Myths about staying in London

Myths about staying in London

Having seen innumerable information on the net on what do bring during one's stay in India, I wanted to pen down my thoughts and observations.Please feel free to ignore, refute or denounce them.

Clothes

This is one thing I have seen that people ask someone travelling from India to bring in loads.I have done the same mistake 5 years back and now I hardly shop in India the reason being it just does not work that way.The colors, fabric , design , pattern manufactured in India even in stores like Life Style or Shoppers Stop is meant for India weather and looks.When it come to knitted, woollen and formal wear, London has some of the best high street stores to shop at.If you are coming for a short term stay 3-6 months then probably it is a good option to shop in India to save some bucks but if you are coming as a dependant or a long term stay >1 then over a period of time you will fall in love with the garments here.Moreover women of all sizes, ages and temperaments still love to hang out and shop once in a while.So why relinquinsh that joy and thrill of shopping just because you have shopped more than necessary in India.Please do not buy any tights, thermals, socks in India.There is no point in buying winter protective wear in a country like India with mild winters.Believe me it is like buying Indian cotton printed Kurtis in London before travelling to India when you can find it in abundance in the destination.

Medicines

It is good to carry some basic medicinces while travelling but that does not mean stuff one's suitcase with one year's supply of medications for all known ailments.I was been told that medicines are very expensive here.You are right ! But the medicines that are prescribed for a certain medical condition are expensive and no one can predict what health problem befalls in the long run .The more common variety for cold , cough , fever are inexpensive and you get them in Boots for as little as 50p per pack.My friends packed a medical kit for me with paracetamols when I travelled.Please do not stuff your bags with colducts , paracetamols or any of the general meds.You can always pop into Boots or Superdrug.

Food

You would not believe when I say I have seen Indian vegetables here in London stores that I never heard of while in India.You get all kinds of Asian groceries in East London. Unless you need the authentic aroma for your mom's concoctions , brands like Priya and MTR are common in all the there stores.Pickles & spices are one's preference.Since I am not a big fan of pickles , if you love to relish the tangy flavour of authentic home made delicacies, you may pack some. Bring along anything that reminds of your mom's savoury.Another myth is not many vegetarian options when compared to non-vegetarian.Well the truth is as an Indian vegetarian finds the salads and lettuce filled tomoto sandwiches bland similarly the non veggies also do not appreciate the raw appeal to the semi cooked yet nutritious meat here.I would advise to try fusion varieties here.I mostly have veggie delicacies like falafel , humous, pret sandwiches, curry options or chinese &Japanese takeaway.If you are someone who loves to be mildly adventurous with food then in no time would you get used to the subtly flavoured food here.Unless you go out and try different varieties you would end up cooking Indian food everyday in house.I have also seen people suffocate their bulging suitcase with Maggie packets.Maggie I reckon is the most inexpensive thing you would find here in London.4 packs for 1 pound or so.

Reading material

Books are really expensive especially professional course books which includes computing.If possible bring any reading material you like from India.Another option is the library.Check for classic and contemporary novel collection in your local library.You get the best seller novels from £6.99 to £12.99 in any local book store.

Paraphernalia

As Sindu rightly pointed out in one our her other posts pressure cooker and Indian mixer is something that you can bring along.It is not that you do not find them here at all.The Indian cooker costs around £70 [yes and that is the only reason you need to bring] and not sure of the mixer.I use a blender variety which works for my culinary delights. I can't think of any other cooking utensils as a must have here when you can improvise.You would find other pans and woks in all the Asian stores. Again look around you are bound to be fancied by some of the gadgets here which you will stack up in your kitchen cabinets.


Last but not the least, the quicker you drop that currency converter from your mind the happier your stay is going to be here.


That’s all from me ..well did I not mention a home away from home !

Hi Sabitha:

Hope you had a lovely break.

That was a brilliant post detailing what not to and what to carry from India to the UK. A good guide indeed!

Sindhu