Tell me all I need to know about living in London

[Deleted]

Mar 3, 2014 14:28:21 GMT -5 neeps said:

Grocery delivery. That is the #1 thing to know in London Seriously the greatest thing ever. Just order online and voila, no walking or lugging groceries or kid wrangling. You should be in everyone's delivery area - Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's.

YES. And I don't live in London. But grocery delivery is one of my favourite things about living in the UK.

Oh, and my older one loves the Transport Museum in Covent Garden. One ticket for £15 gets you entry for a year. We popped over to London for a few days in the fall while DH was there for work and my older son wanted to go there every day.

[anna7602]

FWIW, DH and I were both paid in dollars while we were living abroad. It took me a while to stop converting, but eventually I did.

Re: clothing. I love Du Pareil Au Meme for kids' clothes. Their stuff is very affordable in France and Spain/Portugal. I don't know if the prices are just converted straight from Euros to Pounds in the UK, however, or how they compare to British brands.

I also like Spanish brands Zara and Gocco (more upscale, birthday-party-and-Easter-type dresses) for clothes and Camper for shoes. Campers are expensive, but we walk everywhere and compared to other brands in France, they weren't that much more expensive and were extremely durable. Plus, DD's foot doesn't grow as quickly now as it did when she was younger. I have gotten up to a year of wear out of a pair of Campers. Monoprix's shoes are terrible quality, FWIW, but I do like their clothes.

I like Mini Boden as well, but have found that the prices are better in the US, even though the company is UK-based. When I was living in France, I would just place an order through the US web site if someone was coming to visit me. The prices were roughly the same in dollars as in pounds, plus I could often use a 10, 15 or 20% off coupon and get free shipping, so I never ended up ordering from the UK site directly for delivery in France.

For wellies, DD's Agatha Ruiz de la Prada ones held up well. We went through 2 pairs in the 18 months we were living in Paris (because she outgrew the first pair). Again, on the pricey side, but good quality. It rained A LOT in France and DD never complained that her feet were soaked when she wore those. For myself, I wore Hunters. I also loved my Patagonia rain coat (still love it).

[Deleted]

You definitely won't stick out in a blue North Face coat :-) If you're officially a UK transplant, then I'd recommend getting Hunter wellies. They're expensive, but really good quality.

I get paid in dollars and try not to convert too much. Some things are less expensive here than the US, and some things are a lot more expensive. Eating out is definitely more expensive, and will be even more so in London. Soda is particularly expensive, especially in restaurants, so we drink mostly water for casual meals -- if we're splurging we'll do wine or beer. Going to the movies ("to the cinema" here) is also a lot more expensive. Otherwise, we try not to think too much about converting pounds into dollars, and just kind of go with it.

[blushing]

Some terminology for you
Trousers = pants in America
Pants = underwear
Knickers = womans underwear/panties
Biscuit = cookie in America
Chips = fries in America
Crisps = chips in America
Nappy = diaper
Dummy = pacifier
Trolley = shopping cart
Boot = trunk of car
Hooter = car horn


If I think of others I will let you know. Although the American girls might be better at remembering some more.

And if you buy squash at the supermarket then it should be mixed with water. Don't drink it just like that.

[anna7602]

Mar 4, 2014 16:48:42 GMT -5 blushing said:

Biscuit = cookie in America
Chips = fries in America
Crisps = chips in America

When I was in South Carolina 2 weeks ago, I asked for a biscuit at a local bakery and it turned out that the guy behind the counter was British. Much confusion ensued. I had to explain that I did not mean a cookie, which was weird considering that a biscuit is a particularly intrinsic part of Southern culture. The guy must hear "cookie" a billion times a day living in America, no?

Re: chips and crisps, I overheard a hilarious conversation between two Spaniards in Scotland as they tried to remember which English speakers mean what by crisps and chips  and which word they were supposed to use in Scotland for what they wanted. Their debate was so tangled that I couldn't even intervene to help as I honestly couldn't tell which one they wanted to say!

[allibally]

Mar 4, 2014 16:48:42 GMT -5 blushing said:

And if you buy squash at the supermarket then it should be mixed with water. Don't drink it just like that.

Squash is flavored fruit syrup the consistency of grenadine. Since I never knew that word was what they were called. haha

[Deleted]

Jumper = Sweater
Film = Movie
Cinema = Movie Theater
Theatre = Where you go to see plays (pantos?)
Rubbish Bin = Trash Can
Fag = Cigarette -- I knew this coming here, and after nearly 3 years I still cringe on the inside every time someone says this word
Football = Soccer
American Football = Football
Cuppa = Cup of Tea (or coffee) -- get it?
Stag Do/Hen Do = Bachelor(ette) party
Pissed = Drunk
Sorted = Fixed or sorted out (like you need to get your heating situation sorted!)
Mobile = Cell Phone

You'll obviously pick a lot of these up if you haven't already :-)

[blushing]

courgette = zucchini

[brainie]

Sounds like it's time to plan a London GTG....

[Cicero]

Mar 3, 2014 15:53:59 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Mar 3, 2014 14:24:27 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Welcome to London. I live here but don't have kids so not able to give you any help with that. Each person's heating seems to be a bit different, but you can turn off the radiators at the source, so if a room is too hot, turn it down!

Omg, I wish it was this easy. I think I can handle that much. It's something to do with the stupid heated floors in the basement. Normal room temperature should be about 21 degrees Celsius. We have it turned down to 7 and it is still too hot. We have to open the back door in order to stand being in the room (somewhat important since it's the kitchen and family room). And the property managers are less than helpful so far. 

This sounds like our old apartment in Geneva. We had the radiators turned all the way off and still had to open windows because we were swamped with heat from everyone else in the building. I know opening windows doesn't sound like a great solution but it's all we could come up with.

Hope you have a great time in London and welcome to the board.

[UnderProtest]

Mar 5, 2014 0:38:38 GMT -5 allibally said:

Mar 4, 2014 16:48:42 GMT -5 blushing said:

And if you buy squash at the supermarket then it should be mixed with water. Don't drink it just like that.

Squash is flavored fruit syrup the consistency of grenadine. Since I never knew that word was what they were called. haha

Thank you for this translation.  I was really confused about why you would drink a zucchini like vegetable.

[UnderProtest]

Mar 4, 2014 22:07:53 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Mar 4, 2014 16:48:42 GMT -5 blushing said:

Biscuit = cookie in America
Chips = fries in America
Crisps = chips in America

When I was in South Carolina 2 weeks ago, I asked for a biscuit at a local bakery and it turned out that the guy behind the counter was British. Much confusion ensued. I had to explain that I did not mean a cookie, which was weird considering that a biscuit is a particularly intrinsic part of Southern culture. The guy must hear "cookie" a billion times a day living in America, no?

Re: chips and crisps, I overheard a hilarious conversation between two Spaniards in Scotland as they tried to remember which English speakers mean what by crisps and chips  and which word they were supposed to use in Scotland for what they wanted. Their debate was so tangled that I couldn't even intervene to help as I honestly couldn't tell which one they wanted to say!

Ha.  You must have been in Charleston.  I was staying in SC for a couple weeks before I moved. I would have loved to met up.

[UnderProtest]

Mar 5, 2014 8:54:26 GMT -5 Cicero said:

Mar 3, 2014 15:53:59 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Omg, I wish it was this easy. I think I can handle that much. It's something to do with the stupid heated floors in the basement. Normal room temperature should be about 21 degrees Celsius. We have it turned down to 7 and it is still too hot. We have to open the back door in order to stand being in the room (somewhat important since it's the kitchen and family room). And the property managers are less than helpful so far. 

This sounds like our old apartment in Geneva. We had the radiators turned all the way off and still had to open windows because we were swamped with heat from everyone else in the building. I know opening windows doesn't sound like a great solution but it's all we could come up with.

Hope you have a great time in London and welcome to the board.

Even the telephone line repairman likened the UK to a third world country compared to the US (we were talking about the radiators so I assume it was related to the heating systems). The property managers just forwarded a copy of the thermostat manual. Uhmm, I am new here, but I'm not stupid. I don't think she has set foot in this house and seemed a little surprised when I detailed out how many thermostats I have found. Even the landlord doesn't know, they are talking about sending out the architect or someone?  It's a newly renovated property so I guess no one has a clue!  Oh well.


On another note, how does one find something like an urgent care?  I thought I needed one this morning.

[frlcb]

Mar 5, 2014 10:55:35 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Mar 5, 2014 8:54:26 GMT -5 Cicero said:

This sounds like our old apartment in Geneva. We had the radiators turned all the way off and still had to open windows because we were swamped with heat from everyone else in the building. I know opening windows doesn't sound like a great solution but it's all we could come up with.

Hope you have a great time in London and welcome to the board.

Even the telephone line repairman likened the UK to a third world country compared to the US (we were talking about the radiators so I assume it was related to the heating systems). The property managers just forwarded a copy of the thermostat manual. Uhmm, I am new here, but I'm not stupid. I don't think she has set foot in this house and seemed a little surprised when I detailed out how many thermostats I have found. Even the landlord doesn't know, they are talking about sending out the architect or someone?  It's a newly renovated property so I guess no one has a clue!  Oh well.


On another note, how does one find something like an urgent care?  I thought I needed one this morning.

You would go to the hospital a&e. Some have a clinic like thing attached to them but otherwise you just go to the a&e (ER).

[brainie]

Any medical problems at any time you can call 111. They'll help you and if you need urgent care they can direct you to the nearest A&E or out of hours clinic. Routine appointments you go to your GP during normal business hours. You should go to your GP's office as soon as you can to register. Some places require a physical before they will see you; other places don't.

[UnderProtest]

Mar 5, 2014 12:53:28 GMT -5 brainie said:

Any medical problems at any time you can call 111. They'll help you and if you need urgent care they can direct you to the nearest A&E or out of hours clinic. Routine appointments you go to your GP during normal business hours. You should go to your GP's office as soon as you can to register. Some places require a physical before they will see you; other places don't.

Thanks!  Here was my issue today.  At first I thought it might need stitches.  Crazy kid!

[frlcb]

Mar 5, 2014 17:23:56 GMT -5 UnderProtest said:

Mar 5, 2014 12:53:28 GMT -5 brainie said:

Any medical problems at any time you can call 111. They'll help you and if you need urgent care they can direct you to the nearest A&E or out of hours clinic. Routine appointments you go to your GP during normal business hours. You should go to your GP's office as soon as you can to register. Some places require a physical before they will see you; other places don't.

Thanks!  Here was my issue today.  At first I thought it might need stitches.  Crazy kid!

Poor guy Yep, you would head to the a&e!

[mrsukyankee]

You can also go on NHS direct - they'll have locations of urgent care walk-ins (I tend to go there for things like stitches rather than A&E as you get seen faster).

[pittpurple]

Have you registered at a GP? You should do that as soon as possible.

And yes - NHS Direct (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/) will help. We called NHS 24 when our daughter was sick and spoke with a really lovely nurse who told us exactly what to do and let the hospital know we were on our way.

[UnderProtest]

Mar 6, 2014 3:24:41 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

You can also go on NHS direct - they'll have locations of urgent care walk-ins (I tend to go there for things like stitches rather than A&E as you get seen faster).

Awesome. Thanks for the info.  Everything is so different here.  I appreciate the assistance from everyone. 

Another question, I saw a sign on our street saying that trash is picked up Tuesday and Friday from 7-12 and to put the trash in front of your house but not on the street.  So do you just put it in the middle of the sidewalk?  And are there special bags you are supposed to use?  The relo company set up all of our utilities and such and then handed off to my husband (the least detailed person in the world). Does trash removal have to be set up or anything?

[mrsukyankee]

I would go to your council's website and look up rubbish collection (trash is called rubbish here). I think you are in Westminster, so this should answer all your questions: www.westminster.gov.uk/household-recycling-rubbish-and-waste.

In my council we have a blue bin for recycling (done once a week) and a black bin for regular waste (trash). We put them out depending on pick-up days. I tend to put the bins out the night before, and yes, you put them on the sidewalk (I put mine up against our front bushes).

[loira]

Bumbag = fanny pack
Best to avoid the term 'fanny' altogether, as it's a rude word for a lady's privates.

Definitely register at a GP as soon as possible. You can choose any practice you like so long as it's within your catchment area and accepting new patients. I've lived in 3 different areas of London and have always been happy with the practice I've chosen. You don't have to see the doctor they randomly assign you, you can pick another doctor at your practice. I choose to see the GP who specialises in women's health at my current surgery even though she's not my 'registered' GP. www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Yourchoices/GPchoice/Pages/ChoosingaGP.aspx

[frlcb]

Also kitchen roll = paper towel and serviette = napkin (although that could be a northern thing)

[pittpurple]

This port is fun, I forgot all the word differences, my friends in the states tell me I sound so much different since moving over, I use all the British words instinctively now.

Sidewalk = pavement...can't remember seeing that one
Vacation = holidays

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2014 21:22:29 GMT -5 frlcb said:

Also kitchen roll = paper towel and serviette = napkin (although that could be a northern thing)

Yes, and toilet roll = toilet paper.  

I've heard serviette used for napkin down south too.  Usually napkin or towel is used for maxi pad?  

[irish]

Tights = pantyhose

[irish]

Has anyone mentioned an Oyster card yet? To pay for public transport. Saves having to look for coins when rushing out the door for a bus.

[klingklang77]

Mar 7, 2014 2:59:20 GMT -5 irish said:

Tights = pantyhose

What are tights then? 

[irish]

Mar 7, 2014 7:06:06 GMT -5 klingklang77 said:

Mar 7, 2014 2:59:20 GMT -5 irish said:

Tights = pantyhose

What are tights then? 

Leggings...

[blushing]

Mar 7, 2014 8:21:34 GMT -5 irish said:

Mar 7, 2014 7:06:06 GMT -5 klingklang77 said:

What are tights then? 

Leggings...

Tights are tights and pantihose here. Leggings have no feet.

I was told this by several British friends after they laughed at me calling it pantihose. Nice friends I have.