all change...

It's all change for Jordan -

I've just started my last week at BBC Manchester - where I have had a fantastic experience, a real insight into how the BBC operates.

On Saturday (at the crack of dawn) I head back to London to move in my new place with my lovely girlfriend, which I am absolutely looking forward to!

And a new job prospect is in the offing, along with constantly scanning for jobs to go into after uni...

Hectic!

subterranean secrets

Have you ever thought how interesting it is that most cities have something to hide?

I'm talking about secret underground tunnels, trains, cities and bunkers. Things hidden from the public that are never confirmed as being fact or fiction.

It's something I find fascniating, so I'll share a little with you...

Firstly, Manchester (as that's where I am right now...). In the centre of Manchester is a 1954, Cold War telephone exchange with tunnels stretching out to Salford and Ardwick (named 'Guardian'). Now this one has been confirmed, but it's still interesting... Read more about that here

Next up - London. London's tube network is both fantastic and mysterious. It's littered with disused stations and tunnels that people don't know about. Next time you're on the Metropolitan Line between Baker Street and Finchley Road, keep an eye out for 3 disused stations. Also on the Picadilly Line between King's Cross and Caledonian Road, is another. They're everywhere! I had access to the disused Jubilee Line platform at Charing Cross some time ago... quite interesting. More is here

And it's not just the UK... Moscow supposedly has a secret government underground train line, below the existing network, and some people claim that there is even an underground city, with swimming pools, generators and food... see this article

Lastly, it is claimed that Tokyo has a wealth of tunnels and secret spaces under the city, kept under wraps by the government. One man has investigated - read Shun Akida's account here

Should governments make these places open to the public? Or is it part of our heritage to have such secrets, rumours and myths? Does it add to the appeal of a place?

condoms...

It's been a week since my last blog...

My big story today is counterfeit condoms. I'm covering the story for tomorrow's news day at uni.

It seems that someone has been producing fake Durex and distributing them to shops around London. Already 9 boroughs have been hit, including Harrow. Obviously that's a big worry for students around here...

The thing with these condoms is that there is no guarantee they will protect against infections or prevent pregnancy.

I'm speaking to people from Durex and trading standards tomorrow about it, so we'll see what they advise for anyone who's bought these.

'I really really wish I could be somewhere else...'

My title today quotes the Razorlight song 'Somewhere Else' and sums up my feelings for the day.

I used to love autumn and winter, but this year and last, I just can't wait for it to end. I want warmth, open windows, short-sleeved shirts! I think I'll aim to move to Hawaii and open a beach bar once I graduate... I think part of the problem this year is being London. Autumn at home (Huddersfield) always struck me as really beautiful, with the changing colours and the falling leaves. In London it just feels bleak.

But enough of that!!! The weekend has been interesting. I enjoyed my first ever full body massage, which was extremely relaxing! I ventured into Regent's Park and Greenwich, both seemingly nice areas of London. Although, after years of seeing pictures of 'the Dome', or the O2 as it is now, I was a little disappointed to see that it's much small than I had imagined!!!

A little news that's grabbed my attention... Asahi News claims that Japan is suffering a butter shortage, and there are worries over prices of Christmas cakes as a result.

back down south...

Well, I'm back in London... can't say I'm all that thrilled by it!

I thought it was colder back up North, although today I'm not sure. It's freezing!

Just as I'm thinking how sleepy I am, I read an article on Mainichi Daily News stating that Japanese working hours have increased, but the amount of sleep being had by Japanese people has dropped! Crazy...

I think I'll be having an early night, tonight...

Received Go!Go!7188's new album today, along with a single by Mick Green and TMGE... so I'll be having a listen to those today too. I like my Japanese music!

still no computer... and seeing the sights of London

I feel to have been running around like crazy lately. I feel I should start keeping track of all the tube stations that I have visited. After a time, they all begin to feel and look the same anyway...

As my computer is broken, my blogs are seeming to be very sporadic, but hopefully this will be remedied soon.

One of my nicer days in London yesterday... good weather, and a walk in Clapham Common. Excellent...

after the weekend...

After a weekend of bad internet connections and much walking around London, here's my latest update.

When a friend comes to visit you in London, you tend to be all blase about the sights, as you've seen them a hundred times. But I think some just never lose their beauty and wonder. Nelson's Column, Westminster from across the river, Buckingham Palace...

I visited the British Museum for the first time too, and was amazed at the sheer size of it. A few hours in there and I only saw a small fraction of what was there. I headed straight for the Japan exhibit and was impressed by the age range of the artifacts.

My Japanese knowledge was tested again this weekend, as my girlfriend's friends were over to stay. Trying to be on the ball with your language skills takes it out of you, and I am still exhausted. But my efforts bore fruit... in the form of a gift from one friend of a child's Hello Kitty picture book for my to test my Japanese reading skills with.

Lastly, I had my audition on Friday for a London Underground busking licence. It was terrifying, yet kind of exhilarating... held on a disused tube platform at Charing Cross, in front of a panel of three and a video camera. I played RP McMurphy by Manic Street Preachers. Have to wait three weeks to find out though, now... Hey-ho!

Getting to grips with London

And as a Northerner, born and bred in the country, it's all good fun trying to get used to London living.

Saw a place in the city near Charing Cross with and advertisement stating 'Fish & Chips: Still only £5.95!'... my reaction was a true Yorkshire 'How much?!'.

Having said that, prices don't seem to be as bad as I had anticipated. And I'm getting to see a bit of the city with my trips to meet my Girlfriend every few days.

Thoughts on London / Japanese

London...

My first time living here, and I love the city. I feel so relaxed on the tubes and in the stations.

Bodes well for if I get my license for busking!

Had my first Japanese class today, all the way out in Southgate. 1 hr by tube. But again, I don't mind. Gives me chance to read, study, listen to music, and people-watch.

Tomorrow, journeys by buses. Oxford Circus to Hendon, Hendon to Northwick Park. Exciting!