h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Tigerlily,
What a beautiful name you've got!
Just wanted to say a personal thank you for your advice - and sense of humour - in my Ask h2g2 posting 'Moving to London'.
Though I'm no stranger to the place, I still don't get this North / South battle business. Maybe you can shed some light on this...

Best wishes,
[David]

Hi David!
First I'll explain the name. Tigerlily was the name I gave to a wild cat that used to live in my garden. The rest of the neighbours called him Tigger, which I didn't like, and Paula Yates (God rest her soul!) and Michael (INXS) Hutchins (was that his surname? - God rest his soul too!) had just called their new born daughter Heavenly Hirani Tigerlily (or something like that!) so I christened the cat Tigerlily. He later died of cancer (God rest HIS soul as well) We now have a cat of our own called Lily.
London is a great place. I've lived in South East London all of my life and wouldn't/couldn't live anywhere else. A lot of people think South London is rough, but in my opinion you have bad areas throughout London as you do in any major city in the world, so it's not really fair to give the whole a bad name. I now live in an area called Surrey Quays which is very near Greenwich. We're right by the river, to the back of our house we have a marina and dock which has a watersports centre, nice pubs, restaurants, large shopping centre, 24 hour Tesco's - what more could you ask for, it's great!
Do you have friends or relatives that live in London? When you've been here before where have you stayed? If you've any questions I'll be happy to help you out and I'll check another web site now to see if that web designers job is still going.
Keep well and stay in touch!
Clare

Tigerlily (may I call you Clare?)
Great to hear from you!
Couldn't agree with you more: London is a great place. In fact, its a horrendously brilliant place - full of dynamism; full of music; full of variety; full of life. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
Surrey Quays sounds like a wonderful place to live - is it expensive?

To answer your questions: I spent a year in Uxbridge - degree placement year. Since then I've used any excuse to go back to London. Just yesterday [Friday 29th] I was in Convent Garden - had a job interview.
I had friends in London, but unfortunately have lost touch with virtually all of them.
Any further help with finding work would be greatly appreciated!

What about you - what do you do? where do you like to go?

Take care,
[David]

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Hi Clare!
How are you doing?
Things are looking good for me - I went to an interview yesterday and they liked me.
Thanks again for your advice - I hadn't considered the broadcast industry, but it must be an exciting sector to work in. How long have you been at Channel 5?

One thing: Do you know much about the Stockwell Road area (near Brixton)? I've looked at a flat around there, but don't know much about the place.

All the best,
[David]

Firstly congratulations (oh is that jumping the gun a bit?) with the job interview, best of luck. Where's it based?
The broadcast industry is interesting. I left school and took a Media Studies course then got myself a job and worked my way up and through different companies for experience. I've been with Channel 5 for a while now and I really like the place. Like I said I'll be sorry to leave.
Stockwell Road? Ummmmm Brixton... well, it's South East London and now (apparently) a trendy area to live but I wouldn't live there myself. In fact when I mentioned 'rough' areas, Brixton comes under one of these for me. I wouldn't want to walk around there after dark, I think there's quite a high crime rate and BIG drug problem. A friend of mine was shopping there back in August and said there were dealers blatantly sorting out crack on the main street. Believe me there are better places to live. DON'T DO IT!!!! Then again, as I avoid the area, I could be wrong - but I doubt it!
Speak soon!

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Hi Clare,
Hope you're well - thanks for your advice!
Got two interviews lined up next week, so by the end of the week (21/10) I should have a job! I figure it's better to get a temporary job for a month or two, move to a B&B, and continue looking for a place from there. What do you think?

[David]

Fingers crossed! You must be nervous though, leaving your home, family and friends for this big city, then again it must be really exciting too. Do you mind me asking, how old are you?
So you gave the flat in Brixton a miss, I am relieved! London has so much more to offer. How much will living in a B&B cost? Best of luck then, keep me posted!

Clare

Clare,
It's a pleasure to hear from you again - thanks for the sentiment.
I had an interview yesterday, and I have another one tomorrow. By this Thursday I should have two job offers!

Nervous - I don't think so!! I've lived in London before - I call it my home. Like life, it's what you make of it.
For your information: B&Bs in WC1 are about £40 a night [well within my budget]. And I'm 22, and proud of it!

How are things going with you?

[David]

Channel 5 are looking for a runner if you're interested (dogs body) but it's how I started out in the business many moons ago. If you want the details send me an e-mail address and I'll send you the info.
Any news yet on the other jobs?
Dead busy today, speak later.

Hi Clare,
Still looking for jobs at the moment. Funny thing is, I had a great interview last week - they liked me - but now they're "reviewing their staffing requirements" or something. Oh well, life goes on. How about you - been doing anything exciting?

[David]

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Hi Claire
How did the awards ceremony go - did you win anything?
Great news - I've found a job! Its a web developer role, with a design agency [Precedent Coomunications] in Shoreditch.

Thanks for all your encouragement and support!

[David]

Wow fantastic! When do you start? Shoreditch is part of the city and really central - that's great news!! I suppose you'll be concentrating on finding a place to live now. How exciting!
The awards were great, very plush, however we didn't win anything, everything seemed to go to the BBC - never mind! I enjoyed myself and had a night off from being sensible in my pregnant state and had a few drinks and ciggies (I gave up smoking at the end of August!)
Let me know if you need anymore advice now it's drawing nearer to the big move. I'm delighted for you!
Speak soon

Clare

Hi Clare
Pleased to hear you enjoyed yourself!
I start on the 13th - I'm moving up today to a hotel, so I can find permanent accomodation in London. Now, which area...

[David]