neighborhood

I couldn't have picked a better place to live in the city. It's close to my work, has great access to transport links and best of all, it's in a quiet and peaceful area in the middle of the Docklands.

Although I've been to London numerous times before, this is the first time that I am actually living in the British capital. My previous visits only lasted 4 days at the most and I've only been to the touristy and nicer parts of London.

When I got the offer to work in London, looking for accommodation was my biggest challenge. My soon to be employers suggested that I look for flats in the East end area as it would be easier and more convenient to get to work via the DLR. They forgot to mention though that this side of London is, to put it simply, rough. I checked out places in Stratford, Upton Park, Plaistow and Canning Town. The air in those places smelled danger. I tought to myself, I would need to wear an armour everytime I would be going out of the house. Lewisham and Deptford weren't good either. In fact, I saw a flat in Lewisham that was really dodge, I didn't think I was going to get out alive!

I eventually found this maisonette in Island Gardens. Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, I like that it feels like you're not in the middle of the city. There are 3 parks nearby, a football pitch, tennis courts and miles and miles of bike lane. I imagine the area coming alive in the summer.

Below is a picture of the street I live in. It's only 5 minutes to the DLR which can take me to work in less than 10 minutes or I can walk for about 20 minutes to reach Canary Wharf centre.

Island Gardens DLR station.

There's an abundance of open space! Time to put my running shoes on and start jogging. Below are photos of Millwall Park which is practically at my doorstep.

The skyscrapers in Canary Wharf.

The following are pictures Mudchute Farm & Park, literally in my backyard. This is the route I take to work.

Can you see the llama?

Island Gardens Park.

Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich as seen from the park.

pepito in the city

The monkey has landed in the Isle of Dogs six years after he set foot on this country.

The new year brought along a new job in Britain's financial hub. And whilst this is far from my ideal job, this is a start. Some of the world's most amazing success stories began at the bottom of the pit, you know? Case in point, ex-President Vicente Fox of Mexico drove a delivery truck in his first job at Coca Cola. Eventually, he went on to become the supervisor of Coca-Cola's operations, and later in all of Latin America.

Canary Wharf looks stunning in winter. This area of London is just cool. It looks like a sci-fi movie. In fact, try riding the DLR and as you approach the Canary Wharf station, tell me it doesn't feel and look like Gotham.

Proof that he is definitely a true blue Londoner. An oyster card!

Basil King said: "Be bold and the mighty forces will come to your aid."

London better be ready because I am going for my destiny. Brace yourself.

lots of love

True story. A friend thought, lol meant lots of love. When her friend sent her a message last week saying:

Hi Nikki. Just to let you know, my father passed away today.

She replied:

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be thinking of you at this difficult time. Lol
xxx Nikki and family.

Lol in a major, major way.

slow down, stop or go?

This is not a Christmas Tree.

Believe it or not, it's actually a set of traffic lights in Canary Wharf.

Located on a roundabout just off Heron's Quay and south of Westferry Circus, I wonder how many traffic violations occur at this spot.

If you find yourself in the area, I dare you to beat the red lights.

f*** you

Although there's pain in my chest
I still wish you the best with a
F*** you!
Ooo, Ooo, Ooo

This is one of the best songs in the entire world.