I have two exciting pieces of news today. First, I’m celebrating 15 years of living in London. Second, I have a big announcement to make. A huge one, in fact. You’re going to want to read it. Scroll down for the news.
15-Year Anniversary of Living in London
I’ll start with the anniversary. It’s hard to believe I’ve been living in London for a decade and a half. In many ways it feels like I just arrived. That said, when I think back on my early days in the city it feels like a long time has gone by.
Speaking of those days, when I first got to London I thought I would only be here for two years. I saw my time in the UK as a fun break from “real life” back in San Francisco.
I wanted to see as much of the UK and Europe as I could, and I spent most of my weekends making that happen. From day trips to multi-day getaways, I crisscrossed Britain and the continent to take it all in.
I threw in trips to far-flung destinations, too. Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and many other countries stamped my passport in my early years in London.
But 2 years later I felt like there were still so many things to do in London and around Europe that I didn’t want to leave.
The A Lady in London blog was also at a point where I was ready to quit my day job and turn it into a business. The combination of those things led me to renew my visa for another 3 years and commit to living in London long-term.
At 5 years I got Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, and at six I got UK citizenship.
With my new British passport in hand, I had the opportunity to stay in the United Kingdom for as long as I wished.
The subsequent years have gone by unbelievably quickly. The A Lady in London blog has grown to become one of the top travel blogs in the UK, I bought a flat in London, and I’ve traveled to 100 countries (and beyond…I’m at 112 now!).
In short, I’ve lived a life I never imagined back when I was an analyst at a hedge fund in California.
It’s been a great adventure.
But…
I’ve grown increasingly homesick over the years. I’ve always felt like I had one foot on either side of the Atlantic Ocean, but not being able to go home for two years during lockdown made me realize just how precious California was to me.
When I was finally able to go back to San Francisco a year ago, I decided I wanted to make a point of returning more often.
So I went back again in December. And again in April. And again this month. I had such a good time I started to wonder if I wanted to move back. I also met a guy out there, which helped nudge me in that direction.
But how could I possibly leave London? My friends were here, my flat was here, and my business was here. My whole life was here.
Then an idea struck me: why choose? Why not do both?
So I made a plan. I decided to do something I’ve always talked about doing but never had the courage to do.
I decided to start splitting my time between London and San Francisco. But that’s not all.
I also launched a second blog called California Wayfaring. Unlike A Lady in London, which is about travel all over the world, this blog is about just one place.
It covers great escapes in the Golden State, and it has a focus on all things urban, nature, and food.
If you’re interested in California travel, I’d love for you to visit, subscribe, and follow me on social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter). If you’re not, I bet you know someone who is. I’d love for you to tell them about it.
I’ve been working hard on it, and I’d appreciate any support you’d be willing to give now that I’ve officially announced the launch.
So what does all this mean for the A Lady in London blog? It’s still going to be the same as it always has been. You’ll continue to get the best of lovely London and beautiful travel here and on my social media channels and newsletter.
I’m excited about this new chapter, and I want to thank you for all your support along the way. The A Lady in London blog wouldn’t be where it is without you, and I appreciate all you’ve done for it over the last 15 years.
Here’s to the next 15 and all the exciting things they’ll bring!
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56 Comments on Lady’s BIG Announcement
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Good luck with your new adventure and thanks for writing about all the wonderful things around London and the UK.
We have family and two grand daughters in London and we love visiting them as often as we can.We live in Melbourne.
Thanks so much!
Wow, this is quite exciting. Congratulations, so nice you can live in both places.
Thanks, Anisa!
Congratulations and all the best for all the new adventures ahead 🙂
Thanks, Marta!
Good luck on the part time move to SF. I’ve lived in central London for two thirds of my life.
I’m about to take a leap of faith leaving a going to a pretty village in Somerset. I’m selling my flat buying a gorgeous cottage and leaving completely,. It’s scary, I love London but I lived there and had fun. Times change a we have to adapt. I’ve really enjoyed your posts. Xx
Thanks! Good luck with your move.
Congrats and hope the new blog will be a success …
Looking forward to reading all about California … on my to-do list.
Thank you for all the wonderful info on London and surrounds
I still have many of the places and venues to visit.
Thanks so much!
San Francisco and London my favourite places you are a very blessed lady I look forward to the new chapter 💕
That’s great! Thanks so much.
I’ve enjoyed your posts. It’s funny. I’m native Californian and I’m now thinking of doing what you’re doing – Splitting time in both England & California. Make the best of both worlds. I’m getting to like the rhythms of England, but have a lot here in California. I’m figuring out how to do both. Very best wishes to you.
Thanks! I hope you can make it work, too.
I am so happy for you!! Always follow your heart and your dreams will come true! I love your Lady in London blog. I always learn so much about the UK and those places dear to my heart.
I have family in San Diego and visit them often throughout the year. We visit places all over the Golden State. So I’m looking forward to more adventures through your eyes!
All the best to you!
With lots of love from the
Sunshine State!!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you’ll find the new blog helpful, too!
Such exciting news! I am a flight attendant and London is my absolute favorite city! I have relied on your blog for my layovers in London time and again. Looking forward to California content, come visit us in charming Carmel, CA.
Thanks so much! I love Carmel and I can’t wait to write about it on the new blog!
Two great places to visit! Looking forward to the new blog. Good luck to you!
Thanks, Carla!
Wow! What wonderful news! You’ll be great at both! Best of luck on the new adventure.
Thanks, Jamie!
Good luck with this next chapter in your life. Wishing you much success with your new venture and want to thank you so much for your London blogs. As an Anglophile and London lover, I have enjoyed them immensely. Take care and enjoy the ride!
Thanks so much!
Good luck. You write a terrific blog about my favorite place London and the UK. I am sure it will be equally as wonderful a read about CA. I too would love one day to split time with NY and England… one day!
Thanks! I hope you can someday!
wow that’s amazing! You are living my dream so I can only say WELL DONE!
Thanks, Brenda! I appreciate it.
HOORAY!!!!! So excited!
Thanks, Pam! Me too!
As a native of San Carlos and Menlo Park who loves to travel to British Isles, I think I “get it”. Living now in Colorado, I will consult your newest blog site whenever I’m setting off to visit relatives. And will keep looking at Lady in London for more ideas before my trips there. It has been very helpful so far. Best wishes!
I’m glad to hear that! Thanks so much!
Congratulations on 15 years of great posts. I try to spend a few weeks in the UK every year exploring London and the gorgeous countryside. So glad to be back travelling again!
Thanks so much!
How exciting!! I follow your blog and I keep falling in Love with London when things get a bit tougher. So you kept me going. I wish you every success in your new adventure!
Thanks so much!
Amazing. All the best with the new adventure!
Thanks, Priya!
Wishing you happiness in all your future endeavours. If your new California blog g is anything like your A Lady in London blog you have nothing to worry about.
All the best!
Thanks, Wayne!
As I started to read, my heart filled with dread!
So happy you are not stopping “a lady in London” I really look forward to your posts and all the best with the new venture. I’m sure it will be just as successful. ❤️
Thanks, Wendy!
All the best to you. I love London so much too…..
Thank you!
Congratulations on your 15 year UK anniversary. I’ve only been following your blog for a short while but I’ve learned so much more about the city I live in and love.
Wishing you happiness in your new adventure and if your California Blog is as good as your London blog it’s gonna be fab.
Thanks so much, Judith!
I literally decided to do the same thing this week! It helps to see that you and others in the comments have done it too, I feel less crazy now, haha! Any tips on how to make it work will be welcome!
Thanks, Micah!
Congratulations on your new adventures!
Thanks, Doris!
Wishing you all the best on your new adventure in California! have absolutely loved your London blog and beautiful photos! I lived in California for 30 years, mostly San Francisco and gorgeous Tiburon, but also Newport Beach, now I live in Idaho and love it here at well! I look forward to following your new California blog!
Thanks so much, Louise!
Good luck and congratulations on your new adventure!
Thanks, Danii!
Wow, congratulations!!! So happy for you! I love this blog and will definitely follow your CA one. Welcome back to America! xx
Thanks, Lori!