I'm Free

I was supposed to work until Saturday this week (10 hrs Fri, 10 hrs Sat), but I decided that that was no way to spend one of my last two weekends here, so I just called my manager and told him to suck it.  I already feel so much better.

Will Start Updating More Soon

Hopefully, my new laptop will be sent on its way over here today, so will be able to start updating regularly (among so many other things) soon.  Went to work today, where some electricians (?) were trying to install something on this overhang above the bar, and they ended up making it collapse, so I've got the night off.  Of course, since I'm off, the weather is absolute shite.  Had an interesting time at a pub singing American classics with a bunch of people from all over the world.  That's about it for now.

Screw Work

The day after that tryout shift at the one restaurant, I received a call saying that things were not going to work out. However, the next day, I ended up getting a job at a Pakistani restaurant, though that whole experience has sucked. Because of my situation, this is the best job that I've been able to find, especially this time of year when there are so many other people looking for work. I'm getting paid 4 pounds an hour, under the table (minimum wage is something like 5.35/hr). On top of that, the restaurant keeps all the tips, though that doesn't really matter as they just have me basically bussing anyway. I'm going to try to hang in until Friday and give my notice then, but I'm not too sure if I can make it. While I have been told that it is customary throughout the UK, I wouldn't be surprised if it is just this place, but the restaurant is holding on to a week's pay to make sure that I give notice instead of just walking out, as I nearly did last night. I am a bit worried that they might try to dick me out of that pay, though I could always report the tax-free, sub-minimum wage pay, so that should hopefully protect me.

My tens days sharing that flat ended and I'm back at a hostel. It's far more backpacker-oriented than the last one I was at, which is rather nice, though I do miss having some storage space. Neither the flat nor this hostel have really had convenient internet access, hence the lack of updates lately.

Aside from the work stuff, I am still really enjoying my time over here.