Living in London….incredible, gratifying, aggravating, memorable, frustrating, exciting. All of these descriptions could accurately match my feelings at certain points in time over the last two years.

In less than two months, I’ll be moving back to the New York City area, the place I used to call home for eight years prior to my move to London and a city I love with all my heart. I’m looking forward to it, but I can’t deny that I’m also going through a wide range of emotions on a daily basis when it comes to leaving London.

I hope this article can be a resource for other Americans who are considering the move abroad. Or really anyone who is currently living here and getting used to a brand new routine in London, a routine that’s different from the life you came from…

1. Transportation System (Transport for London)

I know I’ll miss –

*Observing the flurry of activities, people and London sights from the 2nd floor on a double-decker bus. There’s no view like it.

*The efficient tube (e.g. subway) system. The intervals between trains (generally every 2-3 minutes) is short and timely.

I probably won’t miss –

*Hearing the announcement informing us there is “good service on all underground lines.”  Good service should be the norm, right? It’s as if they want us to be surprised when there is actually good service on all lines!

*Complex transportation cost structure and costs. A five minute tube ride from Waterloo to London Bridge station cost me $3.50 the other day. Additionally, the system is broken into zones and the prices vary for “on-peak” and “off-peak”. I’ve studied the pricing a number of times and I still get confused two years later.

2. Grocery Stores

I know I’ll miss –

*Product names like washing up liquid, bin liners, digestives, cling film and rocket.

I probably won’t miss…

*Grab n go sandwiches dressed with mayo or relish. Easy and convenient but I can’t wait for a made to order New York City deli sandwich!

*British mature cheddar cheese – I crave the varieties I grew up eating (i.e provolone, pepper jack)

3. Our London Flat and Neighborhood

I know I’ll miss –

*My neighborhood – packed with great history and old restored warehouses. In Victorian times the whole area was filled with warehouses, mills and factories dedicated to teas, spices, and even beer (very fitting)! At one point it was the site of a brewery founded by John Courage in 1787.

*A stroll around the Thames river waterfront on the south side with views of this bridge!

I probably won’t miss –

*Having to turn on the booster in the evenings when the hot water runs out

*A living room space taken over by wet clothes hanging from the curtain rods and on various drying racks because the dryer actually doesn’t dry clothing.

4. Restaurant and Pub Scene

I know I’ll miss –

*The pub scene in general. It’s awesome.

Especially being able to sit in a pub all day, relax and play a game of scrabble, with no fear of anyone kicking us out – even if we’re not ordering anything new.

I probably won’t miss –

*Hearing the word Americans constantly in pub conversations and listening to others comment on our civilization and culture. There has to be more interesting things to talk about…

*The service levels within the majority of pubs and restaurants. Generally I’ve found them to be slower and way more inefficient than the standards I’m used to.

5. London Specific Things

I know I’ll miss –

*The markets. Maltby Street market is by far my favorite on Saturday mornings near to my flat.

Maltby Street market in Southwark

Below, Camden Lock market in London.

markets in Camden Town

*Admiring all the architecture in this city, particularly seeing the contrast of the old and new buildings

*The intricate network of canals all over London. I love exploring the canal paths and watching the boats go through the locks.

 I probably won’t miss –

*Getting bumped into 10+ times a day as I walk down the street. (In New York this also happens but at least there’s a general understanding of staying to the right as you walk down the sidewalk.)

*Cars having the right of way. Being afraid of getting run over every time I cross a street or even an alleyway.

6. London as a Travel Base

One of the things I can guarantee I’ll miss the most –

The amazing travel opportunities I’ve had since London has been my home, allowing me to explore a countless number of places throughout approximately 17 different countries in two years! For the complete list of places I’ve traveled to see “Where I’ve Been“.

Summing It Up

Living abroad is an opportunity I will always treasure and for those of you who are considering a move, I can say with 100% sincerity…

GO FOR IT. It’s life-changing!