An international relocation to London includes learning about new foods and traditions as you adjust to British culture. That’s all part of the fun of moving to London once the challenging relocation logistics (like finding and moving into your London apartment rental) are behind you. One thing that’ll never get left behind, though, is the cultural knowledge you’ll learn after living in London a while.
Christmas was a case in point for my husband and me this year. While they can be found in the States at import stores like World Market or even Starbucks, Christmas crackers from Marks & Spencer traveled overseas in our luggage to add an extra dazzle to our Chicago Christmas Eve at my parents’. I’m not talking something you can eat with cheese—”crackers” in this context are cylindrical poppers that two partygoers pull from each end in opposing directions to crack them open and delight in the little prizes found inside. Contents can range from little toys to card games to even fingernail clippers and mini screwdrivers (as my siblings discovered), but every cracker will contain a joke and paper crown. Such a simple, quirky thing, but, man, did it get everyone hyper and unite us in laughter—children and adults alike! It was a new and special twist to the holiday, and I’ll always treasure the image of everyone wearing their colorful crowns.
It’s believed that the crown might derive from Twelfth Night celebrations when a king and queen presided over festivities, and the idea of wearing a hat at parties goes all the way back to the ancient Romans’ Saturnalia celebrations around the 25th of December. The Christmas cracker itself dates back to 1846, when it was originally a sweet wrapped in paper twisted at both ends; rather than a joke, it contained a love poem as it was traditionally a gift given by men to women. The banger (the chemical strip that makes the cracker pop) was added around 1860. As time went on and imitations were made, the original creator, Thomas Smith, replaced the candy with a surprise gift, and, in the early 1900s, his sons replaced the poem with a joke and added the crown.
The second British invasion of our holiday took place on Christmas Day, when we cooked some traditional fare for my mother-in-law: deliciously golden chicken pie with homemade cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts with bacon, and gingerbread stuffing on the side. That last deviation from the traditional turkey stuffing was compliments of British presenter Nigella Lawson, whose Christmas Kitchen special made us salivate and inspired our meal. The dishes were a flavorful success, and if you’d like to try the same, the pie and stuffing recipes can be found at the BBC links below:
How might an international relocation to London inspire your future holiday traditions? There’s only one way to find out: move on over here! Your London Relocation agent is here to help.
Many Americans moving to London are big football fans. One of the hardest things to give up for many Americans after leaving the States is the Superbowl. Those moving to London should not cry for their beloved sport back home but rather adopt England’s sport of choice – football (soccer to all us Yanks). Like American football is in many cities in the US, football in London is a religion. It would be in any American moving to London’s best interest to learn enough about the sport to at least enjoy a game in a pub.
There are fourteen professional football teams in London and eighty amateur leagues making football by far the most popular sport in the city. Those moving to London will quickly learn that allegiance to a team is mandatory. The Premiere League is the most popular league and features the best of the best. Within the league are twenty teams who play each other using a double round-robin system from August to May of every year. There are a total of thirty-eight games played each season.
Within the league are twenty teams, or clubs as they’re called in London, which everyone moving to London should learn. They are:
The British do not expect Americans to understand or appreciate London football which is good for many an expat. Most Londoners are more than willing to explain the minutia of the game, the standings, and football traditions to interested Americans.
In the spirit of a New Year’s resolution those moving to London should make it a top priority to plan regular visits to one’s chosen pub to watch football. This is not only a great way to embrace the British culture, it will also undoubtedly help any expat moving to London meet friendly blokes in their new neighborhood.
There are many different reasons for Americans moving to London. Whether it is an unplanned corporate relocation or just a new start for a family the move is often anticipated and feared at the same time. Most often children feel the most stress during an international relocation because they feel they are powerless. They, also, are leaving their friends, homes, extended family and even schools. Little things they have spent their entire lives learning about their American culture are suddenly dismissed and they are asked to learn an entirely new set of cultural norms.
After moving to London parents often worry about their children’s adjustment both socially and emotionally. One option for easing the transition is to enroll them in an American school. The American School, located in the St. John’s Wood neighborhood in London, is a school devoted to teaching Americans using American curriculum.
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer as to whether American children should go to The American School. Parents have to weigh several factors when making the decision, first of which is how long they plan on living in London. Some corporate relocations are short, just a year or less, while others may be upwards of five years or more. If the move is temporary and the child plans on returning to the states to finish their education attending The American School may be a good idea so that their educational path will not be disrupted.
Those Americans moving to London with no length of stay determined may opt to send their child to a local school instead so as to immerse them in the English culture. The English school system is very good and a child’s education will not suffer for having attended an English grade school. There are many benefits besides the quality of education at English schools. Children will be introduced to local traditions and culture. They will acclimate to their new environment quicker and they will get to experience England in its entirety.
There isn’t a right or wrong decision on where parents should send their students after moving to London. Every parent has to weigh their child’s personality, educational needs, and life facts (like ability to pay tuition and home location within London) before deciding on the best educational placement. Arming oneself with the most information possible is the best way to tackle the education dilemma after an international relocation.
Relocation to London - Be Prepared for the Bump in Sales Tax, Image by 401K via Flickr
Americans complain all the time about sales tax and how it takes its toll on the family budget. For Americans moving to London, however, will no longer complain of the 6% to 8% sales tax most US states use. In London, the current sales tax rate is 20%! This extra cost must be taken into consideration when creating a new budget after international relocation.
Sales tax is applied in much the same way in the United Kingdom as it is in the United States. Most goods purchased have a mandatory value added tax (VAT). The biggest difference between the two countries is the amount of sales tax. For most Americans moving to London the new sales tax they will pay will be three to four times more than they are used to. It is easy to forget to budget for sales tax when creating the new family budget, but if careful thought is given up front, budgeting for the new sales tax amount will quickly become second nature.
Much like the US, most food items are not taxed. Unlike the US, there are many other items not taxed (or zero-rated as they say) or taxed at 5% in an effort to help those individuals struggling financially. Some of these items domestic gas, children’s clothing, prescription drugs, books, and magazines. Very similar to US policy certain energy reducing building materials are taxed at a lower rate. Also, children’s car seats are taxed at a lower rate.
After relocation to London many individuals may be confused by all the new taxes. They can relax, though, because most are very similar to US tax policies, just with different language. For example, an excise duty is applied to fuel, alcohol, and tobacco. America has the same tax (often called sin tax). Other types of taxation are property duties and a slew of duties charged to businesses. London relocation agents can explain which duties and taxes will apply to one’s situation and even help with budgeting.
With the British economy struggling it was no surprise that the VAT was increased from 17.5% to 20.0% in early 2011. How long it will stay at the current rate is anyone’s guess. The United Kingdom is very much like the United States in that it is desperately trying to build revenue while not charging its people so much that inflation and unemployment runs rampant. Those moving to London due to corporate relocation must take into account the economical situation and play accordingly.
When it comes to blogging about an international relocation to London, the last place I’d have thought to find inspiration would be Disney / Pixar’s film, Cars 2! But lo and behold, as I made my transatlantic flight back to England from the United States after Christmas, this in-flight movie triggered heightened interest during its climactic later scenes set in London. Consistent with the cleverness and cuteness of Pixar films was “Big Bentley,” where the British secret agent cars nearly met their demise. Anyone who has visited London may be readily familiar with the landscape containing prominent sites like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and modern structures like the London Eye and Gherkin office building. And after moving to London and living here a while, I even saw some side streets of familiarity and could vouch for the accuracy of the city’s layout.
What I could further relate to were the lyrics of Brad Paisley and Robbie Williams’s ”Collision of Worlds,” which played at the movie’s end. I’m frequently blogging about cultural differences between the US and UK, including the language barrier that actually exists within the common tongue of English. Expats making a relocation to London might not always anticipate such differences, and I think the song captures it adorably:
At the first sign of the morning light, Old Glory’s in the sky
Across the pond, it’s afternoon and the Union Jack flies high
We’re on our first cup of coffee
We’re on our third cup of tea
And we can’t pretend to live on different planets, you and me
In this collision of worlds
Watch the new day dawn on a distant shore
In this collision of worlds
Oh you can’t sit this out no more
Abbey Road, Route 66, CIA, to the MI6
Right lane, left lane, Metric, Imperial
Pounds, dollars, howdy, cheerio!
A v8 growls, to a v12 screams
Hail to the chief, God Save the Queen
Cops, bobbies, tabasco, wasabi, pistachio ice cream!
In this collision of worlds
Well it’s too late and you can’t stop it now
In this collision of worlds
Yeah find you a place and just watch it now
Well you’re a good ole’ boy
Yeah you’re a decent bloke
I say it’s irony, I say it’s a joke
When I look around, now I can see
We ain’t so different, you and me
Meat and potatoes, bangers and mash
Dollars, pounds, dosh, cash
Autobahn, to the rising sun
The I10, to the M1
Congress, Parliment, President, The Queen!
Petrol, you say gasoline
Now grab your bird, and get your girl
Now its a small world
Collison of worlds
Watch the new day dawn on a distant shore
In this collision of worlds
No you can’t sit this out no more
In this collision of worlds
It’s too late and you can’t stop it now
Collision of worlds
Find you a place and watch it now
If you’re moving to London from the US, your worlds will collide and merge into a bigger and brighter world of understanding—and it’s then that you’ll find people around the world really aren’t so different from each other after all.
With the New Year comes the promise of rebirth and renewal. This could not be any truer than for those moving to London from the United States. Quite often an international relocation is a bittersweet affair and the holidays are a particularly tough time whether a family is newly relocated in London or ready to move in the next few months. Rather than squander the New Year by being sad expats or soon-to-be expats should embrace the opportunities a New Year offers.
Moving to London – A Fresh Start
For many individuals and families moving to London means a fresh start. Even though the internet assures that no one can ever truly escape their past planting roots in a new country and new community is a great way to refresh oneself and image. While planning the move everyone in the family should take some time to do a personal inventory and determine what negative attitudes or behaviors should be left in the States. Sometimes just the ability to start fresh with a new crowd of acquaintances is all one needs to reevaluate their priorities and friendships.
Moving to London – A Fresh Look
Much like the world is reborn every spring people often need a new look – a rebirth, so to speak. When moving to London those who feel they have fallen into a rut in regards to their personal appearances should take the opportunity to buy a new wardrobe, freshen up their hairstyle and make personal health and fitness a priority. There will definitely be many opportunities for exercise in London with all the walking required!
Moving to London – A Fresh Perspective
Much like one’s personal appearance personal attitudes often fall into ruts. Just by accepting an international relocation one is opening up their mind to new possibilities. Over the length of one’s stay in London they will encounter countless new cultures and traditions. Preparing oneself mentally for all the new ideas sure to be met after moving to London is a great way to begin the New Year.
Of course whenever one must make a major life change, like moving to a new country, there is some resistance. Preparing for an international move is exhausting and once the move is complete regret wills surely show itself to some degree or another. One can combat all this negativity by looking upon their moving to London as an opportunity to better themselves and gain a new appreciation for the world and their own life.
I once again interrupt my regularly scheduled Weekend Warrior Sunday to continue our London Relocation agency’s version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas“—may it make your London move more festive! The next line in the original is: “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming.”
Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:
Rum-pum-pum-pum, you and your drum - London Relocation Services - image from itraveluk.co.uk
“On the twelfth day of Christmas, London gave to me…
LONDON DRUMMERS TEACHING…”
In a culturally and musically diverse city like London, there’s something for everyone. City life moves faster than the quieter villages of the English countryside, of course, so sometimes London locals feel the need to tap into a calming and creative outlet to balance out their busy lives. Some will do yoga, others will go for a run. One friend of mine took an unexpected route altogether: African drumming. In soul-searching amidst a corporate career, he found great peace and enjoyment in learning to play the drums, and it simultaneously expanded his cultural appreciation. If partaking in a class with multiple people, it also becomes a very communal, uniting experience with the collaborative rhythm uplifting the spirits and tapping into the emotions as music does so well. Random as it might sound, there are tons of drumming lessons available all over London for individuals or corporate team-building (e.g., www.drumcafe.co.uk, www.londonafricandrumming.co.uk, www.venavidrums.co.uk, www.african-drumbeat.co.uk), and African music is a component of the UK education curriculum. It’s reflective of a prominent UK demographic and the open-mindedness and well-roundedness of Londoners. When you move to London, you embrace the world and get to know yourself in unexpected ways by challenging yourself to try new things.
I’m not saying this is something unique to London, obviously, nor is this post or our previous Twelve Days of Christmas only about the specific activities and places described: it’s more so the spirit of learning new things. When it comes down to it, there’s something about an international relocation in general that feels like turning a new leaf; it motivates you to reinvent yourself, to dapple into passions you might’ve never made time for previously and to come together with people of all walks of life you might’ve never otherwise met. Why? Because why not? You’ve come this far, right? Moving overseas to London is no small feat; in doing so, you’re embracing change, so this is not the time to sell yourself short. Stretch your mind and your abilities to their brink; find out what you’re really made of. We all march to the beat of a different drummer—find your rhythm in London.
(And find your London apartment through the London Relocation agency. )
Now then, let’s sing together as we conclude our caroling:
Moving to London can be a scary prospect for many families. There are so many neighborhoods to choose from and knowing which one is right for one’s family is a bit of an art. Most families have probably spent countless hours scouring the internet trying to learn as much as possible about the various parts of London in an effort to find just the right spot. One brand new option and perfect for those moving to London is completely new neighborhood being built by IKEA.
To coincide with the 2012 Olympics IKEA has announced that they are building an entirely self-sufficient neighborhood just south of the Olympic park in Stratford, East London. Although the homes are not ready yet IKEA is building 1,200 homes with almost half having three bedrooms or more, perfect for families moving to London.
The village will utilize non-automobile methods of transportation utilizing public transportation and pedestrian walkways. A series of canals will run through the village offering residents many water-based attractions like floating bars and boat rides. Those moving to London and planning on owning a vehicle need not worry, however, as IKEA will provide a cavernous underground garage to stow cars nearby yet out of site.
In an effort to promote pedestrian traffic IKEA will include in their new village grocery stores, department stores, medical offices and nurseries for children. Theoretically, residents will have everything they need within walking distance. This is an ideal environment for those moving to London, especially those with families.
Although the project will not be fully completed for five years now is a good time for interested parties planning on moving to London in the future to inquire and possible make plans to move to the IKEA neighborhood. Not only will the homes be brand new they will also be designed with families in mind, something that many London flats are not.
This exciting new project is a first for the furniture manufacturer, IKEA, and the world will be watching to see how it all turns out. For those fortunate enough to have time to plan before moving to London this is a chance of a lifetime!
If you’re making an international relocation to London, I’m making your London move more festive with London Relocation’s Twelve Days of Christmas! The next line in the original is: “On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping.”
Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:
London history washed ashore...put that in your pipe and smoke it! - London Relocation agency - image from thamesdiscovery.org
“On the eleventh day of Christmas, London gave to me…
CLAY PIPES ABOUNDING…”
When you move to London, you step right into its history. And when you walk the Thames shoreline, you literally step on its history! Mudlarking in London is like treasure hunting: it entails combing through the muck of the riverbank mud and stone in search of artifacts pitched into the river over the course of centuries. Pieces of history that wash up ashore include antiquated coins, pilgrim badges, Roman pottery medieval toys , jewelry, and animal bones discarded by butchers; clay pipes in particular have been found in abundance. Beginning in the late 16th century—before paper-wrapped cigarettes—people smoked tobacco out of these clay pipes. Though they could be reused, they were apparently tossed away like cigarette butts; this was frequent among dock workers, thus likely why SO many continually wash up onto the Thames foreshore in central London. They’re so prevalent, jewelry is made from them!
Mudlarking is free for anyone to do if your scavenging is kept to surface-level scanning; a special license from the Port of London Authority is required if you want to actually dig into the sediment and use instruments like metal detectors—thus distinguishes the pros from the amateurs. The Lower Thames Four website (www.lowerthamesfour.co.uk) shares a fascinating collection of recovered artifacts, and if you’re keen to get in on mudlarking as a hobby, be sure to check out the Thames and Field Metal Detecting Society (www.thamesandfield.co.uk)—their site is absolutely nuts; you’ll get a kick out of it. Also, if you find something of interest that could be valuable and/or you don’t know what it is, you should report to the Museum of London; they offer a free identification service, and anything of value should in good conscience be shared in the spirit of helping piece together London’s history!
If you do consider taking this on, be aware of the risks—the Thames is a tidal river, which explains how you can access the muddy banks to begin with. But the river rises back up quickly, so owning a tide table or consulting the tide times in a newspaper’s weather section is a must. Stay close to exit points, and be wary of the slippery surface; try to walk on shingle, not mud, and wear your Wellies! If you have any apprehension, the Museum of London offers tours of the Thames shore to get you acquainted first. And your London Relocation agent will, of course, lower your risks in helping you find some real London treasure: your new London apartment! Be it flat-searching or mudlarking, it’s yet more adventure to be had in this grand, historic city after your relocation to London!
If you’re making an international relocation to London, I’m making your London move more festive with London Relocation’s Twelve Days of Christmas! The next line in the original is: “On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping.”
Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:
Lord knows what goes on in here... - London Relocation agency - Image via Wikipedia
“On the tenth day of Christmas, London gave to me…
HOUSE OF LORDS GOVERNING…”
A move to London from outside the UK not only means having to live in a new London apartment and neighborhood and starting a new London job; it also means living under an entirely new government. Perhaps most emblematic of London is the Big Ben clock tower, but it’s inside the Westminster building beyond that Parliament runs the show. It’s comprised of the House of Commons and House of Lords, which operate independently of each other but complement one another’s functions. The House of Lords is specifically made up of appointed members bearing either the Lord Spiritual or Lord Temporal title. The former play an ecclesiastical role in the Church of England whereas the latter are appointed by the monarch per the Prime Minister’s or House of Lords Appointments Commission’s advice; historically, membership was once a birthright, though it’s a small percentage of members today who have a hereditary claim. Whereas the House of Commons is fixed at 650 seats, the House of Lords has no membership limit; at present it has close to 800 Lords. Legislation can be introduced and debated in either House; however, it seems the House of Lords’s power is greatly curbed: rejecting a bill passed by the Commons, for instance, is heavily restricted by Acts of Parliament, and they have no control over the Prime Minister’s term. They cannot delay money bills, and other bills may only be delayed for two parliamentary sessions or one calendar year at most. It’s also from the House of Commons rather than House of Lords that most Cabinet ministers (and every Prime Minister for the last century) emerge from. To be honest, I’m having a difficult time grasping what exactly the House of Lords do do. But I’m happy to have sucked you into my confusion.
To be fair, the roles of UK government have greatly evolved over the course of several centuries, so the House of Lords was originally more empowered, particularly where judicial functions were concerned. Prior to the establishment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2009, for example, the House of Lords was the court of last resort for much UK law. The UK is best characterized by its combination of holding fast to tradition and adapting to change, so it remains to be seen how the Lords’ role may continue to transform in the modern political landscape. Not that we non-citizens expats moving to London have much say in government affairs, of course—enjoy that taxation without representation after your relocation to London…
When moving to London, England many American families look for activities they enjoyed at home in the States. This could not be truer than during the Christmas season. With Christmas Eve just one day away many American families are thinking about attending religious services. London is a huge city with many churches. The Church of England is by far the largest denomination and holds many Christmas Eve and Christmas services in churches across the city.
Consider the Church of England When Moving to London, England
Parent to the American Episcopal Church the Church of England has been thriving in London for past several hundred years. For those not familiar with either the Church of England or the Episcopal Church services can be described as formal and akin to a Catholic Mass and familiar to many moving to London, England from America. Although the theology is quite different between Roman Catholic and the Church of En gland their services seem almost identical to the casual observer. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church all baptized Christians are welcome to participate in the Eucharist (communion) during a Church of England service.
St. Martin of the Fields
Many Americans moving to London, England have heard of the beauty of St. Martin of the Fields. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs attending a service at St. Martin of the Fields is truly an event to remember. For many moving to London, England Christmas services at St. Martin of the Fields is a bridge between Christmas’s in the States and new ones in London. This holiday season the Church will offer an early Christmas Eve family service, Carols service and Midnight Mass along with Christmas Day services.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is iconic to the Church of England for many moving to London, England. This historical church has been the backdrop to much of England’s history. During the upcoming weekend there are many services available including times appropriate for families and the traditional Christmas Mass beginning at 11:30pm Christmas Eve. After moving to London, England a serene service might be the perfect way to begin the Christmas holiday.
Integrating a Christmas service into one’s family’s holiday traditions is a great way to experience the best of British culture after moving to London, England. The Church of England is very open-minded, accepting and respectful of all visitors. There is no better time to experience the awe-inspiring beauty and magnificence of London’s churches after moving to London, England than during a Christmas service.
If you’re making an international relocation to London, I’m making your London move more festive with the London Relocation company’s version of the Twelve Days of Christmas! The next line in the original is: “On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing.”
Please join me in now singing our London Christmas carol:
Dance your way across the pond - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia
“On the ninth day of Christmas, London gave to me…
PINEAPPLE’S DANCING…”
Of reality TV fame is London’s Pineapple Studios, where even regular folk like us can take dance lessons after moving to London. Whether you’re a beginning dancer or experienced, the studio offers twenty different dance varieties with a choice of eighty different dance instructors. Among the most popular are classics like ballet, jazz, Latin, and tap, but you can also delve into modern forms like street hip-hop and contemporary. And it doesn’t stop there—Pineapple likewise offers instruction in martial arts, yoga, even singing! Whatever style you choose, if you’re super advanced or opting for more personalized instruction at any level, master and private classes are available. If you’re not sure the classes are for you, you can sit in and observe any of them first. What a fun way to get out and take advantage of the range of experiences London has to offer! A relocation to London is the hard part, but with your London Relocation agent’s help and some motivation to get out and try new things like Pineapple Studios’ course offerings, you’ll feel footloose and fancy-free in no time, tappin’ those happy feet all around your new London apartment.
One of the many benefits to moving to London is all the history preserved in the walls of various museums about town. The Imperial War Museum is one such museum dedicated to educating the public about the joys and sorrows associated with the Second World War. Five locations create the Imperial War Museum and all five are a must-see for newcomers finding themselves in London due to an international relocation.
Imperial War Museum – London
Located on Lambeth Road in the heart of the city the London museum is home to some of the Imperial War Museum’s most impressive exhibits. For those ready to visit very soon the 1940s house is all decked out for the holidays. This children’s interactive exhibit showcases a British home set during the 1940s but, sadly, will be closing its doors forever in early January 2012.
Imperial War Museum – Duxford
Visiting Duxford is a trip back in time. Located within a World War I and II airfield this branch of the museum offers visitors a chance to explore over two hundred military aircrafts. With interactive exhibits featuring planes, jets and helicopters of the twentieth century Americans moving to London are sure to be impressed.
HMS Belfast
Although currently closed to visitors the Belfast is a British warship open to the public. Visitors can explore what life was like for British soldiers stationed on a warship during World War II.
Churchill War Rooms
Located deep below the streets of London the War Rooms were designed to withstand the nightly bombings that victimized the city during World War II. Now international relocation visitors can tour the underground labyrinth and see where decisions that changed the world were made.
Imperial War Museum – North
This building has won awards for its dramatic design but the real prize is located within its walls. Visitors can explore the impact war has on the world, even today, by exploring exhibits. This museum is very family friendly and has many interactive exhibits. Americans moving to London should put this attraction on the top of their to-do list.
After moving to London American expats should make a point of learning as much about the great city’s history. For those intimidated by the locations of the museums scattered across the city London relocation agents will be glad to help newcomers with directions and tube stations near each museum if need be.
With London being such a large city, packed full of so much history and culture, it can quickly become overwhelming for Americans moving to London to organize a system to visit all the important attractions. I recommend those new to the city from corporate relocation to make a New Year’s resolution to see one iconic London attraction a month. By setting up the schedule now, at the end of the current year, one can make sure to take into account weather conditions, special events or features and any other important factors to consider when visiting attractions for which London is famous.
Some of the most famous attractions to consider when making one’s list are as follows:
1) Buckingham Palace: A trip to the palace might want to be saved for August or September as an extravagant diamond exhibit will be on display at that time. A visit to Buckingham Palace also includes the infamous ‘changing of the guards’ and worth the excursion alone.
2) The London Eye: An international relocation is not complete without a ride on the giant Ferris wheel that dominates the London skyline. Reservations are available online.
3) The Tower of London: No stay in London is complete without a trip to the Tower of London. With so much history packed into one building those moving to London should set aside an entire day to give the attraction justice.
4) Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: All those new to London from corporate relocation with a love for Shakespeare’s plays need to visit this modern recreation of the Globe Theatre.
5) Jack the Ripper Tours: Many tours are available for London visitors and residents. The tours take guests along the same streets and alleys the infamous serial killer roamed. This is a great activity for history buffs.
6) Winston Churchill’s War Rooms: Perhaps one of the most influential men of the last century Winston Churchill’s War Rooms is a trip back in time. This activity is a wonderful answer to a gloomy winter weekend.
These are just a few ideas for activities one should participate in after moving to London. International relocation can be difficult and one often finds themselves alone in their flat overwhelmed with the possibilities of what to do. By making an organized list of popular London sites to visit and committing to them through a New Year’s Resolution, Americans moving to London can tackle all the must-see attractions, one month at a time.
After moving to London many young professionals are left confused about how to get into the social, singles scene. With London being such a large city getting out and making friends can easily become overwhelming. Sometimes just having a common denominator is all that it takes to make new friends after an international relocation.
That is precisely why I recommend participating in a pub crawl settling after a corporate relocation. Not only is a pub crawl a great way to meet other young professionals, it’s also a good way to learn one’s way around the city. With pub crawls ranging from guided to self-guided and covering a variety of topics and themes there is bound to be something for everyone.
I’m most impressed with The London Pub Crawl Company. They offer everything from free PDF downloads of pub crawls to very affordable downloads of pub crawls with interesting facts and history included to guided pub crawls. There crawls are located throughout the city and include themes like “Jack the Ripper”, “Notting Hill” and “Oxford Street”.
Even if those fresh to the city after an international relocation are forced to go it alone it will still get one out and about and allow them to discover pubs in their neighborhood. Participating in a pub crawl is also a great conversation starter while enjoying a pint in one of the listed pubs. London relocation agents all agree that the best way to get over homesickness for the States is to jump into a social scene and start meeting people.
Relocation jobs can be very demanding emotionally as well as physically and mentally. In order for one’s relocation to London to be successful and enjoyable one must acclimate to the city and there is no better way to do that than over a pint. Regardless of whether young professionals are seasoned travelers or in London for the first time, visiting pubs through the eyes of themed pub crawl is a creative way to meet people, find a nearby neighborhood pub, and hopefully kick-start a wonderfully enjoyable relocation to London.
Christmas was a case in point for my husband and me this year. While they can be found in the States at import stores like World Market or even Starbucks, Christmas crackers from Marks & Spencer traveled overseas in our luggage to add an extra dazzle to our Chicago Christmas Eve at my parents’. I’m not talking something you can eat with cheese—”crackers” in this context are cylindrical poppers that two partygoers pull from each end in opposing directions to crack them open and delight in the little prizes found inside. Contents can range from little toys to card games to even fingernail clippers and mini screwdrivers (as my siblings discovered), but every cracker will contain a joke and paper crown. Such a simple, quirky thing, but, man, did it get everyone hyper and unite us in laughter—children and adults alike! It was a new and special twist to the holiday, and I’ll always treasure the image of everyone wearing their colorful crowns. 
The second British invasion of our holiday took place on Christmas Day, when we cooked some traditional fare for my mother-in-law: deliciously golden chicken pie with homemade cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts with bacon, and gingerbread stuffing on the side. That last deviation from the traditional turkey stuffing was compliments of British presenter Nigella Lawson, whose Christmas Kitchen special made us salivate and inspired our meal. The dishes were a flavorful success, and if you’d like to try the same, the pie and stuffing recipes can be found at the BBC links below:
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