it is completely worth the trip - both for the experience of the journey, the stunning scenery en route and the striking and jaw-dropping panorama.

If the tiresome journey, incredible views and strenuous walk throughout the region has taken the breath out of you, don't forget to enjoy a drink at the Wasdale Head Inn!