In my lifetime I have been lucky enough to call a lot of really wonderful places home. I think the last time I counted I have moved 10 times (that is how many times I have moved out of a country not just a house...that number would be even bigger!). In all those times I have set up home somewhere I have always had a heavy stream of visitors. Especially the first time my family and I moved to London. Oh my goodness the first three or four years was a constant stream of people coming through and staying with us, especially when we lived at our first house which was ideal for accommodating people. We do of course still have lots of people who come and see us but not as many stay with us. The last time I was living in London (June 2008-July 2009) I was amazed at how this was still the case. I can honestly say my parents had people over anywhere between 2-5 times a month for brunch/dinner parties. Sometimes more! My parents thrive on hosting and rightfully so as they are brilliant at it! I can certainly say I caught the hosting bug too. And lucky for me I have picked up valuable skills from them when it comes to hosting. In the year I am here I have a few people already confirmed to come out and see me. For example on Monday my dear friend Amanda Panda will be coming out to stay with me for 12 days!! It should be mentioned I have not seen her in over a year. The longest we have ever gone apart in the 13 years I have known her. Later at the end of the year the fabulous Fabris sisters are coming out for 3 weeks! And then early next year johnlast.com and Jemma are coming out! These are people who have confirmed plane tickets. Many people have said they really are going to try and make their way out to me which really is wonderful when you consider where I am. Not exactly a hop and a skip away. Will you be next to email me with your flight details?

Also last night I should mention that the lead made me dinner which was very nice. I have been craving meat a lot because I have well not been eating it a lot recently! And well he went all out and bought me kangaroo prosciutto! I had kangaroo once in Amsterdam but this felt more the real deal. It was just as gamey as I remembered. He has left me with the remainder of the pack so I am going to try making some pizza with it!

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