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Published: December 22nd 2006
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It's true!! It's been 8 months.... 4 days ago, the 19th, marked the 8-month mile-stone and to be completely honest I'd have to say that it's been the fastest months of my life. They say London is a busy, fast city... and has its pace ever quickened my experience.
Now that I've
lived
in London for this long I feel like I'm entitled, as part-Londoner, to fill you all in on a few of the perks and pitfalls of this city. Here are my top five raves for London:
1)
Night life- With its theatres, pubs and clubs, the first mention on the list is a given. I never run out of places to check out or things to do every night of the week. With so much to offer, dates in London are also easily impressive, making it the most romantic city I've lived in.
2)
Museums- The Tate Modern, the National Gallery are a few of the museums that satisfy my inner culture vulture... and for free!
3)
Shopping- From the markets to the high streets, London spawns hundreds of impeccably dressed waifs and effortlessly beautiful fashionistas. Although I haven't quite figured out my pant/shoe size! The
size numbers are in the 30s and sometimes... 40s. Not so pleasant for the esteem and a bit frustrating.
4)
Diversity- I've been fortunate enough to have met and/or lived with the Spanish, South Africans, Aussies and of course the beautiful Kiwis. Half of all "Londoners" have come here from another town or country. This also helps make London's food scene so great, leading to my last rave...
5)
Eating Out- Fish and chips aside, British food is strange. Luckily you can find food from all over the world. Brick Lane offers an entire street of Indian cuisine and I have never eaten as much Indian in my life as I have these past few months. SOHO offers all you can eat Japanese, Thai and Chinese. I also love Borough Market for its souvlaki and brownies! I have yet to truly expand my palate and try Edgware Road's Lebanese for instance but it’s nice knowing I could try it if I wanted to.
Top 5 dislikes
1)
THE £££!!!- When you compare the prices of items in London vs. Edmonton, the number is the same only with the pound sign in front of the digits instead. For example, a
night at the Cineplex will set you back £12. With the exchange rate being 2.2, seeing James Bond return to his 'roots' is gonna cost you $26.
2)
Washers/dryers- The washers are tiny and the whole no dryer thing gets to me.
3)
Anti Social Behaviour Order aka ASB0 - It is true that some English people are reserved but most people you see during the day are busy traveling, shopping or working, not in the mood for socializing! It can be a challenge to meet new people. However being 'closed' and not immediately friendly are not the anti social acts which the civil order is made against. Instead it is an order banning alarming/ harassment behaviour. Have you seen the English drink?? Anyways ASBO is actually something that just sounds strange rather than a dislike per se.
4)
London is not England- While I mentioned its diversity as a positive, it also has it down side as you don't really get to meet and experience the British culture.
The Queen has yet to invite me over for tea! Luckily it is easy to get out London if I wanted to. I admit I was very impressed with London's transportation system however would I be a true Londoner if I didn't whine about it??
5)
The Tube- Space is a luxury in London and I'm not just talking about my living quarters but personal space in general when I leave the home. Just as the streets are congested with pedestrians and traffic, underground the tubes are rammed full of people. You'd think the close contact you face on your journey would create a more open and social environment... I guess not.
Well that's the list. OK- so 8 months may not be a significant mile stone but I couldn't wait until for the 1 year mark! Luckily my journey doesn't end yet.
I am back in Canada for Christmas but will be flying back to London for New Years. In the meantime I'm so thankful to be back and to have the opportunity to just relax with family again. I do however find it cold and I hate to admit that it took me awhile to get used to navigating on icy sidewalks again ;-) I hope to catch up with as much people as possible (I realize everybody's scattered about). Where ever you may be this season I wish everybody a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a safe and fun start to a new year.
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Litty
non-member comment
:)
Trace!!! Thanks for the likes and dislikes list...you should contribute it to a travel magazine or something. I'm glad you are giving us the "real" deal and not just the romantic notion of England. Thank you sooo much for my postcard...I loved it! I'm sooo down to go Greecing with you!!! I think our problem is scheduling it...but you know I'm ready! Have a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year! Can you believe that 2007 is right around the corner?! Woohoo!! Best wishes my friend for a prosperious new year...cheerio, old chap!