The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

Expats Blog is running a series of competitions over the coming weeks, the first of which is themed Culture Shock. 

And yes I've entered!... An excerpt from my entry is below;

From Vegemite to Marmite: The Blighty Culture Shock Experience

My initiation into the culture shock experience was my first trip out of Australia. Rather than ease my way into overseas travel like most normal people do, I jumped head first into Nepal and India starting with a 20 day trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It sounded good at the time and it actually was, but when I landed in the tiny airport in Kathmandu to be greeted by soldiers in camouflage greens holding machine guns I was a little scared. The alien like scenery I then saw through the bus window on the way to my hotel also left me wondering what the hell I was doing. Needless to say it was one of my top travel experiences and the catalyst to seek out more.

As I sit here admiring the scene of Tower Bridge on a rare sunny afternoon I realise I’m a world away from that first ever travel experience and the ones that followed. If I could list all the culture shock experiences I’ve had I’d need a book, but today we’re here for Blighty.

I’m lucky as I’ve been here before. I’ve done the working holiday visa that a lot of Aussies do and now I’m here for love. Yes I’m now a Mrs and not a Miss.

So what stands out for me in terms of Blighty culture shock that I’d share with you whether you’re new, old or never been?

1. That black liquid gold we Aussies know as Vegemite isn't a staple over here. Instead they have something known as Marmite. Don't expect it to have the same consistency or taste. And I will let you be the judge of whether you like it or not. Personally I'll stick to Vegemite.

2. Be careful if you're going shopping for a pair of thongs .Thongs actually are g-strings, so you may get an odd look or two when asking for them in a shoe shop. Instead ask for flip flops.

To read the full article please go to the Expats Bog website. If you want to support my entry either like it, share it or leave a comment on the website. There are also loads of other entries, so enjoy the read!

Cakes Galore

The Cake International show is an annual London event which showcases sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking. I was lucky enough to attend over the weekend and spent hours wandering the aisles. It certainly is an event for those avid cake decorators and I left inspired about some of the products and ideas for my cupcakes. 

Here are a few photo's from the London cake competition ;

The Mulberry Handbag - this is all cake and sugarpaste. By Sandra Mitchell it won best in show for 2013!

Now how can you not be inspired by looking at those!

With thunder and hail coming down outside today (yes good old Blighty weather again!), I thought I'd spend time practising some new flowers. Here's the results;

Vintage Ruffle Flower

With some flower buds, roses and calyx

Happy decorating!

A short trip to France

A few days in the area of Dordogne, South West France is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of London.  

The added bonus is you will not find McDonalds, Costa or Starbucks or any other chain store that frequents every street in London. Instead relax in unique french cafes with a café au lait and croissant then watch the world go by.

Having only ever been to Paris and Nice, I was quite excited to have the opportunity to not only visit the french countryside, but catch up with a familiar face, a friend from Oz in such a beautiful location.

Where I stayed...

The area of Dordogne could be described as untouched, pretty, quaint and like stepping back in time. It's almost like the modern world hasn't quite reached it, until you look closer and see that hidden amongst the buildings are modern shops sporting post offices, tourist information centres and alike.

A view of the Dordogne Valley from Domme

I flew direct to Brive from London City Airport. Having only ever travelled from Heathrow, Gatwick or Stanstead I can say I was pleasantly surprised by this quiet city airport. It certainly lacks the chaos that the other airports have and if you're heading off to relax somewhere it's a good starting point. Air France was another surprise with good customer service, much more than what British Airways would offer on an afternoon flight.

With only 4 days to see the area it was a bit of a whirlwind tour, however it gave me insight into where I'd go when I have more time. Travelling through towns such as Domme, Sarlat, Rocamadour I also had the opportunity to see the Gouffre de Padirac which is the biggest cave I've ever been to. It has a diameter of 35 metres and a depth of 75 metres and once you descend you can explore the base not only on foot but in small boats as they take you along the underground river. It was amazing!

Below are a few photos from the trip.

The market square in Sarlat

Montfort

A gorgeous old house... not far from where I stayed

Collonges la Rouge. Foie gras is the specialty in this region.

I'm now on a diet

au revoir!