I found out that I was moving to the London for work on Monday (12/15/03) and left on the following Friday. So, you can imagine what a wreck I was trying to take care of my home logistics and to pack for a 6 month stay in a cold and wet England.
I arrived in London on December 20, 2003. Since my arrival, I have purchased a big wool coat. My thin coat from Old Navy just wasn't keeping me warm. I have also bought a pair of Clarks boots (on sale!) so I can walk all over London comfortably.
Even though the big annual sales (discounts up to as much as 80%) don't officially start until January, some stores begin their sales immediately after Christmas. Clarks started their sales two weeks before Christmas. Not surprisingly, even with the huge discounts, most items are still more expensive than what we can find in the states.
My work keeps me super busy, but I do try to see the sites while I'm in this lovely city. Since December 20, I have visited: Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre; attended Christmas Eve service at the St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden; walked across the Millenium Bridge from St. Paul's Cathedral to South Bank; watched the last Matrix at IMAX; got a massage and haircut in Neal's Yard; and rummaged through Brick Lane and Portobello Road (Sunday and Saturday markets).
This is definitely a great experience, living in a huge city, without a car, taking the tube, and walking everywhere. However, I often get annoyed at so many pedestrians getting in my way. I can only image when the weather gets better and when the tourist season begins.
I'll try to post some pictures soon.
Cheers!
lily