Posts Tagged ‘move to London’
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
Posted in Americans Moving to London, Living in London, London Language Barriers, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Sunday, June 5th, 2011
Living In London – People and Personalities- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re living in London you’ll see that much of the history has been made by the people and personalities who have lived in the city. The East End of London has developed a reputation and a history for being one of the more salubrious suburbs. Much of that reputation has to do with the colorful characters that lived in the East End.
The area’s reputation and history have been influenced by the media. When you see films about the life of Jack the Ripper, he is always luring innocent women to their deaths down fog filled alleyways and dirty London streets. Never mind that ALL of London was dirty and fog filled during this time; the East End is portrayed to be the dirtiest, and foggiest of all…perfect for murder and mayhem.
Jack the Ripper
Ghostly goings on and laudanum filled London are the backdrop for one of the world’s most famous characters. The story of Jack the Ripper is one of the greatest unsolved crimes in history, or was it solved and covered up? Who knows…?
Jack the Ripper was the name given to a serial killer who used to stalk the streets of the east End of London and in particular, the Whitechapel neighborhood. The brutal murders started in 1888 and continued until 1891. Eleven bodies of prostitutes were found during this time and the police investigation was named the Whitechapel Murders. The police docket gives a fascinating insight into the methods of investigation used by Scotland Yard during the Victorian era. Although the Ripper was never caught, the police left no stone unturned in the hunt for this vicious killer.
Who was the Ripper?
The investigation of the murders led to the first criminal profile being developed by a police surgeon Thomas Bond who provided officers with a detailed profile based on his investigation of the crime scene and the bodies. The earliest CSI perhaps?
It was established beyond a doubt that the murders were committed by the same hand. Despite the rumor that the Ripper was in fact a doctor or had extensive medical knowledge, Bond stated that his opinion was that he did not. The man was said to be solitary and given over to episodes of homicidal and erotic mania. Many of the victims were killed on weekends, which gives rise to the theory that the Ripper was employed and lived in the area. Or was he an aristocrat who was slumming it in the east End to get his kicks? Or was he in fact a surgeon? Or a member of the Royal family as has been suggested?
The suspect list is still open and to this day there are still over 100 people on the list, including some rather famous people. The identity of the Ripper will never be known, but with hundreds of films, books and television series devoted to the man and his crime, he is one of the most infamous Britons ever.
Madame Tussauds, the famous waxwork museum does not have a figure of Jack the Ripper in their Chamber of Horrors because they can only work from a human likeness. He is portrayed in the museum as a shadow, and indeed this shadowy specter has done much to influence and affect the history of the East End of London
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, move to London, Moving to London, relocating to London, things to know about london
Posted in Living in London, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
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.
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Buckingham Palace, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Hampton Court Palace, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Pass, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, Tourism, Travel and Tourism, Travel Guides
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Transportation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations Part II- Image via Wikipedia
You’re moving to London in the summer! It’s the best time of year to get settled into your new London apartment and to explore your new home town. London puts on a spectacular show in summer and you’ll have a chance to discover the excitement and splendor of British culture and ceremony while making your way through the city.
The Jewels of June
After you’ve unpacked and moved into your new London rental, you need to get out and experience some of the summer events that London is famous for.
The Trooping of the Colour
One of the most important military parades and a favorite of tourists and local Londoners alike, the Trooping of the Colour forms part of the Queen’s Birthday celebrations. Although the Queen was born on the 21st of April, it is a tradition to hold her official birthday during the summer days of June. The parade is watched by the Royal family and the public along the route. In 2011 the Trooping of the Colour will be held on the 11th of June.
The procession will be able to be seen along the Mall and the event starts at about 10 am. People start queuing from much earlier in the day though and if you want to see the procession and the Queen, then you’ll have to get up early to get a good view point.
If you have just moved to London, the Trooping of Colour is one of the most spectacular examples of British pomp and circumstance. This is one of the highlights of the summer months in the capital and even if you don’t get out watching the event in person, it will be extensively covered on the BBC.
The ceremony and the parade have been a part of British history since the early 1700’s and it is a symbol of the monarchy, a celebration of military history, and a summer splash like no other. Over 1300 officers and ranks take part in the parade with over 200 horses and nearly 500 musicians from the ten military bands and drummers.
Living in London will give you so much to see, experience and explore. Summer is a great time to start!
Tags: Americans moving to London, Birthday, Buckingham Palace, England, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, queen's official birthday, relocating to London, things to know about london, Trooping the Colour, Westminster Abbey
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation Guest Bloggers, London, England History, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Living In London – Summer Sensations Part I- Image via Flickr
If you’re an American moving to London then you’ve chosen the best time of year to make your pond hop. There is nothing quite like an English summer, and while you will find that London is packed with tourists from all over the world, it is also the time of year when you will be enthralled and entranced by the pomp and ceremony of all that is British. When you’re living in London during the summer, the city comes to life and as a new Londoner; you’ll be able to do all the tourist activities when you arrive in the city and before you settle into your new London rental.
May Days
One of the highlights of the spring and summer events that take place each year, the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, also known as the Great Spring Show is one of the biggest gardening and design expo shows in England. Held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Kensington, the show is held from the 24th to the 28th of May 2011. It is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day of the show.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the most famous show in the country and has been named the most popular and famous gardening event in the world. The Chelsea Flower Show is considered by some as the start of the London social season, so if you’ve just started living in London, and want to get onto the social swirl then the Chelsea Flower Show is the place to start.
The capacity of the show is governed by the limited space, and for this year you’ll probably only be able to purchase cancellation tickets to the week long event. The show does not just highlight flower and plants. It is a riot of the latest garden design and landscaping talent from the world over.
If you are interested in gardening and garden design as well as nature in all its forms then you should have a look at some of the gardening shows held in and around London. The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is renowned for the Festival of Roses and this year in particular there is a new exhibit called The RHS Edible Garden, which will tell you everything you want to know about growing your veggies and fruit. The Hampton Court Show is the largest in the world, and is on from 5 – 10 July 2011.
It’s a perfect day out in the middle of summer while you’re getting settled in to living in London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london uk, Chelsea Flower Show, fun facts about london england, Garden, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, home and garden, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, Royal Horticultural Society
Posted in Living in London, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
Living In London – Olympic Glory- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re going to be living in London during 2012 then you’ll have to be prepared for one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The Olympic Games are being held in London and now is the time to start planning. Some people are moving right out of their London apartments and heading to the country for the duration of the games. You may want to consider renting out your London apartment for the duration of the Games, so you can make a little extra cash during the summer.
If you’re keen of seeing some of the Games, but don’t have the cash to splash on tickets to the events being held in London, you’ll be able to take advantage of the live sites that will offer massive television screenings of the important events. There will be sites in Hyde Park, Potters Fields, Victoria Park and Jubilee Gardens. If you want to get tickets, you’re a little late because the application for tickets has closed, but you may be able to pick up a ticket for certain events, during the further ticket sales that will be available during winter 2011. You will however only be able to pay with a Visa banking product.
If you want to get even more out of the whole experience of the games, you might want to consider becoming a VOLUNTEER during the games. You can get more information on the volunteering process by using the Games Maker website to apply for a position. The process of becoming a volunteer for the Olympic Games is quite strenuous. You’ll have to be available from the beginning of spring 2012 right through until the end of the Games. Your biggest time commitment will be during the Games themselves and you’ll have to commit to working a certain amount of shifts, depending on what team you have been placed into.
You’ll become a part of one of the world’s greatest events, and have the opportunity to be an ambassador for your city. You’re living in London now, and as the Olympic Games draw closer, you will find that you’re caught up in the frenzy, the excitement and the patriotic effort along with the rest of London.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, England, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, relocating to London, Sport, things to know about london
Posted in Living in London, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Living In London – Make Like A Tourist!- Image via Wikipedia
You’re in a unique position; living in London. You get the chance to spend time visiting some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions and at the end of the day you get to go back to your cozy London apartment and know that you can do it all again tomorrow without having to catch a plane home again.
If you have just arrived in London then take the opportunity to explore the city and get to know your new home. If you looking for a tour with a touch of class then the Harrods Vintage Bus Tour is the perfect way to see the major sights in London and end you afternoon with a classic English High tea at one of the world’s most famous and elegant department stores: Harrods in Knightsbridge.
The Harrods Vintage Bus Tour is run a number of times per day and offers one of the most fascinating views of London from aboard the vintage bus branded in the distinctive green of the Harrods store. The tours starts at the iconic store in Knightsbridge and makes its way past Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, which is where Price William recently married Catherine Middleton in true English pomp and ceremony.
With a photo opportunity at the London Eye and a view of the Houses or Parliament across the River Thames, you will continue the bus tour past Number 10 Downing Street, which is the home of the prime Minister of England lives; trundle through Trafalgar Square, along Pall mall and through Piccadilly and the famous Ritz Hotel. The tour ends back at the Harrods store where you can have a light luncheon in one of the restaurants in the store or a classic and traditional English High Tea in the afternoon, which will include the ubiquitous Cucumber sandwiches!
In fact, the only thing you can do after taking tea, (one does not ‘have’ tea at Harrods, one ‘takes’ tea!) is to get some exercise by exploring the massive department store. Be aware that Harrods does have a strict dress code and shorts and sandals as well as sloganed t-shirts are not allowed.
Take time to make like a tourist when you are moving to London, once you’re into the hustle and bustle of living in London you might not get another chance.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Buckingham Palace, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, flats to let in london, fun facts about london england, Harrods, learning about london england, living in London, London, London Eye, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, relocating to London, Ritz Hotel, River Thames, things to know about london, tips on living in london, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey
Posted in Living in London, London Apartments: What to Expect in a London Flat, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, May 16th, 2011
Living In London – Heading Out Of Town- Image via Wikipedia
Living in London will give you loads of opportunities to explore the rest of England as well as your new city. If you’re looking for some interesting day-trips out of the city as a part of your immersion into English life and culture then you should take a trip to Stonehenge and the nearby city of Salisbury which has a magnificent cathedral that is well worth a visit.
If you want to get out of your London apartment for the day and head out of town, then you can hire a car or use public transport to reach the historic site of Stonehenge. It is only about 90 miles west of the city and you can be there in a couple of hours. The easiest way though is to book a guided tour of Stonehenge which will include your transport from London. It is not any more expensive that hiring a car or using public transport and you get the added advantage of being with a tour guide who really knows about the place.
Stonehenge is the site of myth and legend; no one knows for sure, how it was built, why it was built or even when it was built. If you’re taking a daytrip to Stonehenge while you living in London, you’d better do some research before you go! Stonehenge was not built at once. It is thought to have been constructed over decades by a Neolithic people nearly 5000 years ago. Dating the ‘stones’ though changes with each new report and analysis put forward. Everyone agrees on the fact that it is old!
The arrangement of the stones has a lot to do with the mystery and legend of the place. The summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge attract thousands of people to watch the sunrise over the ‘heel’ stone at the north-east point of the arrangement. Stonehenge plays further into the correlation between the sun and moon by having stone sets that match up with the number of days between the cycles of the full moon.
Stonehenge is not the only example of this type of structure and there are over 1000 ‘henges’ scattered across the British Isles. Seeing Stonehenge though, while you are living in London is an awe inspiring look at engineering and history as well as the myth and legend of the place.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Archaeology, British Isles, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, fun facts about london england, learning about london england, 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 England, moving to london from america, Moving to London from US, Neolithic, relocating to London, relocating to london england, rent london, Social Sciences, Stonehenge
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Living In London – London Neighborhoods – North London- Image via Wikipedia
We’re up to north again and this area is the choice of many Americans moving to London. North London is a massive area with dozens of postcodes and suburbs. Mostly residential, many people who work in the city have chosen to live in North London for schools, amenities and the feeling of being slightly out of the city, even if you’re right in the thick of things.
North London – Hampstead
Hampstead is one of the greenest suburbs in London. It is also a suburb that has a village atmosphere and quaint shops and streets surrounding the magnificent green area of Hampstead Heath. This atmosphere comes at a price though. A London flat in this neighborhood can cost you anywhere from £1000 -£ 4000 per week. Houses are even more expensive.
Council Information: Hampstead falls under the Council Borough of Camden with annual taxes ranging from £900 – £2700.
Transport: Hampstead Station falls under Transport Zone 2 and is located on the Northern Line of the London Underground. The Hampstead Heath Station serves the overland trains and there are several buses from Hampstead into London, including the N5 night bus right to Trafalgar Square.
Shopping: Hampstead offers a number of excellent grocery stores that offer home delivery like Tesco Express and Waitrose but the real treat of living in Hampstead are the smaller shops that line the streets of this residential neighborhood. Specialty grocery stores and health shops, as well as boutiques and excellent restaurants can be found in this area. Hampstead is one of the suburbs in London where being seen out and about is more about celeb spotting than anything else!
Doctors: there are a number of excellent local GP’s in the area as well as the Royal Free Hospital which has an A&E as well as being an excellent maternity hospital. If you’re looking for a pharmacy in the area then you can find Boots on Hampstead high Street which is one of the biggest chains of pharmacies in the country.
Other Amenities: There are a number of excellent schools in the area from kindergartens to post graduate colleges. The borough of Camden has a large number of independent schools and international schools.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, Hampstead, Hampstead Heath, living in London, London, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, north london, Northern Line, packing to move to London, relocating to London, Royal Free Hospital, tips on living in london, Trafalgar Square, Waitrose
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Shopping in London Places | No Comments »
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
Living In London – NHS Direct – Health Advice Online- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
If you’re moving to London, you’ll want to know all about the city. You’ll want to know where to find a great London apartment, where the best shops are, and how to master the transport system while living in London. There are other smaller details that are also important when you’re going to be living in London for any length of time. One of the most important aspects on living in a foreign country is where to get medical help when you need it.
When you’re moving to London, one of the first things you’ll need to do is register with a local General Practioner in your area. This will help you get treatment at hospitals and book appointments for specialist consultants if you need to. Sometimes though, you might feel a little under the weather and not really sick enough to visit a local doctor. The National Health Service has provided an online and telephonic advice line where you can go for all sorts of medical and general health advice. It’s is open 24 hours a day and you can use the service to get information about your symptoms or to find doctors, dentists and specialists in your area. When you need to dash out for a pain killer at 3am, you can find out the location of the nearest 24 hour chemist in your neighborhood.
The NHS Direct website is an important resource for health care across England and very useful if you’re starting life after moving to London. You can use the site for advice on something as simple as an allergy query or how to find after-hours doctors across London. You can check your symptoms online or by phoning one of the friendly and well trained operators on the hotline number: 0845 4647.
The site also has a list of hospitals and Accident & Emergency (ER) centers for your convenience. No one wants to be stuck living in London with the sniffles or a headache, and you can use the site for all of your healthcare queries and excellent advice.
Tags: Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, National Health Service, NHS Direct, Notting Hill, relocating to London, things to know about london, tips on living in london, Travel and Tourism
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Author: Colleen
After moving to London from the US, I thought living in London would be excitement enough. At the time (in 2008), I didn’t expect that we’d still be living here for the London 2012 Olympics—now we realize that we will—and I certainly wasn’t considering the possibility of perhaps one of the grandest occasions that England can pull out of its historic repertoire of tradition. For today’s A to Z Blogging Challenge entry:
“W” is for WILLIAM’S WESTMINSTER WEDDING!
I’m finally sucking it up and writing about it. Why the seeming reluctance? Only because I know if you live in the United States, you’ve been choking on Royal Wedding coverage for months now already. The excitement has only really first caught on here in England, it seems, in the most recent weeks. I’m finally noticing special Royal Wedding shows on now, watching them, and able to enjoy them because it hasn’t been forced down my throat like a duck being prepped for foie gras.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s a huge deal here, but the Brits are taking it remarkably in stride, in my opinion. And why not? This is steeped in their history. These are people who are able to walk by their authentic Tudor buildings, thatched roofs, and castles without batting an eyelash while we American expats still ogle such sites with awe. The BBC news has actually been reporting on US reporting, in fact, having a good giggle at how over-done the coverage has been across the pond, but I like to think that beneath that obligatory patronization, they’re genuinely flattered that their former colonies that once spurned the British monarchy are now dazzled by it, romanticizing royalty to fairytale proportions because we have no equivalent. Washington DC is about as sexy as Parliament…government is government, so we’re at a draw there, but Royalty…we can’t match that, no matter how much Hollywood celebrities think they do. What one might not fully realize until traveling or relocating to London is that the monarchy here is a tremendous symbol: it’s tradition, culture, pomp and ceremony. It’s a continuity that bridges this nation so closely to its past and renders Kings and Queens something more tangible and now rather than merely relegating them to history books and bedtime stories. If there’s one thing Britain is, it’s proud of its history and tradition, and when you live in London even as an expat, you won’t help but feel the same.
So this all being said, American expats who have or are just moving to London as of this week are caught up in the thrill of being part of this momentous occasion (unless, of course, they’re being smart and taking advantage of the 11-day vacation that can be scored by taking a mere 3 days off work this week thanks to 2 consecutive 4-day bank holidays…). It’s one thing to tour palaces and cathedrals to gawk at their opulence as preserved artifacts and quite another to behold them as working institutions that are hosting something as grand as a modern-day Prince marrying his beloved Princess. I think it goes without saying that the public is very fond of Prince William and Kate because of their modernity and down-to-earth quality that doesn’t seem to seek out the limelight. We shall see what happens…how successfully they’re able to maintain a real if not entirely “normal” marriage and family given their status of life in the fishbowl.
Moving to London and seeing the Royal Wedding coverage from the other side of the lens.
I thought about this today as I took a stroll through St. James’s Park to Westminster, reveling in the luxury of anonymity that Kate, once an average schmo like the rest of us, will never be able to do again. At any rate, I stepped out today to see the media frenzy itself, the other side of the camera lens, and excitedly caught glimpse of Barbara Walters, as well as Nancy O’Dell from Entertainment Tonight. As the photo here shows, the media are camped out right in front of Buckingham Palace talking about God-knows-what to fill the time until THE Wedding Day. Friday. 29 April 2011. What will you be doing?
We’re as yet undecided whether we’ll duke it out with the crowds on-site at Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, just hang at a local venue televising the event, or a combination of the two. I’d originally intended to list out the options for viewing the Royal Wedding in London in this post, but who am I kidding—I’d just be directly copying out of Time Out London anyway, so why not just give you the link to scope out for yourself: Royal Wedding Events (www.timeout.com/london/feature/965/royal-wedding-events-in-london)
However you celebrate William and Kate’s royal wedding, whether here in London or internationally, make sure you celebrate indeed, as it’s an event uniting the world that will both honor tradition and usher in modernity. Speaking as one American expat that’s made the London relocation, it’s fascinating to be here as English tradition reinvents itself time and again.
Tags: Americans moving to London, british monarchy, Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, Monarchy of the United Kingdom, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, prince william and kate middleton, Prince William of Wales, relocating to London, Royal Wedding, Westminster Abbey, william and kate
Posted in London, England History, Moving to London: London Sightseeing | 8 Comments »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Living In London – Bowl Me Over!- Image via Flickr
No we’re not talking about cricket; we’re talking about bowling with skittles. This is a popular sport in England, and if you’re starting to feel pangs of homesickness for some all-American entertainment then you’ll be in for a blast when you spend and evening at the All Star Lanes which is found at the Whiteleys Shopping Centre in Bayswater, London. When you’re living in London and you want to get out of your new London rental and enjoy sport without getting wet, chilled to the bone, or dirty, then American style bowling can’t be beaten.
The All Star Lanes offer a complete experience and you can do more than just bowling. The entire experience is themed as an old style American bowling alley, and they host themed events and parties throughout the year. There is a diner attached to the alley and it’s as American as can be, with real catsup to boot! You can book a meal or even a private party through the venue and hold a karaoke evening as part of the fun. One of the great special offers is the Eat Drink Bowl evening where you get a two course meal, and fabulous cocktail and a game of bowling for £26 per person.
You’d be surprised at the amount of hidden treasures that London has on offer to guarantee you a good time when you’re here. You don’t have to spend every day traipsing round the historical monuments when you have centers like Whiteleys and the All Star Lanes to give you a unique and entertaining experience while you are living in London. The most important part of living in London is to get out of your new London rental and explore you neighborhood. Each suburb has multi-cultural gems within the leafy lanes and cobbled streets. If you’re living in Bayswater you’ll find a wealth of things to do and places to visit without leaving the suburb or hopping onto a train.
Tags: All Star Lanes, Americans moving to London, Bayswater, Bowling, England, Jason Statham, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London England, relocating to London, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Posted in Living in London, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Tips & Culture | No Comments »
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – North London Part II- Image via Wikipedia
Discovering London before you start living in London takes a little work but it’ll be worth the effort when you’re choosing your new London rental. If you’re moving to London you’ll want to know as much as you can about the different areas and their amenities before you splash your cash on something unsuitable for your needs.
North London – Camden
Camden is the home of the trendy, upwardly mobile, and young professionals and you can expect to pay anywhere from £1200 per week for single studio London flat to £6,000 per week for a four bedroom apartment in this area. Very close to central London though which makes for an easy commute into work this is one of the most vibrant suburbs in London.
Council Information: Camden falls under the Council Borough of Camden and annual taxes range from £1000 – £ 3000.
Transport: Camden Town Tube Station is located on the Northern Line of the London Underground and you can be in central London in under ten minutes. You can also travel to Richmond and Kew in less than an hour if you fancy a day trip out to Hampton Court Palace to enjoy the summer gardens. If you’re travelling by bus the C2 bus to Oxford Circus will get you right into the shopping district of London and if you’re out for the evening the night bus N253 will get you home in the early hours of the morning!
Shopping: Sainsburys, Tesco and M&S all offer large stores with all of the groceries that you need. Check out your local supermarket to see if they deliver in this area.
Doctors: The Ampthill GP Practice and the Camden Road Practice both provide excellent NHS surgeries for the resident of this suburb.
Other Amenities: Camden is a diverse and vibrant place and though it might look a little rough around the edges it is great place to live if you like to get out and explore London. The Camden Lock Market and the Stables Market are fabulous if you like original food, art, music and the more alternative side of London life. If you’re in Camden in the first week of May there is a live music festival that’ll have you out on the streets enjoying everything from African fusion to punk rock. Camden knows how to rock!
Tags: americans moving to london uk, Camden Road railway station, Camden Town Tube Station, England, Hampton Court Palace, living in London, London, london apartments, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London Relocation Services, move to London, moving to London advice, moving to London England, moving to london england from canada, moving to london from america, Northern Line, Oxford Circus, relocating to london england, Sainsbury's, things to know about london
Posted in Living in London, London Food & Beverage, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation & What People Say About Us, London Transportation, Moving to London: London Sightseeing, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions | No Comments »
Monday, April 25th, 2011
Living In London – London In-Depth By Area – North London- Image via Wikipedia
When you’re moving to London you’ll want to get a good idea of the area that you’re going to be renting a London apartment in and what sort of amenities there are in the area. Prices are quite a lot more expensive than the rest of London, but if you are careful about choosing the right London rental you can be living in London in one of the more stylish postcodes for less than you think.
North London – Islington
Rental prices in Islington range from about £1000 per week for a small bachelor apartment to £3,000 per week for a three or four bedroom, semi-detached home. It is close to central London which makes it a popular suburb for people who have to commute each day into the city centre.
Transport: Angel Station in Islington is found on the Northern Line of the London Underground and the Highbury and Islington Station is located on the Victoria Line. A journey into the centre of London will take less than ten minutes from Islington. The most direct buses into the centre of London are the number 205 to Paddington and the 38 to Victoria. There are over 20 bus routes through Islington into London and beyond.
Council Information: Islington falls under the Council Borough of Islington and you can expect your annual council taxes to range from £900 to about £2800.
Shopping: All of the major retail outlets are found in Islington with Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose in the area and you can also find a number of excellent health food and whole food stores as well as smaller grocery stores offering a range of foods.
Doctors: If you’re looking for medical centers and dentistry services in Islington then the internet is going to be our best resource. Remember that nearly all GP visits on the NHS are free for all residents, so be sure and register at your local surgery as soon as you have moved into your new London rental.
Other Amenities: As in all of London there are restaurants and bars on many streets in Islington. If you’re looking for great dining try Fredericks or Fifteen, which is the home of top celeb chef Jamie Oliver.
Tags: Americans moving to London, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Highbury & Islington station, Islington, living in London, London, london facts, London flats, London relocation specialist, move to London, Moving to London, moving to London advice, moving to london england from canada, Tesco, tips on living in london, Victoria Line, Waitrose
Posted in Living in London, London Neighborhoods, London Recreation, London Transportation, Moving to London: Tips & Culture, Moving to London: Weekend Excursions | No Comments »
Friday, March 18th, 2011
Living in London – Out and About- Image via Wikipedia
Author: Belinda
London is considered to be one of the best and most beautiful capital cities in the world. Given the history and the advanced engineered structure of the city, even Julius Caesar wanted to relocate to London in 55 BC, its small wonder that people from all over the world are attracted to it.
There are various tales from the pages of history about the city of London and it is a centre point of tourist’s attraction as it has almost 2000 years of history. Every time you visit London, you will find something new, rewarding and interesting that will inspire you to visit London sights repeatedly. There are beautiful streets, various museums and historical monuments in London that are to be seen. Young or old, first time visitor or seasoned Londoner: the city has a new treasure for you to discover every day.
London is also a paradise and a world-class destination for food-lovers having multi-storied restaurants, marvelous pubs and bars along with nightclubs that provide wholesome entertainment. The choices are staggering but there really is something to suit all tastes. The Lord Mayor building which is situated next to the Hay Galleria is an architect’s wonder. The building is in the shape of a golf ball and you are able to view the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge from the top.
Hampstead is another mesmerizing place located in North London, with its lush greenery it is a peaceful and relaxed spot to visit in London. Belsize Park and Primrose Hill are far-flung from the hustle and bustle of the city and have become a visitor’s paradise. Many historical monuments as well as breathtaking view sites are found in Hampstead and one should not miss this area when getting out and about.
London is continually changing every day and you will never want for something to do, somewhere to go and some place to see. Living in London is like living in the world’s biggest playground, so get out of your new London rental and discover your world.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, Belsize Park, canadians moving to london, fun facts about london england, Hampstead, Julius Caesar, London, london apartments, london facts, London Living, london move, london moving, London relocation specialist, Lord Mayor, move to London, Moving to London, moving to london england from canada, Moving to London from US, north london, Primrose Hill, Tower Bridge, west london
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