Posts Tagged ‘London relocation specialist’
Friday November 4th, 2011
Author: Colleen
If you’re planning a relocation to London, one of the first items you must consider is where to live in London. Belinda and I both continually discuss London neighborhoods from time to time, and for a while there I’d been maintaining this series that toured London postcode by postcode. Well folks, it only took me almost a year to get around to it (literally), but today I am finally rounding out my eight-part neighborhood series with London’s Southeast postcodes. Ta-Da!!!
Here they are:
SE1 – Bankside, Bermondsey, Borough, Newington, North Lambeth, South Bank, Southwark, Waterloo
SE2 – Abbey Wood, Thamesmead South
SE3 – Blackheath, Blackheath Park, Kidbrooke, Westcombe Park
SE4 – Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park
SE5 – Camberwell
SE6 – Bellingham, Catford, Hither Green
SE7 – Charlton, Harvey Gardens, New Charlton
SE8 – Deptford, St. John’s
SE9 – Eltham, Mottingham, New Eltham
SE10 – Greenwich
SE11 – Kennington, Lambeth
SE12 – Grove Park, Lee
SE14 – Hither Green, Ladywell, Lewisham
SE15 – Nunhead, Peckham
SE16 – Rotherhithe, South Bermondsey, Surrey Quays
SE17 – Elephant and Castle, Kennington, Walworth
SE18 – Plumstead, Shooter’s Hill, Woolwich
SE19 – Crystal Palace, Gipsy Hill, Norwood, Norwood New Town, Upper Norwood
SE20 – Anerley, Penge
SE21 – Dulwich, Upper Sydenham, West Dulwich
SE22 – East Dulwich
SE23 – Forest Hill
SE24 – Herne Hill
SE25 – South Norwood
SE26 – Bell Green, Lower Sydenham, Sydenham
SE27 – Tulse Hill, West Norwood
SE28 – Thamesmead
Located in SE1, Southwark has a high-density of both population and attractions. This is where you’ll find the London Eye, the London Aquarium, the London Dungeon and other tourist havens with a lively riverside atmosphere that includes street performers and markets. With the National Theatre, Old Vic Theatre (where Kevin Spacey is artistic director and actor), and The Southbank Centre among other venues dedicated to the arts, SE1 is a real cultural center. Shakespeare’s Globe is also here in the Bankside area, the vicinity where the original Globe stood and was thereby part of London’s original theatre district. Restaurants, pubs, and office buildings line the river here, yet for as much commerce as there is in and around the SE1 area, it’s also quite residential, with ample access to amenities as well as entertainment. The extensive outdoor market near London Bridge in Borough is among London’s best renowned, and this area is desirable for those looking for an edgier, artistic, and eclectic scene and/or needing a short commute to the City.
Greenwich in SE10 is perhaps best known around the world, however, as the place “where time begins.” Outside its Royal Observatory is the famous Greenwich Meridian Line, which represents the Prime Meridian of the world at Longitude 0º. Greenwich’s observatory and National Maritime Museum are a big draw for tourists and residents alike, and the area is home to the Royal Naval College and Greenwich University, but this lovely village has much more to offer those living there. Greenwich Market boasts an amazing collection of arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, and an assortment of other unique gifts, while the quaint surrounding area is filled with pubs and boutiques. Hilly and leafy, it’s a tranquil place to picnic and relax, truly feeling like a little village removed from the city’s bustle.
Just east of SE1 is SE16, where the neighborhood of Rotherhithe sits on the River Thames among the Docklands. Rotherhithe was the departure site of the The Mayflower ship, kicking off its voyage to the New World. Nearby Canada Water offers a convenient transport link with both Underground and Overground services, and Surrey Quays houses a large shopping complex more akin to what North American expats are used to. This area is overall rather non-touristed and makes for a quiet residence. Just southeast of Greenwich lies SE3, where the annual London marathon starts in Blackheath on the fringes of Greenwich Park. And going further southeast from there, in SE9 you can find two golf courses, the Royal Blackheath Golf Course and the Eltham Warren Golf Course.
SE19 is probably best known for Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre, an athletic training facility as well as host to major international track and field events. The vicinity is characterized by wide-open green space, and Crystal Palace Park is perfect for family days out; it used to be a Victorian pre-historic theme park and still contains dinosaur sculptures around the Boating Lake along with a children’s farm. And if southwest London’s Clapham is considered “Nappy Valley,” SE22′s East Dulwich is on its heels for claiming the title. You’d be hard-pressed not to see a woman walking down its sidewalks who is either pregnant or pushing a pram—seriously. Young families are flocking to this area in droves these days to take advantage of more affordable housing and a quieter residential life that still has close access to high street and boutique shops, artsy cafés, and restaurants.
If you find this of any use as you prepare for your London move, get psyched for the London Relocation company‘s soon-to-be-arriving new website, which will include a more comprehensive and downloadable guide to London neighborhoods, thanks to the expertise of its London Relocation agents.
Tags: advice on where to live in london, apartments in London, best places to live in london area, best places to live in london for families, best places to live in london for students, east london, london apartment, london expat blog, London lettings agency, london neighborhoods guide, london neighborhoods map, london neighborhoods where to live, london relocation agency, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, map of london neighborhoods, moving to London advice, moving to london where to live, north london neighborhoods, rent london, southeast london, where should I live in london, where to live in London
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Wednesday June 15th, 2011
Living in London – As English as… - Image via Flickr
One of the things most people struggle with when moving to London is adapting to day to day living. When you’re moving to London, you must try to push that concern to one side so that your enthusiasm for the big move isn’t dampened by your anxiety for how it could fail. I think what really helps to ease the transition is discovering something that you like about your new home. It really isn’t that hard (unless you’re determined not to find anything you’ll like).
My personal list of favorite things about living in London probably amount to all the clichés that I’ve discovered are truisms. I mean the kind of things you read about in books or see in movies and then come over here and you discover that it’s just the way you pictured it in your head. Like bangers and mash.
It really does sound like the simplest meal ever, doesn’t it? And it is. It really is. But it’s also very tasty. And when you combine ‘simple cooking’ with ‘very tasty’ you get what is officially the top recipe on The Lazy Person’s List of Cooking. Honestly, it really doesn’t get much better than this. Get some bangers (sausages if you’re new to this English thing), potatoes, baked beans (you could try gravy if you wanted but I did say this was for lazy people) and bread. Fry up the sausages, cook the potatoes and mash them, put the baked beans into a pot, get them hot and toast the bread. Now, arguably speaking, that’s more of a sentence than it is a recipe. But, like I said, it’s very tasty.
And if you’re the lazy sort of person and if it’s been a particularly trying day at the office, you could do far worse than stopping at your local Tesco’s on your way home from work, picking up the necessary ingredients and heading home for some (All together now) Bangers and Mash! It might not be up there on the list of the most wholesome meals you could eat while living in London, but it’s quick, easy and very English.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, Cooking, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england
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Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London, England History, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
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Wednesday June 15th, 2011
Living in London – Tea for Two!- Image via Wikipedia
Immersing yourself in fine English traditions can be a whole lot of fun when you’re living in London. When you’re moving to London one of the first English traditions that you have to experience is ‘Tea and Scones’. If you want to show off that you know a bit, call it a Devonshire Tea instead of just Tea and Scones (Or Cornish Tea). Cream Tea is another common name for this popular practice. Tea and Scones is the kind of thing that’s become so ingrained in the British culture that you could go to any tea room across Britain and be offered a proper English Tea with Scones. It’s also popular outside of Great Britain and you could go as far as South Africa and be able to be served a Cream Tea.
Here then are the best places in London to get a proper Cream Tea:
The Ritz – First of all, we’re talking about one of the oldest and most recognized hotels in the world. The Ritz isn’t so much a hotel as it is an institution. And much the same could be said of their Tea’s, with five sittings a day, from 11:30 to 7:30.
The English Tea Room, Brown’s Hotel – None more English Tea Room than this. This place comes with specially wood-paneled rooms and a pianist offering some music, all for that classic, “olde worlde” feel (they’ve done the same at the Ritz. Pianists really do add to that high tea feel!).
The Mandeville Hotel – This place is as traditional as they come. How traditional? When they serve the tea, it’s brought in blue china cups for the men and pink floral cups for the women. That’s how traditional.
The Savoy – Much like the Ritz, the Savoy is another London hotel that’s pretty much an institution. Again like the Ritz, you’ll have someone tinkling the ivories just to give the setting some ambiance.
And lastly, because I have a major sweet-tooth, go to The Metropolitan. All the other places I’ve mentioned have a fine selection of cakes and sweet treats but when I saw a photograph of the offering at The Metropolitan, that was enough for me to call ahead and make a booking.
Moving to London and acclimatizing to your new home doesn’t have to be that hard, although you will pile on the pounds if you make afternoon tea a daily ritual!
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Scone (bread), Tea, Tea house
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Tuesday June 14th, 2011
Living in London – Smile for the Camera!- Image via Wikipedia
One of my favorite things about living in London is catching the city I live in on the telly. And I don’t just mean EastEnders (though that’s fun too). I mean watching a movie and suddenly seeing a part of the city you visit quite regularly. Like watching ‘Mission Impossible’ and spotting Bankside located nearby to London’s Southwark Bridge. Or an unnervingly empty and desolate Piccadilly Circus in ‘28 Days Later’. It can be loads of fun playing ‘spot-the-location’ while sitting on your couch watching movies or amongst an audience at the cinema. Here are some of my favorite examples of London in the movies.
28 Days Later – Like I said, hugely unnerving. The part where Cillian Murphy runs around the city looking for someone, anyone, and not finding a soul gave me shivers given how I much I take it for granted the huge crowds I see in the city.
Notting Hill – Obvious choice this but, given the millions of people that have been inspired by this film to visit and move to London, it has to come into this list. It really does help to show off the city. For any true Londoner, the last bit with them tearing through city, fighting traffic is both funny and thrilling.
The Bourne Ultimatum – it’s doubtful that anyone has gone sprinting around Waterloo station quite as frantically as Matt Damon does in this film, but for anyone who’s experienced the mad crush of people in one of the busiest train stations in the world, this is fantastically exciting.
Shaun of the Dead – A favourite for film buffs in general and not just Londoners. North Londoners will probably spot Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Finsbury Park in the background.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – two words: Millennium Bridge.
I guess you could say that it’s not exactly a list of top class cinema (more crowd-pleasers, actually), but I think all these films help to show off the swinging city. There must be hundreds of films that could be added to this list, so maybe this blog needs a sequel. And who knows, spend enough time exploring London, and you might spot yourself on the telly if you’re lucky.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, living in London, London, london apartment, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, Muswell Hill, Piccadilly Circus, relocating to London, Southwark Bridge, Travel and Tourism
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'London Literacy' - our poet's corner!, Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Monday June 13th, 2011
Living in London – Ghostly Goings On- Image via Wikipedia
You’re settled into your new London rental; done the tourist sights and now you may be looking for something a little different. As an American living in London, it may interest you to know that the city is almost two thousand years old. Scattered all over the city are many old buildings, many of which date back to the fifteenth century.
No, this isn’t another history lesson. Something far more enticing: ghosts.
London, you see, is as famous for its numerous haunted buildings as it is for being the home of the Royal Family and there are a number of tours for you to take that show off various haunted areas of London.
The Tower of London is a popular visit for ghost-fans, seeing as it was used as a prison and saw its fair share of executions (including beheadings). Henry VI is supposed to be one of the ghosts holding residence there and legend has it that his ghost supposedly appears as the clock nears midnight, walking back and forth till the clock hits twelve.
Another famous tale of the haunted Tower of London tells of Mr. Arthur Crick, a custody guard for the tower. Apparently, he decided to take a rest from his rounds and had just slipped his shoe off and sat down when he heard a voice behind him whispering, “There’s only you and I here.” To which Mr. Crick replied, “Just let me get this bloody shoe on and there only be you.”
Another of the Tower’s famous undead residents is the ghost of Anne Boleyn, former Queen of England and married to Henry VIII. When Henry grew tired of his wife, he ordered her beheaded and her remains were buried within the Tower’s grounds. Anne’s ghost is said to be seen roaming the grounds quite frequently, scaring the living daylights of anyone who crosses her path.
Over at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End, the ghost of the theatre’s former manager, Mr. John Buckstone, who passed away over one hundred years ago, still haunts the theatre, with his voice often being heard in the backstage dressing rooms.
So if you’ve just moved to London and you’ve got the nerve to try it, take up one of London’s Haunted Tours.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Anne Boleyn, canadians moving to london, fun facts about london england, Henry VI of England, Henry VIII of England, Her Majesty's Theatre, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Monarchy of the United Kingdom, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london, Tower of London
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Monday June 13th, 2011
Living in London – The Big Move or The Big Easy?- Image via Wikipedia
Moving to London can be, as with moving to any new city, a daunting task. There’s the excitement that comes with moving to somewhere new, looking ahead to meeting new people, broadening the ol’ horizons. But then there’s also the worry of finding a suitable place to stay, the worry that you’ll struggle to adapt to your new home, having to figure things out so that you can do something as basic as go to the shops to get milk and sugar once you have moved into your new London apartment.
As with anything that comes with this much worry, the very best thing you can do is formulate a plan of attack, preparing in advance for whatever may lay down the road. No doubt, you’ll miss a few things and something might still pop up to spite your careful planning, but it’ll be far better than if you hadn’t planned at all.
I’m not about lay out a plan of attack that will suit your situation, because everyone has their own particular worries and concerns. But I am going to list a general inventory of things that should concern anyone intending on moving to London (or any city for that matter).
Where you’ll be staying – London is divided into dozens of areas. Decide what kind of area you want to stay in and investigate what home would suit your situation best.
Transport – you’ll need to get around, whether by train, tram, bus or your own steam. If you’ve found a home that suits your needs, consider how you’ll be getting to and from wherever you’ll need to go.
Do you have kids? – It’s the kind of thing that can add umpteen complications to an already complicated situation. Kids have needs, school not the least of them. If you’ve found an area that you want to move to, do you know if they have schools that can offer your kids what they need.
That’s just three points, but I think it’s already clear at this stage the kind of planning that needs to be put into moving to London. It all starts with doing as much research as you can…
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving and Relocating, Moving to London, moving to London advice, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, Travel and Tourism
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Saturday June 11th, 2011
Maybe not having an expat package isn't all that bad after all... Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
A few months ago, I wrote a post entitled, “Relocating to London: Negotiating an Expat Package with Your Employer.” I recommend you check that one out if you’re in the process of finding out if you can make a London move happen with your existing employer or if that employer is now offering you the option whether you think you’ll like that transfer or not. Basically, it compares the degree of leverage that you’ll likely have depending on the situation (i.e., a requested transfer versus “forced” one) and what items you can reasonably expect to be covered in an expat package—bearing in mind that, of course, every situation is different.
At any rate, I just got back from hanging out with several American expat couples that I’ve been so privileged to become good friends with since first meeting through London Relocation’s London Living social network for expats moving to London. Three of these couples moved to London with a job transfer that at least initially provided generous expat packages that covered housing. One of them is now on their own after a couple years here, so have just moved to a new family-friendly London neighborhood that is conducive to raising their new baby (due next month—a new London expat is born!), all by their own choice given what they need lifestyle-wise and can afford. Cool. Another couple has been here about a year and told me how they’re still waiting to find out whether they’re moving in seven days or not. Huh?! They, too, are expecting their first child soon, so need to move into a different London apartment that will offer more space and less death-defying stairs. Unfortunately, given their expat arrangement with the employer that transferred them here, they have to work through the third-party business appointed by that employer in securing the new housing. They were given a few options and chose what they liked best, yet they’ve had no communication whatsoever recently whether, in fact, that is where they can live and if they should indeed be packing up all their stuff to move house very, very soon or not. Beyond frustrating!
A third couple, then, has previously related grievances to me about the relocation agency they were forced to work with through the employer that transferred them; they had found London Relocation through their own internet research efforts and really wanted to use us, but their company gave them no choice. Instead, they suffered through viewings of one crap London apartment rental after another, and they weren’t thrilled with other aspects of the service, making them especially wish they could’ve worked with London Relocation’s friendly folks instead. Their expat situation is one that must be revisited year by year, so they never know how long they’re staying in London. Sure, they get their rent paid for and probably then some, but year-by-year they’re at the mercy of what the employer dictates, which impacts how they can make plans for what country they’ll be living in, one, and two, where they can live even if they’re staying in London. It also impacts the accompanying spouse in this situation a great deal, as she’s just started a London-based business that hinges on her actually living in London to carry out its service, so she’s stuck in limbo where promoting that business is concerned as long as she doesn’t know where the next few months will bring them.
This all just made me realize that perhaps I shouldn’t have been as frustrated as I was to be an expat by virtue of a new job in London, not one that transferred us over here. We lamented that we hadn’t had a sweet expat package deal to take care of finding our London flat to rent or covering the cost—but in retrospect now, we’re feeling pretty lucky that we didn’t! Yes, London is an expensive city to live in when you’re paying out of your own pocket, but at least when you do so you’re basically also buying your freedom to dictate for yourself how long you stay, where you live, and whose services you employ to sort that relocation out. You can contract a fabulous destination service provider like London Relocation if you want to have that peace of mind that your ideal London apartment awaits you after only one day of viewings.
Just something to ponder as you’re researching a relocation to London and might be miffed that your employer isn’t offering you an expat package…
Tags: corporate relocation, Cost of Living Allowance, expat packages for an overseas move, international employee transfer, london move for a job, london relocation agency, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, looking for a london apartment, moving allowance, moving overseas for a job, moving to london with a family, moving to london with a job, relocating abroad for work, Relocation (personal), rent london apartments, requesting a job transfer to london, transferring to london for a job
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London Weekend Warriors, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Saturday Moving Tips
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Friday June 10th, 2011
Living in London – Talk like a Proper Londoner- Image via Flickr
Many Americans moving to London are a bit baffled by the change in terms and names for things you’ve grown accustomed to in your homeland. Perfect examples are pavement to sidewalk, chips to fries and petrol to gas. It’s the kind of thing that could more than likely save you some confusion in day to day life here in London city. Asking for jelly on your sandwich may very result in you getting a large blob of wobbliness quivering between two slices of bread. Ask for jam instead.
Also, don’t worry that you’re being slightly un-PC should you ask for a dummy; that’s what they call a pacifier in these parts. Likewise, asking for a banger won’t result in a large man walking up to your table pounding his fist into his palm threateningly. Bangers are to England as sausages are to America. It’s one half of that famous national dish, bangers and mash (that’s Mashed Potatoes)
Heading to the Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge to take in a match? Then whatever you do, don’t call it soccer. It might make you grate your teeth if you’re a devoted NFL fan, but in England, twenty two guys gathered on a field to kick a ball around is officially known as Football. Calling it soccer could risk some rude comments from the ‘footie’ fans.
To become a true Londoner, try using the more particularly English terms, the slang if you will. If anything, learn these terms largely because of the pleasure you’ll take when you see the surprise on your English friends’ faces when they hear you throwing around the local slang.
Here then, for your edification:
It’s not a telephone, it’s called the blower.
Underwear? “Alan Whickers”, Cockney rhyming slang for knickers. Often shortened to Alans. As in, “Keep your Alan’s on!”, the English equivalent of “Don’t lose your shorts.”
Another bit of Cockney rhyming slang is Ayrton. As in Ayrton Senna. He was a world famous Formula 1 racing driver. It rhymes with tenna for Ten pounds.
Bollocks, which essentially applies to anything which can be called rubbish, drivel or nonsense. Used effectively and in the proper situation this should go some way to showing off the burgeoning Anglophile that you are. Not to be confused with ‘dogs bollocks’ though which applies to anything cool and inarguably awesome!
There you have it. There’s lots more than that, but living in London and spending enough time with the locals, you’ll be throwing around London talk with the best of them in no time.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, things to know about london
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Thursday June 9th, 2011
Living in London – Education: It All Comes Out In the Wash!- Image via Wikipedia
If you are an American moving to London and your family is going to be joining you on your adventure then part of your planning is going to be education. Your choice of education for your children will affect which neighborhood of London you choose to live in. The schooling system in England and London especially is divided into districts. You are not allowed to attend a school in another zone or area if you do not live in that area. Notable exceptions are the public schools. (Remember that private schools are known as public schools in England!)
It you have teens that are nearing college age, and are planning on going to college in the States or Canada, then you may find it more beneficial to place your child at a private school that follows a standardized American curriculum. If you have younger children though, then they will benefit from being in an English school where they can meet other children and form friendships within their peer groups.
While there are a number of differences between the system of education in England and America, you’ll find that the similarities are more marked. It said that the English system offers a wider view on the world, and certainly the curriculum is not as narrow as many found in America. There is also a greater degree of specialization when children move into the higher grades at high school.
For the last two years before university a scholar will focus on three main areas of study – A-Levels and will be expected to show a high level of competency in each subject in order to pass. That said, it is also true that the system of education may be more geared towards life skills in Americans schools. Drivers-Ed classes are not taught in English schools!
English schools also tend to use external examinations far more often to achieve the standard of education need to pass a particular grade. In Year 9, this is Grade 8 if you follow the American schooling system, there is a formal examination that is marked externally to ensure that standards are being met across the country.
If you’re moving to London with your family, you’re about to embark on a huge adventure and giving your children the chance to experience a different type of education is possibly the best global experience you can give them.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, Education, Education in England, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London England, Private school, relocating to London, State school
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Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues
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Monday June 6th, 2011
Living in London - Summer in the City- Image via Wikipedia
Heading straight into June and with the glorious days of July, August and September ahead, we find ourselves with Summer in London upon us. As an American moving to London, you may very well find yourself comfortably sitting with the illusion that London (and England as a whole) is a drab and colorless city, with summers as cold as many cities’ winters. If so, you’re in for quite a surprise once London’s summer swings around.
If you’re living in London in the summer, you’ll often see days climbing to 25 °C (77 °F) on the thermometer and sometimes even as high as 30 °C (86 °F). For the neophyte, it’s the kind of weather that means seeing London and its environs in a manner befitting seeing any new city – on your feet and at a leisurely pace. Start off with a visit to the London Eye on a clear day. As well as giving you an eye popping view of the city and its surrounds, taking a ride on this popular tourist attraction will give you a bird’s eye view of the city. It could show you places you have yet to visit and help you sort out your ‘explore London’ itinerary.
As for drab, grey and colourless, banish these images from your mind. Places like Regents Park, Notting Hill and the open space of Trafalgar Square really do help to show off the colour and vitality that London has to offer. And nothing will help to clear the stereotype of a grey and dreary London from your mind quite like the Chelsea Flower Show, the unofficial kick-off to London’s summer.
London is a city that revels in its summer, with the season being a veritable riot of things to do and see. From music concerts to public entertainment to sports events, none are more exciting than the highlight of summer in June, The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship, which will see the world’s top tennis players gather in London to face off for that tournament’s prestigious trophy. As an American moving to London, it’s an event which should go straight into your diary.
A drab and colourless London? Perish the thought.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, Chelsea Flower Show, England, living in London, London, london apartment, London Eye, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, moving to London England, Notting Hill, Regent's Park, relocating to London, things to know about london, Trafalgar Square
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Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture
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Thursday May 26th, 2011
Living In London – Which Side Are You On?- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re going to be moving to London, you’re first choice is going to be where you find your perfect London rental. Choosing whether you’re a Northerner or from Sarf London is the first step.
Southern Splendour
Sarf London, as it is known to the locals, is a wonderful place to live. Not traditionally the haunt of Americans moving to London, the high prices of accommodation have had many expats looking further afield for a home while they are living in London. The biggest drawback to living in south London has to be the transport system. Despite massive improvements during the last year, there are still fewer tube stations than north London. You’ll have to familiarize yourself with the bus routes and overground train system if you are going to be living in South London.
People often make the assumption that South London is somewhat shabbier and poorer that the North. This could not be further from the truth. Neighborhood’s like Wimbledon and Clapham have become premium addresses in South London. You’ll still have to hunt around, if you’re on a budget, but South London has some real potential and opportunity, especially if you’re going to be buying a home.
South London has some of the biggest parks and open spaces, and while they are not as popular as the central London Royal Parks, areas like Clapham Common are huge and within walking distance of many suburbs in South London. South London is also the prefect launching point for travel into England. You don’t have to battle the traffic to get out of London when you’re south of the river. You’re less than an hour away from the countryside and the seaside when you live in South London and travel by car is a definite possibility when you choose South London as a home while you are living in London.
It’s all about what your needs are when you are moving to London. Do you have a family? Will you need schools? South London has a more community oriented atmosphere and some of the best schools and family amenities. Just remember that wherever you choose to live in London, the entire city is your playground. Now get out and enjoy it!
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Wednesday May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations - Image via Flickr
If you’re moving to London during the summer, you’ll be in for a treat. There is so much to do and see during the summer in London, and the weather means you’ll be able to get out and really explore the city before settling in for the long winter.
London during the summer can be a bit of a hot box, so if you can, try to avoid the tube on hot days. Rather take a bus or overground rail journey to get to where you need to be. Always carry a bottle of water with you when you travel, and if you feel unwell you can ask for assistance at any time. You may find that your apartment is actually hot and possibly a bit stifling during the summer months. That double glazing on the windows will be great come winter, but if you may want to consider investing in a fan for those hot, sweaty summer nights.
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible outside. Many pubs and restaurants open up Beer Gardens during the summer. Long lazy afternoons by the river while sipping your cocktail become the way to spend your Saturdays. Look out for al-fresco dining and riverside cafes and bars if you want to spend time enjoying your meal outdoors.
London is a tourist haven during the summer months, and while you can’t really consider yourself a tourist if you’re living in London, you can fit as many tourist attractions into your schedule as possible. Take advantage of the London Pass and other discount schemes available for the major tourist sites. Explore your new home like a tourist, safe in the knowledge that you can go back home at the end of the day, Revel in everything that London has to offer during the summer. Winter is long, cold and harsh and you’ll dream of summer days while you shiver through the winter months.
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Wednesday May 25th, 2011
Living In London – Three (More) Reasons Why Living In London is Great! - Image via Wikipedia
London is at the center of everything that it important in England and Europe today. For work or play, London remains one of the premier cities in the world.
- Working in London: If you get the chance to work in London, you’ll be exposed to a different work culture and a slightly different way of doing business. If you’re an American moving to London you’ll be able to gain international experience and be able to do business with people from all over the world. Working in London is like being part of the world’s biggest business network. With so many foreigners living and working in London you’re going to develop friends and business relationships that will last forever.
- Transport: You don’t need to own or drive a car when because the public transport system in London is one of the best in the world. Even when it goes wrong, it is still great! If you want to get out of the city and explore the rest of the country then you can rent a car for the day or for a holiday. Remember that while you may be in London, you are an hour away from the rest of Europe. Fancy a jaunt to Paris for the weekend? Chill out in Amsterdam for a while? Anything is possible when you are living in London.
- Celebration Central: Londoners love to party and the city of London has hundreds of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Even if you just go for a look, it’s always nice to see London turn out to play and celebrate their heritage and history, as well as a great party.
If you’re moving to London, you’ll be moving to the one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Get ready for the adventure today!
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Monday May 23rd, 2011
Checking and updating your Oyster card balance after a London move - Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
Welcome to the next installment of my “Idiot’s Guide to the Oyster Card,” which I started last Friday to help you out if you’re moving to London and don’t want to look like a tourist trying to navigate the city. Last week I discussed how to buy your Oyster card and use it at the tube station gates; today, I’ll explain how to add to your Oyster card balance, as well as where else you’ll be able to use it.
If the tube station gates don’t show you your balance on entry and/or exit, you can simply tap it on the same type of round, yellow Oyster pad found on the kiosks that line the walls of every tube station to view it. You can also use these kiosks to add money as necessary to your Oyster balance. The touch-screen will show you your options, but the typical transaction entails this:
1. Tap your Oyster against the yellow pad for a second or two until you see the touch-screen register your Oyster balance.
2. Select the onscreen button for top up/pay as you go. (“Topping Up” is the oft-used phrase for adding to your account balances, Oyster or otherwise)
3. On the next screen, select the button representing the GBP pound amount you want to add (displayed in 5 or 10 pound increments). Or, you can select the button “Another Amount” and drop the applicable amount of change into the machine or charge to your debit or credit card.
4. If charging to your debit or credit card, just insert it into the reader to the right and use the keypad to enter your PIN if applicable.
5. Regardless of whether you pay with cash or card, you’ll be asked to then tap your Oyster card against the yellow pad to officially add the additional amount to it and thereby complete your transaction.
When using one of these kiosks, bear in mind that not all of them accept cash. The narrower ones are usually debit/credit card only, and the ones accepting paper and/or coins are at least twice as wide. You’ll also see a digital screen above each one specifying which form(s) of payment are accepted.
You can use the Oyster card on London buses as well. When you step aboard, you’ll see the same yellow Oyster pad under the bus driver’s window. Tap it (remember to hold it there, though, until you hear the beep) and look to the little digital screen to the left to see your remaining balance. In the case of the bus, then, you pay one flat rate from the start, so do not need to tap again when you exit the vehicle.
You might also need to seek out the yellow Oyster pad on some Overground train platforms in the event you take the tube to a station that services both Under- and Overground trains and you need to transfer between the two. In the case where you’ll be going from the tube train directly to the ground-level platform rather than exiting the station altogether, you won’t be able to tap your Oyster on the exit gates to register your destination (which thereby determines your deducted balance). Rather, you’ll have to tap it on the pad found on the train platform aboveground to ensure the proper amount is deducted from your card given the distance you’ve traveled. If you forget to do this, your Oyster will automatically be deducted the maximum fare (4 pounds, last I was aware).
Okay then, now you’ve got your ticket to ride, so bon voyage on all the intercity travels to follow your
London move.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, london relocation agent, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, Oyster card, Public transport, relocating to London, relocating to london england, relocation agents, rent london apartments, things to know about london, Travelcard, tube map
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Friday May 20th, 2011
The city is your Oyster after a London move - Image by Mirka23 via Flickr
Author: Colleen
Moving to London is only part of the journey; getting yourself around in the city is the next stage of your adventure. We’ve blogged about the Oyster card (what it is and what it does) before, but today I’d like to offer a step-by-step tutorial of how to use it. I’ve hosted enough visitors to see their confusion in first using this handy little item and continually have to walk them through it (at least the first couple of times). It will be no different for you when you first relocate to London and need to use it on a daily basis. So here’s how to not look like a tourist from the get-go:
First of all, you can purchase your Oyster card at the ticket window of any tube station or order it online at the Transport for London website. Keep it in the little plastic carrier they might provide you (souvenir shops sometimes sell cute versions of them, too) or stick it in an exterior pocket of your wallet. However you carry it, make sure to have that sucker in your hand and ready in advance of approaching the gates—nothing is more annoying than nearly running into someone who abruptly stops right in front of the gate to fish out their card or ticket; this is usually the sign of a tourist or a particularly dense and/or inconsiderate person. I’m serious. Don’t be the one who interrupts the flow of commuting traffic. Please.
You’ll have to put money on your Oyster card initially on purchase, so when you first use it at a tube station, approach the gates to the trains and look for the glaringly obvious round, yellow pads with an Oyster symbol. Simply lay your Oyster card against this yellow pad—don’t tap it quickly, as it might not register that way, but hold it there only long enough to hear the gate beep and open the doors for you. It usually only takes a second or two. If you have luggage, look for the special double-wide gates for just such purpose (usually to the far left or right of the regular ones).
You’ll also want to pay attention to the little illuminated sign sticking up at the right-hand side of the gate. First of all, it will either have a green arrow (pointed left toward the gate doors) or a red X lit up on it. The green arrow is your signal that you can pass through the gate on that side. The red X means that only those approaching the gate from the opposite direction can go through it. It’s a simple means of traffic control, so pay attention so you don’t frustrate people by trying to enter through the wrong gate. Also on these signs, some (not all) of the time you’ll see a white number at the bottom (denominated in pounds) after you’ve tapped your Oyster card and as the gate opens for you; this figure is the remaining balance on your Oyster.
Now as far as that Oyster account balance goes, if the gate indeed shows it on its black sign to the right of the doors, the figure displayed on entering a tube station is going to be what you’re first coming in with—it will not reflect the fare deducted for that trip, simply because it doesn’t yet know where you’re going! The city is divided into multiple zones that form concentric circles around the greater London area as a means of gauging distance of travel. For example, it will cost you less to travel within a zone than between zones because the former distance is shorter than the latter. So, your travel fare won’t be deducted until you tap your Oyster card for the second time upon exiting the gates of your destination station.
Stay tuned for the next installment of my “Idiot’s Guide to the Oyster Card” on Monday (after our usual Weekend Warrior series!) in which I explain how to update the balance of your Oyster card, as well as where else you can apply it.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, london relocation agent, London Relocation Services, London relocation specialist, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, Oyster card, Public transport, relocating to London, relocating to london england, relocation agents, rent london apartments, things to know about london, Travelcard, tube map
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