Once Upon A Time In London

This is the tale of the adventures of a native Oregonian in London.

28 May 2006

A Little Something About Uxbridge

Since I'm going to be living in Uxbridge (which is in the Northwest of London), I thought I'd find out a little about it. Now I will share my vast wisdom with you lowly mortals.

Bronze Age (before 700 AD) artifacts have been found in digs in Uxbridge that were done when they put up one of the shopping malls. There's a pub there that evidently dates to the 1540s. So, basically people have been living there for a year or two.

Currently, Uxbridge is the home of the European offices of some major companies you will probably recognize... Xerox, Coca Cola, Heinz (as in the ketchup)... to name a few. There are also a couple of large shopping centers with cinemas and so forth. The downtown area is a pedestrian only area (no cars allowed!) and has lots of little shops, restaurants, and pubs.





Naturally, there are a few castles and manors sprinkled around the countryside. Hopefully I'll be able to see a few of them!



This one is called Arbury Hall. Originally built in the 14th century (well, I imagine part of it was and the reast was built later) it's still privately owned but open to the public and preserved almost as it was in 1806. And that includes everything from the gardens to the furniture!




There are some really beautiful footpaths for hiking alongside the canals such as this one on the River Colne.

I couldn't find a whole lot about Uxbridge online, but I'll be finding out in person soon enough! Then I'll be able to post my own pictures. Until then, hopefully this will give you an idea of the town.

22 May 2006

Fun With Visas


For those of you who don't know yet, I will be leaving the land of my birth for the land of my great-great-great(etc.) grandfather's birth. Well, it's quite a few greats, actually. But the point is, I am moving to the UK in August of 2006. Why, you may ask? Well, just look to your left and I think you will figure it out in short order. His name is Marco. I love him like crazy and we're getting married this August!

The plan is for me to fly to London in August, after which we will get married and then honeymoon in Paris and Rome. We'll be residing near London in a place called Uxbridge. Marco has already rented a one bedroom flat in a really nice location. Can't wait to see it! After registering our marriage with the Home Office in London, I will be allowed to work in the UK, so I will begin looking for a job.

But before all this happens, I need a UK Settlement Visa. So, all kinds of lovely paperwork has to be done. Marco and I are getting everything we need together. Hopefully I will be able to get everything together and sent in to the UK Consulate in Los Angeles by the end of this month or the beginning of June at the latest. Things are moving along swimmingly!

I won't update this post much until I actually get to London, but check back for updates now and again. And keep your finergers crossed that everything goes smoothly and quickly with the Visa application process!