Here are the facts about London that i have found duriing my 2 weeks visit of London. This is what i have seen and told by other Nepali Sathi haru

1) In London, there are more curry house than British food " FISH & CHIPS" shop.

2) Almost all Nepalese student and colleges( cheaper) has cheated Brirish immigration rules. There are hundreds of so called college run by foreigner And now couple of them run by Fellow Nepalese. Here is the trick..... go to college once a week.... most go to college once a year... Pay tution fee around British pound 1000- 1500 per year....... with recomendation of college, you can get visa stamp easily. it is funny that some of college are located on top floor of curry house. so, change your Dress and go to class room. This college are so poorly equiped that some of them are without class room and even enough( only 2-3 for 100 neapleese student) computer. Just like training centre in putali sadak.

3) If you lost anywhere in London, just go to any Curry House and ask for Nepalese Kancha... No problem. Best public transportaion service ever avilable, i am impressed. London Underground, British rail and buses.

4) Some part( 70%) of LONDON reminds me of OLD DELHI.

5) Many of Nepaleese are residing through Refugee status.

6) Many Nepaleese student are living in the curry house, some time 6-7 ( Bangali, Nepali and pakistani) in one room.

7) You can get best Indian food with reasonable price, taste is better than food from india.

8) lots of organized Nepalesse get to gether with unavoidable drunk and fight.

9) Better chance to learn about Islam than in any Arab states. Many old churches are converted to " MOSQUE". I met one Nepali couple( Bahun) whome just became Muslim.

10) No prospective, no future. You are foreigher and always will be foreigner.

I was in London, Manchester and Sheffield a few months back and found the England to be rather expensive. The prices for most items were like twice that of the US. Whatever you pay in dollars in the US, you basically pay the same amount in pounds there and the exchange rate was almost 2:1 .

London seemed to be a vibrant , pulsating place. It has old world charm as well as new world amenities. It is perhaps second only to NY as the most cosmopolitan city in the world. I also noticed that, in general, the Londoners were more fashion-conscious than NYers.

Public transportation is superb whether it be the tube, regular trains between cities or the bus.

The view from the London Eye was amazing.

Cheerio!

Let's not forget Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club, a must-see place to visit when you are in England.

For kebab lovers, there is a take-out corner in Leicester Square right next to the south-eastern subway entrance where the kebab is out of this world.

Also, let me put this in as well since I know that most of our folks love doughnuts and hot chocolate. If you want to taste the best doughnuts and perfect hot chocolate, you need to make this trip. There is a tiny village on the south-western coast of Scotland called Largs which is two hours drive from Edinburgh. On the beach, there is a restaurant called Candellina run by an Italian family who moved there many years ago. Go there in the morning and when you bite a chocolate doughnut, it is soft in such a way that it just melts inside your mouth and you don't even have to chew or swallow. As for the hot chocolate, when you sip it, it flows into your body and gives you a tingling sensation that makes you feel as if this is it and you have to have another one. The rest, as they say, is history.

I know nothing about London even after having lived in England for a good part of 10 years, and yet you could easily run up a London list with 10 staggering facts within a mere span of two weeks!! Well done you, Californication.

And given your impeccable travel expertise and in-depth knowledge of the place, those of us with 'no prospective [sic], no future', the poor curry-smelling students us with 'refugee status', could doubtless do with your expert advice on how we could go about raising our 'status' - higher than that of the 'Nepalese kanchha'! Incentives for you there perhaps - next time you take the trouble of visiting us!

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Dr Stangelove,
Thanks for your kind words - what a contrast eh! :-)
Yes, the place has become very expensive indeed - just about everything from food, clothes to everyday commodities. Forget about the mortgage bill, high premiums on your veh/home insurance policies etc.. They reckon England has become one of the most expensive countries to live in in the whole of Europe. I might as well pack my kit and head for the Gobi desert or somewhere - at least you don't then need to worry about the the council tax, national insurance contribution, the amazingly mahango monthly fuel/elec bills! :-)

Did you have time exploring the West End whilst in London? The threatres, art galleries and every thing else that it is famous for. I am sure, you did, and I am glad that your trip ended on a happy note, unlike this thread's originator's above.

Cheerio indeed! :-)

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globalnepali,
Largs?? whereabouts is that?? West coast ray? Towards Loch Lomond, ho?

Thanks for sharing.

Carpe diem

whats the average earnings in UK?

I mean Restaurant job. I wanna go there for summer job, if it pays better than here in USA.

Having read British literature all my life, I could not have had European trip without visiting England. It was a short visit, but I managed to see a bit of London and Bath.

Stepping into Shakespeare's Globe theater was like being transported centuries ago and being in the midst of the plays that have mesmerized people for ages now. Looking down the bridge at the Thames river was like peering down the flow of time and into Dickens' writings of the bleak and grim reality of urban life.

Bath led me to Austen's home that had been transformed into a museum. Memories of being madly in love with Mr. D'arcy in my teens and wishing I were as witty as Elizabeth Bennett so that a real-life Mr. D'arcy would propose to me in the gallant (though rude) way that he does in Austen's novel, came flooding back to me.

My trip to England was truly a trip back in time . I hope I can go there for a longer time in the future.

"when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life" By Samuel Johnson

One more
"“The man who can dominate a London dinner-table can dominate the world.”
Oscar Wild

SimpleGal,
Good to hear about your pleasant trip to my neck of the woods.. so you're into Brit literary stuff - there is something to talk about then!

Yes, the Globe is an amazing place, with its decor still reminiscent of the Bard's days. Did you go to a play there? You must have if you didn't. Strafford Upon Avon - the Bard's birth place - can also be a cracking starter for any literary enthusiasts - Shakespeare or otherwise. I have been to an RSC production of Mid Summer Night's Dream there some years back - summer of 98 I think. So that is another place you might want to visit next time you're over for a visit.

Bath is a lovely town - very very English. Oh, I take it that you didn't go to the Jane Austen House in Alton, Hampshire, near Winchester in the south of England. A must. Austen is buried in the Winchester Cathedral - another one if you want to meet the author in person! :-))

Of all places in England, the Lakeland in Cumbria, head and shoulders, rank top in my list. This is where the Romantic luminary lived and died having 'wondered lonely in the cloud'! :)) His cottage (Rydal Mount) is lovely, and its gardens too. Oh, then the Ruskin house - the Victorian wit. So many places to see there - I love the tranquil surroundings and the lakes. Again, worth a try. Went on a camping trip there this summer.

Darcy mania eh! Blimey. You must have watched the BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice then. With Colin Firth... You lot like the pond scene, don't you? :)) Very very - to borrow the more apt, contemporary term, HOT eh! Oh, I have yet to watch the recent film.

Yes, Dickens's London is one I couldn't have done without - it's the most vibrant of all cities culturally. The West End theatres, classical concerts, art galleries - you name it. Saw Nicholas Nickleby btw, on tele the other day. Lovely.

Have a good one.

Sandhurst Laure,

My, My! You and I DEFINITELY have a lot to talk about. I absolutely LOVE Brit literature, especially the old ones. Am sort of a prisoner of the past. Need to update myself on the current stuff - perhaps you can help me.

I would love to visit all the other places you mention. And unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to watch the Bard's plays. I was on a tight schedule. But I was shamelessly gushing with joy to be there at all. People were shocked to see me ecstatic as I roamed the Globe! ;-)

Daffodils was my favorite poem as a child and strangely enough I still remember it perfectly well. It was so thrilling to see you quote the first line although it's more like "I wandered lonely as a cloud" ... :-)

You may think me insane for not finding Colin Firth's pond seen hot n sexy as others do. He's ok there :P .... But he steals my heart every time I see his proposal to Elizabeth when he says, "From the very early moments of our acquaintance I have come to feel a passionate admiration and regard for you which despite all my struggles have overcome me. I therefore beg you, most fervently, to relieve me of my suffering and consent to be my wife" (Sigh) I fall for D'arcy (or maybe Firth) EVERY time I watch this scene! :P

I recently saw the BBC version of David Copperfield with young Daniel Radcliff looking so cute as Davy. Uria Heep was pretty scary I tell you. Also viewed Nicholas Nickleby (forgot the production house) few weeks ago. I like returning to the classics whenever I can.

Another writer I love is Thomas Hardy and his wild Wessex country. Saw an adaptation of Tess with Peter Firth -- didn't like it so much. And Mayor of Casterbridge with the formidable Ciaran Hinds. I think he's a brilliant actor.

After hearing so much about Samrat Upadhyay, I picked up his "Arresting God in Kathmandu" at the Pokhara airport last year. Not bad, though some of the themes were all too familiar for Nepalis I guess. I forget the titles of the stories but there was one about a Mr. Mishra and his secretary that I liked very much.

I can't stop talking about literature, esp Brit lit, though I love some American, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese, Kenyan ... the list goes on. I really think I should stop now before I have a heart attack! :-P

I have couple of questions about living in London, or UK in general. I would very much appreciate an honest, if possible an unbiased, answer please.

How hard is it for a Nepali to live there and prosper?

I recently watched an investigative documentary by BBC on the racism by the UK police. It showed that the south asians are the most reviled minority in the UK. South Asians are called Pakis and are often subjected to undue harassment - whether it is getting traffic ticket or just getting a good job and higher promotion.

How expensive is the living cost (in a decent, safe part of London) and what is an average salary (for say a software developer)?

In the truth and fact record......

Nepal is Not only beautiful and rich in natural beauty. In fact, Nepal was a real and true HEAVEN of earth.

How come? I need to prove it.

Gutam Buddha born in Nepal. Sita born in Nepal. The most superior god Mahadev used to live in Pashupati jungle and Kathmandu valley. Ram, Laxman, 5 Pandav used to live in Terai jungle when they deport from India. Nepal is Godly place.

But what happen after Muslim invade India and Aryan migrated as an Asylum into Nepal from North West India, Rajasthan?

Those people borough Hindu Religion, Caste Systems, Witchcrafts, Slavery, Social destruction. These people ruined Heavenly pure place Nepal.

nitu is right!
JAYAMATADI

SimpleGal,
Afternoon, fellow ‘prisoner of the past’! :)

I had a late lie in this morning – the New Years Eve do finished around 3 (ish) this morning; the head is okay but I am still having to negotiate the worst of sleep-deprivation induced spells, as you can imagine. :)

Goodness me – you seem to be a repository of English literary knowledge. Thanks for the post – it really made my day.

Of course, that was 'as a cloud' as opposed to 'in the cloud', wasn't it? A case of bad grammar I am afraid – I might as well go back to school to learn some of it! The grammar I mean! But more to do with the brain cells I am sure – the dimaag is getting rusty, you know!

I once used to know these poems by heart, and could recite them without effort. More pressing priorities (career/commitments) to take care of, and by extension, less time to devote to one's other pursuits in life, and it's rather disconcerting just how quickly you can end up loosening your grip on so many things. Mine is a classic case in point – ke garnay! :) I went to an impromptu gathering in London a few months ago, where they made me recite a few of my fav poems. Did one Neruda – survived the contact with this one but barely just, and the next?? It was a complete and utter disaster! I failed on the Wordsworth count so miserably that I ended up telling a joke instead! :) So unashamedly! I think, my early call on those gin&tonic glasses had a great deal to answer for it, but G&T or not, there is some work to be done on my otherwise fast-loosening 'literary' grip. Interaction in Sajha may well be a step closer to achieving that end state, especially now that I have someone in my midst with whom I can swap a line or two now and then. Sorted! :)

Mr Darcy and the unruly horde of his insane inamoratas, always giving him the grief of his life! :) I for one, am happy to be the 'wicked' Wickham! All because I am: far more attractive physically than the 'abominable' Darcy; able to dupe just about everyone including the notoriously gullible Lizzy (who else!) with my crooked tricks; able to seduce the pretty Miss Darcy; and the one to have any gall to run away with Lizzy's own sister. And all this I can achieve at the expense of my dear ol' chum Darcy's humility and Lizzy Bennet's extraordinary prejudice against the former! :) How about that?? But yes, he is a charming character, and hey, the world is still left with a few genuine dashing Darcies out there, so don’t give up on your search just yet. :)

Firth is marvellous – he's very English. And you can recite the whole sentence eh – the Darcy line above? Blimey. What will it feel if, say, Woody Allen were to do the same line as an American Mr Darcy. Here’s the American version of the Darcy line – this is Darcy (Woody Allen) to Miss Bennet:

""but.. but, you know, Lizzy, when I errm cast my.. my eyes on you the.. the first time, I kinda felt this .. this kinda deep pang in my heart,, you know, kinda like Geez, this gurrl is sure HOT and .. I just.. erm.. wanted to .. to hug you, and … and kiss you, you know, the French way,you know, so.. so you had rashes all over your tongue… oh, no, sorry, didn't mean to say that. Stop and rewind! So yes,.. kiss you, and … and squeeze you into ..erm.. a plastic bin bag.. so.. it's kinda easy for me .. to.. to carry you to the bedroom on.. on our first night of ..urm..HMS.. as in Hot Mad Sex.. Oh, sorry, didn't mean to say that.. I mean.. our.. our first night of pa.. passion. The ..the bottom line, Liz is: WILL YOU F***KIN' MARRY ME OR WHAT??""

:)))) Excuse my French there! Joking aside, have you seen Sense and Sensibility with the good ol’ Oxonian Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson? Worth a try if not already seen.

Yes, Hardy is good, although I must admit that I find his work rather bland compared to that by, say, Dickens. This might be because I have read only two or three of his novels. I remember reading his Woodlanders many moons ago, and being very sad at the novel’s tragic conclusion. I love his poems though.

Apart from English lit, you know quite a bit of other international writers? Lebanese and Kenyan and Chinese? Blimey. The nearest I have ever got is: two or maybe, three autobiography by Chinese writers (Jung Chang), Amy Tan is not exactly Chinese, is she?; one or two by Kawabata and Mishima, and yes, a few by Ishiguro but then, he's English again, not exactly Japanese. And that's about it. Oh, the other names I know a little are Achebe and Soyinka – both Nigerians. Pse do share whenever, because it'll be lovely to hear your multi-coloured reading experiences - yes, straight from the horse's mouth. Whenever, no hurry.

I think, I am genuinely past my word limit for one post – long and boring one. So I'd better put a stop to my waffles. Oh on Samrat Upadhay – I like his writing. I'd again better not say anything more because it's been a long post. For next time perhaps. I did have something to say though about his books elsewhere in the Sajha forums. Finally, found the link – pse do take a quick browse if you've got time. Here it is:

http://www.sajha.com/sajha/html/OpenThread.cfm?forum=2&ThreadID=27350

It's been good talking – take care.
Carpe diem

Sandhurst Lahure,

Happy 2007 to you!

There was so much I wanted to do while in London but alas! there wasn't enough time. But, there's always the next time! West End would have been nice! The Stonehenge, university towns of Cambridge and Oxford are also in the itenerary for my next trip.

I did manage to take a trip all the way up to the Whisky Country of Stathspey up A95 and A941 all the way up to the quaint little town of Lossiemouth. Stopped at Inverness and Edinburgh on the way back. Had dinner at 'The Gurkha" restaurant in Edinburgh after taking a tour of the Castle and strolling along the Royal Mile.

I also got to stay at a lovely little hotel by Loch Rannoch in the village of Kinlloch Ranoch and visited the Smallest Working Distillery in Scotland called Edradour in Pitlochry and took a tour of the establishment and sampled some delectable single malt whisky.

The weather was incredibly nice even in mid-September.

Cheers!

true someone correctly said london has become new "LONDONISTAN" a new hub for islam.

Dr Strangelove,
Happy 2007 to you too mate. Thanks for your post.

Yes, the West End theatres are a must next time you are over for a visit.
Stonehenge - yes again. I once lived quite close by from where it is but was never bothered to visit the site. You have this funny habit of taking such things for granted, especially something worth exploring is only a stone's throw away from where you live! :-) They have a series of similar standing stones, even older (200 or 300 years) than the Stonehenge in the island of Orkney, off the coast of the Scottish highland. Worth a visit but it's a little remote; it's about 80/90 miles (I think) into the sea, towards Norway. I was there in the summer of 98. One of the famous Scottish poets - George McKay Brown - is buried there. A small island - fantastic scenery, lush wild life, wide open space with a cluster of small islands that surrounds it. You can do some bird watching too etc.

Yes, Oxford and Cambridge are a must. These ancient university towns are always timming with tourists.

I am glad that you had time exploring the tartan/whiskey country. Cracking. I love the Highlands than the Lowlands - the former are more scenic, its remoteness notwithstanding. I have done trekking/camping in the Highlands for a number of years.

Went to Loch Ness near Inverness? Lovely place. Oh, you should have come to Edinburgh during the month of August because it will have been the festival time then - the place comes into its own during this time, so lively and vibrant. Thousands of plays to choose from with productions from around the world - so many make-shift theatres they erect, concerts both classical and pop/rock, book talk/tours with famous writers from around the world; film shows etc etc. I have not missed the festivals since 98 well except for 2000 - I was in the Far East then. Apr - Aug are the best months to visit UK or indeed anywhere in Europe. Spring is lovely in England - the guraans in the lakelands will be out then. Oh, so include Cumbria (the Lake District) next time you visit UK.

Have not been to The Gurkha, you mention in Edinburgh, although I remember driving past one Nepali restaurant on the way to the city. Not sure about the name thoug. The restaurant, managed by an ex Gurkha, no? Just asking because of the name. I might want to look for the place next time I am there.

It's been a dull day for me... I think, I call it a day.
Have a cracking evening wherever you are.

Lahure,
Yes, It seemed that the restaurant was run by an ex-"lahure". The address is 128 Morningside Rd. There's another one named Gurkha Brigade, I think. People trying to cash in the aura and mystic of the "gurkha warrior", I suppose!

Heard about the festival in Edinburgh. May be some day!

Didn't quite make it to Loch Ness. Spent a little too much time imbibing scotch ales in Inverness.

Heard that camping in Cumbria is great during Spring and Summer.

Having been a fan of Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse ....gotta visit Oxford next time.

Hi All,

London is exclude from the top 10 cities-2006 in the world ranked by travel + Leisure Magazine. Here is Top 10 Cities Overall.

Score
1 4 Florence 87.09
2 3 Rome 86.15
3 2 Bangkok** 86.11
4 1 Sydney 85.94
5 5 Chiang Mai, Thailand** 85.62
6 8 Cape Town 85.39
7 n/a Buenos Aires 85.03
8 6 New York 84.75
9 n/a Beirut** 84.38
10 10 San Francisco 84.29

btw Kathmandu ranked second best city in Asia.

Correction--- Kathmandu is ranked third best city in Asia.