Christmas Traditions

Go ahead; break from tradition this Christmas…a bit.

We all perceive the concept of tradition, as the notion of holding on to a previous time, but being an expat means your holiday traditions may just have to take on new forms.  

Christmas decorations in New York

I remember well my fist English Christmas. I looked forward to experiencing the very English traditions the British side of my family upheld. I eagerly embraced pantomime, mince pies, Christmas pudding and what I would characterise as rather understated decorations (keeping in mind I was used to New York City decorations where bigger is always better). I even voluntarily took part in my husband’s unique tradition of having ham for Christmas morning breakfast. It was an amazing Christmas, my first exposure to a very large family celebration filled with laughter, warmth and an overall jovial spirit. I was overwhelmed. 

Bouche Noel

As the years progressed I did have to admit that mince pies, Christmas pudding and childhood paper ornaments were not really my thing and the pantomime I just found annoying, And so there were years when the over the top, verging on gaudy, decorations filled most corners of our flat, bouche noel was served at the end of the Christmas meal and there was not a mince pie to be found.

Mince Pies

For a while a sense of relief came over me that I was still able to just about hold onto the Christmas traditions that I had grown up with and I believed, rather selfishly, that my husband would come around to my style. After all, isn’t Christmas tradition more of a girly thing? Then I began to take in what was around me during the holiday. Mince pies were served with great enthusiasm at each Christmas fair and party we went to, families spoke of their annual outing to the Pantomime with contagious excitement and the understated decorations even began to grow on me. 

Pantomime

I have realised that transporting my exact traditions to a foreign country didn’t really feel right and often led to frustration. Simple things like finding the correct brand of candy cane ended in defeat. I am certain not to be alone in admitting that this is not really the spirit of the holiday. I felt alone in my quest for Christmas. Equally I felt like a fake going all out British. 

Today we have settled on a blend of English and American traditions. More importantly we have exposed our children to a multitude of traditions, some of which they will embrace when they get older and some of which they are sure to dispose of! Yes, it is great to hold onto a previous time but do not miss the chance to take on some new traditions of your own.
Happy holidays! 

Written by Nancy Dickinson who is the Director of Events and Seminars at FOCUS.

The Brompton Library made my day

Sometimes incredible things happen to you and you wonder why. Last week I was rushing home after a busy day and could not find my house keys. I put down the several bags I was carrying and emptied my purse outside the front door but I still could not find the keys. Having made sure they were not on my desk at the office I ran to my car and looked inside and out. Still nothing.


With great worry and disappointment I called my husband to say that I was locked outside and decided to wait for him at the Library next door to where we live.


My daughter started doing her homework while I was surfing the net on my IPad looking from some distraction. As always I found myself checking emails and while doing that a new email popped up: "Dear Alessandra your keys have been handed in at the Library so please come and collect them" I could not believe my eyes! I was inside the Library and they were writing to me saying they had my keys!

It was only then that I realised that attached to my key ring is a library tag that was given to me when I joined. This tag that I attached as an "ornament" has a code that corresponds to my membership at the Library. What luck! A kind person must have found the keys on the street and having seen the library tag decided to hand them to the library.

Not only I was lucky to find this kind person but I was lucky that my local library works so well and is staffed with smart and efficient people!

This library has always been a point of reference for all my family and I appreciate enormously the service they provide to the local community of residents. So I encourage all new comers to join their local library where they can find great resources and perhaps a helpful hand!

By Alessandra Gnudi

Alessandra Gnudi is the Executive Director at FOCUS.

For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org

From IB to British University.

After the IB most students chose to go to university, or maybe they do so after a gap year. This is exactly the path I took, and during my gap year I learnt a significant amount about the application process and how to improve my chances of getting a "yes". Interestingly, I really learnt about applications was when I was applying for jobs. There are some interesting techniques that business schools teach students which have a significant impact - for the better - on any type of applications and I would like to share some of them.

City University of London

The way I see it is that there are two strategies a student can take. The first is to target a specific institution, and the second is to target multiple institutions. In this blog post I'll focus on the application process in the UK through UCAS. UCAS only lets a student provide one Personal Statement (comparable to a cover letter) which is then distributed to the up to 5 universities the student has selected to target. This poses a constraint regarding the strategy because writing a personal statement that is more targeted at one specific university and programme is likely to reduce the overall probability of entering any of the options, but it can significantly increase the probability of entering the specific preferred university.

It is important to pick which strategy to take and then write the Personal Statement. The challenge is to make it personal and relevant. It is recommended to research the various universities, the various programmes and understand the type of language used as well as specific important facts. Learning the specific language comes mostly through reading any section of the different universities’ homepages. However, for important facts some extra research might be needed and calling these universities and ordering prospectuses is very helpful.

Finally, a student needs to stand out from the crowd. This is where creativity plays the biggest role. Make sure that your Personal Statement is well written and really reflect your interest in the subject or university. Get involved in the university and attend events.


Good luck with applying for universities in the UK!

Author Bio: Francisco Moreira graduated from Hult International Business school with a Masters in International business and works as a Business Analyst in Offerings Management at CSC based in London, United Kingdom. Francisco is the author of Find Your Rhythm, (www.findyrhythm.com) a self-help guide for International Baccalaureate Diploma students.

Shopping with the Royals

The last thing I thought would happen to me on a rainy and grey Saturday morning was to shop with The Duchess of Cambridge and her mum! I was looking for a present for a baby girl and had already been to a couple of stores on the Kings Road when I decided to go to Petit Bateau. Kate was there with her mum presumably shopping for Prince George.



It was really cool to see her in person and so unexpectedly! Several thoughts went through my head: what does she need that she does not have already? Perhaps some underwear that mums always have to buy as nobody gives that as a present? How come there are only the three of us in the store? Why do the shop assistants show no signs of excitement?



She was as beautiful in person as she is in photos, quite casually dressed but with proper make up. I also heard her talking about the baby, as a couple of her friends saw her inside the store and stopped by to chat. The thing that struck me more than anything was seeing her engagement ring up close. It was so beautiful and very moving thinking of Lady Diana wearing the same ring!

Well a few weeks have gone by since then, but I will remember for long time this brief encounter. I am sure the baby girl for whom I was shopping will keep the gift of the pink pyjama with the crown on it forever!


Written by Alessandra Gnudi, Executive Director at FOCUS

PUBS UP 2 !!!!

The expat adventure in the realm of London pubs goes on… Mr Winter is now lurking on our doorsteps;  the days are becoming shorter and shorter and the light is desperately, inexorably fading…  For those who are soul-stricken by these circumstances, there is nothing more cheerful than the merry hubbub of a pub.  When you add some aesthetics to the premises, tasty and beautifully presented food, exquisite wines and alcohols, the battle is won :  « Touché, Mr Winter » !

Well, The Thomas Cubitt*, named after London’s genial master builder of the second quarter of the 19th century, is undoubtedly such a place.  Located in one of Belgravia’s prettiest streets, Elizabeth Street, it was entirely refurbished in 2010.  Run by a local family,  it offers the features of a country house with fireplaces, old mirrors, candles, oak floors, light grey wooden panels and right in the centre of the main room, a beautifully hand-made, oak bar.   Antlers add a touch of sport to this classic and harmonious decoration and old London maps remind you of the gigantic work Thomas Cubitt undertook.

When it comes to food and wine, The Thomas Cubitt is simply heaven :  each dish is a harmony of colours and shapes, aromas and tastes.  Portions are just right and the wine list is pleasant without being overpriced.   Colours, smells, tastes:  a never-ending stimulation of all five senses !




For those who may prefer a more secluded room, the first floor dining room offers a relaxed and intimate setting where you can try the Sunday roast,  one of the most honourable British institutions.  

More than a traditional pub, rather a gastropub**, The Thomas Cubitt will check you in for an enjoyable trip to the enlightened world of  aromas, flavours and textures, a very good way of escaping the darkness of winter !

And, good news, The Thomas Cubitt has «  little brothers » in London :

-    The Orange in Pimlico Road,
-    The Grazing Goat in New Quebec Street
-    The Pantechnicon in Motcomb Street.

To learn more:  www.thethomascubitt.com

Thomas Cubitt plaque, Brighton.

*Thomas Cubitt :  born in 1788 / deceased in 1855, leading master builder in London and other parts of England, his gratest achievement remains the creation of buildings  in Belgravia around Belgrave Square and Pimlico, which exemplify Thomas Cubbitt’s architectural style and design.

**Gastropub: created in the United Kingdom at the end of the 20th century, it is a mix between a bar and a restaurant and serves high-quality food and alcohol.  This new concept allowed a revival of the pub culture and slowed down – if not stopped – the disappearence of pubs.


Written by Florence Tilkens who works as a volunteer at FOCUS Information Services.

My ‘Not-so-secret Garden’

After living in London for more than 10 years I have collected some favourite places, restaurants, streets, alleys.
Battersea Park, not such a secret place at all, but a park that I can almost consider like my own backyard. And that is a place I only discovered a few years ago, when I got my dog and where I often walk him. I consider it my ‘secret’ garden because, during the week and even on weekends, you meet locals with their dogs, children playing sports from local Chelsea schools, but on the whole, there are many corners where one can feel really peaceful, unlike most of the other parks in SW London.

At this time of the year, and especially this year when autumn came a bit later, the shades of yellow and orange are breathtaking! If it weren’t for the sound of the odd plane heading to Heathrow, one would feel like they are in the middle of the countryside, contemplating huge old trees.
My two favourite parts are the west side of the lake, close to the Tropical garden, where  it is very common to spot storks, cranes and other beautiful birds, just posing for you to take a picture. The second one is the café near the Victorian rose garden and fountains, not only for its history (look for the plaque and read about it) but because that is a meeting place for dog owners on Sunday mornings. Dogs of all sizes and colours love to run after each other on the lawn in front of the café which is left ungroomed to look a bit wilder for the furry ones.


Going back to ‘civilization’ by crossing the Albert Bridge is a bonus, especially on a clear day at sunset, which again, at this time of the year is amazing!






 


But before you leave through the small gate leading to the bridge, stop by the Pagoda, on the river bank. It was built by 50 volunteers, monks and nuns between 1984 and 1985, a gift to this beautiful peaceful park, which is by far one of my favourite places in this sometimes chaotic city!




Written by Valeria Fleury who is the Director of Membership at FOCUS.

For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org

New Bus for London

Have you noticed something new in the London townscape recently? The new Routemaster aka “New Bus for London” buses are here!


The design is inspired by the old Routemaster and the new buses are specially made for the London streets.
Prototype buses have been running on the route 38 between Victoria and Hackney since February 2012.
One day I talked with the Conductor in the rear of the bus and I discovered that all London buses will be converted to the new Routemasters. In peak hours and on the busiest routes, there will be a Conductor on board providing travel advice and supervising the safety of passengers. The coolest thing is that you are allowed to hop on or off at the rear platform when the bus has stopped for a red light or in heavy traffic.

The new environmentally friendly bus which runs on a hybrid diesel-electric motor has three sets of doors, each with Oyster card readers, making it easier to get on and off. Inside, there are two staircases, one near the front and one at the back, for easy access to and from the upper deck.

The New Bus for London currently operates on routes 9, 11, 24 and 38 and Route 390 will convert by the end of the year. By 2016 more than 600 new buses will run in London.

If you are interested in riding one of the original heritage Routemaster buses the numbers 9 and 15 still have some of them running during the daytime.


The aery interior of the New Bus for London is designed by Heatherwick Studio together with the manufacturer and is made in stylish scheme of colours and has a retro feel.


According to the Greater London Authority, the design of the buses is intended to aid speedier and smoother boarding.

Let us hope these buses will help to ease the congested London traffic!


Written by Marianne Sloth, Social Media and Website Manager at FOCUS.

For more information about Focus visit: www.focus-info.org

Meet Santa's Helpers

Over the half term break, I went on a trip to Scotland with my exchange program and one of the coolest things we did while we were there was to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Aviemore. If you’re an outdoorsman, an animal lover, or just looking for a fun weekend trip, definitely check this out.

The journey starts at the bottom of a hill where you are met by guides who are reindeer experts. Then begins a short hike through the woods. The paths are small and sometimes a little intimidating but the stunning views of the mountains and valleys all around more than make up for it. After crossing a beautiful stream,and walking a bit further, you finally arrive at the first reindeer enclosure. At this point the guides will go over some basic rules and then you go in!

This is a very interactive experience. The reindeer understand that when people show up, they are going to be fed, so don’t be alarmed if they start following you or coming right up onto the path with you. Once you have reach the designated spot within the enclosure, the guides start putting out the regular food. While the reindeer are away eating that, you have the chance to take a handful of different food to give them as a treat.


They say in Harry Potter that “The wand chooses the wizard,” well, in this case it is “The reindeer chooses the human.” You can try to pick a favourite and get them to come to you, but most of the time they won’t pay attention. All of the reindeer are very friendly, and since reindeer don’t have any top teeth they can't bite, so the only things you really must be mindful of are the antlers.





I went in mid-October when the leaves were just starting to change colour and it provided some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. But as reindeer tend to be associated with winter, and especially with Christmas, this trip would also be lovely for a family with children to go on together to help get into the holiday spirit. Really though, this is a trip for everyone. You’d have to be a real Scrooge to not enjoy it!

Written by Audi Craig. Audi is an American studying in London. She is working as a Intern at FOCUS.



For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org

The value of the IB Diploma from the perspective of an IB - DP Alumni

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a really interesting curriculum; with the premise being that an IB student can change school and pick-up the programme right from where they left off, whilst simultaneously developing highly adaptive individuals.

Personally I'm not one of the "3rd Generation" kids that lived in multiple cities whilst growing up, but the benefits of the IB weren't lost on me. Due to the vastness of the cultures I had to interact with throughout the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme as well as the open-minded principles the IB ingrains in it's students, I developed a sense of cultural awareness that has incalculable value. At the age of 23 I've worked in Angola, Portugal, USA and the UK, and in all countries I felt prepared to interact with the local culture. Not that I knew everything about that particular culture, but I had the inter-personal skills required. Skills that I believe are only developed through experience, and the IB Programmes provided me with just that.

Reality has changed, and the idea of a 'single culture' individual is one that is quickly fading. The paradigm of success is continuously changing - faster than ever - and the most important thing for any student is to pick up the skills that allow them to adapt to this ever changing reality.

The other advantage I've felt, and one I can honestly say is a competitive advantage, is from a 'work ethic' perspective. Many students that go through the IB-DP complain about the workload, and rightfully so. No matter how much work I have to do for my day job, I can honestly say that in relative terms the IB-DP is the single hardest thing I've ever done. An opinion I'm sure is echoed by many IB students around the world. But it isn't all doom and gloom. This forces us to develop mechanisms to handle large workloads with short lead times, and to do so at a very high quality. Something which no doubt is valued by any industry. Combine this with the sense of curiosity that most IB students develop and you're left with highly effective and innovative individuals.

I guess by now you're all wondering why I'm sharing this or that 'surely the IB can't be that great?' You're right, it isn't all glamour. It is an extremely challenging programme that not all students benefit from as they find it overwhelming. However, even though as an alumni I'm biased towards the IB Diploma, I see daily the benefits that having gone through the programme bring me. As such, if writing this post can in any way help a parent or student decide whether (or not) to pursue an IB Diploma, then it was worth writing.

Author Bio: Francisco Moreira graduated from Hult International Business school with a Masters in International business and works as a Business Analyst in Offerings Management at CSC based in London, United Kingdom. Francisco is the author of Find Your Rhythm, (www.findyrhythm.com) a self-help guide for International Baccalaureate Diploma students.

....PUBS UP!!

Every expatriate in London must have felt the desire to immerse himself or herself deeply in this great city’s life and soul!   What better way than a drink in a pub to get a grasp of it? Sadly pubs are disappearing everywhere in the country…

The Grenadier in Wilton Row, Knightsbridge

Well, for those who are ready to dive in… a pint of beer, a glass of wine or… engage in a ghost chase, there is a public house called The Grenadier which will offer all of these thrilling experiences.

 

 

The Grenadier signboard

Tucked away from hectic Knightsbridge, hidden in a Belgravia cobble-stoned mews with an air of a country village, The Grenadier welcomes the visitor with its bright red and blue colours, its vermilion entry box and its signboard picturing… a proud grenadier!

 

Inside, the main room is small and cosy, with wood panelling and a low ceiling, and there is a big bar with the original pewter top.  A few sabres, a bugle and other military objects remind the visitor that The Grenadier was originally built for the First Royal Regiment of Foot Guards in 1720.  At that time, it was the Duke of Wellington’s Officers’ mess, and drinking and gambling were performed in its cellar.  In 1818, it became a licensed public house, “The Guardsman”, before being named “The Grenadier”.

Sausages and mash

Freshly cooked traditional pub food such as fish and chips, burgers, sausages and mash and of course the “Sunday Roast” are served in the main room or, for more privacy, in the rear dining area. A large selection of wines from around the world (Chili, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, etc…), ciders, and ales can accompany a “traditional British” meal.

Inside The Grenadier

 An old and honourable institution indeed…  But what makes The Grenadier very special is its fantastic lodger from a by-gone age: the ghost of a young soldier who, one sinister night in September of a long-lost year, was caught cheating at cards and beaten to death by his fellow-players. Every September since, a tall, silent shadow has been seen, wandering endlessly in The Grenadier, filling the otherwise cheerful rooms with a strange chill or a soul-tormented sigh. Weird tales have been heard: a Chief Superintendent from New Scotland Yard was once burnt by an invisible cigarette as he was trying to reach what seemed to be the source of smoke he could see…Anxious footsteps have been heard on stormy nights… A face appeared behind a window…

Do not hesitate to go and enjoy a glass of wine while waiting for the spirit of the place. A crispy, chilly glass of Chablis – Domaine Thierry Mothe, another “old and venerable” institution - will undoubtedly hasten the strange encounter!

Written by FOCUS member Florence Tilkens.

For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org

The Pursuit of Beauty

What is it that drives the antique collector? Is it more than just the hunt? The hunt needs to have a purpose. I believe it is the pursuit of the beautiful, that satisfaction of having an object touched by hand and made with imagination that speaks to the soul. 

LAPADA, the Association of Art and Antique Dealers held its 5th annual fair at Berkley Square at the end of September.  This Fair has become an essential visit for those in the pursuit of beautiful things: the pieces of furniture, textiles, silver, ceramics or art that will add to your collections. Because many of the dealers come from outside London, it is a chance to see the best the country has to offer.

When I visited the fair I saw many of the loveliest pieces from collectors and dealers. Being a designer, I find endless inspiration from fairs like LAPADA. It gives me a chance to see pieces of work that are usually only seen in museums. But throughout years that I have been advising on art and antiques I can’t help but notice even antiques go through fashions. 

This year I noticed less Gustavian influence and more of the rich, warm and mellow mahogany furniture from the 18th and early 19th centuries. Graceful and elegant, these pieces of furniture are always an investment, but make such a statement in a home or office. Early 20th century and modern pieces are still favourites though, with smooth lines and soft colours.

When I was a kid, fashion illustrations were some of the first drawings and designs that caught my eye in newspapers when I was a kid. They have been a favourite of collectors, starting with Erte, in the early 20th century. This show had the original illustrations by Eva Aldbrook which were commissioned by The Sunday Times fashion pages in 1956. They were shown by Gray Modern & Contemporary Art and this was the first time they have been seen since publication… very exciting. It was a delight to see them, the fresh lines, shapes and watercolours all created that elegance of 50's glam. 

As I looked at them I couldn't help but think of fashion illustrators today working on Illustrator and Photoshop, what will we have in the future? We’ll have to look into a crystal ball to find out!

Written by Kelly Fannon who writes for the FOCUS Magazine and who has a passion for antiques, art and interior design. 

For more information on Focus visit: www.focus-info.org