I have only lived in East London (zone 2 and 3) since I moved here years ago. Very recently I decided to move to west part of London, where I can access big parks easily and have town centre nearby. From time to time, I still miss living in East London.
Last weekend, I attended one of my closest friend in London's farewell party. We have known each other for almost 10 years in London, we are all from Shanghai and we have developed some special bonds in this foreign land.
She and her husband are at the top echelon of Chinese society, lives in one of the best area in Shanghai, big flats, chauffeur and few maids attend to all her needs. She and her husband both went to Oxford and Cambridge. She is a stay at home mum, looking after two young kids( 4 and 5). Her husband works at a hedge fund in London. I have always thought they lived very happy in London despite some complaints about UK here and there like we all do. Even though I saw it coming she may leave UK for good at some point but did not expect it to be this soon. Their whole family still have Chinese passports even after 20 years. Their children all born in the UK and opted for Chinese passports so they can keep their Shanghai hukou.
They have two young kids, they plan to send them to local Chinese public school. This is another shocking plan, their kids aren't fluent in Chinese and only speak English to her daddy and mum, how can they cope with ultra competitive school system in China. This begs disbelief.
Despite have lived in UK for almost 20 years and own several nice properties in London and a country house in Surrey, with prosperous career in the city, both kids attend most exclusive schools in London, they still feel a stranger in the UK, they still can not call London home. I probed them into their reasons for the departure, they told me the following and I would like to share with the community:
- Sense of isolation in the UK, despite they have lived in the UK for 20 years, they have mostly stuck with Chinese community. They have been very actively socially through their kids classmates. Every weekend they attend various birthday party hosted by their children's classmates parents. They still feel they are not so integrated with UK society, they still feel a sense of isolation especially during lockdown. Language is a big hurdle for us, I myself still struggle with English after 15 years. We feel it is hard to carry a complex conversation with local people and develop strong connection, pretty much all 1st gen immigrants struggle with this.
- they think UK is a very backward country and Shanghai is light years ahead in terms of societal development and convenience. I had to agree to disagree with her on this. While Shanghai has much n
... keep reading on reddit ➡Haven’t been able to get this train for ages now and it’s making getting into work a nightmare. Checked on the departures and it seems to be missing from wallington and waddon too (It usually ran through there).
Really hope it’s just a temporary thing as part of the reason I decided to save money and live further out is due to the easy commute into the city with this train.
Does anyone have any information on why it’s not running at the moment and if/when it will be back as I can’t find anything online.
Just been to Stamford Bridge stadium for my booster jab this evening.
Doctor told me that they are running a walk-in clinic at Wembley stadium tomorrow.
In addition, they will also be running a walk-in clinic at the science museum in Kensington throughout the week.
I can appreciate this isn't for everyone. However, just wanted to share for those that would like to get a booster jab.
I've managed to get to 26 without ever sitting behind the wheel of a car. Living in London has never warranted a car but I recently had a pay rise and as I won't be living here forever, I'd love to learn how to drive.
From what I've heard, it's better to find private/individual instructors. I'd prefer to learn on the outskirts of London just so it's not always congested.
If anyone has any driving instructors they'd recommend please let me know, I'll be very grateful!
Either online or preferred in public, I’m just really finding it difficult to find anywhere except Waterstones. :)
