The Joys of Working for a British Company

Despite my many grumblings (£100 gift certificate to Mark's & Spencer is not the same as a bonus, just saying), there are a few perks to working for a British company.

Minimum 25 days vacation

Just typing that seems outrageous and awesome at the same time.  Thanks to an EU directive, all EU countries must give their employees a minimum of 25 days vacation. Note, that this does not include national holidays. I still to this day have no idea what to do with all of this time and equally wonder how I survived with the measly 2 weeks that I was given in the States.  Oh, wait, now I remember.  I was conveniently sick on Mondays and Fridays.

Pub Lunches

It's Friday! And after a long week in the office, there is nothing better then getting together with a few co-workers and celebrating the forthcoming weekend with a glass of wine or three if you work in my office! 
Got a bit drunk? It's okay.  It seems to be perfectly acceptable to return to your desk a bit tipsy. After all, you were just at the pub.  Your boss may even be a bit offended if you came back completely sober as it would show you're not a team player!

9 to 5 really means 9 to 5

Now I'm used to 9 to 5 really meaning 9 to 6 as you have to account for your hour lunch.  Not so in the UK where you effectively have a 7 hour work day as that one hour between 9 and 5 is blocked off for lunch and nothing else.  Also the moment and I mean the very second that the clock strikes 5, your office will be deserted.  You'll know when its happened, because the office will suddenly become so quiet that your typing will start to echo throughout the building. 

Unlimited sick days

Again, this is an alien concept to me.  The first time I asked HR about sick days, they looked at me completely baffled and asked "How can you put a limit on the number of days that you're sick? If you're sick, you're sick."  Translation:  You have unlimited sick days. Now keep in mind, you have a legal obligation to produce a doctor's note if you have been sick for five consecutive work days. Most companies will require you to fill out some sort of sick leave form upon your return to the office and you won't get full pay if you are sick for an extended period of time.  However, if you wanted to call in sick for four days due to a  last minute holiday to Spain nasty flu, there really isn't anything that you're company could do to stop you.  But you might get a few questions about your amazing tan upon return so be sure to cover up!

Neighborhood Spotlight - Kensington

Back to the West End we go as the gracious Thomas has decided to share with us his experience of living in Kensington.  It is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (yes, that's its official title!) which is also home to the famous area known as Notting Hill.  So what was it like living in this posh area?  Is it as pretentious as it's royal title suggests?

Name: Still Thomas
Age: 26
Kensington Resident for: The summer of 07
Last place you live before moving to London? Marquette, Michigan




Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
Share, it was through the university.

What’s your nearest Tube station?
Gloucester Road/South Kensington

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
It can feel pretty touristy at times...well, most of the time. But it is an insanely pretty part of London and for the fact that if I wanted to picnic and felt nostalgic for a backyard,
I was three blocks from Kensington Gardens, which is absolutely beautiful in the summer for laying out, reading a book, flying a kite (no, really, we bought kites because we were jealous of the little kids' kites), having a few drinks, there's really no end to the novelty of being next to a park that big. I was a few blocks from the museums as well, which is a nice short stroll if you're ever looking for inspiration. The main roads will house the absolute most touristy chain restaurants and bars but the locals know where it's at, there's always a pub hidden behind something or a pocket of high-end restaurants down a couple of side streets.

You're living in close proximity to celebs, ambassadors, people who make the front page of the news when they have a cold... so look your best when you leave the house because you never know who's going to be at Whole Foods (YES, there's an epic Whole Foods, grocery lovers rejoice!!). People in my program ran into Christian Bale at Starbucks, Dustin Hoffman lived around the corner, etc.

How safe is your neighbourhood?
Insanely safe. There were neighborhood police that walked the streets at night just to make sure there was nothing shady going on. You're close to Kensington Palace, and some embassies, so what do you expect.

What do you like most about where you live?
It's gorgeous. Between the stucco terraces and parklife, there's not much more you could ask for. There's cute cafes, great dining as long as you've got the budget and come on...you're going to pizza places that Princess Diana went to with the boys for a night out. And any shopping you need is on the well-stocked Kensington High St., they've got everything you'd ever want from Oxford street with half the foot traffic (well, except on weekends).

And if you're a cocktail snob, there's some high-profile joints to scope out. Not as much as in Mayfair, but there's Amika, Kensington Roof Gardens (which is an absolute must-do for the view alone), and a few others are dotted around the area. Check with some club promoters websites if you want to get on the guest lists, or find a friend who's in the know.

What do you like least?
It's a bit touristy....which manifests itself in many forms. You'll have to deal with the premium prices in the shops, slow-walkers with cameras, and the worst by far is not being able to mask your accent properly because the pub staff will know you're foreign and take the piss and shortchange you if you're not paying attention.

Seriously, Americans...read this bit!

They know that it's a tourist hot-spot so if they think that you're not going to know what all "the funny little coins mean" then they'll gladly keep a few for themselves. Easy way around that? Well, you can use your card...but if you're on cash-only just keep a keen eye about it. One place we went to, it was raining out and as soon as we walked in the door, the bartender spotted us as non-locals (it was a back alley pub that not many knew about) and said "I bet it doesn't rain like this where you're from!" clearly establishing that we weren't British before I even spoke, and I just said "ah...no it rains everywhere, but can I have a ..." and yeah, I was missing two pounds from my change. It happened again in an off-license, which we caught right away, and another pub tried to do it to a friend of mine. I hate to sound cryptic about it, but tourists and people with non-British accents, are easy targets for them. It just made me wonder how many times it had happened before I caught on! I didn't think to put my guard up because you're not in a dodgy/dirty part of town, so I was more trusting with staff than I should have been...but I guess it makes sense with the museums and all that close by that they get a lot of people used to other currencies or just not paying attention.. So watch out!

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live?
I'm currently in Clerkenwell, which I also love...but I'd move back to Kensington if I could afford it! Someday...someday...

This Week in London: 29 March - 4 April 2010

29 March

• - Teenage Cancer Trust Concert featuring The Specials & The Blues King @ The Royal Albert Hall
• - The Ministry of Food @ The Imperial War Museum

30 March

•  - Channel 4's Comedy Gala @ The O2
•  - Shirley Valentine @ Menier Chocolate Factory

31 March

• - Queen & Country: A Project by Steve McQueen @ The National Portrait Museum
• - London Word Festival - The Art of Storytelling @ St Leonard's Church
• - Boutique Sale @ The Old Truman Brewery
• - Science Museum Lates @ Science Museum
• - The Cranberries @ The Royal Albert Hall

1 April - Aprils Fool's Day!

• - Opening of Hair @ the Gielgud Theatre
• - Carnaby Street: 1960 - 2010 @ 38 Carnaby Street

2 April - Good Friday

•  - The NME Easter Ball @ Koko
•  - Popstarz @ The Den
•  - East Village Good Friday All-Dayer @ East Village Club

3 April

• - Brixton Village @ Granville Arcade
• - The Big Kid London Easter Egg Hunt @ Mad Hatter

4 April - Easter Sunday

• - Lovebox present Bang the Box: Jacking for Jesus @ T Bar
• - Buttoned Down Disco's Easter Party @ The Garage

UK Visa Changes

These changes go into effect 6 April 2010 and affect the Tier 1 (highly skilled worker) and Tier 2 (skilled workers with job offers) visas.  I offer a summary of the changes below along with a link to the official statement issued by the Home Office.

Tier 1 changes

There will be changes to the point system which will apply not only to new applicant but also to those who are renewing their Tier 1 visa.  This new point's system will not apply to those in the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, writers, artists, composers and self-employed lawyers.

For new applicants, you will only be granted an 2 year visa.  However, you can renew it for 3 years.



For any doctors or dentists in training, there will be new restrictions to prevent overseas doctors/dentists from taking resident's places.  This will be further clarified on 6 April.

Tier 2 changes

These changes will affect Tier 2 general and intra-company transfer visas.  There will be a change to the point's system for initial applications.  For visa renewal application, all Tier 2 applicants will be given 50 points to mitigate the impact of the changes.

There are new sub-categories for intra-company transfers.  They are javascript:void(0)established staff, graduate trainee and skills transfer.

Established Staff
The minimum overseas (non-UK) experience for established staff has been raised from 6 months to 1 year.  The established staff category can no longer be used for permanent settlement in the UK.  These changes will only apply to new Tier 2 (intra-company transfer) applicants.  Anyone here in the UK prior to 6 April is excluded. 

Graduate Trainees
The minimum overseas experience is 3 months.  The maximum stay in this category is 12 months.  There are no extension for this category or the option to switch into other immigration categories.  This sub-category is only open to migrants who are working in a graduate occupation.  You can find a list of these in Appendix A of the link below.

Skills Transfer
There is no minimum employment requirement for this category.  This category is really for people whose skills are to transferred to the UK but not their job. (That's a bit confusing!)  The maximum grant of stay under this category is 6 months and this is also only open to those who are working in graduate occupations.

Official Statement of Policy

Mexican't in the UK

Once you step foot on British soil, you will for some mysterious reason start to crave Mexican food.  It doesn't matter if you despised the stuff back home.  You eventually will want to indulge that craving and you will inevitably be disappointed.  For some reason, businesses just can't seem to grasp the concept of Mexican or Tex Mex for that matter. 

Take nachos for example.  This should be a simple enough dish to make.  You take some tortilla chip, add cheese, salsa and maybe some guacamole and jalapenos.  But for some reason, they just seem to get it wrong here more often than not.  I've had businesses (they shall remain nameless) try to pass off ketchup as salsa.
Yes, ketchup!  True, they both contain tomatoes but that's where the similarities end.

I've also had the unfortunate experience of being given Doritos Nacho Cheese chips instead of tortilla chips.  Remember all the different brands that we have in America.  We were spoilt for choice.  Here, you have Doritos, Doritos and...Doritos.  Now don't be too alarmed.  There is a plain Doritos tortilla chip that is kinda, sorta, but not really like the stuff we're used to back home.  However the business in question must have just grabbed the first Doritos bag they say and called it a day.

I could rant on and on about the crap guacamole, mysterious lack of Monterrey Jack cheese and all the crap margaritas that I've drunk in my never ending quest for Mexican in London.  But someone has beat me to the punch.

I've spoken to several Brits here about it and they compare it to their disappointment with the Indian food in the States.  I have to admit it.  I kind of agree with them. Some of the best Indian (well South Asian really) food that I've ever had has been on this fair isle. I guess one person's burrito is another's chicken korma.

Learning to Love Football (Soccer)

Soccer in the States is pretty much the poor step-sibling of American football, basketball and baseball.  So when you first arrive, its a bit hard to understand why everyone here (and in the rest of the world) loves it so much. 

Journey into a pub during a Saturday afternoon and you'll find yourself surrounded by passionate (read: drunk & rowdy) football fans clad in their favorite team's colors shouting incoherently at the telly.  It might be a bit overwhelming the first time you witness football fandom.  But once you've picked a team, preferably the same one everyone else in the pub is rooting for, the games become more fun.  They also begin to remind you of American football fanaticism - minus the threat of being stabbed for supporting the wrong team.


But if you somehow managed to visit your local and still haven't joined the football cult, a footie match is sure to change that.  Live and in person, the little men running around on the TV don't seem so boring.  You'll find yourself caught up in the hysteria of it all and may actually find yourself liking the game.  By the end of the match, you'll know all the words to the team's song (well, at least the ones that you could decipher!) and will have given the ref and a few of the away players a two-finger salute.

Once you leave football world, you may never watch a match again due to the shame of knowing that for a few hours you will actually have loved soccer and understand what all of the fuss is about. Its alright.  Football fandom happens.

How to Annoy a British Person

Use the word "quaint"

If you really want to annoy a British person, and I mean really annoy a British person, refer to their car/house/streets/fridge/etc as quaint.  Never has such a word been so overused by Americans when describing the UK. Yes, things here are smaller and older.  But quaint??? Really???  Come on guys, I know that we can use another word.  Perhaps "gently used" would be a better adjective to use.  Hell, even say you like it because its small and old.  You can use anything but quaint.

Refer to the British as European

Europe is a continent.  Britain is a group of islands.  Although they are both part of the EU and Britain is technically part of Europe, the British not like that lot over there.  They had the empire! And the sun never sets on the British empire!  Until it did...

Talk loudly.

As Americans, we sometimes don't realise that we can be pretty damn loud.  Sometimes its for a good reason, like being drunk.  Other times, we're just loud because....well because we can damnit!  At sport bars/pubs this is allowed and even encouraged.  While dining or chatting at work, not so much.

Don't queue (line) up

The Brits like queues.  They tend to judge restaurants by how many people are queuing to get inside.  Because if people are willing to wait an hour to eat, then it must be good.  There was even legislation drafted to require people to queue at the bar.  Luckily that didn't go through.  If you dare to queue jump, even by accident, you will incur the full wrath of a Brit.  They will curse you out, you will be throttled and possibly tarred, feathered and dragged through the high street.  Well not in real life, mind you.  But they will be thinking about it!

Happy Birthday! Where's My Drink?

When I first started my job, I noticed that I would occasionally get emails from another co-worker announcing that there were goodies in the kitchen on each floor.  There didn't seem to be any reason for it at the time.  And to be honest, I'm not really one to question free food.  But after racking my brain to try and figure out what mysterious lottery that my fellow co-workers had (un)luckily won, I decided to put down the cupcake and ask someone.

That's when I was introduced to what I personally think is a very strange British (and European) tradition.  When it is your birthday here, you are expected to buy presents/drinks/cake for everyone else.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, you have to buy other people things on your birthday.  Confused????  Me too!


I'm used to the American tradition of people taking you out for your birthday.  And that is actually how my friends and I celebrate them while we are here in London.  But be forewarned, that if it is your birthday and you are expected, nay, obligated to buy drinks or snacks for your co-workers and/or friends.

You could argue that is really isn't any different than you buying gifts for all of your friends' birthdays.  You just get it over with at the same time.  I can be okay with that reasoning.  But what about your co-workers???  Do you really have to buy them something???  Even if you don't like them???? 

A nice person would.  I just didn't tell anyone that it was my birthday!

This Week in London: 22 - 28 March

22 March

• - Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2010 @ The Design Museum

23 March

• - Cringe (reading aloud teenage diaries) @ The George
•  - Open Mic @ The Half Moon Pub
•  - Teenage Cancer Trust - Comedy Night @ The Royal Albert Hall

24 March

• - The Ideal Home Show @  Earl's Court

25 March

• - London Lesbian & Gay Film Fesival @ Southbank

26 March

• -  Hide & Seek @ V&A Musuem Lates
•  - Chocolate Festival  @ Southbank Centre Square
•  - Enchanted Palace @ Kensington Palace

27 March

• - Kick Off of Fuck It Weekend @ The Columbia Hotel
• - Whirl Y Gig @ Jacks
•  - We Like You @ Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

28 March

• -Thrift Shop Swap @ The Roundhouse

Socialized Medicine - Cleaning Yo Teefs

So inevitably you're going to need to get your teeth cleaned while you are here.  As cultural stereotypes go,  the British are known for having bad teeth.  So you may be a bit skeptical about using NHS for any dental work including a cleaning. However there are some advantages of going social.

Unlike most medical services, dental work under NHS won't be free for expats. ( However there are a few exceptions.)  The pricing is divided amongst bands and the cost ranges from 16.50 GBP for a cleaning to 198.00 GBP for a crown or bridge.  Also all NHS dental work has been contracted out to private dental practices.  So you will inevitably receive similar if not the same basic service (cleaning, etc) as you would if you were using a private dentist.



however, NHS is lacking when is comes to more advanced dental work.  For instance, there is a year long waiting list for braces in some areas.  You also might have to wait for other procedures (dentures, extractions, etc).  At these times, it would probably be best to go to a private dentist. 

Using NHS is the ideal situation for me as I have never had any problems with my teeth.  In fact, I've never even had a cavity. I've also found a really good dentist that I'm happy with. But if you have had problems with your teeth in the past or if you have a family history of bad teeth, then you may want to consider getting a private dentist.

Looking for NHS Dentists?
Going private?

Neighborhood Spotlight - Upper Tooting

Back down south we go, where the S in the post code actually means south of Thames, to Upper Tooting.  Part of the Wandsworth council, it is located in the SW17 postcode.  I spoke to local Upper Tootington (wow, no!) resident Jeannine to get a sense of life on the south side

Name: Jeannine
Age: …is but a number ;)
Wandsworth Resident for: A year and a half
Last place you live before moving to London?
Johannesburg, South Africa




Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
I live with my significant other

What’s your nearest Tube station?
Tooting Bec – Northern Line

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
It’s pretty quiet during the week, but it’s gets busy during the weekend. It’s quite a family oriented little neighbourhood, so there are a lot of children around. Waiting for the bus in the morning can be a bit of a nightmare ‘cos the buses are full of school kids and there are prams and babies everywhere! Sometimes you have to wait for a few buses in the morning ‘cos they’re full. Even though there are lots of families around, there are also a lot of really great bars, pubs and restaurants that are within walking distance too.

How safe is your neighbourhood?
Pretty safe. Coming from SA where you have 10ft electrified fences and burglar bars everywhere, it took me a long time to get used to not having bars on all the windows and doors! I haven’t had any problems with crime there yet, except for the occasional fox ripping open garbage bags.

What do you like most about where you live?
It’s pretty central – you have access to just about anywhere! You have so many travel options. Clapham Junction is a 10min bus trip away, if you get tired of using the tube. Wandsworth Common is amazing, especially is you like cycling and spending time outdoors. Clapham Common is less than 2 miles away and once a year they have a festival for all the Antipodeans (separate ones for the Kiwis, Aussies and Saffas) and it also plays host to SW4 which is an amazing dance festival. Wimbledon is just up the road too, about a 15 – 20 min bust trip. I think a lot of Antipodeans choose to live in South West London as it has the cheapest council tax in London (on average £700 - £800 depending on your band but it goes up quite a bit in SW19) and the open spaces kinda reminds me of home. I also like it cos it’s out of the city and is slightly more relaxed and chilled. Oh, and I love living near Northcote Road…always something to do there. There are also a lot of clubs and bars around Clapham Junction too so you are really spoiled for choice. 

What do you like least?
That the only tube line servicing the area is the Northern Line…there is almost always some sort of delay somewhere on the line. Otherwise it’s a pretty cool area.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live?
If I had more money, I would definitely be living in Richmond. Love it there!

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Willesden Green

Off to NW London we to go to Willesden Green.  Its located in the lovely postcode of NW6 and is part of Brent council.  To find out more about Willesden Green, we spoke to local resident Melanie.

Name: Melanie

Age: 26

Willesden Resident for: Nearly my whole life, give or take a couple of years here and there in other places…I just keep coming back….

Last place you live before moving to London? I am a born and bred Londoner, but I have also lived in the bay area in California.

Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
I live with my mum! My mum also runs our house as a b&b as well as renting rooms to foreign students – so I guess you could kind of call it a flatshare as there are always people about!


What’s your nearest Tube station:?
Willesden Green

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
 The neighbourhood is extremely multi-cultural, with a really wide mix of residents from all over the world. There are often lots of free events going on, such as fairs, parades and festivals (the annual St Patrick’s Day parade and party, the Respect Festival every July, Brent Dance Month to name a few…) and there is a lot of art (galleries/shows/artists/public art) in the community.

How safe is your neighbourhood?
I have never had any problems (touch wood!)

What do you like most about where you live?
 I live right next to a really big beautiful park! I also like living in zone 2 – it is pretty quick to get to central London from Willesden Green. Neighbouring areas, such as Kilburn, Queens Park and Kensal Rise have some really nice restaurants and pubs too.

What do you like least?
The fact that there are not many decent restaurants (unless you count the 550 million kebab shops) on the High Road, and there are not really any good shops either! Plus, I hate the fact that the shops that line the High Road do not maintain a general standard of attractiveness, which really brings down the tone of the neighbourhood. I also hate the 10 minute walk to get from my house to the tube station! It’s ok on a summer’s day, but it is more of a pain when it’s cold/late/dark and also a drag if you are wearing heels or running late!

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live:?
Probably either Hampstead or Camden.

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Pimlico

 Back to central London we go to yet another neighbourhood with a SW postcode that's north of the river.  Located south of Victoria is the lovely neighbourhood of Pimlico. Pimlico has a SW1 postcode and is part of City of Westiminster council.  To get a better idea of life in Pimlico, we spoke to Whitney.


Name: Whitney
Age: Older than I look, which is far better than the other way around.
Pimlico Resident for: 1+ years
Last place you live before moving to London?  I last had a closet in Oregon.  But just before London there was a living-out-of-a-suitcase stretch that involved Las Vegas, Utah and a handful of cities on the California coast. 



Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
I live with a crazy French guy who speaks 30 languages and whom I generally adore.

What’s your nearest Tube station? 
Pimlico.

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe? 
Decidedly middle class with posh aspirations.

How safe is your neighbourhood? 
Very... though some of the 'aspiring' bits (or those that never aspired) are a bit rough on the eyes.

What do you like most about where you live? 
The Georgian architecture, the quietness, the fact that the Thames, Tate Britain, Victoria and Sloane Square are all a stone's throw... and if I take the tube, from door-to-door, I can be in Oxford Circus in 15 minutes flat.

What do you like least? 
Everything shuts early.  It's difficult finding a shop open past 11pm - and past 5pm on a Sunday!

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live?  
Ha... probably just deeper into bona fide Belgravia (so just up the street).  I would love to score a flat on/near Pimlico Road... or perhaps Chelsea Embankment or Cheyne Walk overlooking the Thames.

This Week in London: 17 -21 March 2010

17 March - St Patrick's Day!

• - Jameson Cult Film Club St Patrick's Day Event @ Royal Institution of Great Britain
• - Brent St Patrick's Day Festival @ Willesden Green Tube Station
• - Opening of BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival @ South Bank
• - Free until Famous with Lewis Schaffer @ The Source Below

18 March

• - MGMT @ Heaven

19 March

• - Collabo with With Avant Garde Dance@ Stratford Circus
• - St. Patrick's Day Ceili @ Vinopolis

20 March

• - 50 Cent @ Wembley Arena

21 March -

• - Low-Fi Fayre @ William Iv Bar & Restaurant
• - London Film Day @ various cinemas around London

Adventures in Discount Travelling

One of the great things about living in London, is that it is so easy to visit the rest of the world. There are several discount airlines like RyanAir and EasyJet that can get you to your destination at an affordable price. Along with the discount airlines, you can get a fairly good deal on hotels using lastminute.com.

Now I’ve used lastminute.com many times before. They have a fantastic feature where you can get a two for one deal on mystery 5 star hotels. It sounds scary as you don’t know what hotel you’ve booked until you’ve already paid. But the places that I stayed at the past two times that I used this function were gorgeous and centrally located.

Now the problem with relying too much on this function, is that you (and by you, I mean, me) rely so much on lastminute.com’s awesomeness that you forget that there are still some really shitty hotels listed on the site.
Case in point, during my last trip to Amsterdam I booked my hotel based on lastminute.com’s recommendation. After all, if it’s on the site and highly recommended, it can’t be too shitty right?

God I wish I hadn’t been so wrong.

1. Our hotel was located in the middle of nowhere. And when I say middle of nowhere, I’m talking off a highway near an industrial park.
2.  We did not stay in the nice accommodations as pictured. We somehow ended up in the 2 star trailer park located next to the hotel. I was not amused.
3. Not only did our room not have towels (I had to ask for them) but we somehow also had to pay an extra 3 Euros in local taxes. Because added them to the cost of the booking would have been logical.

But to be fair, I should have looked at where this hotel was located. I shouldn’t have relied on my past luck with lastmintue.com. But I did. And I learned my lesson. Be sure that you (now I really mean you, the reader) don’t make the same mistake.

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Isle of Dogs

Now most of our previous articles in this series have been focusing on places in either the West End or in the North London.  For something a bit different, we'll turn our attention to the East End.  Isle of Dogs is located east of Canada Wharf and north of Greenwich.  It is part of the Tower Hamlets Council and has an E14 postcode.  We spoke to Lidija to get a better of idea of what its like to live on the Isle of Dogs.

Name: Lidija
Age: 28... eek!
Isle of Dogs Resident for: 5 years
Last place you live before moving to London? A wee town in English suburbia, falling off the edge of the Metropolitan line, called Chesham 


Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
I share with one other person

What’s your nearest Tube station? 
Canary Wharf



How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
Residential, safe, a wee bit dull but also interesting as it's got a really post-modern feel - e.g. a leafy city farm down one end of the road, and canary wharf skyscrapers at the other!

How safe is your neighbourhood?
I feel it's pretty safe and have never felt threatened, though I'm told that there quasi-gangs roaming the streets and ocasionally causing trouble - all good for me though.

What do you like most about where you live? 
The river! I'm a stone's throw away and it's blissful to be able to walk and chill out by the water, or follow it all the way through to central London.

What do you like least?
When the jubilee line is down, you're literally stuck on the island bar a few buses! So transport could be better.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live? 
Brick Lane

The British Say WHAT??? - Part Deux

After compiling the first list of British words or phrases that can confuse Americans, I realised that it was not at all exhaustive.  In fact, I filled a few notebook pages with other words and phrases that weren't on the list.  So for your sheer amusement or translation I bring you part deux!

British	American
Having a go/taking the Mic	teasing, making fun of someone
cashpoint	ATM
faffing about	fooling around (NOT SEX)
snog	to kiss
shag	to fuck
daft	stupid
knackered	tired
naff	broken, doesn't work
fringe	bangs
flat	apartment/condo
mobile	cell phone
duvet	blanket
slag, slapper, clapper	slut
twat, tosser, prat	jerk, asshole
voucher	coupon
braces	suspenders
suspenders	garter belt
carpark	parking log
off license	liquor store
lorry	truck
getting your kit off	stripping naked
post	mail
diary	planner, calendar
boot	car trunk
bonnet	car hood
hoover	vacuum
telly	television

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Stoke Newington

I have to be honest.  When I first heard of  Stoke Newington, I had absolutely no idea where it was.  After a quick Google search, I see that its in the N16 post code and that it's part of the Hackney council.  How did I hear about this place?  Its where the very lovely Lizzie lives (ooh alliteration!).  She has decided to share with us her experience of living in the N16.

Name: Lizzie
Age: 25
Stoke Newington Resident for: 3 years
Last place you live before moving to London?
Erm... Reading but I've been in London over 7 years now.



Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
Flatshare


What’s your nearest Tube station?
I think it's either Old Street or Highbury and Islington

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
Stoke Newington is an infusion of the hip cool and arty Dalston and the money spilling over from Angel. This means you get yummy mummies and skinny jean wearing twats. It's clam, family friendly, great for someone looking for a village in a city.

How safe is your neighbourhood?
Pretty safe, we are surrounded by some dodgy parts but generally it's a great place to live.

What do you like most about where you live?
The community feel and the fact there is great cafés, shops and coffee on my doorstep as well as great alternative nightlife and live music venues.

What do you like least?
It can take over an hour to get into central London.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live?
On a houseboat, between Angel and Old Street!

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Islington

Situated in the northern part of Zone 1, Islington is located very close to King's Cross and Camden.  It is part of Islington council and has a N1 postcode.  So what's it like to live in Islington?  We spoke to current resident Chris to find out.

Name: Chris
Age: One score and 9 years
Islington Resident for: 1 year
Last place you live before moving to London: San Diego, CA



Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
On my own

What’s your nearest Tube station? 
Angel/Highbury & Islington


How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe? 
Vivacious with some great spots for food and drinks, with a laid back, quasi-suburban feel.

How safe is your neighbourhood?
Pretty damn safe. Mostly young families and not too many council houses

What do you like most about where you live? 
The location. While it is 10 mins or so from the nearest tube station, having Upper Street and Essex Road to go out on is awesome. There are amazing pubs (Slim Jims & New Rose - my faves) and some really solid dining (Cuba Libre, Rodrico Rizo, NANDOS!) choices. Plus, you have a big cinema (Vue) and an indie one (Screen on Green) , easy access to shopping (The Angel) and a whole lot more.

What do you like least? 
That I don't live within a less than 5 minute walk to a tube station. Although there are many buses that will easily get me to one.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live? 
The Chelsea and Fulham areas, love both those areas.

MARCH MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its that time of year again.  The days are getting longer, the flowers are in bloom, the sun is out to greet us again.  And throngs of men (and some women) are gearing up for tourney time. The steady march to Indianapolis begins!

As you're gearing up for Selection Sunday you're probably saddened by the prospect of having to follow the game online.  But fear not, there are several places right here in London to catch the action.  The largest of these would be the American expat haunt, the Sports Cafe and Grill.  This has the benefit of staying open very late into the early morning for most games.  But be sure to call ahead, as they can be inconsistent.  Also as the Sports Cafe is mere milliseconds from Piccadilly Circus, it can get really crowded.


Another option is the Sports Grill and Bar in Marleybone.  Although the place won't be packed to the rafters with Americans, just about every square-inch of this place is covered in flat screen TVs.  So you should have no problems viewing the game.

Other less obvious places to watch the games are the Texas Embassy and Bodeans.  The Texas Embassy, always has American sports playing in the bar area.  They also have pretty decent chips and salsa as well as beer and margaritas.  Bodeans always plays American sports games and has amazing BBQ but they tend to close pretty early.  They will however play the game in its entirety the next day. 

Curious how these places rate?

This Week in London: 8 - 14 March 2010

8 March

• Connect Festival @ Sadler's Wells Theatre
• Blonde Crazy Film Festival @ BFI Southbank
  

9 March

• Opening Night of Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre
• Preview: Girl with the Dragon Tatoo @ Soho Curzon 

10 March

• 26th Annual London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival @ Camden Centre
• Looking for Eric w/ Director Q&A @ The Albany 

11 March

• Joss Stone @ Shepherd's Bush Empire
• Table Soccer Tournament @ Bar Kick

12 March

• London Premiere of Whip It @ Birds Eye View Festival
• Start of Fashion Fusion Expo @ Old Truman Brewery

13 March

• Women's Vintage Bargain Pop Up Shop @ The Blues Kitchen

14 March

• St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival @ Trafalgar Square 

Free Clincs - Getting Over the Ick Factor

So if you're like me, the words "free clinic" bring up images of  crowded waiting rooms and  medical facilities that are covered in an inch of grime.  Because surely if its free, it has to be substandard.  Not true, says I.   As I have been to two of these free (walk-in) clinics and find them to be, well, pretty damn good.  The facilities aren't half bad.  They are clean, the staff are helpful and you will get the medical care that you need.  Trust me, I've had much more horrible experiences using Kaiser Permanente.

Now there are different clinics throughout the city that serve different purposes.  Some of them specialise in sexual health, while others focus on flu-like symptoms, coughs and infections.  Each centre lists its main services on the NHS website.  As they are walk-in centres, everything is done on a first come, first serve basis.  I highly recommend getting to the clinics when they open.  That tends to cut your waiting time down and you'll either be seen immediately or within a few minutes.  But if you can only go during the middle of the day, you're looking at a wait time of about 30 minutes.  Unless of course, you're bleeding all over the floor, in which case you'll be rushed to the front and/or sent to the emergency room.

More info:

Finding a Walk-in Centre
Walk-In Centre General Info

Socialized Medicine - How to Register with a GP

If you do not have access to private health care, there's a pretty good chance that you'll take advantage of NHS (National Health Service).  You can go to one of the several free clinics around the city if you have, for example, the flu.  Or you can go straight to the emergency room (A&E) if you've seriously injured yourself.

However you'll eventually want to get a GP (general practitioner).  Within the NHS system, you must see your GP first if you need non-emergency medical attention so that they can refer you to a medical specialist.    For instance if you have foot problems, you would need to see your GP so that he could refer you to a podiatrist.  Your GP is also one of the few people that can prescribe you medication.  You can get meds from the free clinic if you need it.  However, they will only write you a prescription once (no refills).  And due to health and safety gone amuck, they won't prescribe you meds unless you're knocking on death's door.


So how do you get a GP?  First you must go a practice and request a GMS1 form where you must provide your name, address, date of birth and your NHS number.  Don't have an NHS number?  Don't worry.  You can still sign up without one.  Some practices will also ask for a form of identification.  After submitting your filled out GMS1,  the GP practice will send your form off to the Primary Care Trust who will write to you and confirm that you're registered with the GP practice.

Now some practices will tell you that you can't register unless you have been in the country for a certain period of time.  That is not true!  If you are told this, demand to get the GMS1 anyway. There is not a residency requirement for signing up for a GP and any practice that claims there is is lying and should be reported immediately.

Once you are registered, then you can go to your GP for a physical and voila!  You can now partake in the NHS system. 


More Info:
How to Register
Finding GPs in Your Area
GP FAQs

Mum's Day vs Mother's Day

So if you've walked anywhere near a shop as of late, you'll have noticed that they are plastered with signs declaring that Mum's Day is upon us.  No, mass corporate greed is not the reason for the absurdly early Mother's Day reminder.  (However they probably are responsible for the sheer number of signs and bold lettering.)

Instead of celebrating on the second Sunday in May, here they celebrate Mothering Sunday aka Mum's Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  So there, you can go and breath a sigh of relief right?  Well, maybe.  The thing is as Mum's day is celebrated much earlier here than in the US you'll probably run into the dilemma of not having a card to send in May.

This can be remedied by either buying your card now or if you're lazy (like me)  you can sign up with Hallmark.com and pick out a card online to send.  Unfortunately it won't have you're actual signature in it.  But it'll give you a bit more flexibility.  Alternatively, you could just skip the card all together and just giver her a ring.  Just makes sure its on the right day! (Psst, that would be 9 May!)

To Tip? Or Not to Tip?

That is the question.  As Americans, we are a nation of tippers.  The reason for this is that people in the service industry (waiters, bartenders, etc) tend to make less than minimum wage and work for tips. This tends to result in either really good (gotta make that $$$)  or really bad customer service (who wants to work for peanuts?). 

As we are a tipping nation, we feel the need to continue this tradition here in the UK.  However, by in large, this is not necessary.  For one, UK service workers make at least minimum wage and therefore do not have to work for tips.  Also tipping is somthing that the Brits do not do in general.  Hence, the customer service here can be, well, crap.


Now on occasion some resturants will add a service charge to your bill and you unfortunately have to pay it no matter how bad the service was.  Some resturants will even state that the charge is "discretionary".   So in theory, you can request that it be removed, especially if you receive crap service, right?  Wrong!  Instead you'll probably just end up arguing with the manager over a measly £6.

Also as most Brits are aware of the American tipping culture, they will try to guilt you into giving them a tip.  If you are on a date or businiess lunch, grin and bear it.  Otherwise, immediately tell them to go fuck themselse.  Unless of course, you have received really good sevice.  In which case, tip away.

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Clerkenwell

UPDATE (5/3/10): In addition to this interview, Thomas has provided us with his list of great eats and drinks in Clerkenwell. Thanx Thomas! You rock!

Did I say weekly series?? Did I really just interview myself???  Do I have friends???

The answers are yes, yes and yes.  But as this is a relatively new blog, and I have been called out for interviewing myself.  (Thanks Shida!),  I have decided to bring you our next interview a bit early.

Clerkenwell is very conveniently located near the City and spans postcodes EC1, EC2 and the N1.  It is also part of the Islington council. So what's it like living in Clerkenwell?  What does one do there? We spoke to current resident Thomas to find out.



Name: Thomas
Age: 26
Clerkenwell Resident for: 1+ years
Last place you lived before moving to London?
Marquette, Michigan




Do you live in a flatshare or on your own?
It's probably a step below a flatshare

What’s your nearest Tube station?
Farringdon

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe?
It's close to some of the oldest parts of London, so there's a lot of character and charm. If you want to find a good place to hang out, you'll need to venture down some of the side streets. The pubs are historic and there's a ton of amazing restaurants as it's also a big work area. I'm close to Smithfield market so a lot of places around me try to do the "locally-sourced ethical meats" options on their menus. It's close to Angel, a short bus ride (or walk) to Covent Garden or East end, and when I go running, I get to run on the northbank of the Thames (it's a nice 7k loop as I go down Farringdon road to the river and from Blackfriars to Westminster and back!).

How safe is your neighbourhood?
Pretty safe, I've never really felt like it was dodgy, there's some club kids that come out of Fabric on the weekends but they're just drunk so if you push them lightly, they'll fall right over.

What do you like most about where you live?
Location. It's smack dab between the places I go the most so it's never really too much of a hassle to go to any part of London. And I save a ton on my oyster card because if it's nice out, I'll walk home from soho, or if I'm in Angel/Shoreditch it's a 20 min walk or less home. And it's 15 min walk to the river for some Southbank pub hopping and Tate Modern. I'm maybe 7 min walk from St Pauls cathedral.

Excellent transport links, I'm on the Circle (which is now a lasso, but don't get me started) line/Hammersmith/Metropolitan, and a short walk from Chancery Lane station if I don't feel like changing to get to the Central line, and there's decent buses.

What do you like least?
The fact that my room is tiny like a sardine can. But I'm still in need of income, so it's a transitional flat. I'd rather live in an area that I love in a flat that I hate than live in a flat that I love in an area that I hate.... if that makes sense...and I like being central. So I don't have people over, but as long as I can stumble home at night and not have to take a night bus for 2 hours, I'm happy. Oh and a lot of the stuff closes down on the weekends because of the office building culture, so the Prets and EATs are more of a weekday venture, but there's a few hidden locals that are good for pints on the weekends.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live?
I quite like my area, I'd just want a nicer place. Though I've lived in Kensington before and there's some really great places there, for a hefty price. I'd love to end up in Holland Park someday, but for now, I'm happy with Islington & Clerkenwell, and it's nice towards Holborn as well.

Neighbourhood Spotlight - Fulham

This is the first interview in our weekly series featuring a different neighbourhood in London.  This week we bring you Fulham which is located in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.  Don't be fooled by the SW postcode, as this town is actually located north of the river and is situated between Chelsea and Hammersmith.  So what's it like living in Fulham?  We spoke to current resident Tisha to get more information.



Name: Tisha
Age: 27
Fulham Resident for:  8 months
Last Place You Lived Before London:  Washington, DC via Maryland



Do you live in a flat share or on your own?
I'm going solo.  I tried the flatshare thing and its really not for me. 

What's your nearest Tube station?
West Brompton which is on the District line. 

How would you describe your neighbourhood’s overall vibe? 
There is a bit of a suburban vibe.  There are loads of houses and parks where you see parents playing with their young children.  But there are also cute shops and cafes as well as night life in Fulham Broadway.  A lot of Aussies and Kiwis and even a few Americans have also settled in the area, so there is a sizable expat community here as well. 

How safe is your neighbourhood? 
I feel pretty safe walking home at night.  You occasionally have problems with drunken rowdiness as Chelsea’s football stadium is very close by.  But overall I feel incredibly safe here.  

What do you like most about where you live? 

I like that it's not too loud.  I love the green spaces.  They are great especially during the summer where you can just sit and lounge for hours.  The shops and cafes are nice too as there are several in walking distance.  There is also an amazing market up the road from me that has great deals on vegetables and fruit. 

What do you like least? 

I wish that the tube stations weren't so far away.  I can either get a bus to a station or walk 10 minutes.  Its a bit of a pain.  It can also be pretty boring out here as there isn't a whole lot to do.  I always seem to end up going out somewhere in central London.

If you could live anywhere in London, where would you live? 

I really like Shoreditch and Angel as I seem to always end up hanging out in these areas.  So I'd probably try to find a place around there.

The Two Universal Truths

1. You will die.
2. The IRS are bastards.

Thought that you got out of having to file US income taxes because you moved moved abroad???  Or think that just because you're a dual citizen, you don't have to pay taxes seeing how you're a Brit, employed as a Brit and working for a British company????

Think again.  The MAN still has you in it's grips.  The good news is that you can exclude up to $91,400 of your income and all Americans abroad get an automatic extension until 15 June to file.  However be forewarned that if you wait until 15 June and just happen to owe Uncle Sam some money, you will be charged interest starting from 15 April.  So much for an extension. 


In addition to filing taxes, you are obligated to inform the IRS if you have a foreign bank account with more than $10,000.  And yes, you must report this even if the foreign bank account happens to be in the country with which you hold dual citizenship.  Man, I can't get a break!

Want to vent your anger on the MAN or just get more information? IRS=bastards

Need tax preparation assistance?  The U.S. Embassy has a few suggestions.

The British Say WHAT????

Now although our cousins across the pond do speak English, they say things a bit differently than we do. Normal phrases such as, “Nice pants”, have an entirely different meaning as pants here = underwear. So to stop yourself from looking like a complete pervert, unless of course that’s your thing, below is a list of British word and their American equivalent.

British	American
pants	underwear
toilet/loo	bathroom
spirits	hard liquor
chips	French fries
crips	potato eraser
rubber	underwear
Yank	American
Saffa	South African
Kiwi	New Zealander
Aussie	Australian
fanny/minge	vagina
cuppa	cup of tea/coffee
mug	fool/idiot
minger	fugly
dodgy	shady/sketchy
courgettes	zuchhini
aubergine	eggplant
rocket	arugula
faggot	pork meatballs made from pig's heart,liver & fatty belly meat
puff/faerie (fairy)	derogatory term fro homosexual
bollocks	balls (as in testicles;can be used interchangeably with bullshit
touts	ticket scalpers
gig	concert
cinema	movie theatre
dosh	money
quid	another word for pound (£)
shattered/gutted	really upset, devastated
stone	unit of measurement;(1 stone = 14 lb)
jumper	sweater
wanker	jerk off