Sarah in London

Follow me on Twitter

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:16:27 +0100

Hi Folks!

It has been a long while in between entries... I will get there, I promise! But for now... follow me on twitter!

http://twitter.com/seratori

Cheers,
Sarah xx

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For Mum

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:46:10 +0100

My Family

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Amstersmash with the EY Boys!

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:13:06 +0000

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So I thought Salzburg was going to be my final destination, however I had promised to visit a few friends in The Netherlands all year and realised I'd never followed it through…

In 2004, Amsterdam was my final European destination and coincidentally, it is yet again. My friend Tristan (whom I used to work with at Ernst and Young) had relocated earlier in the year to Holland, also a guy I met at a friends house in Sydney over New Years 06/07, Lars, who also lived in Holland - and it was these two lovely gents that I had promised to visit.

The Grasshopper...

Another friend, Julius, also ex-Ernst and Young had only just arrived in London a few weeks before, so we thought it would be a great idea to venture out to visit Tristan and Lars... and this time... we were flying from Healthrow... not a nasty budget airline! Lovely! However the alarm going off at 5:00am wasn't lovely at all!

We arrived at Schiphol and met Tristan! He was a marvellous host, and let us stay at his apartment in Leiden - a really beautiful town. We wandered the cobblestone streets, ate Dutch cuisine and lot's of it and then headed into Amsterdam for the evening - which I cannot devulge any of the nights events aside from getting soaking wet from wandering through the red light district in the pouring rain and no umbrella.

Lars & I at Schipol Airport

The following day we went to The Hague and strolled the surrounding streets which were beautiful. Then we headed to Utrecht and saw the Dom Tower and again wandered through the pretty cobble stone streets, over many bridges, and past over a million bicycles.

It was fantastic fun! Even though we were only there for both Saturday and Sunday, we saw so much and had a fantastic time! Although I only got to spend a short amount of time with Lars at the airport, it was so good to see both the guys! Anyways… I won't ramble… but I have attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

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Christmas… a Time for Giving? Give Carefully!

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:43:35 +0000

Rosa Loves

After reading my friend, Oliver Happy’s blog, ‘Olly at Large’ recently, it inspired me to write this piece. Often we wonder what on earth to buy for someone for Christmas, and you buy for the sake of buying… and generally you buy some crap that they probably neither want nor appreciate. In some places… there is no Christmas, no giving, Santa does not visit some children, and after being directed by Oliver to a particular website, I think I’ve found something worthwhile…

ROSA LOVES is a bunch of everyday normal folk who give a damn. They realise that we are capable of performing tangible acts of service that will meet individual and immediate needs in order to affect wide scale encouragement. They hope to encourage individual people to get involved in the community around them on a somewhat tangible scale. They will accomplish this by providing financial support to those in need by infiltrating the t-shirt industry with a new perspective of how clothing can serve a purpose other than outfitting. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a need. By using art and creativity, they hope to foster hope and encouragement through the aid of apparel. Each story will be told through stimulating graphics and actual text that will appear on the inverse of the shirt directly in line with the heart, where the Rosa Loves movement stems from.

Not a bad bod... hey ladies?

ROSA LOVES is less about charity and more about awareness, awareness that we are all apart of something greater and are therefore joined by common threads.

The website is very informative, so I do encourage you to pop online and have a look. The Tshirts are uber cool and serve a damn good purpose.

So I know what I want for Christmas… one or two, or maybe more of these T-Shirts.

FYI – size Small!

I'm telling you, it's the new black!

So this Christmas when you’re aimlessly wondering through MYER or DJ’s or wherever else… it’s not how much you spend, or about just buying a gift… Christmas is about giving, not just to your family and friends but to those around us – and this, I feel gives so much more than that bottle of Gucci Rush you’re thinking about buying, or that latest CD of that artist you saw on Video Hits (who mind you is probably rolling in cash) – unless it’s a CD by Krista Polvere or other Australian or unsigned talent… don’t buy it – but a Tshirt from ROSA LOVES!

Note to my immediate family and friends – THIS IS A PRETTY BIG HINT!!! Again SIZE S.

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The Hills are Alive… With the Sound of Salzburg…

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 23:06:24 +0000

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Yes, you heard it right! My final European destination was Salzburg, Austria. This hill were alive with the sound of music and so where was the bar I stumbled into with my new friends Ashley and Andy (but more about that later).

A few months back, I scored myself £12 return tickets to Salzburg with Ryan Air, so I couldn’t not go! But in saying that, if, for some reason I wasn’t able to, it was no big deal. Anyway, Saturday morning, dressed as what looking like a Michelin Man, I ventured towards Stansted Airport headed for my winter wonderland that was Salzburg. Only a 1 hour flight out of London, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I flew over snow covered mountains… and once landed and waiting for the bus, I couldn’t help but touch the snow and giggle like I was 5 again and seeing snow for the first time!

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Everything was covered in a blanket of white, and it all looked so incredibly beautiful – so much so that I forgot it was on -2ºC! Having arrived in the early afternoon, and feeling incredibly tired due to lack of sleep (sometimes I would like to strangle certain housemates and their guests!) I decided to wander over the Salzach River and into the old town and see what I could find. By 5pm it was pitch black, but still, in all its darkness, so peaceful and picturesque… in its dim glow I could see the Hohensalzburg Fortress up on the snow covered peaks. Whilst wandering the streets, I managed to stumble upon an outdoor bar, overlooking an ice rink, serving hot ‘punsche’, I opted for Apfel Punsche! It was a perfect accompaniment to a frosty evening, certainly puts the pink back in your cheeks.

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The following day I was up at the crack of dawn (after falling asleep at 8:30pm) and on my way to the Sound of Music tour, which I have to say, was fantastic! It was a great way to see Austria in such a short time – I even cracked my first beer at 10am on the bus! We were taken to various locations where the film was shot and also told various behind the scene stories that you would otherwise not have known! I also met two fantastic girls who were also travelling alone, and after the first stop, we had all hit it off really well! Ashley was a girl from Brisbane who worked in Austria as a Nanny, and Andy was from the US and working for one of the Big 4 on a project role in Germany! We had such a great time on the tour that we spent the rest of the day together, and later on Ashley and I ripped up the dancefloor of an old Irish Pub in town (we would have opted for a more traditional Austrian style bar, but they were closed). We met numerous fantastic people from all over, and had the most fantastic night. Suffice to say, my head hated me the next day and everything moved very slowly.

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I spent my last day, with a nasty hang over and beautiful Salzburg sunshine… the snow started to melt and trickled off all the shining roofs. Had to watch my step! Again wandering through the beautiful streets of the old town, past a group of old men playing chess on a huge life size chess board. Next to Mozart’s birthplace, I had my last piece of delicious Apfel Strudel, took a last glance towards the mountains and got myself safely to the airport and back to London.

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An Evening with Ray LaMontagne...

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:30:45 +0000

Ray

Ray LaMontagne is by far one of the most wonderful performers I've ever seen.

For a man who can belt out an amazing song - something that is really sung from within, his normal speaking voice is soft and tender.

November 6th, 2007 at the Royal Albert Concert Hall in London, I finally got to see Ray Live. It was worth every cent and more.

If you haven't heard him before, you simply must. His songs send goosebumps down your spine.

Oh and watch out because my lovely talented friend, Krista Polvere will be touring along side him in the USA in 2008!

Ray4

And one of my favourites from the night....

Hold you in my arms forever

When you came to me with your bad dreams and your fears
It was easy to see that you'd been crying
Seems like everywhere you turn catastrophe it reigns
But who really profits from the dying
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you in my arms forever

When you kissed my lips with my mouth so full of questions
It's my worried mind that you quiet
Place your hands on my face
Close my eyes and say
Love is a poor man's food
Don't prophesize
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever
And I could hold you in my arms
I could hold you forever

So now we see how it is
This fist begets the spear
Weapons of war
Symptoms of madness
Don't let your eyes refuse to see
Don't let your ears refuse to hear
Or you ain't never going to shake this sense of sadness
I could hold you in my arms
I could hold on forever
And I could hold you in my arms
I could hold forever

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3 Lattes: Delivering food to Cambodian villagers

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:01:20 +0000

A fabulous friend of mine, Oliver Happy, has just started a wonderful and worthwhile project called 3 Lattes, please help out and spread the word for such an important cause!

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Today marks the launch of 3 Lattes, a project that directly aids struggling villagers in Cambodia.

Thank you for reading on, for caring and for sharing this with everyone you know.

3 Lattes:

www.3lattes.org

Concept:

3 Lattes = $10 = 60 meals for a family in Cambodia. Your fix = their food.

By giving up just 3 Lattes, just 100 people can donate $1000AUD and feed 100 families for 2 months.

By each giving up a little, we can give a lot.

Why 3 Lattes:

Every day we hear about the pain & suffering in this world of ours. Often these challenges seem too large to tackle. How about taking a different approach and focusing on what we can do. Why not help a family who survived the Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge in the 70s, eventually making it to Melbourne Australia. A family that every year, though struggling to pay their own bills, gathers up all they can to deliver in person food to the villages of Cambodia and hope to those who live there. Through Veng’s family, you and I now have the chance to give directly to the people of one Cambodian village (Ank Kun Day), during the family’s annual Christmas pilgrimage to deliver much needed food to those back home.

Goal:

Raise $1000AUD to be delivered in food to the people of Ank Kun Day and surrounding villages and allow normal people like you to do something great.

Action:

Visit www.3lattes.org, give up 3 Lattes and donate $10 to help feed a Cambodian family for 2 months.

Every dollar donated goes straight to the people who need it, in the form of food (noodles).

Donations will be gratefully accepted from Tuesday 4th November to Wednesday 19th December.

I am grateful to be able to give you this chance to do something good this Christmas.

Please send this on to everyone you know so we can make a huge difference to their lives.

Email: Contact us

Web: www.3lattes.org

Factsheet: 3 Lattes Factsheet

How to share: Sharing 3 Lattes sheet

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J'aime Paris!

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:32:34 +0000

Me in Paris!

After visiting Paris in September 2004 I always promised myself I would return, fast! However, it only took me just over 3 years to return. I decided that considering I only have approximately 5 weeks to go in London, that I better start booking in some last minute travel to ensure I make the most out of this trip. I decided to go a on a tour!

Arriving at Waterloo station at 7:15am and being told there has been a mistake with your Eurostar booking and you’ll have to wait another 2 hours to catch the next isn’t fun and makes Sarah very grumpy. As most of you know, I’m not a morning person, nor am I my usual happy self when I lack a good night’s sleep.

Upon arrival into, all my grumpy thoughts were swept away into the chilly Parisian air, for I was in Paris! I met with the rest of the group, climbed onboard our bus and took in the most gorgeous sights as we were driven throughout town. I ended up sharing a room (at a rather nice hotel) with a lovely lass, Michelle, from Wellington, New Zealand. She had never been to Paris before and we became travel buddies for the trip! That evening we had dinner at a lovely place called Chez Clement – not bad, try the duck! Before long, we were on the Metro heading out to a Cabaret show with a few others from the group… it wasn’t bad, however the show I saw whilst on Contiki in 2004 was far better (from what I remember of the night). By the time we got back to the district where our hotel was, I could barely keep y eyes open… my single bed beckoned.

Diamondsrubies

Day 2 in Paris consisted of a very early start and many stairs. As it was raining we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to head straight to the Eiffel Tower… and luckily for us, we only had to line up for just over an hour! And it didn’t rain on us! We went all the way to the top and despite the cold, overcast, foggy weather; we had such an amazing view out over Paris. So finally, I have been to the top of the Eiffel Tower (last time it was on strike! I was devastated!).

From the Eiffel Tower we caught the metro to Arc de Triomphe… and climbed 292 stairs to the top with yet another spectacular view out over Paris! Arc de Triomphe is such a remarkable monument, the view out over the twelve main avenues surround the Arch are simply beautiful and especially at night when you can look out over the Champs Elysees or as I (and many others) like to call it, ‘The Avenue of Diamonds and Rubies’ (from the lit up head-lights and tail-lights). From there we took a nice stroll and shop (yet can you believe we bought nothing??) down the Champs Elysees, and enjoyed lunch while people watching.

Louvre

From there we wandered all the way down to Place de la Concorde, through the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries gardens, and arrived at Galerie Commercial Carrousel du Louvre! This place is magical; it is one of the largest, oldest and most well-known galleries in the world. Throughout the courtyard you can hear the echoes of various musicians playing in each of the archways; it really makes you feel you are somewhere very special. Unfortunately it was closed, so we unsuccessfully tried to find a bar, then went back to the hotel, feet aching and bodies exhausted.

Notre-dame

Day 3, the last day, we were again up early and after scoffing down several cheese croissants we went to morning mass at Notre Dame Cathedral. The service was stunning, the cathedral was stunning, the surroundings were stunning…. PARIS IS STUNNING! We went for a walk around the cathedral, along the Seine and then lined up to climb to the top of the bell tower. In yet another queue, waiting, the smell of fresh crepes crawled through the air… I couldn’t say no! So as Michelle and I took turns keeping our spot in line, each of us would run across the street to buy morning tea – Crêpe Au Chocolate! It was perfect for this chilly morning and by the time we were done we were next to enter the tower. Its narrow winding staircase goes on forever and after 5 minutes I had broken a sweat and was feeling dizzy from going round and round and round and round. However the view from the first level and the top of the tower… magnificent and well worth the effort – I think I worked off bother the crepe and croissants thanks to Notre Dame! Oh – we didn’t see Quasimodo, must have been his day off!

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From here we set off for the Louvre ad weaved our way through thousands of people to see Mona Lisa! I’m not sure what all the hype is about with her, as there are some very amazing and pieces of art in this huge gallery, but nevertheless, you can’t help but pause to look at her for several minutes – wondering what she was thinking.

From the Louvre to the metro we were stopped by some young kids claiming they couldn’t talk and begging for money… I was sucked in for 2euro, what can I say, I’m a softy! We scoffed down a baguette and left for Montmartre and Sacre Coeur! As we climbed up yet more stairs from the Metro, and wandered down the road, in the distance was none other but the Moulin Rouge! This is on my to-do list for my next visit as it’s expensive, but from what I hear, worth every cent! A small train with linking cabooses pulled up beside us and was talking people, for a small fee, up to the top of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur… for fear that my legs would not carry me, I climbed on board and enjoyed the journey! Montmartre is amazing… it looks out over Paris, and has beautiful markets lining the cobble stone street selling their artworks (and some for a very large price I must say!) After wandering around inside the cathedral and looking up at what I believe is one of the most impressive ceilings I’ve seen, we decided to climb to the top of the dome and check out the view – it is like non other in Paris. Exhausted from the climb up I stood looking out over the chapel and all of Paris and the bells started ringing - could this weekend become anymore perfect. As I started my decent, climbing over various couples that seemed to have found their mouths super glued to that of their partner (vomit!) we were in the crypt of the cathedral – it was kind of spooky and before too long we were back in land.

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There were people everywhere, and it just so happens, by sheer luck that the day we chose to arrive was also the 120^th anniversary of Saint Theresa’s (not Mother Theresa) remains coming to Sacre Coeur and people from far and wide had travelled to Montmartre for this particular occasion. We decided to go back inside the cathedral and check out what was going on, and luckily enough we secured a nice little spot at the back… the doors closed and about 8 young priests, all dressed in white stood there holding what looked lie a small coffin – Saint Theresa’s remains! There was a large church choir and scenes from the Sound of Music came flowing into my mind – this was a very full-on ceremony. We sat through most of it, and then decided it was time to head back to the hotel, as our train was leaving soon.

Paris was wonderful! I came home floating on air, happy and cheery, Amber (my room mate) came to greet me out the front and we chatted over tea… until Simmo (another housemate) came home in the most drunken state we’d even seen him in… the only words he could produce was ‘spicy’. I guess it was a ‘had to be there’ moment! Anyway, I am convinced I need to go back to Paris for no less than 2 weeks to really experience it! It is the most wonderful city in the world!

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An Update from Abroad...

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:00:56 +0000

Halloween

Greetings!

I thought it was about time I updated you from abroad!

London is getting colder and since day light saving started Melbourne is now 11 hours ahead of London, so keep that in mind when calling – but please don’t let it stop the calls and messages coming through, it’s always a pleasure to hear from all of you. Saddest thing is I’m going to work as the sun has just come up and by 4:30pm it’s pitch black outside!

I finished up working for BUPA about a week and a half ago and enjoyed a relaxing weekend at home with our dosser ‘Joey Jo Jo’ and new flatmate Sherrie, who is also a hairdresser (who gave me then best haircut ever! Very pleased!). I did have intentions of exploring London, however with the drab weather the last thing I wanted to do is be seated on the top deck of an open air tourist bus! I have however managed to wander through St James Park and feed squirrels, stroll past 10 Downing Street and the ‘War Rooms’, trot over to Trafalgar Square and absorb the most amazing atmosphere… people are everywhere, draping themselves over the huge bronze statues of Lions and kissing their sweethearts whilst resting on the side of aquamarine coloured fountains. I then explored the National Gallery, which can I say was absolutely amazing! Next to the Louvre in Paris (which I will be visiting this weekend), the National Gallery in London is simply of the best!

I am now working for the most gorgeous Venture Capital group in Green Park it’s right near the very glam Ritz Hotel! It’s only short-term, which is great because it gives me the chance to travel wherever I please!

Paris

Speaking of travel, I’m off to Paris for the weekend!! I’m surprised I haven’t been earlier considering it is by far one of

my most favourite Cities in the world. Two weeks after Paris I’m off to Salzburg, Austria for the weekend where I will indulge in my childhood fantasies of being one of the Von-Trapp children – I’m going on the Sound of Music tour!! I will be singing my little heart out (probably which a bunch of over 60’s) whilst taking in some of the most spectacular sights Austria has to offer, Vienna is only a 3 hour train ride away, so if I have the time, I will try to go on a day trip! Would you believe my flight to Austria cost only £12 pounds??? Two weeks after Austria I’m off to Wales to go horse-riding through Brecon Beacons National Park, just near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales! I must love Wales, because this is my second trip! Two weeks after this trip I’ll be packing my bags and almost on my way home to see you all!

Soundmusic

It’s been quite a journey! And just to recap, so far I have travelled to:

Gloucestershire, Oxford, Greece (Fire, Santorini, Naxos), Croatia (Pula, Porec, Vrsar, Rovinj), Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, The Mumbles, Gower Peninsula), Italy (Bergamo, Brescia, Brunate, Lecco, Lake Como)… and soon to be Paris, Salzburg, and Wales again! Not bad eh!

6 weeks to go!

Oh! It’s Halloween! I’ve bought my pumpkin and I’m carving it tonight. We’ve even stocked up on candy for the kiddies who come past trick or treating. I’m pretty excited as I’ve never really been exposed to Halloween before!

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V.I.P. Parties, Fabric LIVE… and Wild Times…

nobody@vox.com(SeraTori) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:38:03 +0000

The Gang!

I can’t go into too much detail about this one (due to loss of memory), but… J.Ro, Gabs and I went out for a masssssive weekend. Friday night started off at WAX with a few (maybe 4) lovely Long Island Ice tea’s, following by a bottle of Mumm Champagne, several wines…. Then the rest of the lovely young lasses came to meet us J.Ro had invited us all out to some special VIP night at a new bar that had opened up in Soho… however I don’t really remember leaving WAX and ending up at Zebrano’s. I also have no idea who broke the toilet in the ladies that night – it wasn’t Bonnie (J. R’s housemate). The night finished off late and in a dark alley eating MacDonald’s before catching the night bus home. A fun time was had by all.

Improvisation of Seating at Baker Street Underground

Saturday was a whole new experience…. My Fabric cherry was popped. Having all forked out £16 to go to Fabric (can you believe how expensive it is to go to a nightclub?? Umm hello, ever heard of a guestlist? I mean, do you KNOW who I am?), we decided we should all meet in Farringdon and have a few bevies at the local pub before all heading towards the club – good idea! I bought a bottle of wine all to myself, and then discovered that they had PacMan, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong… this makes Sarah very happy. I entertained myself with that for a while and then heard the word ‘olives’, as someone left a whole bowl of these deliciously dark bundles of joy at our table. I pretty much devoured the entire bowl. Oops.

It was after I had pretty much topped off the entire bottle of wine that we decided ir was fabric time… again, I don’t really remember the walk to Fabric, but I remember entering. Fabric in my mind is like a dark underground demonic club… I kept disappearing and making all sorts of strange new friends… Anyways… I lost everyone and ended up sharing a cab with a bunch on fellow Fabricians on their way to Clapham (not really where I live)…

Partners in Crime: J.Ro and Gab

Fantastic weekend… 2pm Joey Jo Jo (my housemate) and I decided vodka and tequila shots were a great idea, followed by red wine shots… It was amazing – took my hangover away pretty much instantly.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

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