The Australian Travelling Nurse Blog – Working in UK Hospitals is My Dream Job

London might be a chaotic, wallet-draining, sensory overload of a city, but let me tell you—when you embrace it, it gives back tenfold. In my previous post, I mentioned some of London’s greatest advantages, but I want to tell you more about them today. Since arriving from the quiet, spa-town haven of Daylesford, I’ve discovered that London is a place where you can eat your way across continents, immerse yourself in art and history, and shout your lungs out at a Premier League match, all in the same week. Here’s how I’ve been making the most of it and why you should, too.

A Culinary World Tour Without Leaving the City

Back in Daylesford, dining out meant a handful of cosy cafés, some solid bakeries, and the occasional upmarket bistro trying its best to justify a $40 main course. Here in London, food is a full-on adventure. The sheer variety is mind-boggling—you can have Turkish breakfast in the morning, a bowl of steaming Japanese ramen for lunch, and end the night with a proper Nigerian jollof rice feast.

Some of my new favourites? Dishoom for its glorious black daal and chai refills that keep coming. Padella, where you queue for a plate of silky pappardelle that’s so good it makes you forget your sore feet from all the walking. And let’s not forget the good old-fashioned pub Sunday roast—The Harwood Arms does one that’s practically a religious experience.

And then there are the markets—oh, the markets! Borough Market is a playground for food lovers, where you can sample artisan cheese, oysters shucked before you, and fresh-baked pastries that leave your hands gloriously sticky. Meanwhile, Brick Lane’s curry houses have given me a new appreciation for spice, and I now understand why people queue for bagels at Beigel Bake at 3 am. With its global street food, Camden Market has become my go-to for an impromptu feast, from Venezuelan arepas to Japanese okonomiyaki. And don’t get me started on Chinatown—late-night dumplings at Dumplings’ Legend have become my guilty pleasure.

Food in London isn’t just about eating—it’s about exploring cultures, making memories, and discovering flavours I never even knew existed. My list of restaurants to try grows longer every day, and at this rate, I might need another lifetime to get through it all.

Museums, Theatres, and Galleries—Oh My!

London is basically Disneyland for history buffs and art lovers. Where else can you pop into the British Museum on your lunch break and casually gawk at the Rosetta Stone? The National Gallery has become one of my favourite places to escape the rain (which, let’s be real, is a weekly occurrence). Standing in front of a Van Gogh or Turner masterpiece for free never gets old.

Then there’s the West End—an absolute dream for anyone who loves theatre. I’ve managed to see Hamilton (finally!) and The Mousetrap, which has been running longer than my grandparents have been alive. The first time I got a last-minute rush ticket to see a Shakespeare play at The Globe, I nearly cried at how much I was living my best London life.

And the sheer variety of performances! I once found myself at a tiny underground comedy gig in Soho, sandwiched between tourists and Londoners in the know, laughing until my ribs hurt. Another night, I ended up at Sadler’s Wells, watching a contemporary ballet piece that left me speechless. From fringe theatre in Camden to grand opera at Covent Garden, London’s performing arts scene is an endless buffet of entertainment.

For modern art lovers, the Tate Modern is a must. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out which way was up for some of the abstract pieces, but hey, that’s part of the fun. And if you’re into the macabre, the Jack the Ripper walking tour is both fascinating and spine-chilling. The Museum of London, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Science Museum have all found their way into my weekends, each offering something different but equally captivating.

London doesn’t just showcase art and history—it breathes them. You feel it in the old cobblestone streets, the underground tunnels of Churchill’s War Rooms, and the hushed whispers inside St. Paul’s Cathedral. Every corner holds a story, and I’m determined to hear as many as possible.

The Beautiful Game: My First Live Premier League Match

Football (or ‘soccer’, as my Aussie instincts still occasionally whisper) is big here. But I had no idea how big it was until I found myself inside the Emirates Stadium for the North London Derby—Tottenham vs Arsenal.

Now, I had been warned. People told me it was intense. But nothing prepared me for the absolute electricity inside that stadium—the singing, chanting, and dramatic gasps every time the ball got near the goal. I was seated amongst Arsenal fans and quickly learned that ‘friendly rivalry’ meant something a little more vocal than I expected.

Arsenal won, and the eruption of noise was deafening. Strangers were hugging, beer was spilling, and I was screaming along despite barely knowing the chants. I finally understood why football was called ‘the beautiful game’ that day. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a culture, a religion, and the city’s heartbeat for a few hours on match day.

Since then, I’ve embraced football fever. I’ve watched games in packed pubs where the atmosphere rivals the stadium’s. I’ve walked past Stamford Bridge, felt the history at Wembley, and debated with locals whether London is more Arsenal, Chelsea, or Spurs territory. (Answer: it depends on who you ask, and you will get an earful.)

London: The City That Never Stops Giving

London is not a city you merely exist in; it’s one you throw yourself into. Whether discovering new foods, marvelling at priceless artworks, or losing your voice at a football match, there’s always something to experience. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, the tube is packed at rush hour. But the sheer life of this place makes it all worth it.

I’ve had picnics in Hyde Park, cycled through Richmond Park to see the deer, and joined strangers in open-air screenings along the Thames. I’ve danced at Notting Hill Carnival, tried my luck at an East London speakeasy, and gotten utterly lost in Soho at 2 am. I’ve learned that if you want to make the most of London, you have to say yes to everything (well, almost everything).

So, if you ever find yourself in London, don’t just see it—live it. Eat, go watch, go cheer, and most of all, enjoy every mad, messy, magnificent moment. And if you see a slightly overwhelmed Aussie girl queuing for yet another plate of pasta, come say hi!

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I never thought I’d trade Daylesford’s gum trees and kangaroos for the red buses and pigeons of London. Yet here I am, a small-town Aussie transplant trying to make sense of life in one of the world’s biggest cities. The move has been thrilling and bewildering—like going from a cosy backyard BBQ to a packed music festival. Between the endless queues, the global cuisine, and the endless parade of quirky accents, it’s safe to say this adventure has been anything but dull.

Daylesford vs London: A Tale of Two Worlds

Picture this: Daylesford, a charming Victorian town where the loudest noise is the kookaburras laughing at dawn, and the biggest traffic jam involves a farmer moving sheep down the road. Now imagine London, where the only time it’s quiet is during the two-second Tube delay that causes a commuter uproar.

Back home, we’ve got rolling hills, natural springs, and folks who greet you by name at the bakery. In London, there are skyscrapers, the Thames (not swimmable, mind you), and millions of people who wouldn’t recognise their neighbours. It’s stunning how two places can feel like they’re on different planets. I used to think Daylesford’s annual market was bustling; then, I went to Oxford Street during Christmas. I barely survived.

The sheer scale of London can feel overwhelming. In Daylesford, you can walk from one end of town to another in under an hour. Here, you could spend an entire day travelling across the city and still not see it all. London doesn’t just sprawl; it engulfs. It’s a maze of neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe, from Shoreditch’s hipster haunts to Chelsea’s genteel streets.

From “G’day” to “What’s Your Name Again?”

Moving from a town where everybody knows your life story to a city where nobody even notices you on the street is a peculiar feeling. In Daylesford, news travels faster than broadband—before you even get home, your neighbour knows what you bought from the shop. In London, I could wear a chicken suit on the Tube, and nobody would bat an eyelid.

At first, I missed the familiarity. I’d smile at strangers, only to be met with a look of panic as they hurried off. Eventually, I realised anonymity isn’t all bad. It’s oddly freeing to stroll through the city knowing nobody’s watching your every move or commenting on your third serving of pavlova at the bakery.

But let’s not romanticise the anonymity too much. There’s also the occasional pang of loneliness. In Daylesford, you can’t pop into the local café without bumping into someone for a chat. In London, it took me weeks to work up the courage to chat with my neighbours, and even then, it was more of a polite nod than a proper conversation. It’s a stark change, but one that’s helped me grow a thicker skin—and taught me to cherish those rare moments of genuine connection.

A Global Melting Pot (and a Few Dodgy Characters)

One thing London does better than Daylesford is its mix of people. Within a week, I’d met a Spanish bartender, an Italian architect, and a group of Brazilians who taught me samba in a pub. Everyone seems to have a story, and it’s wildly entertaining. Every corner of the city offers a new accent, cuisine, or tradition to discover. It’s like a global tour without leaving the Tube.

That said, the sheer variety can be a minefield. I once mistook a friendly chat with a charming Frenchman as a budding friendship, only to realise halfway through that he was trying to recruit me for his pyramid scheme. Lesson learned. Then there’s the baffling British humour. It’s dry, sarcastic, and often delivered so deadpan that I wonder whether someone’s joking or genuinely upset with me.

Still, connecting with people from all walks of life has been a gift. Whether it’s swapping recipes with a Turkish grocer or sharing a laugh with a Jamaican bus driver, these moments remind me why I wanted to move here in the first place.

The Upsides: Food, Fun, and Footie

If there’s one area where London excels, it’s the perks. Let’s start with the food. In Daylesford, dining out means your choice of a local pub or the café by the lake. In London, I’ve eaten sushi in Soho, Lebanese in Camden, and a proper Sunday roast that made me rethink life. My taste buds are living their best life.

The cultural scene is another win. There are museums, theatres, and live music everywhere. I once spent an evening at Shakespeare’s Globe and felt like I’d time-travelled to Elizabethan England (minus the plague, thankfully). And the parks! London’s green spaces are a revelation. Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, and Richmond Park offer fresh air when the city’s hustle feels too much.

And then there’s sport. I’d never been to a proper football match before, but let me tell you, cheering with thousands of fans at a Premier League game is an experience. It’s like a footie version of Mardi Gras—loud, chaotic, and utterly brilliant. Even the pub screenings feel like an event, with strangers hugging and cheering like lifelong mates.

The Downsides: London’s Special Kind of Chaos

As much as I love this city, it has its quirks—and not all are charming. The traffic, for starters, is bonkers. Back home, “rush hour” means waiting an extra minute at the roundabout. It’s a daily battle involving honking taxis, brave cyclists, and the occasional rogue pedestrian.

The cost of living is another shocker. In Daylesford, you can buy a loaf of sourdough and a flat white without needing a small loan. In London, I’ve spent more on coffee than I care to admit. My rent could probably fund a small country. The temptation to overspend is everywhere, from designer shops to tempting takeaways. I’ve had to learn to budget creatively—which occasionally means recreating fancy meals with a packet of instant noodles and whatever’s left in the fridge.

And let’s not forget the Tube. It’s fast, I’ll give it that, but it’s also a claustrophobic nightmare during peak hours. Nothing bonds you with strangers like being squished into a carriage like sardines. It’s sweaty, awkward, and occasionally hilarious—like when someone accidentally serenades the carriage with their ringtone. And the delays! One broken signal, and it feels like the whole city’s at a standstill.

Wrapping It All Up

Despite the madness, moving to London has been worth every struggle. Sure, The city has flaws, but it also has heart, energy, and enough surprises to keep life interesting. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos, laugh at my mishaps, and enjoy the thrill of living somewhere so alive.

Daylesford will always be home, but London is where I belong for now—even if it means navigating the Tube at rush hour or learning to budget for £4 coffee. Cheers to the wild ride!

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The Job Hunt is Over

Finally! My long journey to finding a job as a nurse in the UK is over. Well, almost over, as it’s not started yet, lol.

OK, let me explain. I am Martha. I am Australian. I live in the lovely small town of Daylesford, Victoria. As an Australian, I love the stereotypical things like BBQ, surfing and hiking, but most of all, I love travelling the world and helping people.

I am a recently qualified nurse. This whole new experience has changed my mindset big time. I have decided I want to do this for a living. But wouldn’t it be even better if I could travel around the world, practice my profession and see many more things? Sounds pretty exciting, isn’t it?

UK Nurses Recruitment Agency Was the Key

Well, I am on the path of realising my dream. I have been in contact with a UK-based recruitment agency which provides job placements for Australian nurses in UK NHS hospitals and healthcare centres. I know it’s a mouthful, but the effort was well worth it. In less than a week, I got offered 2 positions. And not only that – the agency offered help with accommodation, travel and all work-related documents. Isn’t that helpful?

So, I am in the process of sorting my affairs in Daylesford and getting plane tickets (jeez, these are not cheap, are they?). I am planning to be away for a year for starters, then I will decide what to do, depending on the UK winds that blow 🙂

Catch you laters!…