HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

The NewMarket Services Information Guide is designed as a valuable resource tool for you, the newcomer to London. It is our intent in producing this publication to standardize important and helpful information on your new community in a format that is most useful to you. London Welcomes You! Important telephone numbers, packing and moving suggestions, and much, much more useful information is found throughout the Guide pages. Selected area businesses, many offering significant savings.

The Guide can save you both time and money while providing you a continuous resource tool as you become more familiar with the metroplex. We do hope you find our Relocation Package to be of assistance to you. If you do not find something you need, or if you have any suggestions for future issues of the Guide, please give us a call. We will be happy to assist in any way.

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2 ] London Information Guide www.newmarketservices.com London Information Guide [ Volume 9 [ Number 3 LOCAL INFORMATION Important Information 6 Travel Information 7-9 About London 4-5,10-12 Local Information 13-14 Weather 15 Media 15 What To Do In London 16-18 Holidays 19 Publisher: NewMarket Services, Inc. President: Patrick Morgan MOVING Smooth Transitions 21-22 Managing Editor: Rebecca Wallace Choosing a Moving Company 21 Executive Editor: Jason Gerali Packing Tips 23 Contributing Editor: Susanna Porter Staying Organized 23-24 Settling Into Your New Home 24 Executive VP Sales & Marketing: Robert Fischer Pre-Move Checklist 26-27 Art Department: Sprague Design Co. Graphic Designer: Dean Sprague MOVING WITH CHILDREN & PETS Reinforce the Positives 29-30 NewMarket On-Line: Total Web Design, Inc. Choosing a School 29 IT and Web Development: Larry Bongiovi Selecting Child Care 31 Research Assistant: Meg Wallace, Adam Wolin Education 32-33 Relocating Your Pet 34 Circulation: Little Drummer Boy Dist., Inc.

Phoenix Office: FITNESS & HEALTH 1814 East Bell Road, Suite 2113 In the Kitchen 36-37 Phoenix, AZ 85022 Children’s Health 37 Phone: (602) 923-3415 Physical and Mental Well Being 38-40 Volunteering 41 Fax: (602) 923-0774 Toll Free: (866) 595-3791 HOUSING Chicago Office: Making the Right Choice 43-44 902 North Ashland Choosing the Right Home 45 Chicago, IL 60622 Home Inspection Checklist 46 Phone: (312) 226-6288 Homecare Basics for New Homeowners 48 Fax: (312) 226-6290 Security 49 Homebuyers Glossery 50-51 Toll Free: (866) 595-3792 Take Control of Your Energy Costs 52 NewMarket currently publishes Information Who’s Who in Building 53 Guides for 95 North American and 32 Selecting a Builder 54 International Markets. To order your Selecting a Contractor 55 NewMarket Information Guides for $3.50 Banking & Mortgage Information 56-59 each, please contact NewMarket Services toll free at (866) 595-3792. BUSINESS DIRECTORY In preparing this publication, every effort Business Directory Listings 59-61 has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein, but authenticity cannot be guaranteed. Listings are subject to omission, error or change without notice.

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London Information Guide [ 3 ABOUT LONDON

OVERVIEW

ondon is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union. An important settlement for nearly two Lmillennia, London is an international leader in finance, and its involvement in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, media and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. Moving to a foreign country such as England has obvious advantages, mainly the language. Probably for that reason, it’s Europe’s number-one tourist destination for Americans. Plus, London has theater, doctors, and waiters we can understand. A recent issue of the Zagat restaurant guide has just named London as the new culinary capital of Europe--well ahead of Paris. London has an estimated population of 7.5 million and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million. Its population is very cosmopolitan, drawing from a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages. Residents of London are referred to as Londoners. The city is an international transport hub and a popular tourist destination, counting iconic LONDON landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace DEMOGRAPHICS amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. Population: 7,517,700 (2005 est.) The entire London urban area may be classed as a “city” using a geographical definition, but politically it is not so. Officially, London is a region containing two smaller cities within its Languages: English, Welsh built-up area: the City of London and the City of Westminster. Life Expectancy: 77.25 Unlike most capital cities, London’s status as the capital of the UK has never been Males: 74.67 granted or confirmed officially — by statute or in written form. Its position as the capital has Females: 79.96 formed through constitutional convention, making its position as de facto capital a part of Average age: the UK’s unwritten constitution. 0-14 years: 19% 15-64 years: 65% 65 years and over: 16% Ethnic Groups Black African: 5% Black Carabbiean 5% Caucasian: 76% Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani 10% Other 4% Currancy: pound (GBP) symbol: £ GDP: 2.4% Area: City of London: 609 square miles London Metro: 6,267 square miles Calling Code: +0044

4 ] London Information Guide ABOUT LONDON

Districts North London Greater London consists of 32 local boroughs that form the basis North London is that part of London which is north of the River for London’s local government. The names of several boroughs— Thames. Some of its more famous towns include Camden Town, such as 'Westminster’ or 'Camden’—are well-known and self- Kings Cross and Wembley, home to London’s famous Stadium, explanatory, others less so, such as 'Hackney’ or 'Tower Hamlets’. home of English football, and the Arena, a venue for many big A new comer’s London, however, is more easily defined international acts. geographically: Central, West, East, North and South London. Geography Central London Today, “London” usually refers to the London region of England, Central London is historical and financial the core of the city. which is coterminous with Greater London. At the heart of the Westminster is the home of the British government and royal family. conurbation is the small, ancient City of London which was It is also London’s main entertainment and shopping district, with historically the entirety of the city. Londoners generally refer to the locations such as Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly City of London simply as “the City” or the “Square Mile.” London’s Circus. Covent Garden is known as the designer and alternative metropolitan area grew considerably during the Victorian era and shopping, as well as a famous opera house. again during the Interwar period with expansion halted in the 1940s West London by World War II and Green Belt legislation and has been largely The geography of West London is dominated by the River static since. Thames as it winds its way eastward from the Lower Thames Valley Greater London covers an area of 609 square miles. Its primary towards the sea. The river is a focus of life for many in West London, geographical feature is the Thames, a navigable river which crosses a place for riverside walks, cycling, rowing, sailing. West London is the city from the southwest to the east. The Thames Valley is a popular with travelers and short- to mid-term residents floodplain surrounded by gently rolling hills such as Parliament Hill (backpackers, working holiday makers, etc.) for a variety of factors, and Primrose Hill. These hills presented no significant obstacle to including its proximity to Heathrow International and its multiple, the growth of London from its origins as a port on the north side of easy transport connections with the West End and Central London. the river, and therefore London is roughly circular. The West London area, further out from the center, is now known The Thames was once a much broader, shallower river with for fashionable and expensive residential areas such as Notting Hill, extensive marshlands. It has been extensively embanked, and Kensington and Chelsea — where properties sell on average for many of its London tributaries now flow underground. The Thames over £800,000. is a tidal river, and London is vulnerable to flooding. The threat has East London increased over time due to a slow but continuous rise in high water Meanwhile, the eastern side of London contains the East End — level by the slow ‘tilting’ of Britain (up in the north and down in the the area closest to the original Port of London, known for its high south) caused by post-glacial rebound. The Thames Barrier was immigrant population, as well as for being one of the poorest areas constructed across the Thames at Woolwich in the 1970s to deal in London. The surrounding East London area, of which the East with this threat, but a more substantial barrier further downstream End is seen to form a part, saw much of London’s early industrial may be necessary in the near future. development, and is currently part of the Thames Gateway regeneration that includes the 2012 Olympics. North London and Historical Background South London are informal divisions of the capital made by the River Although there is some evidence of scattered pre-Roman Thames, although they can define varying areas. settlement in the area, the first major settlement was founded by the South London Romans in AD 43, following the Roman invasion of Britain. This South West London is the western part of Greater London that settlement was called Londinium, commonly believed to be the lies south of the river Thames and extends from the borders of origin of the present-day name, although a Celtic origin is also Central London into the Surrey countryside. Generally more affluent possible. than its eastern counterpart, South West London tends to be a By 600 AD, the Anglo-Saxons had created a new settlement region of large parks and gardens, and comfortable suburbs. South (Lundenwic) about one mile upstream from the old Roman city, West London has a significant royal and aristocratic heritage and is around what is now Covent Garden. There was probably a harbor home to Wimbledon, “the home of tennis,” and Twickenham, the at the mouth of the River Fleet for fishing and trading, and this “home of rugby,” South East London extends into the Kentish trading grew until disaster struck in 851 AD, when the new city’s countryside and includes the famous area of Greenwich - home to ramshackle defenses were overcome by a massive Viking raid and the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Greenwich it was razed to the ground. A Viking occupation twenty years later Observatory and Prime Meridian. was short-lived, and Alfred the Great, the new King of England, established peace and moved the settlement within the defensive walls of the old Roman city (then called Lundenburgh).

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London Information Guide [ 5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Emergency Services Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance 999 Medical advice, NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Non-emergency for police 101 National directory enquiries 118 000 or 118 118 or 118 500 Electricity International directory enquiries 118 811 or 11 88 66 or 11 88 99 England uses 50 Hz and 240 Volt systems, the U.S. uses 60 Hz Telephone and 115 Volt systems. They are incompatible, but you can use When making an international call to London you must first dial transformers, or power converters, to adapt e.g. U.S. electronic the country code (0044), followed by the city routing code (207- equipment to the UK power system. Plug adapters are sold by most Inner London, 208-Outer London) and then press the 7 digit phone shops selling electric equipment. number. Embassy BT, www.bt.com 0800 800 150 NTL, www.bt.com 0800 183 0123 U.S. Embassy, London [44] (0)20 7499-9000 Telewest www.telewest.co.uk 24 Grosvenor Square One.Tel, signup.onetel.co.uk 0800 957 0700 London, W1A 1AE SuperLINE, www.superline.co.uk 0845 122 1462 United Kingdom Alpha Telecom, www.alphatelecom.com 0800 279 3205 Monday through Friday, 8.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m., and on Mobile Phone Service Saturdays from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. Orange www.orange.co.uk Consular Affairs: American Citizen Services Unit Vodafone www.online.vodafone.co.uk U.S. Embassy O2 www.o2.co.uk 55/56 Upper Brook Street T-Mobile www.t-mobile.co.uk LONDON, W1A 2LQ Cable TV providers Recorded information is available on (44) (20) 7499-9000, 24 Sky, www.sky.com 08702 40 40 40 NTL, www.ntl.com 0800 052 1234 hours a day. Telewest, www.telewest.co.uk 0500 500 100 In the case of a life or death emergency involving a United States HomeChoice, www.homechoice.co.uk 0800 092 4444 citizen call [44] (20) 7499-9000. A Consular Duty Officer is available Time Zone 24 hours a day. The definition for time zones can be written in short form as The American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the Consular UTC±n (or GMT±n), where n is the offset in hours. Here is an Section provides information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the example given the local time in London and New York City at 12:00 United Kingdom. American Citizens Services consists of Special UTC when daylight saving time is not in effect: Consular Services, the Passport Unit and Federal Benefit Unit. London Standard Time Zone: GMT/UTC + 00:00 hour = Postal Service 12:00pm Royal Mail www.royalmail.com NYC Standard Time Zone: GMT/UTC - 05:00 hour = 7:00am Royal Mail is the national postal service of the United Kingdom. London does observe Day light Savings time and refer to it as Historically, the Royal Mail was a government department, but it has British Summer Time. been a state-owned company since 1969. Within the U.K. Utilities Most first class mail is delivered the next working day. The cost Electric and Gas Providers starts at 32p. Free certificate of posting is available when sending London Energy, www.edfenergy.com 0800 096 9000 from a local Post Office™. PowerGen, www.powergen.co.uk 0800 015 2029 Overseas npower, www.npower.com 08457 145 146 or 08457 90 60 50 Airmail gives you the power to reach people wherever they are in Scottish Power, www.scottishpower.co.uk 0845 270 6543 the world. It’s economical, easy to use and fast. And it’s available from all Post Office™ branches. Over 1400 scheduled flights and 85 airlines to make sure your mail gets there fast - so even when you can’t be there in person, we’ll make sure your message gets through. You can send a letter weighing up to 20g anywhere in Europe for 44p and to the U.S. for 72p.

6 ] London Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airport London Luton (LTN) www.london-luton.co.uk London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Traditionally a holiday charter airport, but is now also served by www.heathrowairport.com some budget scheduled carriers. Europe’s largest airport and the world’s busiest airport in terms of London City Airport (LCY) www.londoncityairport.com international passenger movement, with services from most A commuter airport close to the city’s financial district, and available major airports world-wide. Flights landing in Heathrow specialising in short-haul business flights to other major European often are delayed by up to an hour as a simple result of air traffic cities. congestion and waiting for parking slots. As a result of Heathrow’s London Southend Airport (SEN) www.southendairport.net size and overcrowding, disembarking the plane can also take Currently undergoing redevelopment and is set to become considerably longer than at London’s other airports. London’s sixth international airport once the new rail link is Getting to the Heathrow Airport completed. At present it serves destinations in the British isles only. Taxi: Follow the signs in each terminal Arrivals areas for a taxi. Airlines-Domestic Travel time to central London 45-60 minutes. The 800 numbers listed below are for use in U.S. only Train: Heathrow has two rail services to central London. In Alaska Airlines (800) 252-7522 addition to the London Underground ( “the tube” ) is the Heathrow American Airlines*+ (800) 433-7300 Express service to London Paddington station. America West Airlines (800) 235-9292 Bus: The Airbus links Heathrow Terminals with many London American Trans Air (800) 435-9282 hotels and some main line rail stations. Departures every 20 - 30 Continental Airlines*+ (800) 525-0280 minutes, travel time around 60-75 minutes. Delta Airlines+ (800) 221-1212 London Gatwick Airport (LGW) Frontier Airlines (800) 432-1359 www.gatwickairport.com Hawaiian Airlines (800) 367-5320 London’s second airport, also serving a large spectrum of places jetBlue Airlines (800) 538-2583 world-wide Midwest Express (800) 452-2022 Getting to the Gatwick Airport National Airlines (888) 757-5387 Taxi: Journey time to central London 60-70 minutes Northwest+ (800) 225-2525 Train: A number of train services run direct from Gatwick Airport Skywest/Delta (800) 453-9417 Station into London. Southwest Airlines (800) 435-9792 Direct services to London Victoria station. Spirit Airlines (800) 772-7117 TWA (800) 221-2000 Gatwick Express trains run every 15 minutes from 05:20 to 00:50 United Airlines* (800) 864-8331 and hourly overnight. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Information US Airways+ (800) 428-4322 line: 0870 530 1530. Connex South Central’s service to Victoria at 35 minutes takes a Airlines-International little longer but is cheaper. There are four trains each hour, Monday Aer Lingus*+ (866) 886 8844 to Friday, with hourly service overnight. Aeroflot*+ (650) 615-9278 Bus: There is a frequent Airbus service, the A5, to Victoria coach Aeromexico (800) 237-6639 station, London. The first service departs the North Terminal at Air Canada* (800) 247-2262 05.15, the last at 21.50. During the day there is an hourly service Air China* (800) 986-1985 departing the North Terminal at 50 minutes past the hour. Air France*+ (800) 237-2747 Departures from the South Terminal are 5 minutes later. Journey Air India* www.airindia.com time is around 90 minutes. Air Jamaica* (800) 523-5585 Air New Zealand* (800) 262-1234 Other Airports Alaska Airlines (800) 426-0333 London Stansted (STN) Alitalia*+ (800) 223-5730 www.stanstedairport.com Asiana (800) 227-9262 Currently London’s third airport, the base for a large number of British Airways*+ (800) 247-9297 budget carriers and flights within Europe and a few inter-continental Cathay Pacific Airways* (800) 233-2742 flights. China Airlines (800) 227-5118 China Eastern Airlines (800) 200-5118 Egypt Air* (800) 334-6787 Eva Airways* (800) 695-1188

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London Information Guide [ 7 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Japan Airlines* (800) 525-3663 suburban rail network. Commuter and intercity railways generally do KLM Airlines* (800) 374-7747 not cross the city, instead running into fourteen terminal stations Korean Air* (800) 438-5000 scattered around its historic centre. The London bus network caters LACSA (800) 225-2272 for most local journeys and carries even more passengers than the LOT Polish*+ (800) 223-0593 Underground. Lufthansa* (800) 645-3880 The London Underground Mexicana (800) 531-7821 Despite its name, about 55% of the network is above ground. Philippine Airlines (800) 435-9725 Popular local names include the Underground and, more Singapore Airlines* (800) 742-3333 colloquially, the Tube, in reference to the cylindrical shape of the Skyservice USA (877) 485-6060 system’s deep-bore tunnels. The Underground serves 274 stations. Swissair* (800) 221-4750 London is served by 12 Tube lines. Underground trains on all lines TACA (800) 535-8780 run every few minutes between 5.30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. Monday USA 3000 Y Airlines (800) 872-3000 to Saturday, and between 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Underground does not run 24 hours a day because all track *Service to Heathrow +Service to Gatwick maintenance must be done at night after the system closes - unlike Autos systems such as the New York City Subway, few parts of the Although the vast majority of journeys involving central London Underground have express tracks that would allow trains to be are made by public transport, travel in outer London is car- routed around maintenance sites. You can get a map for the entire dominated. An inner ring road (the North and South Circular) and an Underground system free of charge from all train station ticket orbital motorway (the M25) are intersected by a number of busy offices, or by visiting online. radial routes — but very few motorways penetrate inner London. In The Underground serves the central area and most suburbs to 2003, the congestion charge was introduced to reduce traffic in the the north of the Thames, whilst those to the south are served by an city centre. With a few exceptions, motorists are required to pay £8 extensive suburban rail network. Commuter and intercity railways per day to drive within a defined zone encompassing much of generally do not cross the city, instead running into fourteen terminal central London. stations scattered around its historic centre. The London bus Driver’s License network caters for most local journeys and carries even more If you want or need to change your driving license for a GB driving passengers than the Underground. license, you must complete the application form D1 that is available Oyster Card from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering Oyster is London’s travel smartcard. You can put your Travelcard service and Post Office branches. You will need to enclose original or Bus Pass season ticket on it, add travel value (cash) to pay as documentation confirming your identity, and a passport style color you go or have a combination of both. Oyster cards are also photograph. Send your completed application and the appropriate reusable. This means that when your ticket expires you can buy fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT. another on the same Oyster card, and when your travel value (cash) runs out, you can just refill it. Bus Oyster cards with Travelcards are valid on Tube, DLR, tram and www.journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk National Rail services within your chosen zones and across the London’s bus network is one of the largest and most entire London bus network. comprehensive urban transport systems in the world. Every Oyster cards with Bus Passes are valid across the entire London weekday over 6,800 scheduled buses carry around six million bus network and on trams. You can also use Oyster to pay as you passengers on over 700 different routes. Use Journey Planner to go on Tube, bus, DLR, tram, and some National Rail services find the quickest, most convenient routes across the Capital. You On July 7, 2005, bombs exploded on Underground trains can also use Journey Planner to check your bus timetable and between Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, Russell Square and search for your nearest bus stop. King’s Cross St. Pancras stations and Edgware Road and Public Transportation Paddington stations. A double-decker bus at Tavistock Square was Transport for London www.tfl.gov.uk also destroyed. These were detonated by four extremist suicide The public transport network, administered by Transport for bombers. The explosions killed 52 people and resulted in over 700 London (TfL), is one of the most extensive in the world. The injuries. A second series of minor explosions occurred two weeks centerpiece of the public transport network is the London later on July 21, 2005 at Shepherd’s Bush, Warren Street and Oval Underground, the oldest metro system in the world, upon which stations and on a bus in Shoreditch. Little damage was done and nearly 1 billion journeys are made each year. The Underground only one person was injured, as all four bombs had failed to serves the central area and most suburbs to the north of the detonate. Thames, whilst those to the south are served by an extensive

8 ] London Information Guide TRAVEL INFORMATION

London Underground Lines Temperature Conversion Chart Name Map colour Type Length Stations /miles °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F 50 122.0 27 80.6 4 39.2 -19 -2.2 Bakerloo Line Brown Deep level 14.5 25 49 120.2 26 78.8 3 37.4 -20 -4.0 Central Line Red Deep level 46 49 48 118.4 25 77.0 2 35.6 -21 -5.8 Circle Line Yellow Sub-surface 14 27 47 116.6 24 75.2 1 33.8 -22 -7.6 District Line Green Sub-surface 40 60 46 114.8 23 73.4 0 32.0 -23 -9.4 East London Line Orange Sub-surface 4.6 8 45 113.0 22 71.6 -1 30.2 -24 -11.2 Hammersmith & City Line Pink Sub-surface 16.5 28 44 111.2 21 69.8 -2 28.4 -25 -13.0 Jubilee Line Silver Deep level 22.5 27 43 109.4 20 68.0 -3 26.6 -26 -14.8 Metropolitan Line Purple Sub-surface 41.5 34 42 107.6 19 66.2 -4 24.8 -27 -16.6 Northern Line Black Deep level 36 50 41 105.8 18 64.4 -5 23.0 -28 -18.4 Piccadilly Line Dark Blue Deep level 44.3 52 40 104.0 17 62.6 -6 21.2 -29 -20.2 Victoria Line Light Blue Deep level 13.25 16 39 102.2 16 60.8 -7 19.4 -30 -22.0 Waterloo & City Line Teal Deep level 1.5 2 38 100.4 15 59.0 -8 17.6 -31 -23.8 37 98.6 14 57.2 -9 15.8 -32 -25.6 Tram 36 96.8 13 55.4 -10 14.0 -33 -27.4 www.nationalrail.co.uk. For information on timetables and fares, and services outside 35 95.0 12 53.6 -11 12.2 -34 -29.2 Greater London, please contact National Rail Enquiries at their 34 93.2 11 51.8 -12 10.4 -35 -31.0 website. 33 91.4 10 50.0 -13 8.6 -36 -32.8 32 89.6 9 48.2 -14 6.8 -37 -34.6 31 87.8 8 46.4 -15 5.0 -38 -36.4 30 86.0 7 44.6 -16 3.2 -39 -38.2 29 84.2 6 42.8 -17 1.4 -40 -40.0 28 82.4 5 41.0 -18 -0.4 For greater accuracy use formula below: To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F =(9/5)°C+32 To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C=(5/9) x (°F-32) °C = temp. in degrees Celsius °F = temp. in degrees Fahrenheit

London Information Guide [ 9 ABOUT LONDON

Subsequently, under the control of various English kings, London Catholic laws made him unpopular, and an assassination attempt once again prospered as an international trading center and political was made on 5 November 1605 — the famous Gunpowder Plot. arena. However, Viking raids began again in the late 10th century, Plague caused extensive problems for London in the early 17th and reached a head in 1013 when they besieged the city under century, culminating in the Great Plague in 1665-1666. This was the Danish King Canute and forced English King Aethelred the Unready last major outbreak in Europe, possibly thanks to the disaster that to flee. In a retaliatory attack, Aethelred’s army achieved victory by immediately followed in 1666. A fire (the Great Fire of London) broke pulling down London Bridge with the Danish garrison on top, and out in the original City and quickly swept through London’s wooden English control was re-established. buildings, destroying large swathes of the city (and killing off much Canute took control of the English throne in 1017, controlling the of the disease-carrying rat population). Rebuilding took over ten city and country until 1042, when his death resulted in a reversion years. to Anglo-Saxon control under his pious step-son Edward the Modern London Confessor, who re-founded Westminster Abbey and the adjacent London’s growth accelerated in the 18th century, and was the Palace of Westminster. By this time, London had become the world’s largest city from about 1831 to 1925. This growth was aided largest and most prosperous city in England, although the official from 1836 by London’s first railways which put small countryside seat of government was still at Winchester. towns within easy reach of the city. The rail network expanded very Medieval London rapidly, and caused these places to grow whilst London itself Following a victory at the Battle of Hastings, William the expanded into surrounding fields, merging with neighboring Conqueror, the then Duke of Normandy, was crowned King of settlements such as Kensington. Rising traffic congestion on city England in the newly-finished Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day center roads led to the creation of the world’s first metro system — 1066. William granted the citizens of London special privileges, the London Underground — in 1863, driving yet further expansion whilst building a castle in the southeast corner of the city to keep and urbanization. them under control. This castle was expanded by later kings and is The Blitz and other bombing by the German Luftwaffe during now known as the Tower of London, serving first as a royal World War II killed over 30,000 Londoners and flattened large tracts residence and later as a prison. of housing and other buildings across London. The rebuilding In 1097, William II began the building of Westminster Hall, close during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s was characterized by a wide by the abbey of the same name. The hall proved the basis of a new range of architectural styles and has resulted in a lack of Palace of Westminster, the prime royal residence throughout the architectural unity that has become part of London’s character. In Middle Ages. Westminster became the seat of the royal court and the same period, extensive immigration, primarily from the government (persisting until the present day), whilst its distinct Commonwealth, changed the demographic mix of the city. In 1965 neighbor, the City of London, was a centre of trade and commerce London’s political boundaries were expanded to take into account and flourished under its own unique administration, the Corporation the growth of the urban area outside the County of London’s of London. Eventually, the adjacent cities grew together and formed borders. The expanded region was called Greater London and was the basis of modern central London, superseding Winchester as administered by the Greater London Council. capital of England in the 12th century. An economic revival from the 1980s onwards re-established After the successful defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, London’s position as an eminent trading center. London was political stability in England allowed London to grow further. In 1603, recently awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics. James I came to the thrones of both England and Scotland, essentially uniting the two countries. His enactment of harsh anti-

10 ] London Information Guide ABOUT LONDON

Economy The 33 local administrations are the 32 London boroughs and the London’s biggest industry is finance, and its financial exports City of London. They are responsible for local services not overseen make it a large contributor to the UK’s balance of payments. The by the GLA (except for health, which is nationally-controlled and City is the largest financial centre in London, home to banks, administered in London by five Strategic Health Authorities). The brokers, insurers and legal and accounting firms. A second, smaller boroughs are controlled by resident-elected local councils, whilst financial district is developing at Canary Wharf to the east which the City is run by the historic Corporation of London, which is includes the global headquarters of HSBC, Reuters, Barclays and elected by both residents and businesses. The City has its own the largest law firm in the world, Clifford Chance. London handled police force distinct from the GLA-controlled Metropolitan Police (or 31% of global currency transactions in 2005 — an average daily “Met”). turnover of $753 billion — with more US dollars traded in London At a national level, London is represented in Parliament by 74 than New York, and more Euros traded there than every other city MPs who correspond to local parliamentary constituencies (for a list in Europe combined. of London constituencies, see List of Parliamentary constituencies London is host to many company headquarters. More than half in Greater London). London is the centre of national government, of the UK’s top 100 listed companies and over 100 of Europe’s 500 which is located around the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. largest companies are headquartered in central London, and over Many government offices are located close to Parliament, 70% of the FTSE 100 are located within London’s metropolitan particularly along Whitehall and including the Prime Minister’s area. famous residence on Downing Street. Along with professional services, media companies are Healthcare concentrated in London and the media distribution industry is Health Information Service 0800 66 55 44 London’s second most competitive sector. The BBC is a key NHS Direct 0845 4647 employer, and other broadcasters also have headquarters around www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk the city. Many national newspapers are edited in London, having Medical service in the UK is organized through the National traditionally been associated with Fleet Street in the City, but they Health Service (NHS), which employs 1 million people. Normally the are now primarily based around Canary Wharf. Soho is the centre NHS covers all medical expenses. There may be payments for of London’s post-production industry. dental or specialized medical treatment. You don’t need private Tourism is one of London’s largest industries, attracting 27 million medical insurance, but it may be worthwhile anyway to escape visitors every year. From once being the largest port in the world, some of the weaknesses of the NHS, particularly long waiting lists the Port of London is now only the third-largest in the United for specialist treatment by doctors or in hospitals. You will also be Kingdom, handling 50 million tons of cargo each year. Most of this entitled to better quality service. However, for routine medical actually passes through Tilbury, outside the boundary of Greater treatment you would still go to the GP; private medical insurance London. complements the NHS, it does not replace it. Government About 6 million, or 10%, of the British population have private medical insurance. With about 60% of these, the insurance City Hall at night, headquarters of the Greater London Authority. premium is covered by the corporate health plans of the employee’s Political parties controlling the London borough councils as of company. 2006.The administration of London takes place in two tiers — a You may call the NHS Direct telephone service on 0845 4647 at city-wide, strategic tier and a local tier. City-wide administration is any time of the day or night. You will be asked to provide some coordinated by the Greater London Authority (GLA), whilst local basic information about yourself (or the person you are calling administration is carried out by 33 smaller districts. about) and to describe the nature of your call. If you need advice The GLA is responsible for strategic planning, policing, the fire about a health problem, you are asked if you are calling for yourself service and transport. It consists of two elected parts — the Mayor or on behalf of someone else and are asked to explain: of London, who has executive powers, and the London Assembly, What the symptoms are, how they affect you/the person and who scrutinize the Mayor’s decisions and can accept or reject his when they began; budget proposals each year. The GLA is a recent organization, What you/the person have tried already; having been set up in 2000 to replace the similar Greater London Council (GLC) which was abolished in 1986. Any drugs you/the person are already taking; The current Mayor of London is Ken Livingstone, who is in his Any existing medical conditions; second term of office. He was elected in 2000 as an independent Anything else you think is relevant. candidate and again in 2004 as a Labor candidate. Ken Livingstone NHS Direct nurses will use their skills and experience, together was also the leader of the GLC when it was abolished. with a comprehensive computer system, to advise you on the most appropriate course of action to take. With the right advice and

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London Information Guide [ 11 ABOUT LONDON information, lots of non-serious health problems can be treated at Religion home or following a visit to your local pharmacist. If the problem is When Pope Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine to bring more serious, you may need to see your doctor or go to hospital. England into the Catholic fold in 597, it was intended that the envoy Whatever the problem, the NHS Direct nurse will listen to the should become “Archbishop of London,” as the city was symptoms you describe and advise you what to do for the best. If remembered as the capital of Roman Britain. In the event, the saint your problem is very serious, they will connect you to the received his most hospitable reception in the Kingdom of Kent, and ambulance service. the archiepiscopal see was founded at Canterbury. Nonetheless The Monarchy London has been at the centre of England’s religious life for much of its history, and each Archbishop of Canterbury has traditionally Dating back over ten centuries, the Monarchy plays an important spent much of his time in London, where he has an official role in the UK and Commonwealth. Monarchy is the oldest form of residence at Lambeth Palace. London’s two Anglican bishops are government in the United Kingdom. the Bishop of London, whose see is London north of the Thames, In a monarchy a king or queen is Head of State. The British and whose throne is in London’s grandest church, the baroque St monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, Paul’s Cathedral (designed by Sir Christopher Wren), and the while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass Bishop of Southwark, who tends to Anglicans south of the river. legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Important national and royal ceremonies are divided between St Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she Paul’s and Westminster Abbey, a gothic church on the scale of a continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. cathedral. As in the rest of the UK, religious attendance in London As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and is low, and the Church of England has borne the brunt of this representational duties which have developed over one thousand decline. years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Queen has a The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster is generally less formal role as ‘Head of Nation.’ She acts as a focus for national regarded as the leader of the Catholic Church in England and identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; Wales. Other traditional Protestant denominations whose officially recognizes success and excellence; and supports the ideal headquarters are in London include the United Reformed Church of public and voluntary service. In all these roles The Queen is and the Quakers. Many of London’s immigrant groups have supported by members of her immediate family. established denominations in the city, for example Greek Orthodoxy. In addition various evangelical churches exist. London is the most important centre of Islam in the United Kingdom. Two London boroughs contain the highest proportion of Muslims in the UK: Tower Hamlets and Newham. The London Central Mosque is a well-known landmark on the edge of Regent’s Park, and there are many other mosques in the city. London also has the largest Hindu population outside of India. Southall, in West London is home to many Hindus. The Hindu temple at Neasden, Neasden Temple is the largest Hindu temple outside of India and a remarkable example of a modern building in a traditional style. Much of the enormously elaborate and intricate marble sculpture used in the building was carved in India. Over two-thirds of British Jews live in London, which ranks thirteenth in the world as a Jewish population center.

12 ] London Information Guide LOCAL INFORMATION

Currency and Banking Lloyds TSB Lloyds TSB Bank plc The pound (symbol: £; banking code: GBP), divided into 100 BX1 1LT pence, is the official currency of the United Kingdom. The term www.lloydstsb.com “British pound” is also used when it is necessary to distinguish the The origins of Lloyds Bank stretch back to 1765, when John unit of currency from others that have the same name. The slang Taylor and Sampson Lloyd set up a private banking business in term “quid” is very common in the UK. Birmingham, England. Two sons of the original partners followed in The pound was originally the value of one Troy pound of sterling their footsteps by establishing a bank – Barnetts Hoares Hanbury silver (hence “pound sterling”). The currency symbol is the pound and Lloyd - in London’s Lombard Street. Eventually, this became sign, originally _ with two cross-bars, then later more commonly £ absorbed into the Lloyds Banking Company. with a single cross-bar. UK notes come in denominations of £5.00, By the early 1990s, Lloyds Bank had offices in 30 countries, from £10.00, £20.00 and £ 50.00. Coins in the UK come in Argentina to the USA. In New Zealand, an already commanding denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1.00and £2.00 presence as the National Bank of New Zealand was further In finance, the exchange rate (also known as the foreign- strengthened by the 1994 take-over of the Rural Bank, making it the exchange rate, forex rate or FX rate) between two currencies leading provider of agricultural finance. specifies how much one currency is worth in terms of the other. For NatWest (owned by Royal Bank of Scotland) example an exchange rate of 0.6981 pound (GBP,,£) to the United NatWest Customer Relations States dollar (USD, $) means that GBP 0.6981 is worth the same as FREEPOST NAT12685 USD 1. The foreign exchange market is one of the largest markets BOREHAMWOOD in the world. By some estimates, about 2 trillion USD worth of WD6 1BR currency changes hands every day. Overseas callers should dial 00 44 207 649 9315 www.natwest.com Exchange rate for U.S. Dollars: In March 2000, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group completed 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 the acquisition of NatWest in a £21 billion deal that was the largest 0.6414 0.6981 0.6944 0.6596 0.6180 0.6037 take-over in British banking history. NatWest is now part of a British banks have introduced new regulations about opening financial services group which is the second largest bank by market new bank accounts. Security procedures have been implemented, capitalization in the UK and in Europe and ranks fifth in the world. which can lead to delays for immigrants who try to open an account HSBC Bank USA, N.A. (847) 564 5000 on arrival. It is very difficult to open a UK bank account whilst you HSBC - North America are overseas. Corporate Headquarters Because it may take you some time to open an account once you 2700 Sanders Road arrive in the UK, it is a good idea to open a bank account in your Prospect Heights, IL 60070 home country that has a UK branch, or keep your existing account www.banking.us.hsbc.com open at home until you are able to open a bank account in the UK. HSBC Group Head Office Address: HSBC Holdings plc This way, you will still have access to funds. You will probably have 8 Canada Square to show proof of your UK residence, in the form of a utility bill, in London E14 5HQ order to open the account. The following is a list of banks in London Overseas callers should dial 00 44 207 991 8888 with very large branch networks and good experience with HSBC is the world’s local bank. Headquartered in London, HSBC international customers: is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in Barclays Bank the world. HSBC’s international network comprises over 9,500 1 Churchill Place offices in 76 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific London, E14 5HP region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. www.barclays.com Barclays is a UK-based financial services group, with a large international presence in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia. It is engaged primarily in banking, investment banking and investment management. In terms of market capitalization, Barclays is one of the largest financial services companies in the world.

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London Information Guide [ 13 LOCAL INFORMATION

Abbey National The rates shown here are valid for the 2005/06 tax year. Your Abbey National PLC annual ‘Personal Allowance’ of tax-free income is £4,745. Income Abbey National House over and above this amount will be taxed in three bands: 2 Triton Square Regent’s Place For the first £2,020 of income you will be taxed at 10%. London Your income between £2,021 and £31,400 will be taxed at 22%. NW1 3AN Your income above £31,400 will be taxed at 40%. www.abbey.com Sales Tax Abbey is the sixth biggest bank and the second largest provider Sales Tax (VAT) and Other Sales taxes are already calculated into of mortgages and savings in the UK. costs of goods, so the price you see is the price you pay at the till Halifax or checkout. It is called VAT or Value Added Tax, and is 17.5%. It is PO Box No. 5 applied to all goods/services except children’s clothes. Other taxes The Mound on such things as home or vehicle purchases and utilities are also Edinburgh collected as well. Some people may also be subject to inheritance, EH1 1YZ capital gains, and other similar taxes. www.hbosplc.com Following the merger of Halifax and Bank of Scotland on 10th Work Permits (Business Visas) September 2001, HBOS has 22 million customers. With assets of Work permit visas allow UK based employers to employ over £540 billion, it is the UK’s largest mortgage and savings individuals who are not nationals of a European Economic Area provider as well as being a major player in the provision of new (EEA) country and who are not entitled to work in the UK. The most current accounts and credit cards in the UK. important thing to understand in UK work permits is that in the UK the employer applies for the work permit and the the work permit is Taxes granted for a particular employee. Inland Revenue Here are the steps for an employee currently outside the UK and www.hmrc.gov.uk wishing to take up a new job in the UK: Taxes in the UK are administrated by the Inland Revenue. Go to 1. Complete a new work permit application and send to to Work their website for almost any question on taxes in the UK. The Permits UK website’s self assessment section guides individuals and businesses through completing and returning tax forms 2. Once the work permit is approved, a visa application will need to electronically. be made at the British Embassy or Consulate where the employee is resident. The visa is endorsed in the employee’s Property Taxes/Council Tax passport. Property taxes are called Council Tax. It can be paid in monthly installments if you desire, and easiest by direct debit. It is calculated Once the visa is approved at a British Embassy or Consulate or a by property values and number of occupants. further leave to remain (IED) application is approved from within the UK it gives the employer permission to employ a specific Income Tax person in a specific job at a specific location Income Tax is taken from your pay, and is a flat tax. You will have no forms to fill out every year unless you are self employed. The 3. Once a Work Permit has been granted, it (the original document, regulations on whether or not you pay taxes if you are not not simply a copy) should be sent to you by your employer as you permanently staying in the UK are very complicated. In the UK, you will need it in your possession before you enter the UK. All UK can obtain relief from double taxation if your overseas income is work permit holders staying for longer than six months also need subject to tax both in the UK and in another country. The question to get a visa (entry clearance) before travelling to the UK. is: to whom must you pay which income taxes? You may need to Only if you are not a ’visa national’ and you have a work permit hire a tax consultant to at least get you started. for less than six months can you simply arrive in the UK with your When starting to work in the UK, you are given a tax code based Work Permit and your passport (which should be valid for at least on your salary level and form of employment etc. This code six months from the date of entry). On presenting these documents determines the amount of taxes automatically deducted from your to the immigration officer at the port of entry, such individuals should gross salary payment every month. be granted entry for the duration of the work permit. At the end of the tax year you file your tax declaration. Based on this declaration your actual taxes are calculated and you will have to make a supplemental payment or will receive a refund depending on how much taxes you already paid. The tax year always runs from 6 April to 5 April of the following year. The filing deadline for the tax year ending in April is the end of the following September.

14 ] London Information Guide WEATHER

London has a temperate climate with regular but generally light °C (35.6–46.2 °F). Average annual precipitation is 583.6 mm (22.98 precipitation throughout the year. The warmest month is July, with inches), with February on average the driest month. Snow is an average temperature range at Greenwich of 13.6 °C-22.8 °C uncommon, particularly because heat from the urban area can (56.5–73.0 °F). The coolest month is January, averaging 2.4 °C-7.9 make London 5 °C hotter than the surrounding areas in winter.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avr. High 44 (7°C) 44 (7°) 48 (9°) 53 (12°) 60 (16°) 66 (19°C) 71 (22°C) 70 (21°C) 64 (18°C) 59 (15°C) 50 (10°C) 44 (7°C)

Avg. Min. 32 (0°C) 32 (0°) 33 (1°) 37 (3°) 43 (6°) 48 (9°C) 52 (11°C) 52 (11°C) 46 (8°C) 43 (6°C) 37 (3°C) 33 (1°C)

Mean 37 (3°C) 39 (4°) 43 (6°) 46 (8°) 52 (11°) 57 (14°C) 62 (17°C) 61 (16°C) 57 (14°C) 52 (11°C) 44 (7°C) 39 (4°C)

Avg. Precip. 3.12" 2.0" 2.41" 2.1" 2.21" 2.21" 1.8" 2.21" 2.72" 2.53" 2.92" 3.12" (79mm) (51) (61) (53) (56) (56) (46) (56) (69) (74) (76) (79)

Temperature in degrees F and (Celsius), precipitation in inches and (millimeters)

MEDIA

Television Newspapers As in the U.S. there are 3 basic choices of television service, London has three daily newspaper titles - the popular Evening aerial antenna (called terrestrial In Lndon), cable or satellite. Standard, plus two free titles, Metro and Standard Lite which are An aerial antenna on the roof or in your living room, provides distributed every morning at London tube and railway stations. The comparatively poor service and just a few, basic channels, but is independent weekly listings guide Time Out Magazine provides free. Every person owning a TV needs to pay an annual fee called concert, film, theatre and arts information. the TV license. It is currently £116 per year. Revenues are used to Evening Standard www.standard.co.uk support the non-commercial activities of the BBC. If you don’t pay Standard Lite www.esadvertising.co.uk Metro www.metro.co.uk the fee you are breaking the law and may face fines. There are three major TV formats. PAL is used by the UK and NTSC is used by the U.S. The systems are incompatible, so you will not be able to operate a TV in the UK that you bought in a country not using the PAL format. FM Radio 89.1 BBC Radio2 MOR 91.3 BBC Radio3Classical 93.5 BBC Radio4 News, Talk, Drama 94.9 BBC London Live Local News, AOR 95.8 Capital FM Commercial Pop 96.9 Choice FM Soul 97.3 News Direct News 98.8 BBC Radio1 Pop, Indie, Chart, Dance 100.0 Kiss 100 FM Dance 100.9 Classic FM Light Classical 102.2 Jazz FM Jazz, R&B 103.3 Greek Greek 103.8 RTM Music, Talk 104.9 XFM Indie, Alternative, Britpop 105.4 Melody MOR, AOR 105.8 Virgin Commercial AOR 106.2 Heart AOR

London Information Guide [ 15 WHAT TO DO IN LONDON

Within the City of Westminster, the entertainment district of the The excellence of cuisine you can experience in Britain receives West End has its focus around Leicester Square, where London film recognition in the 2004 Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland premieres are held, and Piccadilly Circus, with its giant electronic which awards stars to 110 restaurants, up from 107 last year. advertisements. London’s theatre district is here, as are many British people have long been exposed to and interested in the cinemas, bars, clubs and restaurants, including the city’s Chinatown food of other countries and cultures. This interest is reflected in the district, whilst just to the east is Covent Garden, an area housing diverse range of international cuisine available throughout the speciality shops and London’s “Avenue of Stars” which honours country in restaurants, pubs, specialty stores and on supermarket achievers in the entertainment industry. shelves. A vast range of dining opportunities exists in London London offers a huge variety of cuisines as a result of its ethnically restaurants to rival any other major world capital and this is diverse population. Well-known gastronomic centres include the increasingly true throughout Britain. Bangladeshi restaurants of Brick Lane and the Chinese food of British consumers have sophisticated palates and demand high Chinatown. Soho offers a variety of relatively cheap international quality produce whether it is world renowned British beef, restaurants, whilst more upmarket restaurants are scattered around particularly high quality Scottish beef, Welsh lamb, pork, game or central London, with concentrations in Mayfair. Across the city, poultry. The quality of British meat is now assured by strict areas home to particular ethnic groups are often recognizable by government regulations making it amongst the safest in the world. restaurants, food shops and market stalls offering their local fare, The seas around the British Isles provide UK tables with a rich catch and even the large supermarkets stock such items in areas with and seafood features prominently on menus throughout the sizeable ethnic groups. country. By 1999 the British were consuming nearly 300 million The Caribbean-descended community in Notting Hill in West servings of fish and chips at the more than 9,000 fish and chip London organizes the colorful Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest shops or “chippies.” street carnival, every summer. The beginning of the year is As elsewhere, demand for healthy food has grown in Britain with celebrated with the relatively new New Year’s Day Parade, whilst organic produce increasingly popular.Since the Middle Ages traditional parades include November’s Lord Mayor’s Show, a specialist markets have catered to the population of the capital centuries-old event celebrating the annual appointment of a new some, such as Smithfield meat market, are still in operation and at Lord Mayor of the City of London with a procession along the their original sites. Other markets such as Covent Garden, famous streets of the City, and June’s Trooping the Colour, a very formal for fruit, vegetables and flowers have relocated to the suburbs military pageant to celebrate the (official) Queen’s Birthday. leaving their original buildings to be occupied by shops, restaurants and wine bars. Some of the Livery Companies, or guilds, of the City Dining of London are still in existence today originate from the food trades In the 16th century the culinary reputation of Britain was on a par of mediaeval London. You can see these origins reflected in the with France. In fact many recipes we think of as French in origin names of streets and areas of the City like Poultry, named after the came from Britain. Despite their French names the dessert crème poulterers (sellers of chickens) who were located there, Milk Street brûlée and blanquette de veau, a veal stew, actually originated in and Bread Street. Britain. In Britain regional differences abound and result from the history, Museums industry and fertility of areas. History determines cooking traditions British Museum www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk and eating habits and the difference between one county and the The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from next is often quite marked. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around reflect Celtic origins in their style of cooking. Traditional local the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures produce such as Scots oats, Irish potatoes and Welsh laver from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase. seaweed are used to make special meat and fish soups and stews, National Gallery www.nationalgallery.org.uk home baked breads, scones and cakes. The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of A resurgence of traditional British cuisine has taken place in the European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to UK driven by celebrity chefs and the fast growing number of 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, innovative restaurants. There is now a much deserved return to the Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh. excellent international reputation that British fare enjoyed Tate Modern www.tate.org.uk throughout Europe before the Industrial Revolution and World Wars. The impressive Tate Modern is Britain’s national museum of The myth of bad food in Britain can now be dispelled. modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the In recent years there has also been a welcome return to the use banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by of fresh local produce, wholesome food and traditional cooking Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and methods. Top restaurants now feature old-fashioned favorites and installations. regional specialities on their menus.

16 ] London Information Guide WHAT TO DO IN LONDON

Natural History Museum www.nhm.ac.uk Victoria Park, Alexandra Park and Battersea Park. Some of the As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the gallery boasts other major open spaces in the suburbs, such as Hampstead a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Heath, Wimbledon Common and Epping Forest have a more Don’t miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million informal, semi-natural character. The leading paid entrance garden year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg. in London is the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. Hampton Court Science Museum www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Palace also has a celebrated garden. See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. With Shopping over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in London’s busiest shopping area is Oxford Street, a mainstream the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality shopping street nearly 2km long. The adjoining Bond Street in simulator. Mayfair is a more upmarket location along with the Knightsbridge Tate Britain www.tate.org.uk area - home to the Harrods department store - to the southwest. Tate Britain is the national gallery of British art from 1500 to the The districts of Knightsbridge (Sloane Street), Mayfair (Bond Street, present day. Tate Britain holds the greatest collection of British art in Brook Street), and Chelsea (King’s Road) represent London’s the world including works by Constable, Gainsborough, Gilbert and prestigious role in the world of fashion, being an international centre George, Hockney, Hodgkin, Hogarth, Moore, Rossetti and Turner. of fashion alongside Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo. Furthermore, London has a number of markets, including Camden Tower of London www.hrp.org.uk Market for fashions, Portobello Road for antiques and Borough Take a free guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around Market for foods. one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of Shopping hours are: Mon-Sat 9:00-9:30am-5:30pm; in London’s execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. West End and other large shopping centers, shops stay open to 8:00pm. Most cities have at least one night a week of late night London Eye www.londoneye.com shopping until 8:00pm, usually on Thursday. Many local shops stay The BA London Eye is a major feature of London’s skyline. It is open to 7:00 or 8:00pm and some even later; many of these are the world’s highest observation wheel and offers passengers open on Sunday morning or all day. Larger shops will open Sun spectacular views of over 55 of London’s most famous landmarks - 10:00 or 11:00am-4:00-5:00pm. Some towns and areas of cities all in just 30 minutes. may have early closing one day a week, usually Wednesday or Victoria & Albert Museum www.vam.ac.uk Thursday. The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to The Mall 020 8905 6303 3000 years worth of amazing artifacts from many of the world’s Station Road Edgware Middlesex HA8 7BD richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, www.broadwalk-shopping.co.uk fashion, glass, jewelry, photographs, sculpture, textiles and Broadway Shopping Centre Bexleyheath paintings. www.broadway-shopping.co.uk/ National Portrait Gallery www.npg.org.uk Camden Market www.camdenlock.net The gallery features portraits in all mediums depicting well known Camden Markets, Camden Town. London’s most popular open- British people. In addition to historical portraits, it exhibits a rapidly air market area with stalls, shops, pubs and restaurants. changing collection of contemporary work with exhibitions by Glades Shopping Cen.ter www.the-glades-bromley.co.uk individual artists, and hosts the annual BP Portrait Prize Lewisham Shopping Centre www.lewishamcentre.co.uk competition. South East London’s prime shopping venue with over 80 shops and restaurants, car park, play area. Open daily. Parks and Gardens Surrey Quays Shopping Centre www.surreyquaysshoppingcentre.co.uk London is well endowed with open spaces. The eight Royal Best of retail shops in the EastEnd with easy access from Parks of London are former royal hunting grounds which are now Rotherhithe, Docklands, Southwark and beyond. open to the public. Green Park, St James Park, Hyde Park, and The Exchange Mall Shopping Centre www.exchange-shopping.co.uk Kensington Gardens form a green strand through the West End. Vicarage Field Shopping Centre www.vicfield.co.uk Regents Park is on the northern edge of central London, while Whiteleys Bayswater www.whiteleys.com Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, and Richmond Park are in the The West Ends Largest And Liveliest Shopping Centre. suburbs. Many of the smaller green spaces in central London are Everything You Need Fashion, Assessories And Jewellery, Coffee garden which were built for the private use of the residents of the Shops And Restaurants, an 8 Screen Uci Cinema Complex And a fashionable districts, but in some cases are now open to the public. Health Club. Most of London’s council-owned parks were developed between the mid 19th century and the Second World War. Examples include

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London Information Guide [ 17 WHAT TO DO IN LONDON

Knightsbridge Street Wembley Stadium in north-west London is the national football A street and district in the City of Westminster notable for its stadium, traditionally the home of the FA Cup Final as well as expensive shops, including Harrods. England national side’s home matches. Currently, Wembley is being completely rebuilt, so Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium has been the Sports venue for recent FA Cup finals, while England play at various venues In July 2005 London was chosen to host the Games in 2012. around the country. Wembley was one of the venues for the 1966 London will be the first city in the world to host the Summer World Cup, and the 1996 European Championship, and hosted the Olympics three times. London will also host one of the world’s final of both tournaments. It also was the venue for the European largest mass-participation marathons, the London Marathon. Cup final in 1968, 1978 and 1992. As well as football matches, The most popular spectator sport in London is football (soccer to Wembley has hosted many other sporting events, including the us), and London has several of England’s leading football clubs. Rugby League Challenge Cup final. Historically the London clubs have not accumulated as many Rugby Union is also well established in London, especially in the trophies as those from the North West of England, such as middle-class suburbs to the north and west of the city. The English Liverpool and Manchester United, but at present Arsenal (founded national Rugby Union stadium is in Twickenham. Three of the twelve at Woolwich Arsenal but moved to Highbury in 1913), and Chelsea clubs in the elite Guinness Premiership have London origins. (who play in Fulham) are regarded as two of the Premier League’s London Irish, Saracens and Wasps share football grounds just “Big three” alongside Manchester United. In 2003-04 they became outside the boundaries of Greater London, but in the metropolitan the first pair of London clubs to finish first and second in the top area. Harlequins, relegated to National Division One after the flight, with Arsenal winning. In 2004-05 they did so again, this time 2004/05 season, still play in Greater London. The Northern England with Chelsea winning. based sport of rugby league has maintained a top division club now London clubs are able to charge higher ticket prices than clubs known as Harlequins Rugby League in the capital in recent years as in other parts of the country (particularly for corporate facilities), and part of its expansion efforts. However, the club has struggled to be this has swung English football’s balance of power towards London. viable; partly because of this, it entered into a business partnership Before Chelsea’s recent rise in fortunes the two highest profile with the long-established union club of the same name in 2005. London clubs were Arsenal and their long-standing North London There are also London teams in the top-flight British leagues in ice rivals Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom were considered to be hockey (London Racers) and basketball (London Towers), but members of English football’s “Big five” for most of the post-war neither of these sports draws nearly the large number of spectators period. In 2005-06 there are six London clubs in the Premier that football and rugby union do. League: Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, plus Charlton Athletic, There are two Test cricket grounds: Lord’s, home of Middlesex Fulham and West Ham United. and the Marylebone Cricket Club, located in the leafy suburb of St There are also five London clubs in the fully professional Football John’s Wood, just north of Regent’s Park; and The Oval, home of League (the level below the Premiership), namely Brentford, Crystal Surrey, in South London. Palace (who play in South Norwood), Leyton Orient, Millwall and The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, home of the Queens Park Rangers (QPR)—all of whom have previously played Wimbledon Championships, is in Wimbledon in South West in the top division. In a controversial move, Wimbledon left London London. in 2003 to play in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, changing their name to Milton Keynes Dons; the newly formed AFC Wimbledon inherited most of their support, despite playing at a much lower level in the football pyramid. There are also numerous London clubs playing outside the top four divisions of English football, one or two of which are fully professional and many of which are part-time professional.

18 ] London Information Guide HOLIDAYS

The US and UK share many of the same holidays and most are Guy Fawkes Day celebrated in similar fashions, such as New Years, Easter, November 5th is celebrated in Britain to commemorate the failure Halloween, and Christmas to name a few. of Guy Fawkes and other terrorist conspirators to blow up the The UK also has a number of holidays that the US has carried Houses of Parliament in 1605. Public firework displays are over, such as St. Patrick’s Day and others that are rather unheard organized with effigies of Fawkes burned on bonfires, and smaller of in the United States, such as Boxing Day, Guy Fawkes Nights, parties take place in back gardens throughout the land. The fifth of Burns Night, St. George’s Day, St. David’s Day, St. Andrew’s Day November is also called ‘Firework Night,’ ‘Bonfire Night,’ or ‘Guy and Pancake Day. Fawkes Day.’ In the days leading up to it, children traditionally take Boxing Day their home-made effigies, or ‘Guys,’ out into the streets and ask Boxing Day (December 26) is so-called because it is a time when passers-by for ‘a penny for the Guy,’ using the money to buy tradespeople receive a Christmas box - some money in fireworks. appreciation of the work they’ve carried out all year. Traditionally it Remembrance Day is a time for visiting family and friends and indulging in more The Armistice that brought an end to the fighting of the First feasting, Boxing Day is a popular day for football matches and other World War was signed on November 11th 1918. Remembrance sporting events. Day is commemorated annually in Britain on the Sunday nearest to Pancake Day November 11th. On Remembrance Day each year, The Queen lays Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday which falls 41 days a wreath on the Cenotaph to honor those who died in the First and before Easter) is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Second World Wars and other campaigns Ash Wednesday. It was the last opportunity to use eggs and fats Bank Holidays before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect Many public holidays in Britain are known as ‘bank’ holidays – so way of using up these ingredients. called because these are the days on which banks are legally Some parts of Britain celebrate the day with pancake races. The closed. Most fall on a Monday. In England and Wales there are six oldest and most famous is held at Olney in Buckinghamshire. The bank holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, May Day (not race is run over 415 yards by women aged sixteen or older. They necessarily May 1), Spring and Late Summer Holidays at the end of must flip their pancake in the frying pan at least three times during May and August respectively, and Boxing Day. There are also two the race. The winner receives a kiss from the Pancake Bell Ringer – national holidays on Good Friday and Christmas Day. church bells were traditionally rung to remind parishioners to come to confession – and a prayer book from the vicar.

London Information Guide [ 19 20 ] London Information Guide MOVING

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Culture Shock Now, in the “quiet after the storm” of activity, you may become intensely aware of how different everything is. Unless you are already a veteran of international relocation, this can be a particularly unsettling time. You'll find that the day unfolds differently, that business is conducted in a way that may be hard to understand, the stores are opened and closed at hours that you could never predict. You may worry about adjusting to a foreign culture with unfamiliar customs, making new friends, or communicating with people who do not speak your language. It is only natural to feel somewhat lonely and isolated. What you may be experiencing is known as “culture shock.” If your assignment is to a country where the language and the culture are similar to your own, the adjustment may be fairly easy. However, this is not always the case. Just as expectations of an easier transition to a similar culture may alleviate concern over subtle cultural, social, or practical differences, the opposite maybe true. Moving to a country with an unfamiliar culture and a different language may pose more obvious everyday challenges including simple communication. The key is to be armed with good information ahead of time and the tools to overcome these hurdles. Keep in mind that it is acceptable to seek help. Suddenly, children and the at-home spouse become aware of all the things missing – the companionship of family and old friends, the familiar house and neighborhood, favorite foods and TV programs, or even something as simple as the comforting sound of their native language. After the initial excitement of moving into a new home and becoming acquainted with the neighborhood, it may be difficult to summon the energy to get out and meet people. Starting over and creating a new social infrastructure is not easy. In many locations, there is already an established expatriate community offering numerous opportunities for socializing and becoming involved in activities. Most families are in similar circumstances and have similar interests. Usually there are almost always clubs, especially well-organized women's groups, which often have orientation programs or welcome networks to assist new arrivals. Where there are children, schools are a natural focus of social and scholastic activities. International schools often have active parent associations. Even if you are not interested in participating in school activities these groups can offer an instant network of people, who share many of your experiences. Religious and sporting activities are other possibilities for easing the stress of transition. Embassies and consulates usually have information on expatriate clubs, and may occasionally host social get-togethers for resident nationals. Volunteer organizations offer the opportunity of making new friends while helping others. Health and fitness clubs are a good way to meet other expatriates. If they aren’t readily available in your new community, major hotels usually have fitness facilities and may allow membership to residents.

continued on page 22

London Information Guide [ 21 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Relocation to Your New Town the total cost of your international move may be: packing services, Preparing to pick up and move an entire household to another cargo insurance, and storage services. country can be, ok will be, an overwhelming task. But with the right Use of a container for your container for your shipment, will attitude, some careful planning and as much time as you can give determined by the volume of your shipment. If you have more than it, the process is not without its bright side. This may be the best 900 CFT (cubic feet) you will probably need a 20' container. If you opportunity you've ever had to completely clean house, from the have more than 1,600 CFT you will probably need a 40' container. basement to the attic, including the garage! Take a critical look at Also there is a way to fit a car to 40' container along with HHG/PE what you have, and decide whether you really want to store it, take but sometimes is less costly to ship it separately. Consolidation of a it, or trash it. If you haven’t used something in years, chances are smaller shipment with other overseas shipments is less costly. you really don’t need it anymore and could probably find a better Please note that container needs to be clear in 5 to 7 days from use for it. the port other wise you will pay extra fees. You have to have a place Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and organize to put your HHG/PE at once. Lift van can be stored up to 30 days before you relocate. It’s going to be a stressful time even if free of charge. Please ask the international moving company about everything goes smoothly, so you don’t want to add to it with time all the possibilities. pressure. Three to four months is preferable, especially if you need Choosing a Moving Company to get a passport or other travel documents. Have at least three movers come to your home and give International Moving estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non- Have at least three movers come to your home and give binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. Obtain each estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non- company’s assigned Motor Carrier number and call the USDOT at binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. An (202) 358-7000 to determine if they are registered and have the international move is a use of steamship lines or airline cargo to proper insurance on file. Ask your prospective moving company for overseas, for your household goods and personal effects a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” (HHG/PE). It will require the use a of container, lift van wooden crate booklet. or wrap pallets. The cost is determined by the amount you are shipping. This is International Moving Companies measured by cubic feet, cubic meter or total weight. The cost is U Pack we ship (866) 258-8725 also dependent on the final destination. Other factors which affect International Shipping company with offices in both the United the total cost of your international move may be: packing services, States and Europe. UPakWeShip specializes in International cargo insurance, and storage services. Shipping and overseas moves to Europe, Australia, New Zealand Use of a container for your container for your shipment, will and other destinations. determined by the volume of your shipment. If you have more than LTV Relocation (800) 787-2323 900 CFT (cubic feet) you will probably need a 20' container. If you When an international transfer is undertaken, the complexities have more than 1,600 CFT you will probably need a 40' container. can seem overwhelming, spanning continents, languages, and Also there is a way to fit a car to 40' container along with HHG/PE customs. No need to worry. As international shippers, we handle all but sometimes is less costly to ship it separately. Consolidation of a the necessary steps for you. smaller shipment with other overseas shipments is less costly. Ace Moving (888) 359-3090 Please note that container needs to be clear in 5 to 7 days from ACE Worldwide is one of the largest agents for Atlas Van Lines, the port other wise you will pay extra fees. You have to have a place with 16 offices nationwide, and over 50 years experience in to put your HHG/PE at once. Lift van can be stored up to 30 days relocating families. free of charge. Please ask the international moving company about Marlog Cargo USA, Inc (800) 599-0190 all the possibilities. Marlog Cargo USA Inc/Schumacher Cargo Lines is an International Moving international household goods & vehicle transportation company. Have at least three movers come to your home and give We specialize in shipments to and from the USA, to all worldwide estimates. Be sure to ask whether the estimates are binding, non- destinations. binding or guaranteed not to exceed a certain amount. An Shippex (877) 272-8309 international move is a use of steamship lines or airline cargo to When you make the decision to relocate cargo, nothing matters overseas, for your household goods and personal effects more than a professional and competent service agent, to provide (HHG/PE). It will require the use a of container, lift van wooden crate the knowledge necessary and guide you through the specifics or wrap pallets. needed to tailor your specific needs. The cost is determined by the amount you are shipping. This is measured by cubic feet, cubic meter or total weight. The cost is also dependent on the final destination. Other factors which affect

22 ] London Information Guide SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Automobile Shipping Now you have an idea of what you will want to move. Once you Normal transit time is usually within 8 to 10 business days and are ready to begin the packing process, here are some guidelines may vary upon actual route, assuming that at least 2 weeks prior to help you: notice of your shipment dates is given. Auto Transporters generally • Sort your belongings. If you don’t use an item, dispose of it. appreciate a three-business day window to schedule the pick • Label boxes indicating what they contain and in which room they up/delivery of your vehicle(s). As your pick-up/delivery dates gets should be placed. closer you will receive a confirmation call giving you a specific date • Drain gas and oil from power tools so they will not leak; dispose and time frame. The transit time referenced above is based on of all volatile or corrosive chemicals. standard transport times and in certain cases transit times may take less time. For example, it only takes a truck 5 days to go from NYC • After cleaning out the refrigerator and/or freezer, place pieces of to LA. If your vehicle(s) is the last car to load and the first one to charcoal in them to prevent mildew. unload, a shorter delivery time frame is possible, however if your car • Pack important records in easily accessible place. Include is the first to load and the last to come off, then your transit time will medical, dental, school, insurance, credit card and tax records. be closer to 2 weeks. Please keep this in mind when planning your • Use strong, clean containers with lids secured with twine or tape. transport. • Put no more than 50 pounds in each container. Once your order has been placed, your shipment will be • Place heavy items towards the bottom of the containers; lighter scheduled according to the dates on your order form. After a truck items on top. has been assigned, you will get a call either from the truck driver or • Protect all finished surfaces from scratching by wrapping them in from the flatbed service in order to schedule a pick up/delivery time paper. and day. During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a • Use plenty of cushioning such as shredded or crumpled paper to detailed physical inspection of the car, on a bill of lading, which you protect belongings in boxes. Remember that newspaper ink can must sign and acknowledge. This same inspection will be rub off and stain items packed with it. presented upon delivery, so that you can re-inspect the car for any discrepancies. If any damage did occur during transit, please be • Pack items tightly to avoid shifting during move. sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and have • Fragile items, like china, should be packed in reinforced boxes or the driver sign in agreement. No claims will be honored if the in special boxes with compartments. damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by • Individually wrap and cushion electrical appliances. the driver. • Make sure liquids and foodstuffs are placed in carefully sealed Packing Tips containers.Wrap and pack kitchenware tightly to prevent As with any decision-making, the more information you have the damage. easier it becomes. How do you decide what to take? Here are a • Chests and dressers should not be overloaded since glued few questions to ask yourself about your new location to get you furniture joints could collapse. started on the right track: • Unusually shaped or valuable items should be crated or moved • What is the climate like? by you and not the movers. Easily crushed items should be • How big is your new home likely to be? Will your large furniture individually boxed and cushioned. items and appliances fit? You should not remove home fixtures such as window treatment • What is the electrical standard? Will your existing appliances hardware, towel racks and electrical fixtures. Unless your sales work? agreement specifically states otherwise, such items are usually • Is your employer placing a weight or volume limit on what you considered legally part of your residence.Let the moving company may take? pack furniture, mirrors and artwork to prevent damage. • Will you be able to purchase household and other items in your Stay Organized destination country? Here are some basic tips to help make moving less traumatic: • What is the length of your assignment? • Pack an “Immediate Box” or an overnight suitcase with the • Are there high duties applied to expensive furniture and necessities you’ll be needing right away. Don’t forget to include appliances. medicines and a first aid kit, toilet paper, tissue, and paper • Do you really need this to live comfortably abroad? towels. • Would it be better not to take this? If you don't take it, will it be • Pack an “Immediate Kitchen” box including trash bags, the safe in storage? coffee pot or tea kettle, toaster, plastic silverware, paper plates, styrofoam cups and some non-perishable snacks, such as • Do you know where our next move will be? Will you need this in crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit. This way, there will be some the future or when you return home? instant sustenance while you get organized.

London Information Guide [ 23 SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

• Affix colored labels to the moving boxes according to destination. Other Documentation Put the same-color labels or signs on the door of the rooms For some countries, you may need more documentation to enter where these boxes go. This way, movers will be directed to the the country, like birth certificates or immunization records. It’s a correct rooms if you’re not available to tell them where to put good idea to contact the consulate for the country you’re going to each box. be working in as soon as possible to find out if you do to give you • Make a detailed floor plan for where you want things to go in your plenty of time to get everything together. new home. Photocopy it so you can tack up copies in every room Visa for the movers. A visa is an endorsement made on a passport by the country • Take snapshots of wall units and shelves, so you know how you’re entering saying you’ve been approved to be in that country things were arranged on them. for a specific amount of time. Most embassies are located in Washington, D.C., so you can call (202) 555-1212 and get the Settling Into Your New Home number for the embassy for whatever country you need. • Start by making the beds. Bedding tends to be bulky and International Driving Permit eliminating lots of boxes quickly and easily will be encouraging. Some countries recognize a driver license from the United States, • Unpack and organize children’s belonging’s next. Young children some accept an international license and some require that you will quickly become restless without familiar things. Remember to take a test and obtain a license in their country. To learn the position storage hooks and shelves that children will be using guidelines for the country to which you are relocating, ask your within their reach. employer or the country’s consulate. AAA has applications for • Next, tackle the kitchen. This job will go much faster if each box international drivers permits, and you don’t need to be a member to has been specifically labeled as to its contents. Simply labeling get a permit through AAA. “Kitchen” doesn’t help you prioritize which box to unpack first. Housing • Stay positive. Getting settled into your new home can seem Some companies provide housing for their expatriates, but this is overwhelming unless you look at it as a series of small projects. becoming less common. Still, your employer may still help you find • Congratulate yourself! You accomplished a lot today! housing with recommendations in terms of what areas to live in, etc. Often, there are small communities of Americans in cities and Passport countries popular for expatriates. It’s usually preferable to rent You’re required to have a passport to go to most countries. This instead of buy in foreign countries, but regardless of what you do process alone can take a few months, though it is possible to it’s a good idea to find a knowledgeable agent to help you out. expedite the process if it’s an emergency, just be prepared to pay for the rush. Passports are obtained through the US Department of One of the most important considerations for housing is State, which can be reached at (202) 647-0518. If you’re a AAA transportation. Cars aren’t nearly as popular in many other member, AAA has passport applications and will do passport countries, so proximity to your job or public transportation can be photos, but the applications still need to be processed through the key in choosing housing. Also, consider how close you’ll be to the post office or county courthouse. American Embassy. You will need these documents to obtain a passport: Houses in other countries may be built to different standards than those in the United States, so before you bring any furniture or •Completed passport application. appliances from home, it’s a good idea to measure the space out, •Proof of United States citizenship or a passport issued in the see if the electrical system is the same here, etc. United States. Your Area •Two identical passport-sized photographs. Talking to expatriates who have lived in the country for awhile will •Passport Fee. help a lot when it comes to finding English-speaking shops and •Proof of identity such as a driver’s license. reputable businesses in your area. They can tell you particulars of If any of the following apply, you need to apply for a passport in the country and places to shop for household goods that will be person: if you’re applying for your passport for the first time, if your familiar to you. They’re also a terrific resource when it comes to most recent passport was issued more than a dozen years ago or finding good schooling if you’re bringing children along. Purchase a has been lost, or if you got your passport before you turned 18. good local map and study it so you learn the streets and the immediate area. You may apply for a passport by mail if you have a current passport that was issued after you turned 18 and was issued more recently than 12 years ago.

24 ] London Information Guide SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

Local Laws Foreign Housing Exclusion (HE) or Deduction (HD) Foreign country laws can vary considerably from those in In addition to the FEIE there is the Foreign Housing Exclusion (HE) America. Check you’re your company for information regarding for employed persons or the Foreign Housing Deduction (HD) for local laws, if they don’t have any, check with The Travelers Advisory self-employed persons. In addition to the FEIE of $80,000, there is System, (202) 647-5225, a division of the Department of State that an opportunity to augment this basic earned income exclusion by issues consular information sheets providing the location and adding reasonable qualified foreign housing expenses. Even if your telephone number of the United States Embassy and consulate in employer pays for your housing directly or reimburses you, you can a particular country. They also have details about health, still claim it as an exclusion or deduction. Moving expenses when immigration regulations, absentee voting, currency exchange, the you’re moving to the foreign country can also be included, but not political stability of countries and known terrorist activities. the expenses when you return to the US. Taxes Foreign Tax Credit What happens when your Foreign Earned Income is more than All US citizens and Green Card holders are subject to US Federal $80,000 plus the HE or/ and HD? You can still avoid double taxation on their worldwide income for life, regardless of where their taxation by applying for a Foreign Tax Credit with IRS Form 1116. A income is earned. That means you’re paying US taxes on the Foreign Tax Credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax owed if money you’re earning overseas if you’re a US citizen. The US is the you’ve paid for the taxes in your host country (above and beyond only country in the world to tax based on citizenship, not residency. the taxes paid on the $80,000 you already excluded). State taxes vary state to state, it would be a good idea to contact As you can see, there are a lot of methods to avoid being double your state government to find out what your tax liability will be, if taxed by your host country and the IRS, but you’ll need to be any. organized. An accountant experienced in tax preparation for You’re also going to be paying taxes in the country you’re expatriates is invaluable when tax time rolls around. See if you can residing in, but there are a few ways to avoid double taxation on get recommendations through fellow expatriates or from your your income. employers, and you’ll be able to save a lot of money and stress. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) states that you can exclude the first $80,000 earned overseas from your income taxes. This only includes wages (or income if you’re self-employed), not pension funds, US government payments, or anything else. IRS form 2555 enables you to apply for the exclusion. To qualify for the FIEE, you must live abroad for the full year, and the foreign country must be your “tax home,” essentially where you operate for business either permanently or at least indefinitely.

London Information Guide [ 25 PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Month Before Two Weeks Before

K Take Inventory. Decide what to keep and what to get rid of. K Notify Phone Company: Your new local phone company should be notified of your move no sooner than 30 business K Reserve a rental truck or select a moving company. Look for days prior to move, and no later than 5 business days before rental trucks and moving companies in local brochures, yellow moving. The service representative will run a quick credit check pages, or through your rental agent/ real estate broker. and assign you a new telephone number. K Make a moving file for important documents, such as family K Notify Utilities: The electric and gas service companies should medical and dental records, school records, legal documents be contacted at least two weeks before your move. The old and titles, banking and financial statements, stock and bond service will need your move out date and you should request certificates, tax returns, birth certificates and insurance the return of any deposits at this time. The new service will documents. Include all receipts – many expenses are tax need your move in date to determine when service will be deductible. turned on or transferred to your name. You can inquire if they K Make any car rental, airline or hotel arrangements. have a billing plan to balance out of season differences by paying a set amount each month. If moving into an apartment, K Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and check with the property manager to see if service was left on paper for wrapping. before you call the utility companies. Write down the K Post Office: A week before you move, you should stop by your emergency numbers to call in event of a problem or outage. local post office to fill out a change of address cards. K Banks: (checking accounts, investments, etc.): Before you Correspondence cards are also available to send to various move to your new city, make sure all existing accounts in your companies such as credit card companies, magazine old bank are closed. Find a new bank to fill your personal publishers and any other organizations that should be needs and open accounts, order checks and obtain direct informed of your move. The mail will be forwarded to your new deposit forms if applicable. home for a full year. After a year, the mail will be returned to the sender with your new address stamped on it. You can get an K Find a new doctor and dentist and have your family’s medical official change form at the local post office or on the Internet at records transferred to them. www.usps.gov/movernet. K Refill any prescription medications which must be taken K Credit Card Companies: Immediately notify all your credit card regularly and arrange to have those prescriptions transferred to companies of your move. Keeping an individual file on each your new city. one makes this process much easier. We suggest using the K Arrange to register your children in their new school(s). Contact correspondence cards offered at the post office in addition to their current school(s) to have their records forwarded. requesting in writing that they send you a letter of confirmation. It is also recommended to make a follow up call.

K Purchase Insurance: If you are moving from out of state and are insured by a fairly large company, they will most likely have an office in the city you are moving to. If you need to find a new company, it is important to get homeowners insurance at least one month before the move. Those moving to an apartment need to contact the insurance company two weeks before the move. If you have large amounts of jewelry and/or furs coats it’s important to contact the agency as soon as possible since you will be needing additional coverage.

K Remember to request the return of any security deposits.

26 ] London Information Guide PRE-MOVE CHECKLIST

One Week Before Moving Day

K Confirm any travel plans or reservations. K Early on moving day, reserve a large place for the moving truck K Finish packing and make sure all boxes are clearly labeled. to park. Mark off an area with cones or chairs. If you need to obtain parking permission from your apartment complex K Subscribe to the local newspaper and visit the Chamber of manager or the city, do so in advance. Commerce in your new city for additional community K information. Before work starts, walk through the house with the movers and describe the loading order. Show them items you intend to transport yourself. You should have these items grouped in an One Day Before area prior to the movers arriving. Remain on site to answer the movers’ questions and to provide special instructions. K Pick up your rental truck or confirm your move with the moving K Walk through your home and make sure that everything was company. loaded. Make sure you have the keys to your new home. K Make sure you and your movers have the directions to your K Remember that professional movers expect to be paid in full new home. Plan your travel so that you will be there to greet before your goods are unloaded. Check for damage, as items them and unlock your home. Have a backup plan in case one are unloaded and report any problems right away. of you gets delayed. K Unless the company’s policy prohibits the acceptance of K Obtain the driver’s cell phone number and give him/her yours gratuities, it is customary to tip each mover. $20 is a good so you can stay in touch in case one of you is delayed. amount; you may want to tip more or less based on the service K Ask what form of payment the movers will accept (check, you received. money order, certified check, travelers checks) and make K If you are moving yourself and getting help from friends, make necessary arrangements. sure you create a task list. Be sure to have everything packed before your help arrives. It is natural for people to work in pairs, but you should consider each person’s physical ability and health status. Plan to provide beverages and food for your volunteers. Load the truck according to the directions your truck rental agency gave you, and make sure that you understand how to operate and drive the rental truck before you leave the agency.

London Information Guide [ 27 28 ] London Information Guide MOVING WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

REINFORCE THE POSITIVES

et family members focused on and involved in the process of moving. Hold a family meeting to discuss why, where, when and how the family will move. Encourage Geveryone to ask questions and express feelings. Moving can be tough for children; its normal for children to feel like they don't have any control and that they were never part of this big decision. Make lists for each older child of things to do to prepare for the move and assign them a special task or two. For example, they can read and inform other family members about the area history, landmarks, special events and amusements. Help children prepare for the move by having them assist with packing. A growing number of international removal companies provide additional services for families with children, including workbooks, special packing boxes for children and procedures to show the children what is happening to their belongings. Let them pack a box of special clothes, toys or books they would like readily accessible at their new home. Let each family member help plan how to set up his or her bedroom. When the move takes place, set up the children’s rooms first. With the internet, tradition mailing address books may not be necessary for your children, but do encourage your child to create an "internet" address book where addresses of friends, teachers and coaches can be kept. Encourage your child to stay in touch, and assure them that their friends are just a mouse-click or postage stamp away. British School System There are two types of schools in the UK – state and independent. The main difference between them has to do with funding. State schools are funded by the government, while independent schools are funded by tuition costs. State primary schools serve children aged 5-11, while secondary schools teach children aged 11-16. Older children attend Sixth Form Centres. Independent preparatory schools teach 5-13 year olds, while independent secondary schools often cater to children up to the age of 18. To make matters more confusing, independent secondary schools are often called public schools! At age 16, children sit their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Afterwards, successful pupils can take two –year courses at either a college or a sixth form centre to get A-Level qualifications. Independent school children tend to stay on and do their A-Levels in their own school Sixth Form. Most students take three of these higher qualifications, which are generally required for acceptance at a university. Another option is an international school, which is particularly a good idea if you plan to move back to your home country. These schools are especially equipped for children of expatriates, and often offer a variety of qualifications, including the American SATs. No matter what school you choose, it is a good idea to check its performance tables. This will tell you how other children are performing on standardized tests, how many students reach the government’s literacy rate, and more.

continued on page 32

London Information Guide [ 29 MOVING WITH CHILDREN

Choosing a School preparatory school in the UK. Enrolling American and international Schooling is an important issue for parents moving abroad. Many day students in nursery school through grade 12, and boarding parents hesitate to accept an overseas assignment because they students in grades 9 through 12, TASIS also offers a postgraduate not want to risk their children's education, but in general, being option. Offering both the American high school diploma and the educated abroad is good for children, and not only academically. International Baccalaureate diploma (IB), TASIS England seeks to Most countries offer three choices when considering your child's carry on the tradition of excellence in American and international education - state, private and international - most people choose to education in Europe established in 1955 by its sister school, The enroll their child in an international school as they are the closest in American School in Switzerland. curriculum and grading to their home educational system. Also, For high school, parents often choose a new school for their some countries will not allow foreign students to attend the local children. This is frequently because their current school goes only state school or in some areas the state school system is full. through eight grade. As you look for a high school, consider your This choice will depend on where you are moving to and if you child’s learning style as well as his or her interests when deciding think you'll be moving back to your home country before your child upon a school. Also keep in mind your own family goals, which may is ready for college. If this is the case, an international school will involve preparing for college, in making this important choice. either follow the American system, with high school grades and What about family expectations? In order to provide a good SATs, or the British system of International GCSEs and A levels. This match, a child’s school must also meet a family’s needs. Here again, will make it easier for your child to reenter the school system back you may want to prepare a list of expectations and use it as a guide home if their grade system matches that of your home country. in the search for the best school for your child: The choice will also depend on the age of your child. Younger • What goal do you have for your child’s long-term education? Is children adapt more easily to a new culture and language; whereas college preparation a priority? older children may find it difficult. Older children will be more • How important to you is parental involvement in school activities? sensitive to standing out from the crowd, to leaving established • Do you expect the school to have a role in developing a child’s friendships behind and having to adapt to a whole new set of character by encouraging respect for adults and peers as well as circumstances. Most businesses limit an overseas posting to two or others in society, including the disadvantaged? three years, so it becomes important to ensure that your third • How important is it to you that you have a strong relationship and grader can make a smooth transition from his school abroad back share a philosophy with other parents at the school? to stateside schools. • How interested are you in providing a home setting that gives International schools are generally run to U.S. or at least to your child time for homework? international standards. However many international schools have a • How important to you is a before-school and after-school waiting list, so register your child as soon as you can to ensure their program? spot. To find out more about international schools, do your research. Try to find a school that is associated with a larger Before beginning a search for a school, parents should reflect on organization that regulates standards and ensures the school meets these questions, and their expectations for schools. Parents who strict requirements. Begin with the US Department of State, Office choose schools wisely are pleased after their children enroll of Overseas Schools. Their website: www.state.gov/m/a/os/ because the family and the school work in harmony with a common set of expectations for the youngsters. Admissions directors at You will need to research, decide upon a school before you go! schools will gladly connect you with parents of current students so By doing the essential groundwork before you relocate you will be you can make an informed choice for your child. doing the absolute best you can to ensure your child has a smooth Most schools believe parents should have a strong role in their transition and settles into their new school abroad with the least children’s education. Being involved in a child’s education stress possible. strengthens the whole family and sends a message to children that American School in London 44 (0)20 7449 1200 education is an important part of their lives. Schools know that the www.asl.org One Waverley Place , London NW8 0NP way in which parents choose to become active in their children’s ASL is a coeducational, independent school of over 1,200 schools varies greatly. They provide many different opportunities for international students, in Kindergarten 1 through Grade 12. A parental involvement. Most schools have strong parent associations rigorous, innovative college-preparatory American curriculum, small that organize social events, help coordinate volunteer activitied, and classes, close student-teacher relationships, experiential learning provide an organizes means of communication between parents that takes advantage of our unique location, and an extensive extra- and school. curricular program characterize our educational philosophy. Each of these encounters strengthens the life of the schools and creates a community of committed adults supporting the goals of The American School in England 01932 565252 the schools and the students. This feeling of community, with adults Coldharbour Lane Thorpe, Surrey TW20 8TE and students working together for a common purpose, is one of the TASIS is a leading independent, co-educational college distinguishing strengths of a good schools.

30 ] London Information Guide SELECTING CHILD CARE

When you’re new to a community, locating a person or program In-Home Care to provide child care for you is not the easiest of tasks. Due to In-home care is care for children in their own homes by someone expanding demand, just finding an opening can be difficult. the parent has employed-perhaps a nanny, housekeeper, live-in Pinpointing a place that is not too far or too expensive and, most student or baby-sitter. Your child is cared for in familiar and importantly, a provider whom you trust, may take days or weeks of comfortable surroundings: home with familiar toys and playthings. persistent phoning and visits. Also, time is saved by not having to take your child anywhere. In- When considering child care, there are three main types of care home care is often perceived as the most convenient for working arrangements: a center-based child care program, a home-based parents but is generally the least available and most expensive form child care program, and care in the child’s own home. Each of the of child care. When you have full-time, in-home care, you pay at different arrangements has unique advantages and disadvantages. least minimum wage and all necessary state and federal withholding Family Child Care and taxes. Salaries start at around $250 per week. Always check Family child care offers a blending of ages. Children, particularly the references and work histories of candidates for any child care infants and toddlers who have little experience relating to other position. people, are well served by a family child care home. There are only In addition to the forms of child care, you want to take into a few other children and adults with whom to relate. Family child account the following factors: care is designed to be a less structured program where children • Age and personality of your child. have the flexibility to play, rest and even eat on different schedules. • Child care needs of all the children in your family. School-aged children often can stay in their own neighborhoods • Location of your workplace, home and child care facility. and still participate in after-school activities. Each child has the opportunity to relate to a few other children of different ages-some • Hours you need child care. younger and some older. A family child care home is required to be • What you can afford. When you begin your search, start with the licensed if the person provides care for more than three children, telephone. Plan to spend a few minutes with each call. Describe including her own children under age 12. your needs and ask about the program, staff, location, other Child Care Centers children in care, and what is included in the cost. Make an In a child-care center, children are grouped by age with activities appointment and visit the center, school or home, and plan on planned especially for that age level. Each classroom has diverse spending at least an hour at each place. Visit once to observe the equipment, materials and activities which support a planned children in care and at another time outside of regular structured curriculum. Group size and child-to-adult ratios are regulated by the hours to spend time with provider or director. licensing standards issued by the Department of Children and In the final analysis, locating a child care provider with whom you Family Services. A variety of staff is employed to supervise the are confident is well worth the searching. Why? Your child benefits children during the day. Child care centers may serve children from greatly from such an arrangement, meeting and interacting with six weeks to 12 years of age and include part-day pre-school other children and adults. The child learns and grows from programs, such as Montessori and Head Start. experience, often times a major step in establishing independence and becoming his or her “own person.” And you feel more at ease knowing your child is safe and happy.

London Information Guide [ 31 TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Liberal Arts Colleges progressive, dynamic institution combining traditions of excellence Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the in vocational and applied subjects with specialist industrial and humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and professional links. focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small University College London 44 (0)20 7679 2000 and personal attention is available. Gower Street London - WC1E 6BT Online Learning www.london.ac.uk Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, Founded in 1826, UCL was the first university to be established to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace in England after Oxford and Cambridge, providing a progressive from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The alternative to those institutions’ social exclusivity, religious costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes— restrictions and academic constraints. UCL’s present community of and financial aid is equally available—while the cost to the institution 27,000 staff and students is engaged in productive partnerships can be much less. around the world. There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance University of East London 020 8223 3333 learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to Docklands Campus research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their 4-6 University Way London E16 2RD system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online Stratford Campus classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited University House, Romford Rd online universities out there. London E15 4LZ Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes Duncan House at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That Stratford High Street number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually London E15 2JB all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of www.uel.ac.uk private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, UEL keeps pace with developments in the world of work and the only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. modern economy through innovations in areas of study -take a Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to look, for example, at the wide range of programmes offering Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from Information and Communications Technology modules. EUL offers Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some flexible degree scheme means that as well as the core modules of programs require students to attend some campus classes or your chosen programme, you can elect to take other modules from orientations, but many are delivered completely online. different subject areas to broaden your knowledge or tailor your Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband programme to your specific areas of interest or career path. connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional. University of London 44 (0)20 7862 8000 Senate House Public vs. Private Malet Street Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state London residents. They get most of their money from the state or local WC1E 7HU government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and the University of London is the largest contact teaching university other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can in the United Kingdom and in Europe.[32] It comprises 20 colleges offer more personalized attention and often more prestige. as well as several smaller institutes, each with a high degree of autonomy. Constituent colleges have their own admissions Universities procedures, and are effectively universities in their own right, Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more although all degrees are awarded by the University of London rather majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional than the individual colleges. Its constituents include multi- size and some classes may taught by graduate students. disciplinary colleges such as UCL, King’s and Queen Mary and London South Bank University 44 (0)20 7815 7815 more specialised institutions such as Imperial, the London School of 90 London Road Economics, the SOAS, the Royal Academy of Music and the London SE1 6EN Institute of Education. www.lsbu.ac.uk London South Bank University was founded in 1892 as the Borough Polytechnic and amalgamated with four other colleges in 1970 to become South Bank Polytechnic. In June 1992 it was granted University status by the Privy Council. With nearly 18,000 students, the university is one of the largest in London. It is a

32 ] London Information Guide TYPES OF HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Westminster 44 (0)20 7911 5000 Upper Division Headquarters Building, 309 Regent Street, Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate London W1B 2UW, UK study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s www.wmin.ac.uk degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division Since its foundation in 1838 as Britain’s first polytechnic, the college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a University of Westminster has been closely involved in the business, second year of study at a four-year college. professional and academic life of London.

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Certificate or Diploma Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree (or Joint Degree) These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an Complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or first-professional occupational field. For example, to enter fields such as computer degree in less than the usual amount of time. In most programs, science or teaching, you may first have to get a certificate or students apply to the graduate program during their first three years diploma. of undergraduate study, and begin the graduate program in their Associate Degree fourth year of college. Successful completion results in awarding of You receive an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) both bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These are sometimes degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two referred to as “4 +1” programs. years of a four-year college. After earning an AA or an AS, you may Masters Degree transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a These signify more specialized training in a particular field. They bachelor’s degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is are competed after the bachelor’s degree, usually over the course awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of of 2 years for the full time student. study. Doctorates Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree These generally signify some significant research in the field, and Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its are an upper level degree. part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

London Information Guide [ 33 RELOCATING YOUR PET

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet animals from the U.S. before it is checked in for the journey to the UK. Any qualified vet to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain can carry out the treatment. The vet must also issue an official rules. certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried This only applies to pet cats and dogs (including guide dogs and out. If you are going abroad on a day trip with your pet, you will have hearing dogs). To bring your animal into the UK you must carry out to have this done before you go. Your animal must enter England the following procedures in the order shown. from a PETS country traveling on approved route with an approved The Six Month Rule transport company. Your pet may not enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result. Once the vet has signed the PETS certificate and that six month period has passed, the PETS certificate is valid and your pet may enter the UK. 1. Have your pet microchipped. Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified. 2. Have your pet vaccinated. After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. 3. Arrange a blood test. After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. 4. Get a PETS certificate. Once these steps have been successfully completed, you can get an official PETS certificate from a government authorized vet. 5. Sign a declaration of residency. You will have to sign a declaration (PETS 3) that your animal it has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries (listed in the accompanying form PETS 3A) in the six months before it enters the UK. Before your pet enters the UK, have it treated against ticks and a tapeworm. Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours

34 ] London Information Guide London Information Guide [ 35 FITNESS AND HEALTH

IN THE KITCHEN

s I was looking back on some of my past columns I became aware of the fact that I have never written anything on one of my favorite ingredients, chocolate. And now Athat we have learned that it is a “healthy food”, chocolate can be eaten guilt free. Not that there was ever enough guilt to make me leave it alone! Dark chocolate has always been my choice, why is it now so popular? Not only does it taste good, but, like all chocolate, it contains substances called phenylethylamine and serotonin, both of which are the mood elevators found naturally in the human brain. Cocoa contains flavanols, which may help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system by relaxing blood vessels and keeping cholesterol from building up in them–thus reducing the risk of blood clots–and by slowing down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries. But, of course, I don’t eat chocolate because of its flavanols or its antioxidants. I eat it because it tastes good. Bittersweet vs. semisweet? The only FDA requirement is that chocolate called bittersweet or semisweet chocolate contain at least 35 percent cacao and less than 12 percent milk Knipschildt Chocolatier solids. Typically, semisweet chocolate has lower cacao content and is sweeter than was founded in 1999 by Fritz bittersweet chocolate. But the flavor and texture of chocolate is determined by many factors, such as the quality of the cocoa beans, the blending, and roasting. Each of these Knipschildt, who got his culinary factors is more important than the cocoa percentage. The way cocoa beans are processed up to roasting stage is very similar to the way coffee beans are processed. If you are a coffee education as a chef in Denmark. drinker you have probably tasted poor quality coffee beans that are over roasted and ground the wrong way because it produced a lousy cup of coffee, no matter how much you The most-expensive chocolate he try to flavor it. It’s the same with chocolate. sells–a $250* dark chocolate truffle Because of this, bittersweet and semisweet chocolate could be used interchangeably in most recipes. It’s your choice, if a recipe calls for bittersweet chocolate and you, like me with a French black truffle inside– prefer semisweet then use it. Does the cost of your chocolate matter? Real chocophiles believe that life is too short to is available on a preorder-only basis. eat cheap chocolate. The products made by commercial companies have to last a long It's made of 70% Valrhona cacao, time, and they also need to be inexpensive. That means inexpensive ingredients. It's a completely different goal than making chocolate taste great.” Hershey’s recently bought which is blended into a creamy Scharffen Berger and it is available in most grocery stores now. If I am going to bake, I prefer to use higher quality ingredients. This is a simple recipe and is a chocophile’s delight. ganache with truffle oil. The truffle

Decadent Chocolate Tart is then hand-rolled with a dark Ingredients 1 c heavy cream 1 egg yolk truffle on the inside and dusted with 7 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 9” baked pastry shell cocoa powder. Directions Preheat oven 325. In small saucepan bring cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and —Forbes Magazine add chocolate. Stir until completely melted. Let sit for 5 minutes. Stir in egg yolk until thoroughly combined. *Cost: $2,600 per pound Pour into pastry shell and bake until center is just starting to firm up, about 25 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Serve small slice with whipped cream. Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Chill before serving. Please visit our website, www.NewMarketServices for more recipes. Be one of the first 25 people to enter a recipe this month and receive $10 and automatic entry into our $2500 semi-annual best recipe contest. See website for details.

36 ] London Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

I am the mother of two and have a question. Why does sugar One Serving of Soda and Chips* coated cereal have such a bad rap? Since my children were able to Calories 290 eat table food, I have always used ready-to-eat cereal as the perfect Fat (saturated) 2.5 g snack food. I find it economical, nutritional, easy to transport, and Fiber 1 g most importantly it tastes good! Carbohydrates 15 g I am just beginning to see the brand name cereal companies Protein 0 capitalize on the realization that cereal is not just a breakfast food. It is a great snack food. Here is a comparison of cereal to a typical Sodium 180 mg afternoon snack of soda and chips. Potassium 0 One Serving of Cereal w/milk* Sugar 38 g Calories 150 *One serving equals a 12 oz can of soda and 1 oz (about 11) chips Fat (unsaturated) 1.5 If that in itself doesn’t make you think twice, let me add more fuel Fiber 2 g to the fire. The cereal also contains 50% of the daily recommended need of Folic Acid, 25% of the daily recommended need of Iron, Carbohydrates 33 g Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc and 10% Protein 3 g of the needed Vitamins A, C, D. The soda and chips includes 10% Sodium 190 mg of the recommended Vitamin C and E and 6% pf the recommended Potassium 115 mg Niacin and Vitamin B6. Sugar 9 g I am making no scientific claims here. My nutritional facts are *One serving equals 3/4 cup of cereal served with 1/2 cup skim milk based on product labels of items I found in my kitchen. Do you know what else I like about serving cereal as a snack? My kids have to eat it in the kitchen area. (It’s still hard for them to carry the bowl into the TV room without spilling the milk.) So they actually have to have their snack without watching television!

CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Seek information and advice from your doctor. Be sure all The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides immunizations are up to date before leaving. If your child has a information on inoculations, disease outbreaks and health hazards history of illness at home, be prepared for a reoccurrence while in foreign countries. It has an international travelers' hot line (877- abroad. Seek advice from your doctor in advance of travel and 394-8747 or autofax 888-232-3299). The CDC's home page on the consider bringing an emergency supply of medication. Internet is www.cdc.gov. Moving abroad is certain to cause a disruption in the schedule of Once you arrive, Get references for pediatricians, pediatric routine preventive health care. The yearly growth check-ups, eye dentists and other specialists from the U.S. Embassy. They may and hearing tests, teeth cleanings and vaccinations -- not to also be able to supply you with a sheet of emergency phrases in the mention reminders in the mail from the doctor or dentist -- may fall local language. And be sure to find out whether the local water by the wayside during the move. In many countries preventive care supply contains adequate fluoride. If not, follow a dentist's is not emphasized -- either for cultural reasons or for lack of money recommendations on fluoride supplements. in the health care system. It is recommended to be up to date on these routine preventive trips before you leave.

London Information Guide [ 37 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Health Club • Does the club offer instruction in a sport or activity that you might Your move is filled with many new challenges. If your life style want to learn (tennis, squash, swimming, etc.)? includes working out a priority will be to find a club that meets your • Does the club offer a variety of leagues? If you want to compete needs. Or a new move may bring the perfect time to implement - is the club affiliated to the right leagues, and does it have teams those healthy lifestyle changes that were on your New Year’s of the right standard for your competencies? Resolution list for the past several years. • Does the club offer a variety of high-quality weight equipment? It Begin your search before you move. Ask your current club for should include free weights, such as barbells and dumbbells, and recommendations or perhaps they even have reciprocity with a club machine weights, you really need both to get a proper workout. in your new location. If you belong to a national chain, chances are • Does the club offer a sufficient number and variety of programs good that you will be able to transfer your membership. for you to achieve other goals (stress management, weight However if you do find yourself looking for a new club, use this management, smoking cessation, social activities, etc.)? check list to help you find the place that will work best for you. • Are there long lines at the equipment, or crowded aerobics When visiting a club use your own observations and question the classes, at the time that you would be using the club? staff and current members. Be sure your new club will be able to • What are the real costs? Make sure you understand all rates, meet your fitness, social, and safety needs. charges and fees because these can vary widely, and many clubs • IIs the club clean and well maintained, especially the locker require contracts ranging from a few weeks to a year or more. Be rooms and the shower areas? sure you’re entitled to use all facilities, such as pools and spas at • Are staff members friendly and helpful? Make sure there is always no extra charge. someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new • Is child care available if you need it? exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. • Is there adequate parking available if you need it? • Does the location for work for you? It’s best to select a club that’s One way to find out whether a club is right for you is to try it out near where you live or work. for a few days. Some clubs offer a special guest pass for • Do fitness staff members have appropriate educational prospective members. But even if you have to pay for a week to try backgrounds and/or certification from nationally recognized it out, it’s better to spend the money than to make a long-term certifying agencies? commitment to a club that doesn’t work out. Try the club during the • Are new members provided with a club orientation and hours you will normally be using it. It will give you a realistic idea of instruction on how to use equipment? what the club environment while you are there. • What age group do you see while visiting? If you are in your 50’s, It’s important to read health club contracts carefully. Don’t do you really want to work out with a group in their 20’s (and vice assume the club offers classes such as aerobics as part of the versa)? Be sure to visit club at the time you will be normally using membership. While some do, others charge extra. If the health club the facilities. requires a long-term commitment, find out whether you’ll be able to • Does the club have the cardiovascular resistance equipment you get a refund if you need to cancel your membership due to a job want and need to achieve your fitness goals? transfer, an injury or if you simply find that the club isn’t working for you. • Does the club offer sufficient number and variety of programs for you to achieve your fitness goals (aerobic, racquet sports, It’s a fact that of every three people who join a health club, only basketball, etc.)? If classes or group activities help to motivate one will work out there 100 days a year. Find a club that you are you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, comfortable with and you will greatly increase your chances of sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. being the one of three people that are there more than 100 days a year. NewMarket Services wishes you good health.

38 ] London Information Guide PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Coping With Change where to go to make new friends can bring feelings of isolation and Did you know that your body and mind sense change as stress? loneliness. Whether you change the place you live or where you work, it all Creatures of Habit adds up to stress. The more changes that come at one time, the Psychologically, most of us are creatures of habit and quickly more stress you experience. develop repetitive patterns that make us feel comfortable and Self-Image secure. Ever notice that most people find the same seat or section Your attitudes towards change often depend on your self image of the commuter train or bus? Drivers usually take the same route and expectations of how difficult it may be. Your self image is the every day. We do this in order to reduce stress. inner vision of who you are. It is the basis of your every thought, The sameness of established behavior develops a sense of word and action. Moving, with the many changes it entails, offers an control over ourselves and surroundings. By seeking repetitive excellent opportunity to modify and/or improve your self image habits, we save our energy for new events that are either through the risks of taking positive action. unpredictable or uncontrollable. When change removes the Some people welcome change as a challenge or an exciting new sameness from our lives, we attempt to relieve the tension experience. Others may resent the inconvenience and extra effort produced by uncertainty and newness. We look for ways to develop they need to make to re-establish a comfortable routine. Still others other familiar patterns. feel overwhelmed by the unknown and are not sure where to go or to whom to turn. Often, stress causes old issues, defeats or concerns to resurface. Perhaps new worries and fears form unexpectedly, or you feel tired and fatigued most of the time. Decision making abilities are affected, and you seem to be having less fun and enjoyment. These are all telltale signs of stress brought on by change. When signs of stress affect you, it may be a time of emotional transition, indicating old behavior patterns are not as effective as they once were. This is often a good time for self-reflection-to look at what you like in yourself and what you do not like. Stress When you relocate to a new city, all categories of your life are changed. Along with the obvious changes listed above, moving to a new community requires finding new sources for familiar services. Finding a new hairdresser, barber, drugstore, food market, doctor, lawyer, cleaner and shoemaker are all necessary. You not only have to locate these services, but you need to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of the services provided. Forming a comfortable working relationship with the service provider adds more stress to the change itself. Perhaps your whole lifestyle changes if you are moving from a smaller or larger community. With long-distance moves, you will Management of Change have to make new friends and develop a different emotional support To manage change effectively, several simple steps will help you system. When these changes are not made through your own adjust to the newness and extra effort needed to establish different choices, but are the decisions of a boss or someone in your family, patterns in your life. then the stress is even greater. Children have to make changes • Organize your time so you can finish the tasks you have planned. because of their parents. They need special help and understanding • Have realistic expectations. Do not plan to complete everything getting settled in school and making new friends. Often, they will within the first few weeks. have difficulties as they adjust to the new surroundings. • List your priorities and finish each one before you go on to the Changes produce stress not only within yourself, but also with next. the people with whom you are close. It may cause you to react • Provide your body with recreational time and time to relax. differently from your usual behavior. If you are in a relationship or • Trust your first impressions; they are most often right. marriage, you may find more tension developing, with less patience or tolerance of the other person. If you live alone, not knowing Periods of change can offer you an opportunity for growth within yourself. Professional consultation may be useful during this period.

London Information Guide [ 39 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING

Choosing a Primary Care Provider Guidelines to Narrow Your Choices One of the most important decisions that you will make in your • Insurance – With the risings costs of health care, be sure your relocation process is choosing a Primary Care Provider for you and insurance will be accepted. your family. Don’t put off the decision until you get sick. Your PCP • Professional credentials - any provider you consider should have will be responsible for approximately 90% of your health care. The graduated from an accredited medical school, and be sure relationship you develop with this health professional can be the key they’re board certified. to keeping illness at bay, and it is your best connection into the rest • Professional affiliations - Your provider should be affiliated with a of the medical system. Your PCP can help you seek appropriate large, well-equipped hospital, either as a staff member or as an consultations with specialists if or when the medical problem is attending physician, a title that carries with it admitting privileges. beyond the realm of his expertise. • Practice arrangements - You may choose a solo practitioner or a A generation ago, people relied on General Practitioners (GPs) for group practice, in which two or more doctors in the same all their medical needs, from treating colds, and backaches to specialty or different specialties share the same office. setting broken arms and delivering babies. The competent GP • Location and office hours - If these aren’t convenient, you may knew the medical histories of every member of a patient’s family have a difficult time making an appointment. because he treated them all. Today, Primary Care Providers are bringing this tradition back with the addition of providing preventive Make a Consultation Visit and Consider the Following health measures. More emphasis is now placed on preventive • Office is clean and the staff is courteous and helpful. medicine. You are now responsible for the health of you and your • You are seen by the doctor within a reasonable time of your family by making informed decisions, improving your diet and appointment or you are given a good explanation for any delay. exercising. A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner • You are not rushed through the visit. The provider listens to you, who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. Your does not interrupt you and encourages you to voice your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important concerns about your health. to select someone with whom you will work well. You will want to • The doctor is well-informed about preventive health measures, choose someone that emphasizes wellness and self-care by giving such as nutrition, exercise and the widely recommended use of you the information needed to make healthy lifestyle choices and screening tests. He should be quick to inform you of healthy health care decisions. lifestyle choices. Below are some guidelines to help you make your decision. • You’re comfortable talking to the doctor and the doctor explains Begin by Gathering Some Choices. things so that you can understand. • Before you move ask your current health care provider for a Most importantly, don’t put off the decision until you get sick. If a referral. You can also ask other doctors you respect and see health care problem arises, and you have not yet chosen a provider, regularly. it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an “urgent care • If you belong to a managed care plan, find out what doctors are center” rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save affiliated with it. you time and money. However recent years, many emergency • Ask friends, relatives or business associates. Referrals from rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced people you know are usually based on trust and confidence in the urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area— provider. to find out, call the hospital first. • Hospitals usually offer a referral service that can provide you with the names of staff doctors who meet certain criteria you may be seeking, however they will not vouch for the quality of care.

40 ] London Information Guide VOLUNTEERING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

One of the best ways to become involved in your new community Many people are reminded of their wish to volunteer during is through volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are many, for holiday seasons, but this is when organizations might have an everyone involved. Ask your employer for advice. Many companies excess of help. If you want to volunteer during the holiday, give employees paid time off to volunteer and will often publicize remember to contact the organization in advance. Otherwise, time their employees’ community service. According to the research your work for the lean season. group Independent Sector, the U.S. volunteer sector is equivalent to Volunteering is fun, leads to learning new skills, meeting 9 million full-time workers. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, interesting people, making new friends, sharing your talents, and if you want to help kids or the environment, there are great keeping in touch with the community in which you live. Whether it is organizations that will excite your particular interest, broaden your important to you to solve a community problem, advance a worthy horizons and fit into your time schedule. cause or to develop as a person, volunteering offers many benefits Don’t forget to include your family. If your children are school age in appreciation for the gift of your time and expertise. chances are there are many opportunities to volunteer at their Once you have chosen an area of interest, how should you go school, or even in their classroom. That is a great way to meet other about involving yourself? See what the Web can do for you. 1-800- parents with children the same age. Clean up a neighborhood park Volunteer.org, a service of the Points of Light Foundation & with your children. Spend a morning at a homeless shelter with your Volunteer Center National Network provides listings of local and children. You’ll find that volunteering is not only a fun family-bonding virtual volunteering as well as contact information for Volunteer experience but a great way to teach children the importance of Centers across the nation. Open the classified section of your local giving back to the community. paper. Check out the bulletin boards in your office. Or just start How you get involved with your community depends on your calling the local agencies you’re interested in. interests, skills and time. Choose something that fits well in to your One of the best ways to make these contacts is to walk right into schedule and makes you excited about working together to help the organization—a library, a shelter, training facility, or a political make a difference. Every person has that capability. Each of us can office—and find out who organizes volunteers. You can tell a lot by right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut-in or clean up a park, and that meeting the volunteer coordinator and any volunteers who happen does make the world a better place. to be on duty. While you won’t earn a paycheck for volunteering, There are several things to consider when choosing in what to you will earn valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and involve yourself. First of all be selective, think about what matters to the satisfaction that only comes from personally making the world a you, and where you wish to spend your time. If you have certain better place to live. social issues that you feel passionate about, it’s a great place to put your energy. You may have particular skills that will steer you toward a certain organization. Are you willing to explore new opportunities? Volunteering can teach you valuable new skills that you may use in other parts of your life. "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." - Winston Churchill

London Information Guide [ 41 42 ] London Information Guide HOUSING

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE…

Rent or Buy? The decision to rent or buy in your new location is dependent upon many considerations unique to your personal situation. Some of the potential factors involve the tax implications, down payment, other investment vehicles, the length of time you are anticipating being in your new location and whether or not your current home has sold. If you decide to buy, should you purchase an existing home or build a new one? Again, many factors have to be considered. Will an existing home need a lot of repair or remodeling to bring it to your standards? What about the difference in the cost of operation and maintenance between new and an existing structure? How should you finance a renovation? Which home will appreciate faster? Will it be difficult to get a construction loan? Is it better to rent for a while to become familiar with neighborhoods in your new city? What about capital gains tax if you don’t close in time? We suggest you seek the advice of a certified financial planner and a realtor to thoroughly clarify your options. These choices can become quite complex. Some Advantages to Renting Whether you’re in your first apartment or a longtime resident, there are many advantages you are afforded by choosing apartment living. Mobility: You enjoy the freedom to move, to accept that better job, to take the vacation you’ve dreamed of. No maintenance: Just relax and delight in the grounds and facilities maintenance technicians keeps attractive for you. Flexibility: You have the ability to increase or decrease your living space without the burden of sales pitches, closing costs, interest rates or the high cost of maintaining a home and property. Location: The choice is yours! Recreation: Chances are, you’ve chosen an apartment community with a swimming pool, tennis court, weight room or sauna. Apartments have the equipment and people to maintain them, which is no small task for the homeowner. No waiting: If you’re like most apartment residents, moving into your apartment was easy and fast. You settled into your new home without lengthy paperwork, a loan approval period or a large financial investment. Your Current Residence As you prepare to move, a big decision may include whether to sell or rent your current property. Ask yourself the following questions as you make this decision. You may also want to ask advice from a real estate agent.

continued on page 44

London Information Guide [ 43 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Market Inspect kitchen appliances. Check the stove to see if all burners Is it a seller’s market? Signs include low interest rates and work. Does the range have a hood with a fan? Is the oven self- shortage of homes for sale. How long have similar homes been on cleaning? Is the stove gas or electric? If it is gas, you may have an the market and how long are you willing to let your home be on the extra monthly charge for cooking gas. This would also be true if you market? Or is it a good rental market and do rental units have tenant had a gas clothes dryer in your unit. Check out the waiting lists? Is your property in a trendy area? Desirable areas refrigerator/freezer for storage space. Is there enough counter and typically garner higher rents and seldom have vacancies. cabinet space? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs, especially Financial in a high-rise building. Is this property good for rental income? Can you charge more for Inspect the central air conditioning and heating systems. Ask rent than you pay for mortgage, taxes and upkeep? How will selling other tenants if there is enough heat in the winter. It can be costly if affect your federal and state tax situation? Furthermore, if your you have to buy or rent window air conditioning units. property does not sell quickly, can you afford to keep the home Is there enough storage space? Do you have enough closets for vacant while it’s on the market? If not, do you feel you will be able clothes, linens and general items. Are there built-in shelves and to find a renter on a short-term basis? Are you likely to want to move bookcases for books and DVDs? Do you also get a storage space back into the home some day? that is not adjacent to the unit? Rental Tips Does the building have special amenities such as a swimming Apartment experts say that some detective work is needed to pool, game room, barbecue area, and exercise room or tennis conduct a search that finds the most livable rental residence for the courts? Keep in mind that recreational amenities generally will money. After you have weeded out a good apartment complex from increase your rent. You should consider what features you will really many rent signs and/or listings, scanned the neighborhood you like use. for the best rental possibilities, you will be ready to scrutinize each How is the noise level in the complex? Have neighbors been property and landlord for shortcomings. It is easy for a prospective playing music louder than you prefer? Are you located by a major tenant to gather quick clues about the general care, maintenance of airport, freeway or train tracks? the building, and cleanliness of the area overall. Try to talk to the Do you need an apartment that takes pets? If not, do you want tenant who is vacating the apartment you are planning to rent. He to live in an area that does? Do tenants appear to be cleaning up or she can tell you a great deal about the pluses and minuses of after their pets? What is the management policy for pet size and living there. Here are some tips for inspecting the inside of the maintenance? apartment: Rental experts suggest that tenants should tour several Is it clean? Carpet should be cleaned and walls/ceilings should apartment complexes before placing a deposit on a unit. The be freshly painted. Does the apartment have a bad odor? It could minimum deposit to hold a unit is usually $100. Prospective renters be a tip that the prior tenant had a pet or cooked spicy foods. still need to fill out an application and pay an application fee. This Check room sizes with a floor plan. Make sure the furniture that will hold your unit while your employment, credit and rental histories you will be moving will fit. Is the bedroom near the bathroom? Does are being checked out. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days to the dining room adjoin the kitchen? complete.

44 ] London Information Guide CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an Property Taxes offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made Property taxes may vary from one neighborhood to another. This rationally and not guided by emotion. You most likely won’t have the can sometimes affect whether you view a community as a desirable luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to place to live. Higher property taxes often mean newer and more pursue. However, since it is such a major decision you would like to modern schools, well-maintained roads, and bountiful community base it on factual information. Some broad categories to consider services. are: Schools Appreciation If you have school-aged children and plan to send them to public Ask your real estate agent to retrieve sales of homes in the school, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows neighborhood school. If you plan on sending your child to a private an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing school, how long is the commute? You will likely spend a lot of time at 15 percent, you may have your decision made. driving your child not only during the school day but for extra- Crime curricular events outside the daily school schedule. Which ever Go to the local police or sheriff department and ask about crime school you decide, you can usually find general district information in your specific neighborhood. You might find theft or vandalism to and state standardized test results online. Always plan a visit to the be more prevalent in one area than another. Also please visit the school and receive the information first-hand from school website, www.familywatchdog.us. When you visit this site you can administrators. You should also talk to teachers and parents. enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the Sellers’ Situations small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your If you don’t know already, ask your real estate agent how long the entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a house has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been person will appear with an address and the description of the crime listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than he or she had committed. asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for Drawbacks just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if Rarely will you be lucky enough to find a perfect place. Think you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also about the cons associated with each house and determine to be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why correct them or how much of a negative impact each will have. they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely Neighborhoods want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better If you have kids or pets and being close to a park is important, shot at them accepting a lower price. you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, Style and Substance churches, and other services? Are the streets maintained? How do The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the your prospective neighbors keep up their property? How long will location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor your commute to work be? plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like The House carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with Make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to to have. Be specific. Prioritize that list. Then, rate how each house match your tastes. measures up to each need on your list.

London Information Guide [ 45 HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Finding faults in a home doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t Plumbing buy it. But it will help you to know the type of repair costs that Turn on the bathroom sink faucet and shower and then flush the should be anticipated, and sellers often will make adjustments in toilet. When the toilet starts to refill, does the water pressure their asking price on the basis of problems discovered in an diminish? Fill sinks and tub with three inches of water. Do they drain inspection. properly? Do faucets leak? Lift up the carpeting. Are there any signs Inspectors look for the following: of flooding or decay? Exterior Electrical Is the house well maintained? Does the roof sag? Are the exterior Open the door on the fuse box or circuit-breaker panel. Is the walls out of line? What is the condition of the paint, especially on the electrical service adequate? The average house should have 100- south and west sides, where sun exposure is greatest? Is there amp service. Is it wired for 220 volts, which is necessary for electric adequate drainage away from the house? dryers and ranges? Roof Heating & Cooling Are shingles curling and lifting? Find out how old the roof is, and How old is the heating/cooling system? Has it been maintained? you will have a pretty good idea of when you will have to replace it. Ask to see the owner’s cooling bills for the previous year. This will Windows and Doors give you an idea of its energy efficiency. Has the glazing putty dried and shrunk, allowing water and air Termites and Carpenter Ants seepage? Is the wood decayed? Are the window and door frames Look for evidence of termites and carpenter ants on basement caulked and weather-stripped? wood framing. Is there saw dust like wood or paper debris? Can Brick and Concrete you find evidence of termite tubes or tunnels? Termites live in earth, Check pavement, driveways and horizontal brick surfaces for so make sure that there are no places where earth is closer than six cracks. Is there damage from freezing? What is the condition of the inches to wood. Like termites, carpenter ants like wood and wood mortar between the bricks? Is any pavement buckling from products. spreading underground tree roots? Water Damage Insulation Look in the basement for signs of leakage. This could be a result Check the attic and crawl space. Is the insulation adequate and of poor drainage around the house. Water damage also is caused complete? Has it been properly installed? Does the insulation by seepage through porous basement walls and condensation, obstruct the air vents, preventing the house from “breathing” and which frequently is caused by inadequate ventilation. Basement possibly causing wood rot? Does the home have storm windows? walls painted a dark color may be an effort to disguise a past Interior problem. Beware of chalky white water stains on foundation walls The kitchen and baths are the most expensive rooms to or partitions; stains on wood and drywall; delamination of paneling renovate, so check their condition carefully. A newly-painted interior and lifting or buckling floor tiles; or a damp, mildew odor. may look nice, but it could be hiding something.

46 ] London Information Guide HOMECARE BASICS FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

You’ve finally done it—you’ve just moved into your brand new Appliances home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You’re likely Remember to read the instruction manual for every appliance in consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, your new home. The manuals provide recommended cleaning and decorating—energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. maintenance schedules and sometimes your warranty will become But once you’ve signed the thick pile of closing documents, the void if you don’t follow these recommendations. moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do Driveways you do next? It’s time to get a handle on the routine maintenance If you have an asphalt driveway, remove oil, gasoline and similar you’ll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family substances immediately with soapy water. live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here’s some To avoid holes in your asphalt driveway, refrain from resting patio advice to get you started and help save money while you’re at it: furniture or bicycle stands on it. Maintaining a clean home will ensures it will last longer and works Do not burn anything on your driveway. better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes Gutters and Downspouts on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, Clear away leaves, tree limbs and other debris from gutters and tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it downspouts. with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. Downspouts should be turned away from your home’s On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and foundation. downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The Every four to six years, paint gutters that are not are made of exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the aluminum or vinyl to help prevent rust. elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, Heating and Cooling Systems in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior Late summer or early fall are the ideal time to do an annual products. inspection and cleaning of these systems. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty Make sure you change the filters every three months. from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it Keeping your pilot light burning during the summer will help keep does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform the furnace dry and prevent corrosion. routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after Registers help regulate the flow of air and maintain the desired six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would temperature in your home. Keeping registers closed in rooms you cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in don’t use will save on cooling/heating costs. clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not Using heat generating appliances in the evening and reducing the responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may number of lights on will help keep the temperature down and save be covered by manufacturers’ warranties and are not the on costs during the summer. responsibility of the builder. Plumbing You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your Every member of your family should know where the intake warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the valves are located. Label each one. excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have If any of your appliances develops a leak, inspect your drain trap. little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal A partially clogged drain can cause overflow. Use a plunger or a document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty plumber’s snake to unclog the drain. If you need to, use boiling until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights water to help unclog a partially opened drain. Call a plumber if these and responsibilities are from the outset. techniques don’t work. Here are some additional tips for properly maintaining specific A worn washer, a loose part in a faucet or steam in a hot water systems in your new home. pipe generally causes a noisy pipe. Do not hesitate to repair the noise because vibrations can follow the noise and lead to leaks.

48 ] London Information Guide SECURITY

Each year more than six million residential burglaries occur Computer Security throughout the United States. That’s one every ten seconds! In Computer security is the process of preventing unauthorized use addition to the worry of home burglaries, we now also need to of your computer. concern ourselves with computer hackers and personal identity • Use of anti-virus software on all Internet-connected computers. theft. Listed below are some things that you can do to reduce your Be sure to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. chances of becoming a victim. • Use of some type of firewall product, such as a network Home Security Checklist appliance or a personal firewall software package. • Have home security system professionally installed that offers a • Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when 24 hour monitoring system. Make sure to post the home system you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it stickers and window decals: this should alert and deter would be is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the intruders. network. • Never stop mail or newspaper deliveries, it signals that you are • Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup away. Have a neighbor pick up all deliveries if possible. disks somewhere away from the computer. • When recording your answering machine message, do not state Identity Theft that you are not home or out of town. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal • When leaving for an extended period, put lights and stereo information without your permission to commit fraud or other /television on a timer to give the appearance that someone is crimes. While you can’t entirely control whether you will become a home. victim, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Exterior/Interior Security • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal • Replace all locks immediately upon moving into your new home information before you discard them. and install deadbolts on all outside doors. • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social • Secure your sliding glass doors with pins to prevent all horizontal Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number and vertical movement. Also install security film over the glass on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use panes for additional protection. another identifier. • Remember to lock all doors and windows. • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the • Provide remote panic buttons for children and/or elderly mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing residents. with. • Never keep garage door openers in cars that are parked outside • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a of your home. web address you know. Keep Your Valuables Safe • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your • Keep your important papers, heirloom jewelry and large amounts mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social of cash in a safe deposit box. Security number. • Engrave your valuables with your social security number or drivers license number. • Store jewelry, firearms, furs and like in a small closet with a non- hinged solid core door that has a deadbolt. • When purchasing new electronic equipment, breakdown cartons before discarding them. This way you avoid advertising your new purchase to the entire neighborhood and drive-by observers.

London Information Guide [ 49 HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

As you start shopping for a new home, you may encounter some Contingency Condition that must be met before a contract is unfamiliar words and terms. The following glossary will help get you binding. through the maze of buying a home. Convertibility Ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Loan with an interest rate schedule to a fixed-rate schedule. adjusted according to movements in the financial market. Many Covenant Agreement between seller and buyer on a piece of offer lower-than-market initial interest rates that rise only gradually property, restricting the use of that property. (Also called deed for the first few years. restriction.) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Annual cost of credit over the life of Deed Legal document representing property ownership. a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, Default When a borrower fails to make the required payments of mortgage insurance and other items. a mortgage contract. Appraisal Unbiased, professional opinion of a property’s value Density The number of homes built on a particular acre of land. based on its style and appearance, construction quality, usefulness Allowable densities are determined by local jurisdictions. and the value of comparable properties. Debt-To-Income Ratio Long-Term debt expenses as a percentage Assessment Tax levied on a property or a value placed on the of monthly income; used by lenders to qualify borrowers for worth of a property by a taxing authority. mortgage loans. Assumption Transaction allowing a buyer to assume responsibility Due-on-Sale Clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the Broker (Real Estate) Person who receives a commission or fee for property. bringing buyer and seller together and assisting in the negotiation of Earnest Money Sum paid to the seller to show that a potential contracts between them. A license is required in most states. purchaser is serious about buying. Building Code Local regulations controlling design, construction Easement Right-of-Way granted to a person or company and materials used in construction. Building Codes are based on authorizing access to the owner’s land. For example, a utility safety and health standards. company may be granted easement to install pipes or wires. An Buydown Subsidy, usually paid by a builder or developer, to owner may voluntarily grant an easement or can be ordered to grant reduce the monthly payments on a mortgage loan. one by a local jurisdiction. Buyer’s Agent A real estate agent who represents only the buyer Equity Difference between the value of a home and what is owed in a real estate transaction. on it. Callback Request by a homeowner for a builder to handle a Escrow Handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf service request. of the buyer and/or seller. Cap Limit to the amount an interest rate or monthly payment can Escrow Amount Amount set up by a lender into which periodic, increase for an adjustable-rate loan either during an adjustment usually monthly, payments for taxes, hazard insurance, period or over the life of the loan. assessments and mortgage insurance premiums are made. Funds Certificate of Occupancy Document from an official agency stating are held in trust by the lender who pays the sums as they become the property meets the requirements of local codes, ordinances and due. regulations. Fair Market Value Price at which property is transferred between Chain of Title History of all documents transferring title to a parcel willing buyer and willing seller, each of whom has reasonable of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and knowledge of all pertinent facts and neither being under compulsion ending with the most recent. to buy or sell. Change Order Homebuyer’s written authorization to add, delete or Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Federal agency that insures change an item specified in a contract. mortgages with lower down payment requirements than Closing Meeting to sign documents that transfer from a seller to a conventional loans. buyer. (Also referred to as settlement.) Fixed-Rate Mortgage Mortgage with an interest rate that remains Closing Costs Charges paid at settlement for obtaining a mortgage constant over the life of the loan. loan and transferring a real estate title. Hazard Insurance Protection against damage caused by fire, wind Commission Agent’s fee for negotiating a real estate or loan storms or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers transaction, often expressed as the percentage of the sales price or to carry it in an amount at least to the mortgage. mortgage amount. HVAC Common building industry abbreviation for heating, Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC and Rs) Standards that ventilation and air conditioning systems. define how a property may be used and the protections the Index Interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision. changes in monthly payments for an adjustable-rate loan.

50 ] London Information Guide HOMEBUYER’S GLOSSARY

Infrastructure Public facilities and services needed to support Point One-Time charge assessed by the lender at closing to residential development, including highways, bridges, schools and increase the interest yield on a mortgage loan. sewer and water systems. Presettlement Walk-Through Final inspection of house prior to Inspection Examination of work completed on a structure to closing, conducted by builder and buyer. determine compliance with building code and other code Principal Amount borrowed, excluding interest and other charges. requirements. Property Survey Survey to determine the boundaries of a piece of Joint Tenancy Form of ownership in which the tenants own a property. Cost depends on the complexity of the survey. property equally. If one dies, the other automatically inherits the Recording Fee Charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid entire property. to a city, county or other appropriate branch of government. Loan Origination Fee Lender will charge a fee for the cost of Specifications Contractual document describing in detail the work processing the loan, usually calculated as a percentage of the loan to be performed; method of construction; standards of amount. workmanship; quality, type and manufacturer of materials and Loan-To-Value-Ratio Relationship between the amount of a home equipment for a particular project. loan and the total value of a property. Tenancy in Common Form of ownership in which the tenants own Lock-In Rate Commitment from a lender to make a loan at a pre- separate but equal parts. To inherit the property, a surviving tenant set interest rate at some future date, usually for not more than 90 would either have to be mentioned in the will or, in the absence of days. A fee may be charged to “lock-in” a rate. a will, be eligible through state inheritance laws. Mortgage Commitment Formal written communication by a lender Title Evidence, usually in the form of a certificate or deed, of a agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property, specifying person’s legal right to ownership of a property. the loan amount, length of time and conditions. Title Insurance Insurance against any title defects that may exist Mortgage Origination Fee Charge for the work involved in preparing prior to the time the title is passed from one owner to the next, and and servicing a mortgage application. which may come to light in a future transaction. Permit Document issued by a local government agency allowing Veterans Administration (VA) Federal agency that insures construction work to be performed in conformance with local mortgage loans with very liberal down payment requirements for codes. Work may not commence until permits have been obtained, honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses. and each permit issuing agency must inspect the work at certain specified points during construction. PITI Principal, interest, taxes and insurance: the four major components of monthly housing payments.

London Information Guide [ 51 TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENERGY COSTS

The cost of cooling your house continues to rise. There are a • Close doors to rooms that are not being used. number of ways you can save a significant amount of money on • Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use “solar drying” your energy bills. In fact, it’s possible to save up to 25 percent on (clotheslines). your power bill by using the following tips. While your results might • Use energy saver option on your dishwasher, allowing dishes to vary, you’re guaranteed to find at least a few ways to save money. air dry. The idea behind all our advice, and in fact our entire conservation • If you A/C unit is on the ground, keep the area around it clean and effort, is to give you the information you need to make the right free of obstructions to maintain air flow. decisions. • Unplug your televisions/VCR when you’re on vacation. Most new These simple steps don’t cost a thing, but can potentially save sets draw power even when they’re turned off. you 10-25% on your monthly energy bill. • Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let computer - it can use as much energy as a refrigerator. Most new lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs computers have “sleep” settings. with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage • In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb. home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you • If your dishwasher has a filter clean it. are not home more than four hours. • Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops. • In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not There are plenty of low cost, easy to do projects or steps you can home. do to save another 10-25% on your energy bill. • Do not turn your air conditioning off in the hot months when • Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. you’re not home. Your house will store up the heat and you’re This will typically save $1 per bulb changed out (for bulbs running likely to make the air conditioning run for hours to feel 4-6 hours per day) and reduce heat in your home. Regular bulbs comfortable. use most of the electricity to generate heat so use care when • In the winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your changing bulbs. home to take advantage of “free heat from the sun” Close the • Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip doors. Keep the coverings on cloudy days or right after the sun sets. outside air out and the inside air in. • In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes during the day to • Install a hot water heater blanket but be careful not to cover vents keep heat out. or temperature settings. • Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, and cook • Install hot water pipe insulation. Do keep the insulation at least six as late in the evening as possible. inches away from the flue (exhaust pipe) of gas water heaters. • Barbecue outside if practical, keeping in mind the heat and effect • Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your of sun on your body. By reducing the heat coming into your home residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides from any source, will reduce the load on your air conditioning. shading, reducing thermal gain in a building. • Use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump • Fix leaky faucets Install low flow showerheads. runs on—eight to twelve hours a day is plenty in the summer • Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of months, less in the winter months. heat in your home. • Set your water heater to 120 degrees. • Replace furnace and air conditioner filters. Spray the filters with a • Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work. spray to help trap dirt in the filter. • Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean. • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer. • Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or • Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats. plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces. • Make sure food is cool and covered before it goes into the refrigerator.

52 ] London Information Guide WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING

Architect Lender Building design professional who has completed all required The financial institution that provides construction loan financing university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams; during construction and permanent financing for the home buyer initials A.I.A. and F.A.I.A. indicate membership in a professional after the home is built and there is a property settlement, referred to organization, but not licensed status. in our area as closing. Most lenders make what is referred to as Builder or General Contractor “end loans” which is the loan made to the buyer of a new home, and The buck stops with him or her in construction projects. The others make both the “end loan” and “construction loan financing” general contractor secures bids for all work and materials; hires, which provides funds to pay for costs incurred during construction. coordinates and oversees subcontractors; files for permits and Owner Builder arranges for inspections; and generally makes the final decisions in An individual or family who finances and manages a home all construction-related matters. building project (usually with the assistance of a builder or general Building Inspector contractor who is hired to manage all or a particular phase of the One or more local officials who oversee and regulate every phase construction of the home) with the intention of retaining ownership of residential construction. Regulations vary widely. In most states and residing in the home after completion. area home construction meets standards contained in the Uniform Subcontractor Building Code. In addition, applicable provisions of the Uniform Fire A specialist who undertakes responsibility for one phase or trade & Plumbing/Mechanical & Electrical codes are enforced. Typically, within the project and reports to the general contractor. In a typical permits are issued and inspections are made at key stages of home building project, subcontractors generally include: an construction by County and City building code enforcement excavation contractor who digs foundations and grades the site; a departments. masonry contractor who handles all concrete, block, brickwork and Building Designer paving; a framing contractor who constructs the shell and interior Generally unlicensed professionals (license not required for partitions; a roofing contractor; a heating, ventilation and air- practice) who, by experience, are competent to design homes, conditioning (HVAC) contractor; a plumbing contractor; an electrical prepare drawings and write specifications; they often work in contractor; drywall installers; insulation contractors; finish association with licensed architects. carpenters who generally handle wood flooring, trim work, and Construction Manager/Foreman cabinet installation; and a painting contractor. The general contractor’s right-hand man. A construction Surveyor manager can be on site when the general contractor is not. A professional with the training and equipment to establish or Design/Build Firms verify property lines. The surveyor also plots and marks the An organization that provides both architectural planning and topography of the site, which is crucial in preparing the site plan. He general contracting services, and offers a different approach to the or she may also be employed to stake out the building site, setting conventional arrangement in which the designer and builder are reference marks for foundation excavation, establishing grades for separate entities. roads or driveways and marking the locations for a septic system Interior Designer and water well, if necessary. Specialist in decoration and furnishing; special training and Title Insurance Company licensing not required. Initials A.S.I.D. following individual’s name The entity that conducts a comprehensive search of the public indicate membership in a professional association, for which records to make sure that the title received by a buyer of a new training and passing tests are required. home is “free and clear of any liens and encumbrances”. This Kitchen /Bath Designer assures the issuance of a clear or “merchant able” title in favor of Specialist in designing these rooms; initials C.K.D. and C.B.D. the buyer of a new home at the closing of the sale of the property. indicate certification by a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required. License is not required for practice. Landscape Architect Specialist in landscape and garden planning; primary concerns include site selection, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing plant material. License required for practice.

London Information Guide [ 53 SELECTING A BUILDER

Are you shopping for a new home? Start by shopping for a Service After the Sale and Home Warranty professional builder first. Whether you are buying a townhouse, a While you are shopping, ask about the builder’s service after the detached home in a subdivision, or a custom-built house, the sale. Most builders offer some form of warranty. Many builders back construction quality of your new home will be determined by the their own warranties on workmanship and materials, typically for quality of your builder. one year. Other builders offer warranties backed by an insurance Start your builder-search process by calling your local home program. One of the most important criteria for selecting a builder builders association. They can give you the names of reputable is the warranty protection provided on the home. Ask for a copy of builders in your area. Ask friends and relatives about builders they the builder’s warranty. Read the document thoroughly and be sure have dealt with directly, or ask them for the names of acquaintances you understand what protection is provided. If you have any who have recently built a new home. questions about the coverage, talk to the builder prior to finalizing The Interview Process your purchase. Once you have developed a list of builders who are building the Quality and Value type and price range of home you are interested in, research their When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction reputations and the quality of their work. The best way is to visit features: the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. homes that they have built and talk to the owners. Ask the builders In viewing a home, you must determine whether it lends itself to on your list for the addresses of their recently completed houses, the type of lifestyle you want to lead. Look at the amount of interior subdivisions, or townhouse communities. At the very least, drive by living space and how efficiently the space is used. Find out if the and see if the homes are visually appealing. builder is incorporating state-of-the-art energy efficiency features, Look at homes that are the same style as you plan to buy. A good both in appliances and insulation. time to visit is on a weekend morning when people are outside doing chores. Introduce yourself and explain that you are considering buying a home from the same builder who built their home. Ask about their satisfaction with the home and whether the builder delivered what was promised in a timely manner. Ask if they would buy another home from this builder. People will generally tell you if they are happy with their purchase. Be Thorough When selecting a builder, be thorough and ask a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question because you are afraid of sounding “stupid” or uninformed. What seems like a “stupid” question may yield a very important answer. Buying a new home is probably the biggest and most important purchase you will make in your lifetime. By doing your new “home” work to select a builder, you will instill in yourself and your family a sense of confidence and knowledge that you have made the right choice. If you have additional questions about selecting a builder, contact your area’s Builders Association. Ask for a builder list that identifies the price categories and subdivisions in which they build. Be sure to tour the Parade of Homes in the Fall and Spring. It is an excellent way to get familiar with the housing market in this area as well as individual builder’s products.

54 ] London Information Guide SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

Every year hundreds of families are taken advantage of by 8. Make sure all required permits are secured and inspections are disreputable individuals or companies who represent themselves to made.The contractor should be expected to secure all necessary be reliable, reputable contractors. If you are planning to hire permits. Beware of contractors who want you to secure the someone to repair or make improvements to your property there are permit as the property owner. It is permissible to do so, but it is safeguards you can take to assure the best selection of a contractor very unusual that a reputable contractor will ask you to do this. for you. 9. Make sure you have a written contract with the contractor that Consider the Following details: 1. Hire only licensed contractors. Contractors are required to be a. A full description of all work to be done. licensed to do certain types of work. When selecting a contractor b. A firm date of completion you should make sure the contractor holds a current, valid c. Total cost of the job. license either issued by your city. d. Contractors license number. 2. All contractors do not possess the same expertise.Ask for e. All warranty information. references and check those references to assure yourself that f. Quality of materials to be used. the contractor is qualified to do the type of work you are wanting g. How and on what basis payments are to be made. done. h. How changes and payment for changes will be handled. 3. Check business references. Ask the contractor for a list of 10. Make sure complete architectural drawings are done and business references that you can call and verify that the agreed upon if you are having a room addition added, or relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are good ones extensive remodeling done. Be certain that detailed material and that the contractor pays his bills. specifications are also provided and made a part of the contract 4. Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any you sign. complaints or charges pending against the contractor. 11. Monitor the work being done in accordance with the 5. Call local trade associations for information about selecting a contractual agreement with the contractor. If you have contractor. questions about what is being done or problems with the 6. Ask for proof from the contractor that he has general liability contractor, either ask questions or confront the problem head insurance and workers compensation insurance in order to on when it occurs in order to minimize any conflict and reach a protect you, as the property owner, against any claim in the event satisfactory resolve as quickly as possible. the contractor, his employees, or someone else is injured as a 12. Final payment should not be made until you are satisfied that result of work being done on your property. the job has been completed in accordance with the terms of the 7. Make sure the contractor you are contracting with will be contractual agreement between you and the contractor. personally involved in coordinating the work to be done on your property. “A house is made of walls and beams; A home is built with love and dreams.” - Author unknown

London Information Guide [ 55 BANKING & MORTGAGE INFORMATION

Is Your Bank Meeting Your Current Financial Needs? What Will You Do? This page offers a guide to choosing the right bank for your The fist question to ask yourself is what you want to do with your needs, and offers some ideas for starting your checklist. bank account. Do you want to put money in there periodically and With banks offering an increasing number of financial services at watch it grow? Will you move money in and out quickly? You need widely varying fees, choosing one to handle your particular financial to know what your banking behavior will be like in order to find the needs can seem like a difficult and confusing task. Although there right bank. is much to consider, it is best to select a bank the same way you Next, get an idea of how you prefer to do your banking. If your would choose any product or service—first evaluate your needs schedule doesn’t work with most bank schedules, the best bank and then compare costs. You should also consider what is most might just be the one that’s open at convenient times. important to you in a banking relationship. Do you want to develop Free checking accounts get a lot of hype. They get people in the a personal, long-term customer relationship with a bank? Do you door. However, free may not always be the best thing for you. If you travel frequently and need access to branch offices while you are value certain services or conveniences, you may be willing to pay for out of town? If you prefer to do your banking by telephone or online, them. Once you get ahold of fee schedules from competing banks, you'll want to explore the types of electronic services each bank has consider if it’s really going to bother you to pay a few bucks each to offer. Once you have identified your needs, evaluating and month for that “gotta have it” feature or service. Maybe it is, maybe comparing the services and fees is a much simpler task. it isn’t. But you have to do your research, because not all banks offer At first glance, fees might make you favor debit cards in the debit free checking, and if they do, they won’t always tell you about that vs credit competition. The worst fee you'll find in a typical debit card option unless you ask. is a POS fee -- charged when you use your debit card at a retailer So go online or make a few phone calls. Find out if the bank has using PIN number. While the tide is shifting away from banks a lot of ATM locations. It doesn’t do you any good to have free charging these fees, they're still around. More importantly, there are checking if you have to spend $2 a pop to use another bank’s ATM more factors than fees to the debit vs credit debate. because you bank only has one branch and it is all the way across Hidden fees are becoming increasingly popular in the banking town. industry. If you're not careful, you might end up wasting significant You may be eligible because of where you live or what type of job amounts of money each year on things that can be easily avoided. you have to join a credit union. Many people like credit unions One place that's full of hidden fees is the ATM. While it is an easy because they offer a lot of free services (like maybe free Money way of obtaining your money quickly and efficiently, ATMs are Orders). But keep in mind that credit unions are often few and far notorious for their service charges. You can end up being charged between, so you may end up with the ATM surcharge problem. every time you use the ATM, if you're not careful. Some banks will charge extra fees if you do not meet certain requirements or do your banking with them. Banks can even charge you to check your balance at the ATM. It depends on the bank. You need to understand the terms of your bank and find the best plan for you. You can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office computer. Internet banking may also have a price. Depending on the bank, you may have to pay a service charge for this service. It also may not be available at all banks.

56 ] London Information Guide MORTGAGE & BANKING INFORMATION

You may have a difficult time deciding which type of home feature was designed to provide housing and assistance for mortgage is the best for your needs. The world of home finance veterans and their families, and the dream of home ownership offers so many variables and options that it’s often hard to keep became a reality for millions of veterans. VA will guarantee a them straight. The following may help you better understand the maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $104,250, differences and find a home loan that’s right for you. which limits the maximum loan amount to $417,000. Generally, the Fixed-Rate Mortgages are very popular because the interest rate and reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever monthly payments are constant. Fixed loans are generally is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. All veterans must amortized over ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years. Property taxes qualify, for they are not automatically eligible for the program. and homeowners insurance may increase, but generally your Interest-Only Mortgage is really an interest-only option that works monthly payments will be very stable. During the early amortization with various mortgage types. This option has regular payments, period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for typically monthly, for a fixed period of time; however, payments paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly consist of one hundred percent interest. No principal is paid during payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate the interest-only period. When that period ends, the borrower is mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the obligated to make payments of principal and interest. Because the original loan amount. You may also opt for “biweekly” mortgages, time remaining in the loan term to repay the principal is shorter than which shorten the loan by making a payment every two weeks. it would have been, payments will adjust upward, sometimes (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 substantially. The appeal of interest-only payments is savings. When “months” worth, every year.) principal is not being paid, monthly payments are dramatically Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a loan which allows for the lower. On the risk side is potential for loss. If the need to sell arises adjustment of its interest rate according to the terms of the note and and the property value has stayed flat or declined, a borrower might as market interest rates change. With this type of mortgage loan be in a position where the mortgage loan balance is higher than the program the interest rate and payments may be adjusted as market value of the property. frequently as every month. The purpose of the program is to allow Balloon Mortgage Loan generally has a short term, commonly mortgage interest rates to fluctuate with market conditions. The anywhere from 3-7 years. During that term, borrowers make regular initial interest rate for an ARM is usually lower than that of a fixed equal payments of principal – the amount of money borrowed – plus rate mortgage, where the interest rate remains the same during the interest. At the end of the loan term, a “balloon” payment is due for life of the loan. A lower rate means lower payments, which might the entire loan balance. Options for handling the balloon payment help you qualify for a larger loan. Also if you do not plan to keep your include paying off the balance when due or refinancing before the home for more than a few years, the possibility of rate increases payment comes due. Balloon mortgages are usually offered at isn’t as much of a factor. But no one has a crystal ball to predict the lower interest rates than other fixed-rate loans. In addition, fluctuation of interest rates, so it is somewhat of a gamble. payments are calculated using a period longer than the term of the FHA Mortgage Loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. loan. As a result, balloon loans offer affordability for short-term FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban circumstances. Borrowers do need to plan ahead so they are not Development (HUD), one of its chief purposes is to help people caught unprepared when the balloon payment is due. obtain financing to buy their homes. The FHA doesn’t make the Choosing a type of mortgage is not the only decision you must loans, but insures loans made by banks, savings and loans, face. Several other criteria are listed below. mortgage companies, credit unions and other approved institutions. Hybrid Mortgage combines features of both fixed-rate and FHA does not originate loans. FHA insures the mortgage and pays adjustable-rate mortgages. A hybrid mortgage loan may start with the lender if the homebuyer defaults on the loan, or fails to repay the a rate that is fixed for a period of time. When that fixed-rate period loan. Almost anyone who has a satisfactory credit record, enough expires, the loan then converts to an ARM. The initial rate for a cash to close the loan, and sufficient steady income to make hybrid mortgage loan is typically lower than prevailing fixed rates. monthly mortgage payments can be approved for an FHA-insured The lower rate enables more buying power up front. On the risk side mortgage. There is no upper age limit and no certain income level is the uncertainty of how high interest rates will be when the fixed- required, although individual mortgage amounts are limited by law. rate period expires. VA Mortgage Loan is similar to the FHA mortgage. The U.S. Lending Institution are used When you’re looking for a home loan, Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees loans made by you might work with an officer at a bank or other lending institution, institutional lenders to eligible veterans. The guarantee helps protect or you might choose to work with a mortgage broker. The loan the lender in the event of the borrower’s default. The VA Loan was officers at a bank, credit union or other lending institution are initiated in 1944 through the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more employees who work to sell and process mortgages originated by commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. The GI Bill was signed into their employer. They often have a wide variety of loans types to law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided veterans with draw from, but all originate from that specific lender. a federally guaranteed home loan with no down payment. This continued on page 52

London Information Guide [ 57 MORTGAGE & BANKING INFORMATION

Mortgage Brokers are professionals who are paid a fee to bring balance in one lump sum. together lenders and borrowers. The mortgage broker working to Buydown is the process of buying a lower interest rate by paying secure your loan is earning a fee for that transaction—and the more points at closing. better deal they achieve for a lender, the more they are paid. Don’t Conventional Mortgage is a loan that is under $ 240,000 and meets be too anxious to disclose the interest rate you would be willing to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards, the largest purchasers of accept, let them tell you what terms they can secure. Shop around home mortgages on the secondary market. to make sure the terms are reasonable. Convertible Mortgage is an ARM with the option to convert to a fixed There should be little difference between obtaining a loan from a rate mortgage as specified in the contract. broker or a local lending institution. Maybe none, but you should be FHA Loans are issued by FHA approved lenders. The FHA insures its aware of the differences between the two positions. A mortgage loans so that borrowers can get them with only 3 to 5% down broker may find you a lender in another part of the country. The loan payment. The FHA has certain criteria to qualify for these loans. office will likely be able to offer more personal service while your loan is being processed and once you are an established customer. Fixed-rate Mortgages are self amortizing loans with a constant rate of interest. These loans are commonly for 10, 15. 20 or 30 year Discount Points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower periods. your mortgage interest rate. While buying points is sometimes a Interest Rate is what the lender charges for the use of their money. good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it Expressed as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed before saves. The cost of each point is equal to one percent of the loan financing expenses. amount. For instance, for a $100,000 loan one discount point equals $1,000. Each discount point paid on a 30-year loan typically Initial Interest Rate is what lenders charge on an ARM until the first lowers the interest rate by 0.125 percent. That means a 5.5 percent adjustment is made. This rate is usually much lower than fixed rate rate would be lowered to 5.375 percent if you purchase one point. mortgages. Paying for points lowers your interest rate, because the lender Jumbo Mortgages are loans greater than $ 227,150 with an interest receives the income in a lump sum at closing rather than collecting rate that is a quarter percentage higher than conventional loans. the interest as you make payments on your loan. Whether or not Lifetime Cap is the same as an annual cap except there is limit on paying points makes sense for you depends in part on how long how high the interest rate can increase over the entire life of the you plan to keep the loan. mortgage. Loan Commitment is a promise by the lender to provide the agreed Helpful Mortgage Terms amount of money stated on the mortgage to close on a home. The Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a loan with a rate that adjusts to market commitment also states the interest rate, term of loan, and usually conditions. The rate of adjustment will be stated in the contract. expires within 60 days. Adjustment Index Ii a guide lenders use to change ARM interest rates Loan Servicing is the institution that handles the administrative during the life of a mortgage. The specific index to which your ARM processing of your loan such as billing and collecting payments. is tied to will be listed in the mortgage contract. Loan-to-Value Ratio is the proportional relationship of the mortgage Annual Cap is a limit on how high the interest rate on an ARM can loan to the value of a home, expressed as a percentage. rise in a single year. Annual caps are specified in the better ARM programs. Annual Percentage Rate Equals the true cost of a loan including financing charges and fees. Amortization is the process that reduces the amount owned in a loan. It can be made in a lump sum or periodic installments. Appraisal Value is estimating the property’s worth which is based on comparable properties. Appraisals that are completed by certified professionals, and are used by lenders to verify the home’s value and justify the mortgage commitment. Appreciation is the increase in the property’s value, either by improvement in the market or improvements made by the owner. Balloon Mortgage is a loan that acts like a fixed rate but is due in three, five or ten years. At that point you must pay the outstanding

58 ] London Information Guide MORTGAGE & BANKING INFORMATION

How much do you qualify for based on typical lender and you can contact your insurance agent for homeowner rates. requirements? Generally, the lender will require that your monthly Now, while shopping for your mortgage, you probably have payments not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Lets take discovered the current interest rate. Use the chart below; find the a look at how a lender would typically determine your ability to meet column, which applies to that rate. Follow the number down until monthly house payments. you find the number that is closest to your principal and interest First, determine your gross monthly income from all sources. payment. To the left of that you will find the loan amount for which Then multiply that amount by 28% to determine an approximate you probably qualify. If you intend to apply for a 90% loan, divide the allowable monthly payment. This payment includes principal, loan amount by .90 to calculate the price of the house that would interest, taxes and insurance. From this amount subtract taxes and require this monthly payment. insurance to arrive at your allowable principal and interest payment. You can obtain your property taxes from the local township office

The example below illustrates this procedure: Gross Monthly Income $2,500 X 28% = $700 Less: Monthly Taxes & Insurance (100) = $600 12% Interest Rate for 30 years for $600= $60,000 $60,000/.90 (Loan to Value) =$66,667 = Estimated Maximum Home Price For Qualification

$ 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7% 7.5% 8% 8.5% 9%

100,000 500 550 600 650 700 750 800 850 900

150,000 750 825 900 975 1050 1125 1200 1275 1350 200,000 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800

250,000 1250 1375 1500 1625 1750 1875 2000 2125 2250 300,000 1500 1650 1800 1950 2100 2250 2400 2550 2700 350,000 1750 1925 2100 2275 2450 2625 2800 2975 3150

400,000 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 450,000 2250 2475 2700 2925 3150 3375 3600 3825 4050

500,000 2500 2750 3000 3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 550,000 2750 3025 3300 3575 3850 4125 4400 4675 4950 600,000 3000 3300 3600 3900 4200 4500 4800 5100 5400

650,000 3250 3575 3900 4225 4550 4875 5200 5525 5850 700,000 3500 3850 4200 4550 4900 5250 5600 5950 6300 750,000 3750 4125 4500 4875 5250 5625 6000 6375 6750

800,000 4000 4400 4800 5200 5600 6000 6400 6800 7200 850,000 4250 4675 5100 5525 5950 6375 6800 7225 7650 900,000 4500 4950 5400 5850 6300 6750 7200 7650 8100

950,000 4750 5225 5700 6175 6650 7125 7600 8075 8550 1,000,000 5000 5500 6000 6500 7000 7500 8000 8500 9000

London Information Guide [ 59 AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Airlines Diamond Award-winner Picasso. AAA Five-Diamond award winner Renoir. American Airlines • “O” by Cirque du Soleil, an extraordinary • Exotic White Tigers, Lions and a family of Reservations call (800) 433-7300 fusion of water, dance and aerobics. Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in Seigfried Flights at your fingertips. For passenger • Via Bellagio- a collection of the worlds and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin reservations and information call us or your most sophisticated boutiques from Giorgio Habitat. travel agent. Armani, Chanel, Tiffany, and Hermes. • A fire-erupting volcano sparkling lagoons and tumbling waterfalls. Continental Airlines • The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Reservations call (800) 523-3273 charms guests with its natural beauty. • Dive into interconnected lagoon and Want to be treated with respect, fly the • Dancing Fountains cavort on an eight thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage safe and courteous skies with Continental acre lake. pool. Airlines. Fairmont Hotels New York-New York United Airlines Toll Free (800) 527-4727 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South Reservations call (800) 241-6522 www.Fairmont.com Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 740-6969 Serving more of the nations top 100 Boston, Las Vegas, Dallas, New business centers than any other airline. Orleans, New York, San Francisco & San The best of New York City meets the Small package dispatch, same-day airport Jose America’s Grand Hotels since 1907. best of Las Vegas in one exciting location. to airport. Be a part of it. Hilton Hotels • ESPN ZONE sports-themed dining and Worldwide Reservations Education 6-12 entertainment. Toll Free (800) 845-8667 Florida Air Academy www.Hilton.com • Live performances nightly from the 1950 South Academy Drive Hilton Hotels, Resorts, Suites, Hilton Award-winning comedy of Rita Rudner. Melbourne, FL 32901 Garden Inn, Conrad International Hotel. • The thrilling Manhattan Express Roller (321) 723-3211 Coaster. www.flair.com MGM Grand At Florida Air Academy, Cadets at have 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South • COYOTE UGLY Bar and Dance saloon the opportunity to get a first-rate education Las Vegas, NV 89109 and the Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Times geared to the learning styles of young men (702) 891-1111 Square. and make friends from around the world. Searching for non-stop action and • New York City’s original Gallaghers The school accepts young men in grades pulse-pounding excitement? “The City of Steakhouse. 6 through 12. The Academy boasts a 16- Entertainment” awaits your arrival. • Be the toast of the town in the Big apple student average class size and college • La Femme-the sensual French sensation Bar with live entertainment nightly in “The prep curriculum taught by accredited staff, direct from the original Crazy Horse in Greatest City in Las Vegas.” many with advanced degrees. Cadets at Paris. Florida Air Academy receive leadership • ZUMANITY, Another side of Cirque du training and an emphasis on community • Tabu’- The ultra hip lounge designed to Soleil, the creative climax of sexuality, service. Other programs include an stimulate and arouse your senses. humanity and art. excellent sports program, extensive • Live the nightclub lifestyle at studio 54sm. Pan Pacific Resort Hotels computer curriculum and optional flight • Sixteen masterpiece restaurants Worldwide Reservations training and SCUBA certification. including celebrated chef Tom Colicchio’s Toll Free (800) 327-8585 Florida Air Academy is located on Craftsteak and Michelle Mina’s NOBHILL. Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts. North Florida’s Space Coast and is fully • The king of the jungle overlooks the Lion America, Japan, Southeast Asia. accredited. Contact our Admissions Habitat. department for more information on Fall, Treasure Island Spring, and Summer enrollments. • The Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South Theatre feature top name entertainment. Las Vegas, NV 89109 For additional Information contact: (702) 792-5627 Donna Stratford Director of Communication Mirage Hotel & Casino Enjoy the adventure and romance of this (321) 723-3211, Extension 30028 3400 Las Vegas Blvd South engaging resort filled with new-world Las Vegas, NV 89109 amenities. Internatinal Travel (702) 791-7111 • AAA Four Diamond Award® winning Bellagio The Resort Immerse yourself in this tropical South resort. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd South Sea oasis filled with luxury and excitement! Las Vegas, NV 89109 • Experience the elegance and • World-famous pyrotechnic sea battle (702) 693-7223 sophistication of our newly redesigned between the pirate ship, Hispaniola, and Experience a world unto itself at “the guest rooms. the British frigate, H.M.S. Britania in the middle of the Buccaneer Bay. most romantic hotel in the world.” • Dive into interconnected lagoon and • AAA Five Diamond Award winning resort. thundering waterfalls at the new Mirage • Mystere by Cirque du Soleil, a pool. mesmerizing mix of powerful acrobatics, • Nine world-renowned restaurants circus skills and dance. including Aqua, Prime, and AAA Five • Ten international restaurants including

60 ] London Information Guide INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

• Eight exciting dining options including Kahunaville and Buccaneer Bay Restaurant-fine dining overlooking the explosive battle in Buccaneer Bay. • A beautifully appointed wedding chapel. • A tropical pool area and lavish spa and salon.

London Information Guide [ 61