As of today, I’ve been living in London for six years. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. Not surprisingly, I’m spending my day traveling (and being thankful I’m avoiding the crazy storm in London!). I suppose it’s a fitting way to celebrate given my move to the UK also meant the launch of the A Lady in London blog, which has taken me all over the world.

Houses of Parliament in London

Living in London for Six Years

Six years is a big anniversary for American expats in London, as it’s the point at which many of us are eligible for British citizenship.

I’m no exception, and if it weren’t for the fact that I’m in Cape Town right now, I would be submitting my application for UK citizenship today.

But a week’s delay won’t hurt, and hopefully I’ll have a British passport by early next year. I can’t wait!

Tower Bridge in London

Throughout my time in London, I’ve been required to keep track of every day I’ve spent out of the UK for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining visas and Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency).

My current count is 397 days (not including the days I left and the days I returned). I’ve had to stay within a certain limit each year I’ve lived in London, so getting citizenship and not having to count my every trip will make me very happy.

Maybe it will even open doors to travel more (although sometimes I think I travel too much already!).

Paternoster Square in London

People keep asking me whether I’ll stay in London after getting British citizenship. The answer is yes. But I never know where life will take me, and six more years from now I could be coming to you from elsewhere.

Then again, with a blog called A Lady in London, I might just have to stay forever. And given how much I love the city, I don’t think I’ll mind!

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41 Comments on Lady Celebrates Living in London for Six Years

  1. Aw happy 6 years! I’ve been in England for 3 now and hoping to add lots more in London 🙂 It’s such a great city I can see why everyone falls in love with it.

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  4. C) 1.5 Km

    I really enjoy your posts – especially those centred around London and all the lovely places to eat. Happy Anniversary!

    Reply

  7. As a Brit living abroad and missing home your blog has inspired me to write a food blog ,the answer is of course. C :1.50 km. lots of luck to you. Vanessa Beiny sabah

    Reply

  11. As a Londoner since the age of 2 and UK citizen since age 9, I take a lot of this for granted (I am now 45). So it’s great to be reminded what a great city London is, and the fact that I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

    Last summer, as a health and fitness activity, while my wife and kids were visiting relatives, I walked from my house in North West London to Soho.

    It took me 3 and a half hours and I saw on that walk every known facet of humanity: rich and poor, busy and idle, traders, shakers, makers, movers, groovers, and every colour skin under the sun, every head wear and face wear and bodywear known to man, and nearly every language on earth. I celebrated it all with a Soho Special burger and a ginger beer at Bodean’s on Poland Street. Recommended.

    Thank you for your lucid blog. And enjoy your citizenship when it comes.

    Reply

  14. Congratulations! I’m on my seventh year now, still haven’t gotten around to applying for citizenship yet. I think I’m too scared to send away my passport again for so long like I did with my ILR application.

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  15. CONGRATS!! I absolutely adore London and have myself lived there on and off for 6 years. Unfortunately my mom moved and married and Englishman right after I turned 18 so I am unable to get a visa. That doesn’t mean I don’t still spend many months there every year (although, not more than the allotted 6 the tourist visa allows, of course). Maybe next time I come we can grab some lunch – I do miss me a roast and a Pimm’s 🙂 Kait xx

    Reply

  16. Hi, I just found your blog and have only read a couple of posts, however I really enjoyed your writing. Congratulations on your anniversary in London. I recently traveled to London and I absolutely love coming to the city. Such a stunning mix of old and new. Thanks for the great read!

    Reply

  17. I’m considering a trip to London soon and thought about taking a Harry Potter style tour. Ever heard of this company? They seem to have some pretty cool tours and I’m not familiar with London at all. yay or nay?

    Figured you’d be the person to ask haha. Anyways, cool blog! London looks awesome!

    Reply

  20. Only found your blog recently, but have loved catching up your adventures. I just moved to the UK as a civilian a couple of months ago. Happy expat-versary!

    Reply

  21. Wow! 6 years! So great!
    Inspires me.

    You know Lady, what’s a good place for a girl to go on a winter vacation who is already going to be seeing much of Europe in Summer 2014.

    I like anything romantic. Any cozy places with good history and great vistas you recommend?

    Reply

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