From the city to the hill

Your majesty: Hi, I would like 15 international stamps please.
Woman: Where to?
Your majesty: Asia Pacific.
Woman: China and all that?
Your majesty: Er, yes. China and all that.

That was the conversation I had the other day at the post office. Super funny stuff always makes my day.

I have been busy making Christmas cards this year. They may not look as cool as the ones that Jamie have made for his friends but they are just as personal and still represent the cheeseball in me nonetheless. Due to a very busy postal service across the UK this Christmas season, some of you might get your Christmas cards a bit later than everyone else in this region. So, be patient my dear friends. Especially those who are in Asia Pacific region. China and all that...

I have been sharing some winter photos on Facebook of my new place. I still can't believe that I live here now. Two weeks ago, when the snow fall was the worst it has ever been in November, I woke up to the most stunning view in front of my doorstep. The pathways were covered in fresh powder and the hills were all white and bright. Living a few meters from the sea gives me the advantage of having more sunshine than any other place across the UK too. I have heard about view before I moved here, but I had never imagined it to be that breathtaking.

Commuting to work can be a bit tough. There is a big steep hill behind the house that leads to the main roads. Every car that parks at the bottom of the hill would have had problem climbing up when it snows and the road is icy. There is an option to park your vehicles at the tourist carpark on top of the hill but if you have a bad judgment thinking it's not going to snow overnight and park at the bottom anyway, you could actually pay for the price.

It is a long drive everyday in my Forester but radio stations have been very entertaining and I quite like singing out loud in the car to and from work to the amusement of other drivers passing by. The sleepiness and tiredness get me sometimes though. Once or twice, I have continued driving instead of pulling by the road side when I got very sleepy in the morning. Dangerous, I know but I vow to be more careful in the future. If you have any tips to survive a long drive, please share them with me.

The storm has yet to arrive in this place but I quite like to see it for myself and be there if it happens this time. Last year apparently, the waves hit the roof top as if they were going to sweep the whole village away. Not that I'm hoping for it to happen but if it does, I hope the surfboards are enough for me to hang on to for survival. It would be so cool to live and tell the tale. Or die in it, even.

If you have been to Scotland, you would agree that the people are very friendly and helpful. In my new neighbourhood, everyone is twice all that. I haven't missed the city that much just yet, apart from missing seeing my friends, but making new friends here helps a lot. And it's so easy too. I am slowly making myself familiar with faces from the local shop, the pub and the gallery and so far, nobody has passed me without saying hello. It's like living in Pleasantville.

Probably not the most exciting life for some: no posh restaurants, no bars and no cinemas, but this has been the most exhilarating thing for me, even more than when I moved from Malaysia to Scotland four years ago. I'd like to think I have come a long way since in many ways, including embracing rain and winter and deal with people who thinks I'm being an old lady for opting to live in the countryside. I supposed not everyone appreciates living a life in a cottage by the sea and would rather live in a flat with no view. No offense, but I think I'm happier this way (not to mention COOL! Mwahahaha). Now who would have thunk all that? A super cool Flo! He he.

Ah, here comes another set of snow and hail. Time to build the fire. Until next time, keep warm everyone and have a very Merry Christmas. x