** NCV2 **

hz80408

I saw your post below about living in London; my sister is moving to Reading (which from my understanding is 30/45min away) in less than a month.  Any advice for the transition?  Or must-see/do festivals in the next couple months?

She'll just be there Jan-end of June for work.

[Deleted User]

It's about a 45-hour min train from Paddington.  I haven't been to Reading, but I think it's a fairly small town.  H and I went through this summer when we went to Cornwall so I do know the distance, went on the direct train.  

I would tell her NOT to compare things to how much it would cost at home.  Esp for things she has to buy.  Food costs what it costs, don't get upset about it.  

However I try not to buy shoes and clothes here as it's more expensive.   I also don't really like the deodorant here so I would bring a few with her.  Make-up is more expensive as well.

She will not be able to get- choc chips, pancake syrup, goldfish crackers.  These are things I bring back with me.

It will be dark when she comes, I moved in Dec and I was shocked by the difference of light coming from PA.  The sun comes up around 8ish now and it's dark at 3:30.  In June it's light from 4:30am until 10pm she'll need an eye mask. 

It's the Queen's Jubilee year so there is a ton of stuff going on for that all year.  All sorts of exhibits, plus in June there is an extra holiday with a boat parade, parade, all sorts of stuff in London.  

Of course it's the Olympics this year as well so it's all go for that too.  

I would suggest she get a National Trust membership which gets her into historical places such as castles and landmarks for free.  I think it's only £20ish pounds, but each place is perhaps £8-12 each to get in so she will save a ton.  

What is she doing in Reading?  

I need to go to bed as it's 1am, but I'll come back tomorrow.  

hz80408

Thanks for all of the info and advice.  I'm interested to see what else you have to say.

She's going for work (she's in accounting).  From what we can tell, it seems to be a business-orientated community. But there is an H&M and Topshop so we figure decent sized? lol.

Good to know on makeup and deoderant (she's a bit high maintance, lol).  What about items for the home?  Any advice?  Her company is providing a 2-bed furnished apt, but she is planning on bringing bedding for one bed and purchasing bedding there for the other (to minimize what she brings with).  Do you think bedding there is outrageously more expensive?

We're (H and I) going to visit in April; any must-do's in London in April?!

[Deleted User]

I actually wouldn't bring bedding unless you bring just flat sheets, this is what we registered for, since the bed sizes are different.  People often don't use top sheets here they just use the fitted sheet and then use a duvet cover.

Measuring cups are different.  I would find out what her apt. includes, some include all the kitchen stuff which would be best really as she is there for such a short time.  

She is likely to not have a dryer, I only had one for about 6 months in almost 4 years here.  So make sure she has enough socks and a few pairs of jeans as in the winter they take a few days to dry.  Going back to the bedding there ours takes at least a day or two to dry in the winter as well.  She will need at least 2 sets of towels as well for the same reason.

You often need a light jacket in summer so make sure she has a lighter jacket.

I would get the space saver bags.  Perhaps get her one of those things to weigh her luggage in case she travels while she is here, I think I read in another post yours that she is going to a few countries.  The low cost airlines are really strict with weight.  

When are you coming in April?  Schools will be out for Easter break for 2 weeks, os it will be a bit busier. 

I would try and get tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, it's free you just have to write away for them now.  It's been going on for hundreds of years at 10pm except for one night in the 40s during the war.  

I recommend the bus tour, my parents did it in Oct and loved it, included a bus and walking tour.  You save by buying online.

Book restaurants at toptable.com and you can get discounts.  

You can get discounts for London sites here.  http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/

I think the Tower is a a must see, I personally would skip Kensington Palace and go to Hampton Court Palace or maybe Windsor.

If you like museums there are a ton, many are free.  Which is great if they are crowded etc. you can leave and not feel bad.