Where have all the shoes gone?

The nice thing about flatting is meeting people, people that become friends and sometimes friends that turn into treasures.

I had the privilege of such an experience on numerous occasions, as well as one most recently. The most recent being 2 fellow phd students (very soon to be Dr's). A Brit couple, both brilliant in their own right, affable in their idiosyncrasies, and truly British from their Gin's to their table manners. It was certainly interesting to observe and learn the British culture up close instead of through a glass box or rather liquid crystal displays these days. I have come up with an essential list of traits that are expected of a Britisher in no particular order:

1. Daily consumption of tea regardless of the time of day. It must, under no uncertain terms, contain milk (even green tea and chinese tea are not spared).

2. Cocktail of choice - Gin and tonic.

3. Proper etiquette at the table - forks must always face down, even when consuming peas (refer to pic).

4. Measured, calm and collected speech even under the most distressing or awkward situation.

5. Love for dairy in all its glorious forms and its compulsory daily consumption.

6. Acceptance that Curry is a British dish.

Thankfully these ideals were not forced upon me as I was deemed adequately civilized ;P~
Just kidding, I really did wish some of their traits did rub off on me. Especially liked the accent.

If the picture I have painted thus far is one of uptight, snooty, gin wielding, pale skinned poms; it can't be farther from the truth. Rupert and Kirsty were the most considerate, kind and caring flatmates I've had for a long time. I truly enjoyed their company as well as sampling their food from time to time.

Its funny but their leaving didn't really hit me until I noticed the missing shoes in our conservatory, where have they all gone? Off to new and exciting places, hopefully they will visit one day or perhaps be re-united someplace, somewhere, sometime in the future ;D

All the best to you both!

Here are some random photos (mostly of food!!)

Mexican night - Rupert's culinary skills knows no boundaries!

Roast chicken with zucchini bread and vege

This is how one should use a fork, even with peas.

Succulent roast lamb

Sides of English Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding - it has the most amazing texture

A hedgehog, my first time. Was very excited. Rupert found it in our backyard.