Where are you from?
I’m from the Bronx in NYC.
What brought you to London?
I visited London in the past and always felt a close connection to the city. I had some extended family there and decided that it was time to give my dreams of living in London a try as well as a career in video production. I came out to the city last summer for a trial run and doing a do-over of sorts this year.
What made you stay?
I decided to stay in London because of the vibe, the people and the opportunity. It was very similar to NYC in the way of diversity and access to things, food, and other places. After visiting for a couple of months, I felt my connection with the city intensify and thought I should stay as long as humanly possible to fully experience what it was like living in this foreign city.
What has been the hardest thing (ie. food, culture, climate, mannerisms, etc.) to get used to?
I think the hardest thing is adjusting to the culture. I often found myself comparing my experience to that of being and living in NYC and found that the way people behaved or expected was a bit different. I didn’t want to be rude but I also wanted to be myself. I think there was a fine line I had to walk between being a “loud NYer” (I’m not at all loud) and being passive aggressive in London. I was somehow the tell it like it is person which was a new thing I had to get used to. I also found the lack of 24/7 public transport a thing that was tough.
What about your new home do you love most?
I like the new types of food and meeting new people. Everyone has a refreshing perspective on life that makes me reflect on what is I’m doing and what I want. I also get a new way of looking at things and feel motivated to push forward.
Is there anything you’ve learned along the way that every future expat in England should know, or wish you had known before coming?
Transportation is expensive and the bugs are extra bitey. I know people tell you that you pay a lot to get around but the rate is quite ridiculous when you compare how the system works in NYC. Also, it’s so much greener here so it means more bugs so beware.
Tell us your top 3 places to visit, things to do, restaurants to eat, whatever, in London?
First place is Brockwell Park in Brixton. It’s a super huge park with a pool, basketball and tennis court, ponds and more. You won’t run into tourists there, only locals so the vibe is truly authentic.
Second is Lola’s Cupcakes. I love buttercream and that place is the absolute best for cupcakes.
Third is East Croydon. You have the Whitgift shopping centre and Boxpark East Croydon. Again, not a tourist place but full of great food and shopping of some of the best shops in one central location with few lines (or queues as they say).