Culture Shock London

Culture Shock in London: 23 Things That Surprised Me After 13 Years

This week marks over 13 years of living in London. It was an adjustment, certainly—although I’ve written about how hard it was for me emotionally, some of the hardest culture shock moments actually happened gradually, as I was living in London as a Canadian. Culture shock in London can sneak up on you; there many things I never thought were unusual in my hometown of … Continue reading Culture Shock in London: 23 Things That Surprised Me After 13 Years

3 Ways London’s History Shapes How the City Feels Today

This week, I’m celebrating 13 years of living in London—what started as a post-university trip to get an internship became a full-time job, and although I’ve travelled a lot, London is the place I’ve called home for over a decade. I’m not a big history buff; it was never my favourite subject in school, and I can’t say that it’s something I go out-of-my-way to … Continue reading 3 Ways London’s History Shapes How the City Feels Today

How to Start a Dinner Club To Beat Loneliness & Explore Your City

The further we get into 2026, the more I’m convinced that this is the year of taking in-person hangouts seriously. After the pandemic-era lockdowns lifted, it felt like there was this boom of going out, coupled with anxiety surrounding a new, new normal. People now had different expectations about hugging, sharing spaces with strangers, and coming into work with the sniffles. In-person jobs started to … Continue reading How to Start a Dinner Club To Beat Loneliness & Explore Your City

Travel Alternatives for When You Just Can’t

I’m getting married this year, and I’m so excited! I’m also broke. Weddings are expensive. Even when you’re eloping; even when you look for your dress in a sample sale; even when you’re getting your shoes at a discount. I’m convinced that when you add the word “wedding” to something, the price skyrockets, because of the once-in-a-lifetime specialness of the event. For that reason, I’m … Continue reading Travel Alternatives for When You Just Can’t

5 European Locations for Tropical October Trips

Lately in London, the weather’s been changing; what was once a bright and warm summer is turning into Gilmore Girls weather; a nip in the air, more grey in the sky, leaves on the ground. I love autumn—it’s my favourite season—but I’m a little sad that summer is over. So I’ve decided to take a trip in October, just to take advantage of one last … Continue reading 5 European Locations for Tropical October Trips

Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit

If you’re visiting London, you’ll undoubtedly be using TFL at some point. Transport for London (TFL) is the company that runs the tube (overground and underground) and bus services throughout London. London has one of the best-connected transit systems in the world; I’ve never been in a position of needing to get somewhere and not having a possible route. However, it can feel complicated due … Continue reading Getting Around London: The Ultimate Guide to Public Transit

Wander Where You Are – How To Be A Tourist Where You Live

I’m lucky enough to live in London, and this week, I have friends travelling from Canada to visit. Although I’ve lived in the city for over a decade, my partner is only on his third year here—when he first moved, we spent time exploring different boroughs, finding things we’d like to do. We found cinemas, cafes, and parks that became regular creature comforts for us. … Continue reading Wander Where You Are – How To Be A Tourist Where You Live

Four Day Trips to Take from London, England

This weekend, my partner has an all-day softball tournament. The last time I had the apartment to myself, I told myself I was going to enjoy being alone. Instead, I got bored and cleaned. CLEANED. Because I’m risking becoming a boring homebody, I told myself this Saturday I am getting out of the city and explore England a bit. I don’t want to wander too … Continue reading Four Day Trips to Take from London, England

Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK

There’s a heatwave in the UK, and it. Is. SWELTERING. I can’t stress enough how much the heat in the UK at 33 degrees is unbearable—and how it seems like no one outside the city believes me when I say this. Truthfully, it’s not just the heat; it’s a perfect storm of humidity (the air is hot and damp), the houses were designed to keep … Continue reading Surviving a Heat Wave If You’re Travelling to the UK