Weeks 162–165 · Richmond, Surrey · March 2017
Move to
Moved into an apartment in Richmond for a month — great for weekends and when Sharon and Annelise come over, but during most weeks just a longer commute. Been lucky to have friends coming through London pretty much every weekend and settling into a routine.
Moved into an apartment in Richmond for a month which worked out great for weekends and when Sharon and Annelise come over, but during most weeks it is just a longer commute as I get home late so I don't take advantage of the dining options. In the short term back to hotel as I am travelling a lot over the next 6 weeks, and in April to July secured weekends in Richmond and weekdays near the jobsite. So if coming to London, let me know and I will get an AirBnB for an entire week.
Richmond is a great place — just need superb parking skillz.
Richmond is consistently ranked among the most desirable places to live in London, combining easy access to the centre with Richmond Park's 2,500 acres of open space and around 630 free-roaming red and fallow deer. The view from Richmond Hill is protected by an Act of Parliament — the only such protection in England — preventing any construction from obstructing the sweeping Thames panorama below. Richmond Athletic Ground is also home to one of England's oldest rugby clubs, Richmond RFC, founded in 1861, making Six Nations weekends particularly well-catered for in town.
Been to a great tribute band show, Six Nations rugby game, several hikes, and some good dinners with friends from the past to catch up. And going to a stag party next week — it is still called that here, along with "hen" parties — and meeting a friend to watch the Boys in the NCAAs.
Although much closer to the USA culture than Korea is, and they can almost speak my language, there are still some differences at work which frustrate me and I know frustrate my co-workers with me. Generally the frustration involves patience — or lack of it — and dealing with third parties.
Sharon and Annelise came over — this was technically spring break vacation (only worked about 3 days at office/site). The original plan was for us all to go to Edinburgh for a couple of days. Annelise has a friend there and that was the lure to get her to spend her spring break with mom and dad instead of on a beach in Florida. But the plan changed several times for work and Annelise went to Edinburgh alone while Sharon and I went to Dublin — found cheapest place on short notice. Somehow she ended up at an Oasis tribute band in Edinburgh while I ran into one of her friends in Dublin.
"Annelise ended up at an Oasis tribute band in Edinburgh while I ran into one of her friends in Dublin."
Hit all of the tourist spots that Annelise had been to but doesn't remember — Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Portobello Road and Piccadilly Circus, as well as Richmond and Barnes, and did a recce on her summer school. She is very excited about going "abroad" to school with dad a 45-minute tube ride away — the closest I have ever lived to one of the kids in college.
London is one of the most popular destinations for American university students studying abroad, with dozens of accredited programmes running through the summer term. Many are affiliated with US universities and based in central London neighbourhoods — South Kensington, Bloomsbury, and Notting Hill are common bases, putting students within easy reach of the major museums, galleries, and transport links. A 45-minute tube ride from Richmond covers most of Zone 1 and 2, putting a parent in Zones 4–5 within straightforward commuting range of a student studying anywhere from UCL to Imperial.
