One of the first things I praised the UK for was it’s crazy fast Wifi. You’d think in major cities in the U.S. we’d have comparable coverage – but we don’t. As an expat in London, I was floored at how quick service was – and how affordable. No longer did I need to worry about the mobile bill and broadband in the apartment killing our utilities budget. It was a small expense compared to rent and other necessities. Not to mention, it worked flawlessly. I do wish before I…
Deep down, I think I hoped the situation might change. I spent almost three years in crazy London. During that time, I evolved more as a person than I have my whole life, impacted by the chaotic environment, new cast of characters ad crazy work opportunities. I soared and succeeded, then crashed and burned. Through it all though, it was an indescribable adventure I loved having. Then the time came to move on, as all good things come to an end. My husband and I chose to move back to…
Hype men yell out they are certainly the BEST curry on Brick Lane in London. No no, not that other guy, us. Definitely. We have the awards to prove. Alright so does he, but WE are offering a deal. Come on in. Right now. Table is waiting. Now? Walking down Brick Lane in London in hopes of a tasty curry can be a daunting task. There are some wonderful curry houses, and some not so good ones. Without a plan, you’ll end up being convinced by the loudest shop owner…
Walking holidays in the UK do not end because it’s wintertime. I was shocked when our British friends suggested an outdoor getaway to Scotland in December last year! When it gets cold, I immediately think of fleeing to somewhere tropical. Not a place covered in snow. Or at least, I’m going to stay inside if there’s a blizzard outside. But I’ve learned that it’s wildly refreshing to spend time outdoors in the winter – especially as the short days make for less hours in the daylight. My mood was greatly…
It’s often a huge challenge to prioritize taking trips or a holiday. A budget that offers options and a little indulge is lovely, but not all of us have this luxury. On the other hand, we might have been squirreling away funds for a while to visit a new destination, but simply can’t find the time from our employer to make the journey significantly worth it. In fact, New research by Opodo reveals more than a third (38%) of Brits said their company offers no flexible working benefits as part…
My yoga practice is going just peachy, but let’s be real. I got to move my behind way more. Stretching and asanas made me feel active and worked well for a while to keep my heart rate pumping. But as my mental health began to improve, as my desire to be social, get out and, well, eat. And drink. I’ve noticed my weight creeping up again, which is discouraging after I had been working so hard. I wanted to find something to do in the city I could enjoy on…
It’s one thing to gear up and brave the outdoors on purpose, but fall and wintertime means a whole other animal to city dwellers. The streets can get pretty precarious as the temperature drops, which means the winter weather gear has to surface. Choosing clothes that are warm, sturdy and can handle almost any conditions for those who often commute by foot or brave the elements on a daily basis is essential. Layer, Layer, Layer If you’re a public transport warrior, you know how it can be breezy on your…
I know: why am I talking about resolutions in August? Now is the perfect time to talk about these goals – because let’s be honest, most of us have forgotten them. I certainly have. My resolutions tend to be more all-encompassing than specific. I wished for happiness, my loved one’s happiness and the drive to constantly keep learning. It wasn’t always like that though. Eye on the Prize A long time ago I wrote a list of 100 goals to accomplish in two and a half years. It felt silly…
Christian steps in today to give his thoughts on London Expat living – particularly the TV situation! I’m constantly being asked, either at work or by family and friends, if I’ve seen the latest episode of something – or if I’ve started watching some cool new series. It’s important – not only for entertainment – but because it can help you stay in-sync with events back home. For example, I get my US political news from John Oliver! As an expat, trying to maintain this link to your homeland can…
I’m always on the grid – almost to a fault! Personally, I think it’s easier than ever to choose the expat life, at least when it comes to communication back home. Expats now can video call, fly home or even order gift for loved ones abroad in a blink of an eye. It’s fantastic. It’s made adventuring and relocating all the easier. Here’s what I use to keep in touch and work from almost any locale. Lenovo Yoga Laptop My lifeblood is my laptop, hands down. It’s my main…
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