I have grown up within half an hour from London. Naturally, therefore, I have visited it lots. But I have always been slightly intimidated by its size, and vowed that I would never find myself living in the capital.
This summer I broke that vow. I had a job in an office near to Kings Cross and decided it was both cheaper and easier if I lived with some friends in Holland Park for the month in which I was there.
Writing as an outsider, therefore, I would like to take the opportunity to promote the capital as a perfect place to live. This place is so full of colour and variety, and is full to the brim with things to do, places to go and people to meet. London is THE place to live if you are young - it is close to all the action.
London is extremely expensive to live in. In fact it is the most expensive place to live in the entire country. But wages are now beginning to reflect this, and it is likely that employers will increase your pay if you are working within the city. Temping agencies are always searching for new employees and are a great place to start if you are new to the area.
Tubes are by far the easiest way to travel the city and it is much cheaper to buy a wekkly, monthly or yearly travelcard. Don't over-estimate the didstance between tube stations - it may only be 5 minutes walk and take 20 minutes to reach on the tube - so if you can, walk. Taxis are extremely dear and are probably not worth the expense unless it is late at night, or if you are sharing the cost between 5 of you.
London is great - so go out there and check it out. Give it time - it took me good on 20 years to see it in the right light. It isn't the big leering monster that it first seems.
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