Living the London dream Best after-dark activity?
Annie Graham-Riley swapped sunny Hawke’s Bay for London’s concrete jungle.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
I have always loved travelling and seeing new places. I definitely got the travel bug from my mum. She lived in London when she was 19, and always encouraged me to explore. I’ve been based in London since the end of December 2014.
What do you do there?
I teach an amazing year-5 class at Wimbledon Chase primary school.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
The travel, for sure! I always seem to be too poor to get very far but it is so nice knowing I can catch a train to Paris. I also love the theatre and the history. The unexpected thing for me has been building up my little expat family. You form incredibly close bonds with other Kiwis (and Aussies). You know there is always someone to pick you up when you suffer from the concrete jungle blues, and I have made some beautiful life-long friends.
Disadvantages?
Rain, wind, hail, extortionate rent prices, the scarcity of 24-hour gyms, the Tube, and Seasonal Affective Disorder – it’s a real thing!
What do you do in your spare time?
I have so much less spare time here than I did in New Zealand. I’m normally out of the house by 5.30am, and get home from work about 7.30pm, but I’m training for my third half-marathon at the moment so my life involves trying to squeeze in a run. I practise yoga, try to explore the city, go to markets, and try to find green spaces as much as possible! I live with my friend Hannah, who I grew up with in Hawke’s Bay, so we often go places together.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
Everything is more expensive. You spend a pound like you would a dollar, so if you start converting you will probably cry. But depending on where you go, beer is pretty cheap in London. I’m more of a gin and slim girl, and they’re anything between £4-8.
What’s the local delicacy, and would you recommend eating it?
I live in South West London and am surrounded by curry houses. Anyone who knows me knows I love chilli, so it’s basically the dream. I also live about two blocks from a market, which has amazing fresh fruit and veges. It’s definitely a part of London that has a lot of culture.
Easiest way to get around?
My workmates think I’m crazy because I walk to and from work. It takes about 45-50 minutes depending on how late I’m running. The congestion of the Tube stresses me out so I would much rather avoid it.
What’s the shopping like?
So, so good! I spent about four hours in Selfridges yesterday. Again, I’m normally too poor but the charity shops here are amazing. Making ‘‘Tube friends’’ after a night out. Kiwis are much more friendly than Londoners, and people are always surprised when you talk to them.
Best time of year to visit?
I would say summer because I really don’t enjoy winter, but the vibe here at Christmas is incredible and something I am so glad I experienced. It’s dark and cold but everyone is in such a good mood. The Christmas markets are amazing, and the city comes to life before a mass exodus of Londoners occurs, the Tube stops running and, for a day, everything is really sleepy.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors? 1.
Find a sleepy little bar and cosy up – my flatmates and I love Gordon’s Wine Bar. It’s underground in a vaulted cellar and is lit only with candles. 2. See a West End show. It’s always a magical experience. 3. Explore the markets, do some alternative tours, and discover the less touristy parts of London. I love learning about the not-so-glamorous parts of London, like the East End, which is covered in street art and home to so much of London’s dark history.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
The food, and knowing where your fruit and veges come from – everything here expires quickly.
How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand?
There’s so much I want to explore in Europe, and I couldn’t justify the cost of coming home, no matter how much I miss the fresh air. I am on a two-year visa, which expires in December.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
London is an extremely competitive city and everyone is highly qualified. I love my job and enthusiastic teachers are always sought-after but the education system is very different, and it was certainly a culture shock for me. I think as long as you have a positive attitude and are realistic, and optimistic, anyone can find happiness here.