Posts Tagged ‘Moving to London from US’
Monday June 13th, 2011
Living in London – The Big Move Made Easy- Image via Wikipedia
Continuing on from the earlier post of things to plan for when moving to London, here’s a few more things to bear in mind. This is in no particular order of relevance or importance.
First off, check the kind of electrical supply in use at your new destination as well as norms for wall sockets and the like. And yes, it does sound fairly trivial until your laptop runs out of power and you have to hunt around for an adaptor so that you can charge it up. If you do a lot of your work from your laptop or any other kind of device, then this one goes right to the top of your list.
Hospitals and other related medical services – big one this. Emergencies can rear their ugly heads at any time. If the situation should arise, you want to be prepared. Find out where the nearest hospital is to the place you’re moving. Find about things like a family GP or dentist in advance. As a general rule of thumb, if you can plan ahead in advance for something, do so. It will make your move that much smoother and clear your plate of unnecessary worries.
I gave schools a pretty cursory overview in the previous section. If you do have kids, it won’t be enough to find a school where they continue where they left off. Also make the effort to see that whichever school they’ll be attending has a curriculum and educational standards equal to their old school.
And lastly, do have you any friends or know anyone who knows anyone who’s already done what you’re about to embark on? See if you can get in contact with them and ask them about any issues they may have faced in moving. No doubt, they’ll have encountered a wealth of problems in the transition and their experience can only be to your benefit.
Moving to London can be the biggest adventure you embark on in your life. With a little forward planning and research, it will go smoothly. You’ll be settled into your new London rental and enjoying the city as a Londoner, in no time at all.
Tags: Americans moving to London, Education in England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Pass, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london
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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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Sunday June 12th, 2011
Living In London – People and Personalities - Image via Wikipedia
While you’re living in London and indeed even in your own country, you notice people and services that have been influenced, aided and developed by one of the most famous Londoner’s of all time. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that an entire part of our entertainment today has been influenced by this man. Without him, we’d have no CSI, no Law and Order, no 24, and very possibly we’d never have seen Don Johnson starring in Miami Vice in the 1980’s. Okay the last one probably isn’t a huge loss, but the modern police force and investigation techniques are the work of one outstanding man: Sir Robert Peel
Sir Robert Peel
With a diverse background and a myriad of interests this man is the founder of the Metropolitan police Force and Prime Minister of England bringing about great social reforms in working conditions, industry and prisons. Born in 1788, this great Londoner has had a far reaching effect on the modern police force across the globe, as well as being active in politics and social reform until his death in 1850. A statue stands in Parliament Square right outside the Palace of Westminster.
Peel helped create the modern police force and to this day, London uniformed police officers are known as “Bobbies” as a tribute to Sir Robert. The other less affectionate term is “Peelers”, but unless you’re on the other side of the law, you’ll only ever see them as Bobbies on the Beat, patrolling the streets of London in their unique uniform and proudly acting as ambassadors for their city and their country.
One of the most important aspects of the police reform that Sir Robert placed into action concerned the ethics of behavior and investigation. This was the forerunner of the exacting standards in forensic investigation that have to be used before a person can be arrested of a crime. “The police are the public and the public are the police”, Sir Robert was fond of saying.
As a politician, Sir Robert Peel is most famous for his Factory Act. This Act of Parliament cam down strongly against wealthy industrialists who had made their fortunes on the backs of children and sweat shops. The Act regulated the amount of hours that children could work, and introduced the first basic machinery safety standards. In his second term in office as Prime Minister, he repealed the Corn Laws which protected the landowners by restricting foreign imports. Despite knowing that it could bring about the end of his political career, Peel forged ahead and broke the monopoly that had been one of the causes of the Irish Famine.
To be a police officer during the time of Sir Robert was an exacting position and required you to wear your uniform both on and off duty. London police were equipped with a wooden baton, a pair of handcuffs and a wooden rattle to raise an alarm if need be. The rattle was later replaced by a whistle.
To this day, uniformed police officers are not armed in the United Kingdom, which is a testament to the respect that many people have for the police force. His legacy will remain for as long as there are Bobbies on the beat, fighting crime and helping you back to your new London apartment after you’ve lost your way. Go on I dare you, just ask a Bobby for directions and you’ll see how friendly and professional they are.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Metropolitan Police Service, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england, Robert Peel
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Saturday June 11th, 2011
Living In London – Weekend Away - Image via Flickr
You cannot escape the history of this city if you’re going to be living in London. It is all around you. From the earliest examples of the Roman wall built two thousand years ago to the buildings that still remain from before the Great Fire of London. The massive fire that wiped out large areas of London during 1666 was not all bad for London. The fire had the effect of being able to wipe out much of the scourge that that swept across Europe for hundreds of years: The Black Death.
“A ring, a ring of roses, a pocketful of posies, a tissue, a tissue, we all fall down!”
A childhood nursery rhyme with sinister origins, while this has not been attributed directly to the Black Death, it is the most commonly accepted origin of the rhyme. Sung today by millions of children, they do not know the devastation that preceded this little ditty.
The reference to the roses is based on the rashes that appeared on the body of a person with the Bubonic plague, and the sneezing is the flue like symptoms that follow. Falling down? Well, that is death…The Black Death.
The Black Death does not just cover one period of history in the world. There have been instances bubonic plague recorded right back to the 7th century. The largest recorded epidemic was in Europe and started in the 14th century. At different time it was under control, but would always break out again in different cities and countries until the 18th century. It has been called by many different names across different countries and eras. In London it was known as the Great Plague of London and reached it height and end during the year 1666, as a result of the fire that burned most of the city.
The Black Death reached Europe in 1340 on Italian boats that were from the east. It is said to have originated in china and was carried to Europe on the fleas which were in turn carried on the rats that were found on many of the merchant ships sailing from the East.
How do you know if you’ve caught the Black Death?
There is no point in getting alarmed, there are very few modern cases of bubonic plague, but if you do develop any of these symptoms, you should probably get to a hospital sharpish!
The appearance of a rash, possibly caused by flea bites, is the first sign, and very soon after that there are swellings that develop under the armpits, in the groin area and on the neck. These swelling are filled with pus and they spread rapidly across the body. After that there is the appearance of black spots all around the infected areas which also spread across the body. Followed by fever, vomiting and death, the entire cycle takes between 5 and 7 days. Pretty grim if you consider the medical care available at the time. Antibiotics had not yet been developed, and there was little that could be done to stop the plague from spreading through the crowded and unsanitary street of London.
The Destruction of Europe and England
During the 14th century the Black Death was responsible for the deaths of nearly 200 million people. Although the plague does not last long, in England it was to keep breaking out for over 400 hundred years. At its height in 1666 it killed over 35 000 people in a few months. This is a direct result of the living conditions at the time. The streets and houses that were close together, sewage that was not disposed of and a host of social ills that affected the city. The overcrowding of London was a huge factor in the rapidly spreading Great Fire of London, which burned the plague out.
There is very little chance of a recurrence of the bubonic plague in modern times, because of the antibiotics and other drugs that have been developed, there have only been a few hundred reported cases of bubonic plague since the end of WWII.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, Black Death, Bubonic plague, England, Great Fire of London, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, relocating to london england
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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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Wednesday June 8th, 2011
Author: Colleen
Upon moving to London as an expat, you will find that the English accent is more varied than what’s typically represented in American film or television (much like television news anchors speak a universal American accent). Case in point: My friend visited me a few months after I made my own London relocation, and we went to see Billy Elliot. She couldn’t understand a word. That same friend nonetheless took her mother to see it in Chicago, and she understood it just fine. My theory? True, she could have understood it better because she’d already seen it and knew the story, but if I were a bettin’ man (if, indeed, a man at all), I’d like to bet that those Chicago actors were speaking a more generic British accent as opposed to the distinctive one actually spoken by those who live in County Durham, where the play takes place. Chicagoans wouldn’t know any different. Londoners would. The accent in northern England is quite different from what you hear in the south, east, west, and middle; heck, I’m convinced the British can tell what block you grew up on by virtue of your dialect, Professor Higgins-style (see “Why Can’t the English?” from My Fair Lady to know what I’m talking about).
Another case in point: American audiences have been listening to talent-show judges like Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan for ages and understanding them just fine, but all of a sudden, egad! Cheryl Cole?! If you haven’t been following the US X Factor controversy (which I blissfully didn’t hop into until the very end), you can catch up with Metro.co.uk’s succinct timeline here. There were other issues involved in the decision to sack her as a US judge, but don’t think Cheryl’s accent didn’t play any part in it. Sounds ridiculous, I know—I mean the situation, not her accent! But yes, it is tough to understand as an American. Her particular dialect is called “Geordie,” the accent of England’s northeast, which would include, if I’m not mistaken, County Durham; hence, the very accent that threw my friend for a loop during Billy Elliot and took me quite a while to adjust to as well. This region borders Scotland, so it understandably shares a bit of that incomprehensible brogue.
Another diversion from the “typical” English accent that Americans are perhaps more familiar with is “Cockney,” the east London dialect spoken by Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Bert in Mary Poppins, and championed by Guy Ritchie in his films like Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (I think Snatch is the one that actually has a guide to Cockney rhyming slang and offers English subtitles, ha!). It’s the dialect that always makes me hear Conan O’Brien say, “‘Allo, guvna!”—a lot of ‘H‘s and consonants get dropped out of that one (“Bluh-ee ‘ell!).
Learn the diversity of the British accent when you relocate to London.
But as you can see from the map I’ve attached here, British accents are more numerous than what I can relate in a wee blog post. Clicking the image will take you to The Economist‘s article, “England’s regional accents: Geordie’s still alreet,” where you can read more on their variety and how they’re trending throughout the England over time. Accents can denote class as well as region, with the royals seeming to have a distinct accent of their own (though apparently the Queen has started to slum it: see “Queen’s speech ‘less posh’“). I also found a page on the British Library’s site that discusses England’s regional voices and enables you to listen to samples of them: “Sounds Familiar? Accents and Dialects of the UK.”
Now, every time I go home, someone usually asks if I’m picking up a British accent myself. Well, the fact is, when I live in my London apartment with my American husband and we still watch a lot of American shows on the telly, I don’t see that happenin’, so you probably won’t either in that situation unless your spouse is British and you’re here longer term. Even in the workplace, London’s diversity may present you many international accents from outside of the UK, so you’ll never be exposed to a single one long enough to pick it up yourself. What you will do, though, is grow more accustomed to the differences in spoken English, understand the British-English terms better and discern the dialects better. So don’t worry that you won’t understand a word when you move to London—check out our blog’s “Language Barriers” category and just be a good listener!
Tags: Billy Elliot, british dialects, British English, British vs. American English, Cheryl Cole, differences between British and American English, differences in British accents, English language, English pronunciation, london apartments, london move, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, regional accents in England, relocating to London, Relocation London, rent london, Rhyming slang, Speaking the Queen’s English, Standard English
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Wednesday June 8th, 2011
Living in London – Visa Freedom- Image via Wikipedia
Many people who are moving to London this year will be moving to a pre-arranged job. This means that your employer will take care of the visa details for you and your family. If you are going to be living in London with your partner or spouse it might be wise to check with your employer about making sure that they will be able to work in London for the duration of your stay. There is nothing worse than moving to a foreign country and not being able to get out and meet new people, find a job or open a bank account.
For those people moving to London without the cushion of guaranteed employment, or if you just feel like London is calling to you, then you may find it a little more difficult than you thought to get there. It’s always made easy in the movies; the character packs a backpack and gets on the next plane to Heathrow. In reality it’s quite a bit more complicated than that, and the last thing you want to happen is to be deported for not having the right paperwork, or not to be able to get a job when you arrive in London. Your pounds will soon run out and your dream of living in London could be over sooner than you think.
Visa Freedom.
As an American moving to London you may not find it as easy as you thought to find work in the city if you do not have the right paperwork. Citizens of the European Union and members of the Commonwealth will find it much easier to live and work in London. There are a number of different visas that you can apply for that will allow you to live and work in this magnificent city.
If at all possible, you need to apply for your visa before you leave home. It is an excruciating process to have to apply for visas while you are actually in the city that you want to be in. Have a look through our handy Visa Guide today for more information about the different types of visas and how to make your dreams of living in London come true.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, Employment, England, European Union, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london, Travel and Tourism, visa
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Wednesday June 8th, 2011
Living in London – Visa Guides- Image via Wikipedia
If you’re planning on moving to London this year and you don’t have the promise of a job in the city, then you’ll have to organize your own visa which will allow you to live and work in London for a few years. Even if you are being sponsored by your company and transferred to London, you may have to organize a visa for your spouse or partner so that they will have the freedom of the city just like you.
Visa Facts
Most visas will allow you to live and work in England for a period of between 2 – 3 years. Depending on what type of visa you are eligible for, you may be able to apply for an extension at the end of the period. To apply for permanent residency in the United Kingdom, you have to have been living there for 5 years at least.
Sponsored Workers Visa: This is the easiest way to get into England. If you are transferred to a subsidiary of your company then they will handle the visa application for you and there will be no problems with immigration. Be sure to check that they sponsor your partner’s visa and any family members who are coming with you.
Student Visa: If you intend on studying for a degree in the United Kingdom you can apply for a Student Visa that will last the length of your course and give you another four months after your course ends. The United Kingdom works on a ‘points system’ for entry. To qualify for a student visa you need to have at least 40 points on the scoring system. To get the required points you will need a letter of acceptance from the educational institution as well as a letter from the bank stating that you have enough funds to cover the first year of your studies and your living costs.
Other Visas include the Highly Skilled Workers Visa and the Entrepreneurial Visa. These are not easy to get, and you need to have achieve over 75 points to even get a look-in. You’ll also have to have a large sum of money in your bank account for over three months before you make your application.
To make a success of moving to London, you should apply well in advance for your visa and makes sure you have all of the paperwork that they need to process it as fast as possible.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, England, fun facts about london england, Immigration, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Marriage and Fiance Visas, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london, Visa (document)
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Tuesday June 7th, 2011
Living in London – Kitting out Your London Flat - Image via Wikipedia
Living in London, are you? Stands to reason that you must have a London flat or an apartment of some sort. If you’re going to be living in London for a few years then you don’t just want a place to live in and come back to after touring the sights of London. A flat isn’t just a flat. It’s meant to be a home. A place where you can put your feet up, laze around and have friends and family over for a party. Smartening up your place with all that makes it worth living in, goes some way to making it feel like your home.
Let’s consider what you plan on doing in your London flat. Sitting around doing nothing or reading a book means having something to sit on. Don’t just go the IKEA route like so many others have. Hunt around for the wealth of stores selling furniture dotted all over the city. Islington’s Twentytwentyone and Aria should do you quite nicely for a comfy setup in your lounge, and you really do want it to be as comfortable as possible for those blisteringly cold winter nights. I know from personal experience that there is nothing quite as pleasurable as sitting snugly in the comfort of my sofa (with or without someone) while a flurry of snow lashes the double glazing. If you’re a bookworm, a bookshelf can also help give your place a homely feel , instead of having mini stacks of books scattered all over your London flat. Remember that not many flats have fitted cupboards, so you’ll want to invest in some wardrobes and closets as soon as you move in.
Of course, sometimes you really do want a bit noise in your place, some music or from the TV (get used to calling it the telly if you want to be a true Londoner). As any real Londoner should know, the best place to get electronic equipment to kit out your place is Tottenham Road. Conveniently, for the purposes of furnishing your home, Tottenham Road is divided into two parts; the Southern half at Oxford Street has any number of stores selling electronics, and the Northern half at the Warren Street side has a variety of stores devoted to home furnishing.
Remember, you’re living in London. It’s not just your London Flat. You want it to be your London home.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Apartment, canadians moving to london uk, England, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, Oxford Street, relocating to London, rent london, rent london apartments, things to know about london, tips on living in london
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Tuesday June 7th, 2011
Living in London – Off the Beaten Path - Image via Wikipedia
I think it’s safe to say that after living in London for some time, you’d be quite familiar with the famous tourist attractions that the city has to offer. Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Regent’s Park will leave you feeling a bit ho hum after a while, particularly if you’re the kind with your very own London flat.
Worry no more, for there is more to London than these admittedly worthy attractions.
Swing on over to Islington, which is a fun and vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and boutiques, and where you’ll find all and any kind of food and beverage. There’s also Brick Lane, which has reformed itself from the grim and downtrodden character which coloured its past for so long. The area has become renowned for its curry restaurants, a tasty reflection of the area’s influx of immigrants from the east.
Over in Neasden, tucked away amongst the factories and the warehouses, is the world’s second largest Hindu temple. Complete with elaborate designs worked into its walls it seems dream-like given its industrial home. And if the temple’s serene interiors haven’t left you as relaxed as you’d hoped, head on over to Queensway, where you’ll find Porchester Spa, a spa complete with Russian Steam Rooms, a Finnish sauna cabin and Turkish Hot Rooms. And if you don’t mind throwing out a bit more, you can even get a massage to help work out your worries.
For something even more clandestine, plot a course for Chelsea’s 606 Club, a restaurant cum Jazz venue. The door won’t exactly scream for your attention , so do make sure you’ve got the right place (90 Lots Road SW10 0QD). With good food, fine wine and a top notch selection of the finest jazz London has to offer, 606 may be a secret, but with what it has to offer, it won’t stay that way for long.
And if you must know everything there is to know about the city’s history, head on over to the tastefully monikered Farting Alley for a history lesson in how 19th Century London lit its gas lamps.
For anyone living in London, there’s nothing quite like going off the beaten path while all the tourists fight for space on London Bridge and crowd Westminster Abbey.
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, fun facts about london england, living in London, London, london apartment, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, Piccadilly Circus, relocating to London, things to know about london, Westminster Abbey
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Monday June 6th, 2011
Living in London – London-Cheap, Cheap!- Image via Wikipedia
If there’s one thing that most people are prepared for when they are moving to London, it’s to spend lots of cash. This is chiefly because London is recognized as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Now that you are living in London, it’s no doubt something you’ve come across quite frequently. Moreover, even if you’re no cheapskate, it’s always a bit heartbreaking to see another few pounds go fluttering out of your wallet.
Fear not, for even in a city as terrifyingly expensive as London, there are opportunities to save something here and there, or to get something and not have to hand over paper or plastic.
Looking for a good night’s entertainment? Try The Tuesday Night Experiment, every Tuesday at the Comedy Cafe, and the open mic night, every Wednesday, no charge. Guaranteed laughs and an overall fun night out.
Given that you’re right in the cultural melting pot that is London, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to music, with umpteen places offering a heady mix of styles to enjoy, all for the low, low price of absolutely nothing. Check out Proud Camden, Upstairs at the Ritzy, Dysart Arms and Favela Chic, to name a few. You’ll find everything from London’s up-and-comers in Jazz, traditional music straight out of Rio’s favelas, laid back Blues, indie-influenced Dubstep all the way through to psychedelic rock. And all free.
Festivals you say. Try the Notting Hill Carnival. With colourful floats and a melange of music and other performances on show, the festival runs from Aug 28-29 (a bank holiday weekend. Hurrah!). Add to that the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival with its open-air arts and performances running from Jun 23 – Jul 3. There’s also the Shoreditch festival, the Marylebone Summer Fair and the Thames Festival.
As for eating out, London has a fair selection of restaurants offering specials that will not dent your wallet. Bahn Mi Bay, Bi Bim Bap, Four Seasons, Golden Union Fish Bar, Koya and Pimlico Fresh have some excellent specials, especially in the summer. Beatroot, Comptoir Libanais, Maoz Vegetarian and Mooli’s will give you a top-notch meal that hovers at the £15 mark.
Living in London means that you could enjoy an entire day out of your new London rental and not worry about phoning your bank manager for permission first!
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, Arts and Entertainment, canadians moving to london, canadians moving to london uk, England, Greenwich, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Maoz Vegetarian, Moving to London, moving to London England, Moving to London from US, Notting Hill, relocating to London, Shoreditch
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Saturday June 4th, 2011
Can you afford to live in London? Research it's cost of living in advance. Image by Images_of_Money via Flickr
Author: Colleen
Welcome back, Weekend Warriors! Yes, it’s time once again for a compilation of our previous blog posts for those moving to London and feeling a bit cost-conscious about it. How much does it cost to live in London? How much does it cost to rent a London flat? How much is a fair salary to expect when negotiating an expat package with your employer? How can you try to save money in London? Explore the following links as your guide to living in London on a budget:
1. Calculating Cost of Living (general):
Calca-COLA: Calculating Cost of Living in London
2. Cost of Living (everyday staples):
Living in London – Cost of Living
Living in London – The Real Cost of Food in London
Living in London – The True Cost of Driving in London
3. Cost of London Apartment Rentals: As a benchmark, a 1-bedroom flat in central London can run £1,500 per month and a 2-bedroom closer to £2,000 per month (or approx. £300 – £450 per week for 1-2 bedrooms).
London Relocation’s Property Tip-o-the-Day
4. Cost of Utilities/Taxes:
Living in London – Bills to Pay
London Apartment Utilities
5. Cost-Saving Ideas:
Living in London – London for Less Than You’d Expect (Part 1 and Part 2)
Living in London – Cutting Coupons
Living in London – Your London Pass
Living in London on a Budget: Nectar of the Gods (using the Nectar card)
Pinching Your Pence After a London Move (savings sites for dining, grocery shopping, and recreation)
Pinching Your Pence in London (free museums in London)
More Pinching Your Pence in London: Free Walking Tours
Tags: Cost of Living Allowance, cost of living in london, how much apartments cost in london, living in london a budget, london apartment, london apartments, London Relocation Services, moving to london england from canada, Moving to London from US, moving to london with kids, overseas moving tips, packing for an overseas move, packing tips for moving abroad, packing tips for moving overseas, relocating a family to london, relocating to london from overseas, rent london, saving money in London
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London Food & Beverage, London Relocation Top 5 & 10 Lists!, London Weekend Warriors, Relocating to UK: Visas, Banking, & Other Logisitical Issues, Rent in London: London Apartment Tips, Saturday Moving Tips, Shopping in London Places
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Saturday June 4th, 2011
Living In London – Weekend Away - Image via Wikipedia
The history of the city of London can be categorized and divided up in many different ways. One of the best ways of learning more about the history while you are living in London is to explore it from a geographic perspective. Remember that London is in effect a city of immigrants and much of the history of the city has been influenced by the waves of people who tended to settle together in an area.
There is really only one area of London left today that can be said to be a true reflection of the city. The East End of London has been a part of the growth of the city, it is one of the most colorful and diverse parts of the city, and it’s the only place in the world where you can hear real Cockney’s, speaking Cockney rhyming Slang.
What is a Cockney?
To be a true Cockney you have to have been born within earshot of the chimes of Bow Bells which are found in St Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside. Today though, as long as you have a Cockney accent or a parent who was a true Cockney, you can call yourself one of the family!
The Cockney Language
Cockney Rhyming Slang is not in fact a different language, although if you’re moving to London you won’t be able to understand a word of what a Cockney is saying to you. The ‘language’ is made up of phrases and words that rhyme with each other to give a new meaning.
It’s confusing, contrary and downright frustrating at times:
For example, the word ‘feet’ rhymes with ‘plates of meat’ so your feet in Cockney Rhyming Slang is ‘Plates’. Yes, it does not make very much sense, but then again, you’re living in London now so why not accept the fact that part of the magic and majesty of the city is that everything goes and nothing needs to make sense to be fabulous!
East Enders
What is it about this area of London that has had such an impact on the history of the city? Even today there is a fascination with this most Londony of all London areas. While many people choose not to live in the area, it is one of the most community based and friendly parts of the city. Perhaps the fascination has to do with the reputation that has grown up over the years. The east End of London is traditionally known as the ‘dodgy’ side of the city. It was where the ‘common people’ lived for the most part, and was shunned by the upper classes and gentry of central London. It is an interesting enigma and as difficult to understand as Rhyming Slang. The best way to do it though is to use yer ‘loaf’ and yer ‘minces’, and get yer ‘plates’ into the East End!
The East End has been influenced and changed by the waves of immigrants that flood into the area even today, and yet it is singularly its very own world within the city of London. The London Docks were probably the start of the East End proper and the area between London Bridge and the Tower of London became a busy industrial and residential area. The reason for the docks being placed in this area was because the west winds, which are common in London, kept the smells of industry, fishing and factories away from the delicate nostrils of the nobility in West and North London.
The immigrant wave began in 1653 with an influx of Jews from Eastern Europe, struggling to flee the continual persecution and pogroms. The Jewish settlers continued to flood into the area between 1870 and 1914 and have had a huge impact of life in the East End. Things have changed and the Jewish east End is all but gone, having moved out to the north of the city. Today the area is dominated by the Bangladeshi immigrants and the West Indian settlers.
You cannot say you are truly living in London until you have experienced the East End. If you’re nervous about going into the area alone, then ‘do us a cheesy quaver’ and why not take one of the immensely popular guided walks with a proper Cockney tour guide who’ll show you a ‘Hale and Hearty’.
Tags: american expats in london, Americans moving to London, americans moving to london uk, canadians moving to london, East End of London, living in London, London, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london
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Friday June 3rd, 2011
Living In London – Fast Facts - Image via Flickr
When you’re living in London you’ll be receiving visitors, I promise. Just as soon as you are settled into your new London rental, you’ll be getting calls from back home from people wanting to crash on your couch while they explore London. The only way to avoid this is to never, ever tell anyone that you are moving to London which might be a little impossible! If you are going to be entertaining friends and family for days at a time, then you’d better have some fast facts and fun tours to take them on a whistle stop tour of the city.
- London is the ninth largest city in the world. It’s the capital of England, which is a country in the United Kingdom.
- Big Ben is not the name of the clock or the tower. The name refers to the bell inside the clock tower, which is actually called St. Stephen’s Tower.
- The River Thames is the longest river in England
- The London Eye is the tallest Ferris Wheel in Europe
- The London underground was the first rapid transit system in the world.
- Over 300 languages are spoken in London, and don’t expect to understand English when you arrive.
- Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and the London Eye are the top list of tourist attractions if you only have a couple of days in London.
It can be hard when you are living in London to decide what to show your visitors, and I suggest, if you’re going to be having a lot of them that you plan your own little guided tour of the top sites and attractions. Stick to a budget and get your transport paid for in advance. You can’t go wrong by getting your visitors a London Pass for the number of days they will be there. Remember you’re a Londoner now, and an ambassador for the city, so allow yourself to experience the marvels of London through a visitor’s eye. They don’t care that you spend three hours a day commuting to and from work. They just want to see the Queen!
Tags: Americans moving to London, living in London, london apartments, London Living, london move, london moving, London Neighborhoods, London Relocation, London Relocation Services, Moving to London, Moving to London from US, relocating to London, things to know about london
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