[kpad]

Well, I have finally reached that ellusive target of 1,000 posts. The celebration is to be shortlived, though. I'm in the process of packing up to leave this fair city after arriving eight and a half years ago.

I'm headed off to London, England, where I have accepted a job with a law firm in Canary Wharf. I'll try to provide pictures from time to time.

But, does anyone have any advice about living in London, particularly as regards accommodation? I'm looking to keep costs down so that I can spend on travel to the Continent. So, I'll probably be unfashionable and live south of the River. Any thoughts on London Bridge, Elephant & Castle, or Southwark, anyone?

 

[Bogtrotter]

London is a city I'd love to live in. I know of a little flat in Chelsea that's up for sale...

I stayed in Highgate for awhile and rental prices seemed reasonable for London. I loved the area- near Hampstead Heath, and there's lots of restaurants and pubs around. It is very expensive to buy there though.

Here's Craigslist:
london.craigslist.org/apa/

 

[Darkstar416]

I'd try these two as well...

www.gumtree.com

or

www.moveflat.com

The south London neighbourhoods you mentioned will generally help to keep your living expenses down (as they tend to be a little/lot cheaper than those north of the Thames). You may also want to look in the Vauxhall and Peckham areas. Also, Stoke Newington (and Hackney in general) in North London is funky, but still sort of reasonably priced.

While you are at it, check out my pics here: p083.ezboard.com/ftorontoskyscraperforumfrm18.showMessage?topicID=1460.topic

All the best, I'm jealous!

 

[billy corgan19982]

Congrats on the new job. Good luck in London, we will miss your updates.

 

[ganjavih]

Congrats on the job and good luck. I'm curious to see what you'll say about the livability of the city. I'm sure you'll have a blast.

 

[kpad]

Thanks, Dark and Bog. The advice is much appreciated. The law firm is providing me with relocation assistance, but I still have to narrow down the accommodations.

Those shared flats aren't a bad idea - they sure look a lot cheaper than any bachelor apartments that I'm looking at, and the space will be closer to what I'm used to (currently living in my own 1 bdrm + den).

And, I'll definitely post pictures and reflections here. I won't be leaving until April 1, in any event. I hope to do a few more updates around the city with the new digital camera that I bought for Europe.

 

[Observer Walt]

Let me add best wishes, and I hope you will post views of London from time to time. We've seen good pics here from Darkstar and a few others, but London surely is large enough that you'd never run out of good material.

 

[SD2]

Best of luck in London.

 

[bizorky]

Lucky you!

Enjoy your new job!

You'll have no trouble enjoying London.

 

[roch5220]

Nice. If there was a city I'd move to its London, but I'd only live in Mayfair. But thats no help if your trying to cut down on costs. London definately isn't a city for that. For most things, they have the same prices as NYC, but in pounds (like a $1USD to 1 pound exchange rate).

One thing though with dealing with people there, in my opinion, they are a lot more socialist. And you can't yell/argue with the utilities or other service people. They will just hang up on you after tell you that they are rude.

 

[thx1038]

> Re: 1000th post, and adieu to Toronto. Advice on Londo

what are you doing with your CityPlace condo/ Want to do a private sale?

 

[kpad]

Re: > Re: 1000th post, and adieu to Toronto. Advice on L

I'm definitely a little worried about the cost of living, but I suspect there are ways around it.

Darkstar, fantastic pictures! I really liked the ones around Regent's Canal. I'll have to get my real estate agent to check out properties in that area. Very nice, and it seems quite a bit different from the southside.

what are you doing with your CityPlace condo/ Want to do a private sale?

I thought about selling, but right now, I'm viewing this as a 12-18 month venture. At that point, I'll reassess where I want to be. In the meantime, I'm going to hold onto the condo and rent it.

If anyone knows of someone looking for a nice corner unit 1 bdrm + den with a great view over the lake, it's going onto the listings February 1.

The view looking straight off my balcony:

EDIT:

Yes, I'm going to miss it!

 

[billonlogan]

Re: > Re: 1000th post, and adieu to Toronto. Advice on L

London is a city I'd love to live in

Why? They drive on the wrong side of the street, their accent that makes them sound like the characters in Pygmalion, the beer is served room temperature and closing time is 6pm and that includes many pubs and eateries.

 

[Bogtrotter]

Re: > Re: 1000th post, and adieu to Toronto. Advice on L

^All true except for the beer. The Brits know about beer

 

[cacruden]

Re: > Re: 1000th post, and adieu to Toronto. Advice on L

Actually, I lived in London for 1 year and 1 day (yes I counted). I would not want to live there again, although I find it a nice city to visit (musicals, etc.). Even with the lack of a proper transit system, I find Toronto a much more liveable city. Things that I really missed when I was there -- was a good grocery store (reasonable) [I was lucky enough to have my corporate AMEX to use at Selfridges], good inexpensive eats (yes pubs are great, but there is a limit to this type of food).

The one thing that London does have going for it food-wise though is Indian food. I recommend taking a trip over to Brick Lane.

I cannot remember the name, and it is vague now -- but I use to go to the same indian restaurant 2 - 3 times a week while working there.

My recollection is as follows:

The place I use to go to is a little distance up from Whitechapel on Brick Lane. The place is on the right hand side -- just a little before a Tube line (running through Liverpool stop I think). I vaguely remember something about Balti (maybe name or cuisine type). As I would walk up Brick Lane -- many restaurants would have people out front trying to get you to come in -- this one does not.... I am guessing that it has a good reputation

Anyways, there are many restaurants there -- and I would highly recommend the area.

Addendum: Oh yes, the restaurant had a portrait of Dianna up.