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Posts Tagged ‘London Relocation Services’

Relocation to London – New Year’s Resolutions Part 1

Wednesday December 21st, 2011

Kitchen

Relocation to London – New Year’s Resolutions Part 1, Image via Wikipedia

Americans moving to London often find themselves overwhelmed especially during the holidays.  In an effort to become accustomed to one’s new city and traditions combining New Year’s Resolutions and familiarizing oneself with the culture is a great idea.  One of the more difficult obstacles to overcome after an international relocation is the food – or the differences to be more precise.  The best way to overcome the new flavors and ingredients British food offers is to jump in and explore the waters.  A good New Year’s Resolution for those new to London from a corporate relocation is to try a new quintessential British recipe each week.

That is fifty-two dishes to get through, one might say.  Are there really that many British foods different from what most Americans moving to London are used to?  Why, yes, there are.  It is all too easy for new Londoners to revert back to old favorites from the States after corporate relocation.  London relocation agents will recommend that new families experiment with the cuisine.  With food easily shipped around the globe it would be a huge temptation for Americans to have their favorite foods shipped directly to their door rather than eat like the locals.

Thanks to the internet there are many wonderful sites featuring traditional British foods and recipes.  Many cater to non-British crowds and explain things that most Brits take for granted.  One of the hardest cooking challenges facing Americans is measurements.  In London the metric system is used.  With a little practice one will quickly catch on, however.  By tackling new recipes new Londeners will be forced to explore London groceries and farmer’s markets furthering the exploration of their newly-adopted city.

Cooking one new dish a week may seem like a paltry goal, but as the seasons change and one’s confidence grows in the ways of British cooking most will be pleasantly surprised to see how much food has eased the transition between American and the UK.  Moving to London is a big change for most families and even the best support from London relocation services can’t make one feel comfortable in their new city.  By forcing oneself to go out and explore the town they will quickly come to feel as if they belong after international relocation.

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Seventh

Tuesday December 20th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

If you’re making an international relocation to London, I’m making your London move more festive with the London Relocation agency’s version of the Twelve Days of Christmas! The next line in the original is: “On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming.”

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

The Swan in West London - London Relocation agency

“On the seventh day of Christmas, London gave to me…

SWAN PATRONS SWILLING…”

Among London’s infinite pubs is The Swan at 66 Bayswater Road, the only pub to overlook Kensington Gardens. Its central location does make it a haven for tourists, but even if you’re moving to London and interested in the more local scene around your London apartment, you can’t fail to appreciate The Swan’s history. Established about four centuries ago (!), it’s said that prisoners were once brought to the pub for a last drink before they were hung at nearby Marble Arch. Yikes! This brings new meaning to the phrase “one for the road,” which refers to this last-ever drinky-drink; it’s also the origin of the phrase, “on the wagon,” which refers to when the prisoners went back into the wagon to travel to their execution. The pub also provided a last stopping point for stagecoaches on their way to London’s city centre. Recently renovated and serving classic British pub fare, may The Swan make your spirits bright with its spirits (and ales, and wine…) after your relocation to London.

Now, to continue our caroling:

“…shot geese fileting,
five Olympic rings!
More calling plans,
pretty fresh hens,
sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Posted in: London Food & Beverage, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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International Relocation to London – Embracing Change

Tuesday December 20th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

Make no mistake: an international relocation entails a lot of CHANGE. If you followed my posts earlier this month, hopefully you saw my one about author Cherie Colyer’s virtual launch of her novel, Embrace. Just as the book’s main character, Madison, is compelled to adapt to the changes in her life, Ms. Colyer has asked virtual launch participants to share our stories about doing just that: embracing change. If you’re planning your relocation to London and blogging about it, I hope you’ll share your tale as well.

For what it’s worth, here’s mine:

Since I got married only three months before moving to London from the US (and my husband was still living in a different state at the time!) and had to quit my job, my international relocation transition was threefold—getting adjusted to a different country, finding a new job, and having a new roommie for life. :)

That was WAY too much change in too short a time! And, unfortunately, since it was my husband’s job that brought us over here (a move that I strongly resisted from the outset because I loved my job and my peeps back home), it became too easy to use that as a reason for channeling my resentment toward him, and I spent those first few months working in opposition of him as opposed to teaming up to get through it together. That was a tremendous burden and had the effect of making me feel even lonelier here. It really just took some time and finding a new job and friends to fill the voids the move had caused; once I felt whole again, I could finally attain a better perspective and replace my resentment with more appreciation of my husband, the changes he’d had to embrace as well, the support he offered me, and the fact that we now enjoy London and each other so much.

I think a big part of what I needed to get past was feeling like a victim of my circumstances and resisting any changes to how I’d lived prior to relocating to London. The solution, therefore, was to take responsibility for my choices that had led me here as well (i.e., in choosing to marry my husband and stick with him through thick and thin). I needed to give support, too, rather than just demand it all the time, and that helped us reach mutual understanding and respect for each other’s individual life goals and how those can intertwine to help us achieve our shared ones. When it came down to it, I needed to embrace change, not kick-and-scream against it. To fight it was not only exhausting for a time, but, had I continued on that path, I wouldn’t have had the new professional and personal opportunities I’ve enjoyed since—great friends for life, work that indulges my passions, and gobs of international travel and exploring every nook and cranny of the phenomenal city of London itself. Change isn’t always for the better, but we need to stay open-minded to the aspects of it that are and how change that threatens to be bad can push us to grow…which, in the end, can only be for the better.

It’s not too late to participate in the Virtual Launch Party for EMBRACE! See the oodles of related info below.

**************************

Embrace Launch Party Guest Posts!

Jennifer DeLucy Blog: Writing Embrace – From Idea to Release
Kym’s Quips: The Research Behind to Story 
Once Upon A *Spark*: Mythology Behind Madison’s World
Nicki Elson’s Not-So-Deep Thoughts: Bring on the Romance
Jennifer Lane Books Blog: Facing Change

Embrace Launch Party Posts!

Susan Kaye Quinn, Conjuring Tales for Young Minds         
Kim Winters, Kat’s Eye Journal         
Carole, the life of fiction
Mina Burrows, books for paranormal & mystic minds
Joseph Rinaldo, Read Rinaldo
Angela Brown, in a Pursuit of Publishness
Debra Anastasia, Tell me a Story
Colleen Wagner, London Relocation

**************************

Embrace
a novel by Cherie Colyer

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. 

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. 

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own. 

Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. 

AUTHOR INFO

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

**************************

Prizes: To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Cherie is giving away an eCopy of EMBRACE and 5-Embrace Hemp Bracelets today. There are three ways to win:

1) Leave a comment here or at any of the Party Posts.

2) Tweet about the Virtual Party or any of the Party Posts with tag #EMBRACEnovels

Example:
Nothing could have prepared her for what she’s about to discover. #EMBRACEnovels @CherieColyer #YA avail NOW www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

Example:
Celebrate the launch of EMBRACE by @CherieColyer #EMBRACEnovels #paranormal #YA avail NOW www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

3) Facebook (tag Cherie Colyer, author) about the Virtual Party.

Example:
Celebrate the launch of teen paranormal thriller/romance novel EMBRACE by Cherie Colyer, author and enter for a chance to win Embrace prizes! http://www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

Do all three and you will have three times the chances to win! Leave a comment at each stop of the tour for a chance to win the Grand Prize.

If you haven’t already, remember to stop back by Cherie’s blog or click here to fill out the form to ensure your entry is counted.

**************************

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Relocation to London – Odd Christmas Traditions in the U.K.

Tuesday December 20th, 2011

English: Mistletoe (Viscum album) in Northeast...

Relocation to London – Odd Christmas Traditions in the U.K., Image via Wikipedia

Americans moving to London are often surprised to find that many of their cherished holiday traditions stem from the British Isles.  Before Christianity arrived Pagan traditions ruled the UK.  Rather than try and establish new traditions Roman Christians integrated the Pagan with the Christian.  Christmas is just one of the resulting holidays.  London relocation agents can point London newcomers in the right direction if they are interested in learning more about the British origins of Christian holidays.

Part of the joys of international relocation is discovering new variations on beloved celebrations.  Most countries which recognize and celebrate Christmas include hanging the greens in the festivities.  Whether real or artificial almost every home, store and church has swags, wreaths and mistletoe adorning buildings and providing beautiful backdrops to Christmas centerpieces.

What most Americans moving to London do not realize is that the tradition of hanging evergreens and swags originates in Pagan England.  The old legends had many uses for the greenery.  Most people associate mistletoe with kissing.  While ancient Pagans did use mistletoe to protect homes by placing it over doorways it was also used to protect babies.  They believed a sprig of mistletoe hung over a crib would protect the baby from fairies who were believed to steal children.

Holly was placed around the home to keep wickedness at bay and protect the home from witches.   Many health conditions were also treated with Holly.  Early English believed that by opening one’s mouth over steaming water with holly leaves worms could be removed.  Also, they believed that holly leaves left in water could foretell of one’s future.

Those moving to London will often find many communities keeping Pagan religions alive and strong.   With just a little looking and possibly a call to one’s London relocation services, Americans moving to London can experience Pagan traditions firsthand.    The holiday season is the perfect time for those fresh to London after a corporate relocation to explore the rich and varied traditions that have aided in the creation of modern day festivities.

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Sixth

Monday December 19th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

If you’re making an international relocation to London, I’m making your London move more festive with my second annual London Relocation Twelve Days of Christmas! Carrying on from yesterday, the next line in the original is: “On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese a-laying.”

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

English: Canadian geese in the Serpentine lake...

When they become a nuisance, their goose is really cooked - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia

“On the sixth day of Christmas, London gave to me…

SHOT GEESE FILETING…”

I know, that sounds really morbid, doesn’t it…but it’s a reality in the UK where the flocks of Canadian geese have become a nuisance—wreaking havoc among crops and soiling public places with their abundant and toxic excrement. These little buggers were first introduced to England in 1665 by King Charles II as an exotic and ornamental new species (gee, thanks, Champ), and, in London, you can readily spot them in pond locations like St. James’s Park and Hyde Park, congregating among the many other species of waterfowl. Hunting is one mode of pest control, but at present I believe it’s still illegal to actually sell Canadian goose meat in markets, stores, and restaurants. This could change soon, though, if it hasn’t already (top chefs are highly recommending it), but you can still shoot and cook up your own if you like—hunting them is legal between September and February and at other times of year IF they’re legitimately destructive to one’s crops in the countryside. Aim for the head. And read this Daily Mail article if interested in more info on this phenomenon and cuisine ideas for servin’ ‘em up: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2022964/Canada-geese-overrun-parks-Top-chefs-answer-turn-dinner.html. Perhaps one of the more random facts I could share with you about an international relocation to London. :)

Now, to continue our caroling:

“…five Olympic rings!
More calling plans,
pretty fresh hens,
sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Relocation to London – New Year’s Celebrations

Monday December 19th, 2011

Relocation to London – New Year’s Celebrations

After moving to London many families find themselves thoroughly lost during the holiday season.  Thousands of miles away from their home they are thrown into a new culture and trying desperately to adapt.  For those families with children finding holiday activities similar to those at home can make international relocation a little easier.  Thankfully, relocation to London during the Christmas season is a good time to experience some of London’s most festive activities with most being very similar to events in the United States.

New Years Eve and New Years Day are big days in London and Americans moving to London are pleasantly surprised to find many of the same events popular in London as in their hometown.  One of the most popular activities for London families over the New Year’s holiday is ice skating. There are many ice skating rinks around the city.  Families of international relocation can search for one near their home via the internet or by contacting London relocation agents.

The highpoint of the London New Year for many families and Americans moving to London is the huge fireworks display over the Thames.  There are several viewing areas available but they do have capacity limits and will close as those are met.  The fireworks show will also be broadcast of BBC for those not wanting to brave the crowds.  Public transportation is highly recommended for those coming.  Americans new to the city from corporate relocation need to be aware that alcohol is allowed in official viewing areas.  This may prevent some families with small children from attending.

New Year’s Day would not be complete without a parade and London does not let down in that regard.  Many Americans moving to London are used to watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade either live or on TV every year as they are preparing their turkey.  London’s New Year’s Parade is equally impressive.  The parade stretches for over two miles of Piccadilly beginning at The Ritz and ending at Parliament Square.  Included in the parade are floats, acrobats, balloons and bands.

These are just a few of the activities great for Americans moving to London and their families during the New Year’s holiday.  There are many more exciting (and often free) events throughout the city.  Those brave expats can do their own research into the events or go straight to an expert – their London relocation services agent.

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Fifth

Sunday December 18th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

I interrupt my regularly scheduled Weekend Warrior Sunday to continue our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in the hopes it makes your London move more festive. The next line in the original is: “On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five golden rings.”

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

Cropped transparent version of Image:Olympic f...

London 2012 Olympic Games - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia

“On the fifth day of Christmas, London gave to me…

FIVE OLYMPIC RINGS!!!”

I know, I know…if you followed last year’s London Relocation Twelve Days of Christmas, you know that I already used this one. But c’mon—it’s the Olympics! In London! Just a few months from now!! And it’s really too perfect given the five-ring symbolism and the gold (medals) to be awarded, so there you have it. There have also been so many strides made over the course of the last year to make these games really happen. London’s east side has been transformed with the new Olympic Park, bringing new commerce and London apartments to the area that will have a lasting impact on this city’s landscape. It’s a whole new neighborhood in which to live in London in a historically underdeveloped area, so that’s exciting.

While many of the events like Athletics will be held in that part of town within nine different venues, the whole city will be involved in the 2012 Games as certain events are parceled out throughout town. If you’re moving to London in advance of the Olympics, have a wander around to visit these privileged sites before the crowds descend. Actually, on my flight home for Christmas, I read an article about it in BA Highlife magazine—in May, September, and the following August in 2013, there will be a London Stadia Trekathon covering twenty-six miles of Olympic sites that you could surely do on your own if motivated! Check it out here: http://www.bahighlife.com/UK/High-Life-tests-the-London-Stadia-Trekathon.html

If you’re making your relocation to London in the next few months, you’ll be in for a crazy experience of the city while it’s the center of global attention, but how exciting to be a part of it!

Now, to continue our caroling:

“…more calling plans,
pretty fresh hens,
sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Relocation to London – The Importance of Visiting London Before the Move

Sunday December 18th, 2011

English: House for Sale - Upton Crescent

Relocation to London – The Importance of Visiting London Before the Move, Image via Wikipedia

For those moving to London and in the market for a house it would be in their best interest to fly out to London for as long as possible before the move and physically look for a home best suited to their family’s needs. Scouting for homes over the internet certainly helps to see what’s available as well as possibly helping to narrow down one’s list, but it can’t compare to seeing and touching a potential home. A home may look good in pictures, but only by seeing, touching and smelling it can guarantee it’s the right one.

Giving a future home a pre-move visit can also serve another function. It’s also an opportunity to experience the layout and determine what needs to be done before international relocation. It, also, might shed light on issues one hadn’t considered when first thinking about moving. Of particular importance to those with a family is coming over for an early visit and taking the chance to ask for firsthand advice on what schools are available for your kids and touring those.

A pre-move visit is doubly important for anyone who has never been through an international relocation, knows nothing about London and moving to London and needs to become familiar with transportation options and the city layout.  By finding a home in person those moving to London can work closely with London relocation agents to discover where the nearest places (to one’s new home) are for offering everything a family may need from general grocery items to doctors and a library.

True, these things might seem trivial when sitting in one’s cozy home in the States, but after moving to London one will wish they had investigated prior to the international relocation.  With so much to do after the plane touches down Americans moving to London should do everything in their power to visit their new city before the big move to ensure a smooth international relocation.

International relocation and London relocation services can be a seemingly complicated affair, akin to a military undertaking. In that respect, families will want to have planned for every eventuality and an earlier visit before moving to London can only help in that planning.

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Fourth

Saturday December 17th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

Continuing on with our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to make your international relocation festive, the next line in the original is: “On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds.”

English: Mobile phone evolution Русский: Эволю...

Expat phone home - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

“On the fourth day of Christmas, London gave to me…

MORE CALLING PLANS…”

When you settle into your new London apartment rental, your London Relocation agent will refer you to various service providers for setting up your utilities. As a preview for phone services, here’s a smattering of calling options. Internet calling services like Skype, for one, are very inexpensive for calling home long-distance. Mobile phones in the UK are also a lot more flexible in their offerings than cell phone plans in the States that lock you in for eternity—service contracts can be at least six months shorter than their U.S. counterparts, and phones aren’t locked to one provider, so interchangeable SIM cards allow you to switch services without paying for a new phone, too. Four major mobile phone operators in the UK are Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, and Orange, and Carphone Warehouse is a good place to make comparisons and purchase phones and services (online and in-store). Finally, though many expats only temporarily relocating to London might bypass a landline phone, if you prefer one, five major landline phone operators in the UK are Virgin, BT, TalkTalk, Vonage, and Primus. The major UK TV subscription services like Sky, Virgin Media, and British Telecom (BT) offer cable, internet, and phone bundles for savings, and online resources like HomePhoneChoices and uSwitch are available for making comparisons. It’s one more thing to think about for a relocation to London, but something your London Relocation agent can certainly assist with!

And now, to continue caroling:

“…pretty fresh hens,
sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Posted in: Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Third

Friday December 16th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

Continuing on with our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to make your international relocation to London festive, the next line in the original is: “On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens.”

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

“On the third day of Christmas, London gave to me…

PRETTY FRESH HENS…”

The UK Hen Do - London Relocation Services

I don’t mean poultry, although there are often feathers involved. I’m referring to the human species of female that dolls up in crazy and/or slutty fancy dress and steps out with her bride-to-be pal and their pack of flashy kindred spirits. You probably know this best as a “bachelorette party,” but here in Britain, it’s called a “hen do.” The male bachelor party equivalent is the “stag do.” Whichever “do” you’re doin’, you can expect to do it big. They’re pretty entertaining to encounter, although I haven’t yet seen the hens outdo the stags where outrageous humiliation of the guest-of-honor is concerned. I’ve heard of a London stag do that entailed shaving half the groom’s body (half his head and one eyebrow included) and sending him passed out on a train up north to Scotland. Or slipping Viagra in the groom’s pint and having him wrestle women in bikinis in a baby pool of KY jelly. And they always entail a costume….be it a Mexican wrestler, ballerina, race car driver (“The Stag” versus “The Stig” from Top Gear), whatever, as long as it’s conducive to mooning later on (if you watch the TV documentaries Booze Britain or Boozed up Brits Abroad, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about). I’d say the ladies approach it all a bit more civilized, but the Kaiser Chiefs “Angry Mob” video implies otherwise: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5kEqRFPwo.

If you’re looking for hen party ideas after your move to London, there are plenty of websites like www.henheaven.co.uk, www.gohen.com, www.hennites.co.uk, or www.thestagandhencompany.co.uk. On second thought, maybe you should just play it safe stay nestled inside your new London apartment. ;)

And now, to continue caroling:

“…sea turtle tanks,
and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Posted in: London Language Barriers, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Relocation to London – Participating in the Pub Scene

Friday December 16th, 2011

Relocation to London – Participating in the Pub Scene

One of the first things Americans moving to London need to do after unpacking is find a neighborhood pub where they can go for a pint and an evening out. They could even go so far as to ask their London relocation services company to recommend a few pubs in the area that they have moved. Pub life, and being part of the pub life, is all a part of moving to London and immersing oneself in the culture, quirks and charms of this fascinating city.

Most people have a pint during their lunch hour, and then again after work with colleagues, and then again with mates close to home. Ostensibly, one can carry on drinking and visiting pubs from 11 am until shutting time. It’s great fun, and by learning how to pace oneself stumbling out of the pub at closing time and rolling home wont’ happen.

Is a pint a beer?

Generally speaking, yes, except that beer in England is usually called bitter. This is the most popular alcoholic drink in the United Kingdom and is served in pint glasses. The biggest difference in beer that those moving to London is the temperature at which it is served. Beer, or bitter, in England is served just below room temperature which is completely opposite to the ice cold beer served in the states. Ale is served at room temperature in England and is a beer that has not been carbonated and is made from barley and hops.

The other big difference is the amount of alcohol found in each pint. There is a reason that beer is not served in pitchers over here. Beware! Americans moving to London will not be able to consume as much as they did back home, and if they try the landlord will be rolling them out of the pub!

Pub life is very much a part of English culture, tradition and history. While those new to the country because of international relocation don’t want to be spending every night down the pub, they will find that visiting a local pub is one of the best ways of meeting people and making friends as part of relocation to London.

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Relocation to London – Searching for the Perfect Flat

Friday December 16th, 2011

Relocation to London – Searching for the Perfect Flat

A family’s relocation to London will only be complete once they have found a flat or apartment to rent for the duration of their stay.  Regardless of the length of stay when moving to London Americans should plan their move with the help of a professional London relocation services company. It’s the only way to get it done efficiently, quickly and with the least amount of stress.

Finding an apartment can be stressful in London and for those who don’t know the city, and are a foreigner, the international relocation adventure will quickly turn into a nightmare. The rental industry in London is highly competitive, so those going it alone are going to have to be prepared to move fast on any rentals that become available. Many properties in London are owned by individuals and advertised privately or through an estate agent. It is important to find an estate agent who is prepared to deal with an international relocation before starting the process.

Having an estate agent on one’s side who is experienced in the process of relocation to London could be the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy road ahead. It might seem a bit more expensive to use London relocation agents but families who are still looking for a suitable flat three months after an arrival will wish that they’d hired a professional from the start.

Renters in London need to be prepared to pay a deposit and the first month’s rent upon signing the lease.  It is important that Americans moving to London make sure they have the funds immediately available because there will be a crowd close on their heels waiting to snap up their newly found perfect pad if there is a delay.

Smart families preparing for an international relocation begin looking at prices of London flats before they arrive.  To avoid embarrassing miscommunication, those moving to London need to be aware that most London flats are advertised with a weekly rate and not monthly.  To determine how much the rent will be per month multiply the weekly rent by 52 and divide it by 12 to get a final figure.

Dealing with estate agents in a foreign country can be a challenge, even if everyone speaks the same language. It’s always wise to take advice from people like London relocation agents who have lots of experience working with Americans and understand all the needs included in a relocation to London.

 

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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the Second

Thursday December 15th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

Continuing on with our London Relocation version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to make your London move festive, the next line in the original is: “On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Aquarists Kath...

London sea turtles - London Relocation Services - Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:

“On the second day of Christmas, London gave to me…

SEA TURTLE TANKS…”

If you’re relocating to London with a family, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a must-”sea” for certain! Located across the river from Westminster and right next door to the famous London Eye, London’s aquarium featured in a scene between Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in the film Closer and with good reason—it is visually stunning with its massive tanks that span an entire wall. Sea turtles mellow out there along with twelve species of sharks and five hundred species of fish and other marine life; it’s one of Europe’s largest collections, in fact. If you’re making your international relocation in time for the holidays and moving to London with kids in particular, take them to see Father Fishmas in his icy grotto. :) Afterwards, you can stroll further down the South Bank to visit its Christmas market and carousel.

And now, to continue caroling:

“…and a cartridge to hunt in country.”

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Posted in: Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Relocation to London – Finding a General Practitioner

Thursday December 15th, 2011

Relocation to London – Finding a General Practitioner

There are several details of relocation to London that one will only be able complete once the plane has landed and they are on the ground. London relocation agents will be able to sort out quite a few of the details like opening a bank account and finding families the perfect flat.  Not all things can be done by London relocation services; getting healthcare is something one has to do in person.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK requires that all new residents register in person at a General Practitioner (GP) to be eligible for all of the healthcare benefits while living in London. Once a GP is found in one’s neighborhood, they will have to make an appointment to see the doctor as well as register at the practice.

Once arriving at the doctors rooms Americans new to London from corporate relocation need to request a GMS1 form which should be completed with all one’s medical details. It is important to bring a passport and visa along to the doctor as one may be asked for some proof of identity by the GP. There is no waiting period for people to register with a GP. Those who are legally allowed to work and live in London are automatically eligible for healthcare.

Once the GMS1 form is completed the practice will forward the application to the Primary Care Trust that will issue a NHS card, number, and let inform all covered that they are on the system. It can take a couple of weeks, though, so those needing medical attention before that should use the free clinics, (they really are very good), or go to a local hospital.

There is one requirement of the system that may take some of time. All people wishing to join the NHS have to register at a doctor in person. Americans moving to London cannot register on behalf of their spouse or family when they arrive in the UK. This is why it is important to spend the first week after relocation to London sorting out the details before starting relocation jobs and getting too busy.

Anyone needing advice on how to register or where to find a GP can inquire with London relocation agents or visit the NHS website which has a comprehensive list of all areas in London and the addresses of all the GP’s.

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Posted in: Living in London, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocation to London, Relocation to London With Family
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London Relocation’s 12 Days of Christmas – Day the First

Wednesday December 14th, 2011

Author:  Colleen

If you’re relocating to London in time for the holidays, there’s no end of merriment available here to keep your spirits bright. As for me, I’m jingling all the way home from London to Chicago today for the holidays! This is my fourth time doing so since moving to London in 2008.

As you search for your London apartment with your London Relocation agent and work to get settled in, these upcoming days will no doubt be busy for all of us, so I thought I’d keep things in the holiday spirit by “singing” a Christmas carol to you—because it’s back for a second year, baby! London Relocation‘s very own “The Twelve Days of Christmas“! Let me preface by explaining that, yes, I know the original song represents the days between Christmas and the Epiphany on 6 January. For our purposes here, though, it’ll serve more as an expat countdown, from now until Christmas Day.

To review the original verse: “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.”

NESTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Huntmaster Jona...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

And now for mine *ahem*:

“On the first day of Christmas, London gave to me…

a CARTRIDGE to hunt in country…”

* * *

As in gun cartridge. (Festive isn’t it?) It isn’t a custom relegated to royalty or the past—the traditional images that British hunting evoke of foxes and hounds are certainly still going strong today. It’s true, however, that fox hunting has become controversial in the UK, and killing foxes with dogs is illegal as of a few years ago. Hunters are still allowed, though, to exercise their hounds and use them for tracking scents and flushing foxes out of hiding places. Fox hunting in particular is part of the Boxing Day tradition, which is coming up the day after Christmas. Apparently in Britain, “hunting” typically refers to this type of hunting with hounds for fox, hare, or stag, whereas those using guns are called “shooters” or “guns,” not hunters. Hunting for game or fowl here serves many purposes, be it pest control, providing food, or good ol’ camaraderie. You might picture old gentlemen of the Gosford Park variety heading out into the rolling hills beyond their grand estates, but it’s something quite a few younger folks and those of modest means partake in as an excuse for getting up with the dawn and taking in some fresh air, bonding, and definitely day-drinking. :) It’s no stereotype to do so in your tweeds, Wellies, and Barbour jacket, and if it’s a formal shoot, a collar and tie are essential. To shoot in Britain, it’s advised that you join the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. And if you’re not feeling partial to hunting animals, per se, but are keen to wield a shotgun, try clay-pigeon shooting! (I discussed my experience doing so last year in my post, “Plot, Sikhs, & Two Smoking Barrels“). It’s all in the spirit of British tradition and getting outside your London apartment rental for some rural adventure.

 

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Posted in: Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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