Home Sweet Home

I have been in London for a little over 2 days now and settling in to my new surroundings. I've become so accustomed to traveling here over the past decade in many ways it feels like I'm just here for a regular old work trip. I am in a different place with a proper urban commute and in an apartment with a kitchen so I'm aware that I'm not in the usual hotel, but I'm still waiting for it to sink in that I live here now... albeit for a short while.

The neighborhood seems great. It's a short walk (< 1/2 mile) to the Ealing Broadway station, which has easy access to many parts of central London via the tube (District and Central lines) and National Rail (Great Western Rail). There are loads of buses around too, but I've never used the bus system here so have some working out to do there. There are a few Universities nearby, which I think helps make the area seem vibrant and safe. Between my flat and the station there are loads of restaurants and shops. There are also 2 very large parks a short walk away and nice green spaces all around. So far, I am pretty impressed with Ealing.

My flat is small by standards I am used to, which wasn't unexpected, but it has everything I need and is quite comfortable. It's technically a 1-bedroom, but it really works like a studio as the "bedroom" isn't big enough for a bed. It's got a desk, dresser, and wardrobe tucked in it and the bed is in a studio-type room with the kitchen and table. Here are some photos of the main room.

Looking into the main room from the entry hall

Looking back across the main room from the windows

And looking back towards the kitchen

The "bedroom" which is really a walk-in-closet with a desk

And the loo

So all in all a pretty nice place. My only real complaint is that there is no couch or comfy chair to sit on - it's just the bed. Which might get old. If that's my biggest problem, I'm in pretty good shape.

One more thing about my place. It's right next to Ealing Studios, which is a well-known tv and movie studio in London. The most recognizable thing I know that was mad there was Downton Abbey. All of the scenes in the servants quarters upstairs and kitchen areas downstairs were made right inside the studio buildings you can see out my window. There are people coming and going from the lot all the time, but I have no idea what's being filmed there now... If I see any celebrities walk by, I'll be sure to post a follow up! 😃 🎬