Posts Tagged ‘american moving to london’
Thursday January 12th, 2012
As an American moving to London one might find they have more free time than they had previously in the States. A new unknown city thousands of miles away from friends and family can leave a person with a lot of time on their hands. If one finds themselves like this during the winter season it is an excellent opportunity to learn the traditional British craft of knitting. Popular across all of Europe (and beyond) for almost the last millennium the ancient craft almost went away save for a resurgence in popularity during the last decade.
The transition can be a difficult time for an American moving to London on their own or with a family. Sometimes it is helpful to just keep one’s hand busy and knitting is great for that. Finances can also be strained for an American moving to London – especially in this economy! Knitting costs only a few pounds to get started since knitting needles and yarn is all that is required.
There are many yarn shops located in London and classes for every level of knitter are also common. Any American moving to London would be welcome for the British are very proud of their traditional arts and crafts. For those wishing to use knitting as a medium to meet other people searching for a meet-up group based on knitting is the way to go.
England has a long history with knitting and many an American moving to London is surprised to learn how the craft has grown and changed from its earliest days. Even the name ‘knitting’ is believed to derive from the Old English cnyttan, or to knot. For families moving to London there is no better way to introduce the entire family to a traditional British craft than to knit. Every member of a family can do it and there are plenty of resources in London to help one get started.
Although England no longer campaigns to ‘knit for victory’ as it did during World War II, many a Londoner is fond of the craft. Whether an American moving to London is familiar with the craft from their days back in the States or it is completely new knitting is a wonderful hobby that can open doors to new friendships in a new city.
Tags: american moving to london, Knitting, London
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Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Recreation, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocation to London, Relocation to London With Family
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Wednesday December 28th, 2011
There are too many extraordinary British authors to name and almost every American moving to London is familiar with several. There are the classic greats like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare, Jane Austin and Emily and Charlotte Bronte. The British have excelled in literary works for hundreds of years and are proud to showcase their achievements. Unlike many Americans who read classic novels trying to imagine the streets of London as David Copperfield saw them or the moors on which Catherine and Heathcliff frolicked, an American moving to London gets the opportunity to explore the countryside and city streets made infamous in novels over the course of centuries.
A wonderful New Year’s Resolution for any American moving to London or already moved is to read one classic British novel per month and explore where the story took place. Depending on time and transportation needed to get to locations featured within books there are several options that will meet every limitation or expectation.
Elizabethan Literature: For an American Moving to London with a flair for the dramatic a Shakespeare play is in order. Macbeth is set in Scotland and England and would be an exciting story to read and then visit the landmarks. One could even spend a holiday following in Macbeth’s footsteps.
Romantic Literature: Any American moving to London who truly appreciates a love story will enjoy reading one of Jane Austen’s novels. Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility are classic novels showcasing England’s beauty and nobility. Following Austen’s characters through England’s countryside is a splendid way to spend a spring afternoon.
Industrial England: During the Victorian era England was not a good place to be poor. No one captured the hopelessness quite like Charles Dickens. For any American moving to London wishing to explore the hardships of the lower class during the industrial revolution in London a reading of Oliver Twist, David Copperfield or A Christmas Carol will fit the bill.
Modern Literature: The Harry Potter series is by far the most popular books recently to hail from the United Kingdom. Many an American moving to London tries to find the infamous locations featured within the pages of the magical books. Retracing Harry’s step while visiting London would be a dream come true for many American children.
Tags: american moving to london, charles dickens, jane austen, London, William Shakespeare
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'London Literacy' - our poet's corner!, Americans Moving to London, Americans Moving to London, Living in London, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocation to London, Relocation to London With Family
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Friday December 23rd, 2011
An American moving to London has a perfect opportunity to explore the United Kingdom and Europe . Most Americans dream of wandering through the countryside with backpack strapped to their backs or perhaps taking a romantic vacation in Paris or Rome. Having agreed to the relocation the American moving to London has been granted the capability to explore, every weekend going somewhere different.
Wales
Located south of London Wales is a nation independent of England though still a part of the United Kingdom. Most people are familiar with Wales because England’s Heir Apparent has the title of Prince of Wales. Modern day Wales offers a lovely location for any holiday whether it be for a family or a young professional. Being an American moving to London can be difficult especially when looking for weekend getaways. Wales offers a nearby destination for anyone on any budget with its beaches, museums and over six hundred castles.
Ireland
Many an American moving to London cannot wait to visit Ireland with its culture deeply steeped in US history. Only a few hours from London by air, rail, car or sea, Dublin is one of Ireland’s eleven metropolitan centers. For those wanting a weekend roaming the countryside Ireland is known for their hospitality and car excursions. Awaiting any American moving to London whether with a family or alone are castles, sandy beaches and friendly pubs that have placed Ireland squarely in the middle of popular American folklore.
Scotland
A weekend holiday to Scotland is ideal for any American moving to London on a budget. Located north of England Scotland is a outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Inside its borders are rapids, miles of coastline, hiking adventures and enough golf to keep one busy for years. Many of the cultural attractions are free to the public and great for families.
With an entire continent at one’s disposal it is easy for an American moving to London to quickly become overwhelmed at all the traveling possibilities. By making a New Year’s Resolution to see all that Europe has to offer, and systematically planning weekend holidays, any American moving to London can make the most of their relocation.
Tags: american moving to london, Ireland, London, New Year's resolution, Scotland, Wales
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Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Weekend Warriors, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Relocation to London
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Tuesday October 11th, 2011
Relocation to London – It’s The ‘Little Things’ You Need To Know – Part 3 Image by doug88888 via Flickr
We’ve dealt with the fact that as a woman you may very well be referred to as a ‘girl’ after your relocation to London. It’s a cultural phenomenon that you’ll have to accept if you’re going to fit in and settle down after your international relocation. Your London relocation agents can only help you with the physical parts of your relocation to London, but how you handle Londoners and life in London is going to be the biggest measure of your success.
You’re not always African-American after your relocation to London
Racism and the use of racist epithets can be a touchy subject, but it is a ‘little thing’ that you should be aware of, especially if you are an American moving to London. Racism exists in every country of the world, deciding what is considered racist speech is somewhat of a personal choice, but you may find that you hear words like “Asian”, “Black” or “White” to describe a person’s race. In the UK, if you use a word like “African-American”, or “African-Native-West-Indian-person-of-color” you are usually referring to a person’s country of origin, not their race. It may be less PC but people in London are quite happy to refer to a person’s race quite bluntly. It’s not a case of racism, but expedience.
If you’re used to the terribly PC world that has changed every word that has the ending of “woman” of “man”, you may be in for a bit of a shock after your relocation to London. Police women are called police women and the Chairman is called the Chairman if he is a man.
No one is suggesting that you change your personal figures of speech to suit your colleagues or friends, but having a good idea of what to expect is the best way to settle in to working life and community life in the city after your relocation to London.
Before you arrive you should make a list of the words that you may need to use that are different to your country of origin. This is for practical reasons as well as cultural. Screaming at the plumber that your faucet is leaking will not be understood. It’s a tap in England.
Just ‘little things’ that can make a huge difference after your international relocation to London.
Tags: american moving to london, corporate relocation, England, international relocation, London, london relocation agents, Relocation service, relocation to london
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Relocation to London
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Thursday September 1st, 2011
Relocation to London: What Should I NOT Bring From My Country? - Image via Wikipedia
So in keeping with the new series of what you should bring when you are ready for your relocation to London, I thought it might be just as helpful to know what you should NOT bring with you if you are an American moving to London. Namely and this is a big one for a lot of people; all your furnishings. Now very much unlike what it is here in London, Brits don’t have the attachment to their beds that say American’s do. You won’t be finding any large four poster canopy beds taking up all the room in your London apartment. And recall that in London most apartments don’t have closets, so there will be a wardrobe to contend for square footage in your London flat bedroom, that is at least one wardrobe. But there will be something else to compete for floor space, a commode. You’re thinking “what??? A Commode in the bedroom??” While we here are thinking, “yeah and?”. That’s because a “commode” here in England is commonly known in America as a “dresser”. We’ll have to add that to one of Colleen’s lists 
But speaking of Colleen’s post, a couple months ago she mentioned a spot in Chelsea I’m checking out this weekend, Lots Auctions. Now because of the cost being so great with trying to move an entire household of furniture across the ocean most Americans moving to London don’t try to bring it all with them. So spots like Lots Auction houses are around the city and fill a perfect need, (like my need for a new couch). The nicest thing I find about LotsAuction.co.uk is that everything that’s for sale in that week’s auction on Sunday (holidays be damned, they auction every Sunday) is viewable online after 6 on Thursdays. Nearly 400+ items a week, with a constant complete turn over of their inventory each week you never know what you’ll find there. Why do I bring it up now on the relocation blog? Well because if you are an American moving to London and have already been sticker shocked into reality that you have to leave your beloved bed behind, isn’t it helpful to be able to shop online now and see what it will cost you to replace it all?
Now one of the nice things about using a London relocation agent is that you can also tell them that you want to only look at places that are furnished already. Though it is not the best of ideas to limit yourself in any way when looking for a London flat, you do have the option of telling your London relocation agent that you must be a stickler on this one item. Even if your planning on letting a furnished place you will still want to visit the website of Lots Auction house, who doesn’t need just that one thing to add to what they have already? Their auctions are on Sundays, and the showrooms are open in the evenings on Wednesdays, and during the days until the sale. Sunday’s at 1:00 begins the auctions on household furnishings such as beds, sofas, mirrors, both new contemporary designs as well as antiques. But the auction that starts at 4:00 is all the art work, and collectibles and higher priced collections and individual pieces. So used and new it’s a good price range mix. I looked today and saw the average prices on couches were 200-300 GBPs.
The entire point is that the site can be a good guide when planning your relocation to London. And as an American moving to London, unfortunately your bed will more than likely have to stay home 
Tags: american moving to london, England, London, london apartment, london flat, london relocation agent, Relocation service, relocation to london, South Kensington
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Americans Moving to London
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Monday August 29th, 2011
Living in London: You've Just Arrived..... - Image via Wikipedia
Imagine you’ve just arrived for your relocation to London and you’re ready to start your life’s new chapter. While you may believe it could be difficult living in London without having anyone to call or get together with that you know, but you find yourself surprised. As everyone you meet here in London isn’t from London but is from another country. Won’t matter if you are a Canadian moving to London, or an American moving to London, you suddenly see that you are like everyone else, from someplace else.
London is an incredibly busy place and you find yourself wondering how you will find your way around, but pick up a tube map and schedule and find it’s not as bad as you had originally thought. You find that London has something in common with New York: it’s completely borough driven. Yes there are countless communities here where others have also completed their relocation UK. You see that London is chocked full of activities, classes, and clubs. Everything you can imagine has a location in London, from the common everyday hobby to the absolute ridiculous meets and has a group in London. Living in London it’s easy to see now why there are such great communities, the layout of the city itself provides for this. You see the lists of offerings and opportunities in your community center and town hall. You decide that getting involved in your community is an excellent way to meet and mix with others living in London.
You find that sometimes you could become tempted to stay in contact with only other expatriates, and how you could miss a number of opportunities. You’ve already contacted other Americans and Canadians living in London, but decide you do need to spread your wings and immerse yourself in all of the local London life as well. Making London your own and becoming fully adjusted you feel may take a while, but you can already feel such a part of one of the oldest cities in the world.
You decide you’re going to get out there and involve yourself in community outreach and other neighborhood activities. Certainly it doesn’t seem to matter what community or suburb one is located living in London, there’s so many ways to completely delve in and become part of your new neighborhood. You know now that the relocation to London was the chance of a lifetime and you are so glad you’re living in London.
Tags: american moving to london, Canada, Canadian moving to London, England, living in London, London, Relocation service, relocation to london, relocation uk, United States
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Living in London
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Wednesday August 24th, 2011
Relocation to London: Preparing Your Kids For Living Abroad-Part One- BEWARE of the Teenager~ Image via Wikipedia
Relocation to London is no doubt an exciting adventure to couples moving to London, but what about the couples with children? Children are told only after their parents have fully committed to moving to London, they really have no say in the matter. If your children are pre-school age this obviously is not a problem, but what about older children. While kids between the six and ten generally form attachments at school, in their neighborhood, or with sports team members, these children are more likely to land on their feet and adapt well once they attend school and make new friends. If you’re an American moving to London, or a Canadian moving to London there are so many neighborhoods that are primarily expat inhabited that children this age may not even need to wait to meet fellow expat kids at school.
The children over ten, particularly teenage children find it hardest to adapt. In this series of posts we’ll cover the PROCESS of preparing them for your relocation to London, and how to bring them along prior to your relocation UK move. Part of the reason that it is so difficult is not that they are “teenagers” so it seems everything is hard (which is true, my 16 year old is living proof), but because so much of their identity at this age is social in nature. Teenage years are “all about ME”, so their activities, hobbies and social relationships. So much so that once you arrive in England after moving to London you may find your teen actually grieving the losses of these things when they arrive. Mourning behavior is normal during the adjustment period when your teen first experiences your relocation to London. So prepare for this mentally in advance and as difficult as it is, know that it is a normal process they will go through, but that the stage will pass.
Now London relocation agents will tell you that where you live will determine where your children go to school if you have not opted for a private school. However, those with teens should speak to the relocation agents at London relocation services companies and explain that they have a child teen age, and what sort of neighborhood will make them feel most at home. Your London relocation agent will tell you that there are plenty of neighborhoods consisting of mainly expats. This may be best considered if you have a teen that is dead set against the idea of moving to London, and has shown in the past a history of difficulty with social engagement.
I know that certainly if you are living in one of these areas, Camden, Covent Gardens, and the like, your family will have access to more familiar things from America or Canada. Even the groceries you buy will be more of what you’re used to at home. For some teens that live on cereal, mac and cheese, or must have Oreos or American ice cream (English ice cream is quite different) this can be of great benefit. Anything that feels like they can still keep life somewhat the same inside your new London apartment will help.
Over the next couple weeks we will dive more into important ways to start the process of preparing your teens to live as expats after the relocation to London. Until then keep in mind that moving to London takes mental prep work with your teen. Much like everything with teens, it takes time for them to adjust. The earlier you start to help them mentally and emotionally prepare for relocation UK, the easier and faster the transition will be once you arrive in your new home.
Tags: Adolescence, american moving to london, Canada, Canadian moving to London, Covent Garden, England, London, london apartment, london relocation agents, Moving to London, Relocation service, relocation to london, relocation uk, United States
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Relocation to London With Family
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Friday August 19th, 2011
Moving to London means you’ll be looking for a London rental apartment as soon as possible. If your employer is going to find you an apartment for a short while, then you’ll have the chance to look around at the different areas and types of properties that will suit you and your family. This series of articles gives an in depth review of the London rental business, and how to go about renting an apartment or house if you are a foreigner who is moving to the city of London.
Relocation to London means you will be searching for a London rental apartment upon your arrival. For those that are undergoing an international relocation for work, an employer may offer temporary lodging or a credit towards such while you look for suitable housing. Working with London relocation service companies will expose you to the many different types of neighborhoods available, and why each may appeal to your personal situation and circumstances. In part two of this series on London rentals we look at the rental business itself, and the process of looking for an apartment or house if you are an American moving to London.
Your London relocation agent can show you a number of different types of properties and London rentals. For those working or moving to London for schooling, renting an apartment that is fully furnished with all the furniture and kitchen appliances (in 240voltage) that you will need. However, if you know that the move is a more permanent London relocation than you may want to investigate purchasing a property. Either way, renting a furnished apartment with all the appliances available will give even a property purchaser a chance to live in London and learn the city before investing.
Another popular option that you frequently see in London is a partially furnished apartment or flat. A partially furnished apartment will usually include the most basic of furniture, a sofa, kitchen table and chairs, cupboards and side tables. Unlike back in the States, beds are not commonly furnished and must be purchase for a partially furnished flat. Partial furnished places also do not include appliances in them, so those considerations need to be made.
Naturally an unfurnished apartment is completely empty and may not even come with a refrigerator. So unless you intend to purchase everything new in England you will need to ship things from home. A word of caution for those who do plan to bring their furnishings and appliances with them on their relocation UK style: appliances are different in the city of London. Not only is the voltage twice that of the American 120 volts of most appliances, the size of the appliances you very well may find will not fit in your new London apartment. Refrigerators are the best example of all; you won’t find any double door giants in a London flat. In fact most refrigerators won’t even fit through the front doors of London flats, that’s why you often see cranes hoisting furnishings in the air to get them in on upper floors.
With an international relocation there are many factors to think about. Deciding to use a reputable and professional London relocation agent is really the easiest part of the decision process. Choosing which agent to work with prior to moving to London is the best way to be able to pick up a set of keys within hours of your arrival and start enjoying your new London home.
Tags: american moving to london, England, international relocation, London, London flats, london relocation agent, London rental apartment, Moving to London, Relocation service, relocation to london, relocation uk, United States
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Relocation to London
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Tuesday August 9th, 2011
Relocation to London – London Cost of Living - Image by Vlad Nikitin via Flickr
For many people who are planning their relocation to London, the cost of living is going to play a large part in their monthly budget. Continually converting back to your own currency will drive you mad in the end and you won’t have any idea of the true cost of living based on an English salary.
If you are negotiating a contract for your relocation jobs, having a good idea of what things cost in London will help you negotiate a fair package. If you are being transferred within your organization you still need to have a good idea of the basic cost of living so that you are able to budget when you arrive.
There is no doubt that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Your cost of living, especially as an American moving to London may be considerably higher than you are used to. That said, you will find that London salaries do tend to match the cost of living in the city. You will earn, on average, quite a lot more than if you were relocating elsewhere in England.
Cost of Living Basics – Relocation to London Costs
Accommodation is going to be your biggest expense and make up a large percentage of your budget. Rental prices vary depending on where you choose to live. Consider using the services of one of the professional London relocation agents to make sure that you’re getting the best prices. Landlords can see an expat coming from a mile away. Using London relocation agents mean that you have a professional to negotiate on your behalf.
Transport costs will also be a part of your budget and commuting to work can cost up to £150 per month depending on how far you have to travel.
An average grocery bill for two people may be as high as £200 per week, and if you’re eating out you can expect to pay anywhere between £50 and £100 for a meal at an up market restaurant.
Planning your relocation to London with regard to the cost of living will give you a good idea of what salary you should be asking for and where you want to live when you arrive.
Tags: american moving to london, England, London, london relocation agents, Relocation (personal), Relocation service, relocation to london
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London Relocation Agent
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Sunday July 31st, 2011
Relocation to London – Olympics 2012 - Image via Wikipedia
If you are planning your relocation to London anytime soon you’ll have to prepare for the fact that you’ll be in the city in 2012. That means the Olympic Games. Unless you’re planning on leaving the city next summer, you’ll be in the thick of things and London is ready to celebrate!
London is very proud to be the host for the Summer Olympics and everyone who is in London is talking about it. If you are moving to London right now, you’re a little late to take part in the ticket distribution and you may have to pay scalpers prices for premium tickets for the bog events next year.
As an American moving to London you’ll be able to enjoy the pomp and ceremony of the entire event and spend some time cheering on your national team. If you start feeling homesick after your relocation to London, just remember that hundreds of thousands of your countrymen are arriving in London next year!
If you really want to get involved in the Olympic spirit, and play your part in the greatest sporting event in the world, then ask around about volunteer positions. The Olympics is a topic that is hotly and fervently debated all over London right now. Everyone has an opinion on something!
The city of London has gone all out to make sure that the Olympic Games are a success. The fact that it is being held in the East End of London has raised the levels of national pride and commitment to England and being English. The east End of London is an area that has always had a reputation for being the “dodgy end” of London. The urban renewal has been a large part of the Olympic promise. The East End of London has seen much economic development and building in the last few years.
New stations have been opened and the tube now runs right into the heart of the East End. Infrastructure that will benefit all the citizens of London have been put in place. This is to ensure that the Olympic Games are part of a responsible and sustainable development for London and England.
Not all the events will be held in London. Other cities will be hosting events and if you do get the chance to travel further afield to see some of the regional events, you should be book well in advance. Coventry, Manchester, and Birmingham are just a few of the cities hosting major events during the Olympic Games.
There is something special about the Olympic Games. Despite the issues and politics surrounding the event, there is a sense of anticipation for every Londoner. Your relocation to London has placed you at the very center of the world and the best thing you can do is get into the spirit of the games and enjoy every moment of being a Londoner next summer.
Tags: american moving to london, East End of London, elocation to london, England, London, london relocation agents, Olympic Games
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Relocation to London
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Saturday July 23rd, 2011
Relocation to London – Look Before You Leap~Image via Wikipedia
If you have not visited the city before you embark on your relocation to London, you may be frantically trying to find out as much as you can about living in London, Life in England and Great Britain as a whole.
Just as soon as you have decided that you’re moving to London it’s time to get connected to BBC America to get a glimpse of what you can expect from your international relocation. Watching films and television series is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of a country before you make the physical transition. You will develop an ear for the hundreds of different accents that make up English in England, and start to learn about the culture of your new hometown.
Five Top Films To Watch Before You Arrive
· If you haven’t seen it, then you should get Notting Hill out of the way before you start. Unfortunately, this film became the definition of London life for many American’s moving to London, and everyone who is anyone wants to live in quaint Notting Hill. It is a good film but certainly not indicative of life in London by any means.
· On the other side of the romantic comedy coin you’ll find gritty realistic films like “Green Street Hooligans”. Again, this is not indicative of life across London, but it will give you a realistic view about the fanaticism of English football fans and what happens when an American moving to London gets caught up in the action. Plus you get to see everyone’s favorite hobbit, Elijah Wood getting the stuffing stamped out of him!
· Another classic and actually very realistic film about life in London is the smash hit “Bridget Jones’ Diary”. It’ll give you an idea of what the average London flat looks like and no one can fail to love the hapless heroine of the London singles scene. It’s got Hugh Grant in it again, but that is completely forgiven because it’s also got Colin Firth in playing another Mr. Darcy.
· Pride and Prejudice: You’ll not get any tips about your relocation to London, but this is the seminal work of the English writer Jane Austen brought to life on film and it has Colin Firth playing Mr. Darcy. This is not a boys night out sort of movie, but it is romantic in a Gone with the Wind sort of way.
· The best film on London life, London love and moving to and from London is the film “Love Actually”. It will give you a great insight into what your first Christmas in London will be like and the city makes a stunning backdrop for the film. Christmas in London is going to very different if you’re an American moving to London so give this a watch before you arrive.
If you’re hooked in London themed films then you’ll be spoiled for choice. Other great films include: “Sliding Doors”, “Closer”, “About a Boy” and in fact ,anything that Hugh Grant has ever starred in.
It must be said that if you’re looking for a taste of British humor that is funny and understandable then you should watch “Shaun of the Dead”, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. You’ll have a new take on how to handle a Zombie Apocalypse should there be one after your relocation to London. Just saying…
Tags: american moving to london, BBC America, Colin Firth, England, Hugh Grant, living in London, London, Moving to London, relocation to london
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Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocation to London
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Tuesday July 5th, 2011
International Relocation – With A Little Taste of Home - Image by erjkprunczyk via Flickr
Don’t let your relocation to London get you down. Relocation to London as an American means that you’re probably suffering the pangs of early homesickness. It’s to be expected. You’ve left your home, your friends and a life that you’ve no doubt become very accustomed to, so any American moving to London would feel that way.. Something that can help you to overcome those pangs of homesickness is to catch up on things that you miss from home. Short of actually flying back to the States every so often (impractical either due to time or cost) you might be thinking how you’re supposed to accomplish that. Not to worry. London is a big city and if you look hard enough, you just might find what you’re looking for. One thing that is as American as the 4th of July is baseball! While you might not immediately associate it with London, rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy a ballgame, even in the UK.
While you’re more likely to look at cricket as England’s bat-and-ball game of choice (and you’re probably right), you’ll be surprised to find that the UK has a long history of baseball. The game was brought to England in 1890 by an Englishman, one Francis Ley, who had found out about the baseball while on a trip to America. While obviously not as popular here as it is in the States, it has still managed to pick up a following. England even holds the distinction of beating the United States and winning the first World Cup of Baseball in 1938.
Today, you’ll be able to grab your mitt, ball and bat and head down to the pitch for a game. Right now, there are more than 40 baseball teams based all over the UK (that’s inside and outside of London). While it might not be as easy to find as a cricket game, ask around and you’ll probably be pointed in the right direction. London has quite a large American community. Ask your London relocation agents if they know where you’re likely to find a ball game. Or go online and pay a visit to the website for the British Baseball Federation to find a club near your area. Even though you’re moving to London, there’s no reason for you to leave everything back in America.
Tags: american moving to london, Americans moving to London, British Baseball Federation, England, international relocation, London, London Relocation, london relocation agents, Moving to London, Relocation service, relocation to london, United States
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International Relocation
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Wednesday June 1st, 2011
Living In London – Mallrats- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re living in London and experiencing a bout of homesickness for the massive American style Malls then you don’t have to go home for a long weekend, you can head just a little way out of London and enjoy the covered Malls and shopping centers. Most Americans moving to London find it a refreshing taste of home, and you are sure to find other American expats living in London there as well. There certainly are a number of advantages to shopping in a shopping center. There is no chance of getting wet in a sudden London downpour, and if you take a car then you won’t have to lug your purchases home on the train.
Shopping Centers and malls have not really gained a huge amount of popularity over the years, but slowly, people are coming round to accept that they are here to stay and area great way of spending the day out.
If you live in West London then the latest Mall experience in the Westfield Centre. It is easily accessed from four major tube stations and with over 300 stores to choose from, you won’t be leaving empty handed. The Westfield centre also focuses on the entire shopping center experience with several excellent restaurants and great fast food places so you can fill up on the go.
North London has the Brent Cross Shopping Centre with 120 stores and free parking and if you’re living in South London then you can choose between the Whitgift Shopping Centre which is one of the oldest malls in London and the Centrale Shopping Centre which is an ultra modern centre with over 70 stores. The two shopping centers are connected with a pedestrian walkway so you may as well visit them both while you’re out for the day.
In terms of massive malls, there really is only one choice: Blue Water Mall which is quite a way from London in the county of Kent. This is a true super mall and offers a huge range of activities, including cinemas, an adventure course and a rock climbing wall. Wherever you are living in London you’ll find that your local high street has most of what you’re looking for, and you may find that you prefer the more community based and friendly atmosphere of shopping locally after all.
Tags: American expats living in London, american moving to london, Americans moving to London, living in London, London, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Underground, Moving to London, relocating to London, west london
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Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places
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Tuesday May 10th, 2011
With the worldwide move to healthier eating and organic food, if you’re an American moving to London, you may be asking if there is a good range of whole food stores and shops that only sell organic food.
While there are several fully vegetarian restaurants in central London, you’re more likely to find organic food restaurants being more popular. Many of the supermarkets and grocery stores in London offer a range of organic and health foods but if you’re looking for places that stock a full range of only organic food then you’ll have to find smaller shops that cater to this market.
Most of the organic food specialists are found in central and west London so you might have to search around that sells goodies from home and other foods that are grown organically. Many of the bigger stores operate a web site with shopping and delivery across London so you don’t even have to venture out of your new London rental to get the healthiest, freshest foods and groceries available.
If you’re looking for a day out, then you can head to some of the markets that offer fresh organically grown food from farms across England. The Islington farmers Market is found in north London and offers a full selection of farm fresh organic veggies and whole foods and is open on Sundays from 10am until 2pm. If you’re looking for a daily market then Spitalfields organic food Market is open every day with many shops offering whole food and health food goodies. The market itself is only open on Sundays.
If you’re looking for a range of markets while you’re living in London then check out the official London Farmers Market website for special offers and events.
Tags: american expats in london, american moving to london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, farmers market, Food, fun facts about london england, Grocery store, Health, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Organic, Organic food, relocating to London, relocating to london england, things to know about london
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Living in London, London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Shopping in London Places
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Tuesday May 3rd, 2011
Living In London – London Neighborhoods – South London - Image via Wikipedia
When you’re moving to London your first decision is going to be where to live. Do you get an ultra modern London apartment or a cute Victorian London rental home? Which area you live in is also important in terms of amenities, schools, and the transport system. You can do a lot of research before you touch down in London, and be sure to ask your colleagues at your new job to give you advice and recommendations about places to live in London.
South London – Wimbledon
Many people have heard of Wimbledon as it hosts the most famous tennis tournament in the world. The suburb of Wimbledon has a lovely village atmosphere to it, the streets are full of family homes and there are a number of excellent schools and shops in the area. Wimbledon is in South/West London and the you can rent a small London flat here for about £800 per week ranging up to £ 2500 for a terraced family home.
Council Information: Clapham falls under the Council Borough of Merton with annual taxes, ranging from £1000 – £3000.
Transport: Wimbledon tube station is on the District Line of the London Underground and your Transport Zone for ticket prices is in Zone 3. It’s about 30 minutes by tube from Wimbledon to the centre of London and about 15 minutes if you take the train from Wimbledon station to central London, Waterloo Station. There are loads of buses for transport in and around Wimbledon.
Shopping: Sainsbury, Tesco and Marks and Spencer’s all have branches in Wimbledon and Tesco’s offer a delivery service in the area.
Doctors: If you’re looking for a doctor in the Wimbledon area you can use the NHS website, which also has a handy section on symptoms and non-emergency medical care. You can call the NHS Direct hotline on 0845 4647 for any health care questions and advice
Other Amenities: There are a number of restaurants and pubs in the Wimbledon area. Great family food and traditional British fare in this country village right in the city of London. Many expat choose to live in Wimbledon if they have young families and if you’re looking for great schools then Wimbledon is your choice for living in London
Tags: american moving to london, Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Underground, Moving to London, relocating to London
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London Neighborhoods
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