1st Contact Travel Clinic offers some advice for staying warm during the upcoming UK winter. Continue Reading

This month we chatted to Ruby, who relocated with her husband from Cape Town to Toowoomba in Southern Queensland, Australia. Continue Reading

If you’ve ever taken your dogs for a walk and then wished you could stop at a pub for a beer on your way home, here’s your chance! Our list covers many areas and most of them are close to a park or common, meaning you can walk your dog and then wet your palate! Continue Reading

What’s your name?

Tracy Lee

Where did you move from?

Initially, from Johannesburg, South Africa. Lived in London for 12 years and recently moved back to Cape Town, South Africa!

Where did you move to and when?

I moved to London and lived and worked there for 12 years. I met my husband there, got my British Passport, bought a property and worked in real estate. Last year, we moved back to South Africa and settled in Camps bay. Continue Reading

Coming to London, Nov 10 to 13, don’t miss:
Central Equity’s Australian Property Expo & Free Info Sessions

Discover how to buy Australian property and hear the latest info about Australia’s resilient economy and enviable standard of living. Did you know Melbourne was just crowned the World’s Most Liveable City? Continue Reading

With around 300 days to go before the 2012 Olympic Games, we thought we’d find out a bit more about the impressive Olympic Park and stadium. Continue Reading

This month we chatted to Carina, wife to Jacques and mother to 4 boys, aged 4 – 12, who took the plunge in 2009 and moved to Australia. Continue Reading

If you’re one of the 100 000 or so lucky buggers travelling to New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, I pretty much hate you. You have an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime trip to a spectacular country to look forward to and I’ll probably have to watch the Boks get thrashed from my 37cm Tedelex with the green shadow in the middle of the screen. Continue Reading

Living a healthy life is often one of our greatest goals, yet something that generally takes a back seat to everything else that’s going on, including working, paying the bills, socialising and family commitments. So we’ve put together an A-Z guide of healthy living resources in London to help you along.

A is for Acai Berry

The Acai berry is considered by many to be one of nature’s superfoods and was recently featured on Oprah. Known for its age- defying abilities and many other health benefits, the Acai berry contains a huge variety of essential fatty acids as well as all major vitamins and minerals. Purchase yours via http://www.pulpastore.co.uk/ or http://www.efoodies.co.uk/invt/acaiberry/ and start enjoying the many benefits of this fantastic fruit!

B is for Buteyko Breathing

Correct breathing is said to have numerous health benefits! The Buteyko Breathing Method is a set of breathing exercises developed by Dr K P Buteyko to maintain the correct ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide within the bloodstream. According to his research, some 150 diseases are linked to dysfunctional breathing, including asthma, allergies and emphysema. The Centre can be contacted on 01789 298290 or via www.buteyko.co.uk.

C is for Chinese Medical Centre

The Chinese Medical Centre of London was established by Dr. Vincent Yu in 1994, and is considered the leading provider of Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture in London. The Centre treats a wide variety of ailments including skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, back pain, fatigue and depression. The Centre is located at 337 Kilburn High Road, London and can be contacted on 020 7372 2184 or via http://www.chinesemedicalcentre.net.

D is for Dental Health

Are you visiting the dentist at least twice a year? If not, you could be in danger of developing gum disease and a number of other problems, many of which you would be unable to detect yourself until it’s too late. Don’t put off your next visit. Visit http://www.londondentist.co.uk/ to find a dentist in your area.

E is for Essence Oils

Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and aromatic plant compounds to improve a person’s health or mood. To find out more, or to order your on oils, visit http://www.baldwins.co.uk/ – the UK’s leading supplier of essential oils and natural remedies.

F is for Farmer’s Markets

London has not shortage of Farmer’s Markets for those who prefer fresh produce to the prepared kind! The nutritional benefits of buying food as close to the source as possible are numerous! Visit http://www.visitlondon.com/attractions/shopping/markets/farmers-markets for a great list of London’s Farmer’s Markets.

G is for Gong Therapy

The Gong originated nearly six thousand years ago in Sumeria and is used in the Buddhist religious tradition. During Gong therapy the body is literally bathed in sound and takes in the sounds that it needs for healing, & filters out what it does not need. Visit http://www.healingsound.net/Contact.htm to find out more or book an appointment.

H is for Health Spas

If a day at a spa is what you need, check out http://www.timeout.com/london/feature/1169/best-spas-in-london – a comprehensive list of London’s best spas.

I is for Iridology

Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye in order to find invaluable information regarding the state of one’s health and to establish the root cause of practically any physical ailment. Visit http://www.harrietdiluzio.co.uk/iridology.html to find out more about this fascinating science or book an appointment.

J is for Jin Shin Jyutsu

Jin Shin Jyutsu® is an ancient Japanese Art of harmonising life energy within the body. It involves the application of the hands for gently balancing the flow of life energy in the body, promoting optimal health and well being. To find out more about this ancient art or to book a session, visit http://www.london-therapy.com.

K is for Kids’ Health

The Central YMCA Club in London offers an amazing Y Active children’s programme, which was established in 1995 and promotes health, fitness and sport in kids. The emphasis is on fun, participation and development through a range of activities and aims to make a positive impact on the trend towards inactivity and obesity in young people.  The current programme includes after-school Term Time Courses, Play schemes during school holidays, a Saturday Club and a crèche facility.  Visit http://www.ymcaclub.co.uk/PROGRAMMES/YActive/default.aspx for more information and to get your children on track to better health!

L is for Life Coaching

Life Coaching is fast becoming a fantastic way to achieve all your goals and make things happen!  Carol Ann Rice is one of the country’s leading life coaches and the coaching columnist for The Daily Express. Find her on http://www.realcoachingco.com/ and start making real, feel-it-in-your-life changes!

M is for Meditation

Meditation has long been accepted as a wonderful tool to happiness and wellbeing! Physical benefits include the stabilising of blood pressure, lowering of the heart rate, improved mental functioning and improved strength of the immune system, Psychological effects are plenty and include reduction in stress and general feelings of fear, an increase in self confidence, compassion and spiritual awareness. There are many meditation centres in London – visit http://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/, http://www.meditateinlondon.org.uk/meditation-classes-london.php and http://www.innerspace.org.uk/ to get started!

N is for Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional Therapy helps you to achieve optimal health through the correct intake of food and can have a massive effect on your everyday wellbeing. Each of us has different nutritional needs based on our individual make up. Nutritional therapy addresses these needs through a tailor-made diet and supplement programme. Visit http://www.feedyourhealth.co.uk/ to find out more about nutritional therapy in general and to get in touch with Allie Godbold, a leading specialist in the field.

O is for Organic

If eating organic foods is important to you (and why wouldn’t it be?) use this handy guide to find organic food suppliers in your area – http://www.infolondon.ukf.net/organic/.

P is for Pilates

Pilates is designed to engage and strengthen core waist and lower back muscles, helping to improve posture and prevent injury. To find out more about this dynamic exercise, visit the Ten Pilates website at http://www.tenpilates.com or call any of their four branches: Notting Hill: 020 8969 9677; Chiswick: 020 8996 1710; St James’s: 020 7930 4442 and Mayfair: 020 7495 8642.

Q is for Quitting

Are you still smoking cigarettes? If health is important to you, then now is the time to stop! The health benefits of quitting are too many to mention, whereas there are NO real benefits to smoking, only perceived benefits which we fool ourselves into believing.  If you would like to give hypnosis a try, visit http://www.harleystreetstopsmokingclinic.com/. Alternatively, visit the London Allen Carr Clinic at http://www.allencarrseasyway.co.uk/ and try what is probably the world’s most effective method of quitting! The Allen Carr Easyway has helped millions to kick the habit, including Richard Branson and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

R is for Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative healing massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body.  To find out more, visit http://www.reflexologylondon.com/, the website of Kyoungjin Ha, a seasoned reflexology expert who has been practicing in London for 10 years.

S is for Sunshine

Vitamin D is essential for general wellbeing and happiness! While the sun is still shining, why not get out there and spend some time in it? Visit http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-outdoor-activities.aspx for a list of fantastic (and mostly free) outdoor activities in London.

T is for Time Out

Simply taking time out for yourself is often one of the best ways to de-stress. Find a movie theatre near you, rent some DVDs, buy a great book and simply… relax! Check out www.viewlondon.co.uk/cinemas, which lists the latest screenings in London and if you visit http://www.timeout.com/london/books/features/4862/London-s_best_bookshops.html you will find a comprehensive list of bookstores in the London area.

U is for Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound Therapy is used by physical therapists or occupational therapists to treat pain and promote tissue healing, particularly with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, myofascial pain and pain from sprains and strains. To find out more, visit the Wimbledon Clinic of Natural Medicine or call them on +44 208 5403389.

V is for Vaccinations

If you are travelling outside of the UK, make sure you know exactly which vaccinations are needed for the area you are visiting. Pop into the http://www.1stcontact-travelclinic.com/ for free advice and info, or to have your yellow fever, malaria or other vaccinations at a great price, by an experienced nursing sister.

W is for Water

Water is the very essence of life and we should all be drinking between 1 and 3 litres per day.  If you are wary of drinking your tap water, consider having a water filtering system installed in your home in under 30 minutes. Excess limescale is removed and your tap water smells, looks and especially tastes clean, clear and healthy! For more information, visit http://www.londonwaterfilters.co.uk/.

X is for X-Ray of your Aura

New technology allows an “X-ray” photograph to be taken of your aura. You are then able to see which of your chakras are out of alignment and recommend a suitable therapy, including aura cleansing and chakra alignment. Interested? Visit http://www.auraphotoclinic.com/ – one of the UK’s leading aura specialists.

Y is for Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful way to all-round good health, from weight-loss to stress management and plenty in between! For an intense workout, try “hot” bikram yoga – visit http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london-outdoor-activities.aspx to find out more. For a gentler type of yoga, try www.yogaplace.co.za.

Z is for Zen Buddhism Therapy

If all else fails, perhaps you could go a more esoteric route in search of emotional well-being? Zen is a form of Buddhism that strictly emphasises ’sitting meditation’ for realising the truth of no-self, emptiness, and the original, pure nature of the mind… Find out more at http://www.zeninlondon.org/.

From time to time, we’ll be chatting to Expats from all over the world to find out how they adjusted and what they learnt through their move. These are real people, sharing their real experiences.

This month we chat to Matt, a South African living and working in London since 2007.

Continue Reading

Last chance to SAVE UP to £300 on selected tours with Travel Talk to Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan , Russia, Greece, Croatia, Spain and Portugal. SAVE UP to 30% on Pamplona, La Tomatina and Oktoberfest.

Book by June 30^th and 1st Contact Customers will receive 15% discount on all none campaign advertised Travel Talk tours or additional 5% discount on advertised campaign tours by quoting the voucher code: “1stcontact2011“

Travel Talk is the leading MEDITERRANEAN and ANZAC tour operator specialized in ADVENTURE & DISCOVERY tours to EGYPT,JORDAN, MOROCCO, TURKEY, ANZAC,GREECE, CROATIA, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, RUSSIA, OKTOBERFEST, PAMPLONA and LA TOMATINA.

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Call 020 8099 8852 or visit www.traveltalktours.com or e-mail on: info@traveltalktours.com

Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination with literally millions of Brits visiting the country each year – and this summer will probably be no different. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your Spanish holiday money, should you be planning a trip to Spain in 2011. Continue Reading

This month we look at fascinating Poland, a country rich in history, with a population of 39 million people. Continue Reading

India is a large, colourful and highly populous country with more than 1.2 billion people living within its borders. Here are 20 interesting facts about the Republic! Continue Reading

So you’re thinking about moving from the UK to Australia? Immigration websites and forums are always full of questions and conversations about this very move and the consensus seems to be that the grass is indeed greener on the Other Side.

In this article we look at what exactly attracts UK families in particular to the land down under, as well as the steps to take if you’re considering the move. Continue Reading

London is indeed a one-of-a-kind city; a city that gets under your skin. Maybe this is why it has long been a favoured subject of novelists, lyricists and filmmakers.

We decided to weed out our favourite London-based novels and select a Top 20 list of recommendations. Whether you’re travelling to London soon and hoping to gain a sense of the city; curious about life in London through the ages; or a Londoner who just can’t get enough, there’s bound to be something in here for you – from quick, light reads to intense, epic novels you can literally lose yourself in.

Below is our Top 20 List of novels set in London, in no particular order.

1. The End of the Affair –Graham Greene

Set in London in the time of World War II, this brilliant novel examines the conflicts between self-love, love for another and love for God. A real classic!

2. City of the Mind – Penelope Lively

This story focuses on Londoner Matthew Halland and his life as a recently divorced father and architect working on the renovation of an old industrial building. The author uses Matthew’s architectural perspective to not only evoke London’s past eras, civilizations and landscapes, but also reflect on the building up and decaying of human relationships.

3. The Repentant Morning – Chris Paling

A remarkable novel set both in Civil War Spain and in the pubs of Soho, which tells the tale of Meredith Kerr and the four hapless men in her life.

4. Bitter Sweets – Roopa Farooki

This charming and witty narrative follows three generations of a family caught up in a monstrous web of lies and deceit, starting with 13-year-old Henna’s wedding night, when her husband discovers she is not the accomplished and intelligent 17-year-old her parents said she was.

5. Absolute Beginners – Malcolm MacInnes

Written from the perspective of a teenage freelance photographer, this delightful book is set in a rundown part of West London in the summer of 1958 – the time of the Nottinghill race riots.

6. The Time of the Crack – Emma Tennant

A social satire about the chaos that ensues when an overnight split in the earth’s crust causes a huge rift beneath the Thames splitting London in two.

7. The Ballad of Peckham Rye — Muriel Spark

This humorous novel tells the story of the devilish Dougal Douglas, who moves from Scotland to London, where he wreaks havoc amongst the lives of the Peckham working class.

8. London Fields by Martin Amis.

A black comedy murder mystery narrated by Samson Young, an American writer living in London who has suffered from writer’s block for 20 years and now has a terminal illness.

9. Past Imperfect – Julian Fellowes

From the pen of Julian Fellowes, who won the Oscar for his Screenplay ‘Gosforth Park’. An enjoyable and well-paced novel which sees the narrator searching for an heir to his dying friend Damian’s vast fortune.

10. Our Mutual Friend – Charles Dickens

Undoubtedly one of Dickens’ most sophisticated works, Our Mutual Friend is a vivid tale about money, fate and human values.

11. White Teeth – Zadie Smith

A funny, affirming and uplifting debut novel about friendship, love, war and family.

12. A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary For Lovers – Xiaolu Guo

Despite the title this is in fact a beautiful novel, and tells the story of a young Chinese woman sent by her parents to London to learn English. In an unfamiliar world, where nobody can pronounce her name, she meets an Englishman who has no name…

13. Brick Lane – Monica Ali

A captivating tale of desire and the contradictions of life, as told through the eyes of Nazneen, a Bengalese immigrant who finds herself married to a man 20 years her senior and living in East London.

14. A Vicious Circle by Amanda Craig

This vivid and passionate novel is set in 90’s London amidst the cut-throat world of literary criticism. Wildly funny, poignant and well-paced!

15. The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad.

Set in London in 1886, this much celebrated novel tells the story of Mr Verloc; his life, his job as a secret agent and his relationships with his wife and her family. It was ranked the 46th best novel of the 20th century by Modern Library.

16. The Tiger in the Smoke – Margery Allingham

A chilling and highly enjoyable crime novel set in 1930’s London.

17. Only in London – Hanan-Al-Shayk

This well-written, entertaining book tells the story of a chance meeting of four strangers on a plane, and how their lives intertwine from the moment they touch down in London.

18. An Equal Music – Vikram Seth

A romance of epic proportions set mainly in London, (with beautiful bits in Venice) told through the eyes of Michael, a violinist with a passion for music, love and life.

19. Night Watch – Sarah Waters

This moving and highly acclaimed novel from Sarah Waters tells the stories of four women dealing with disappointment and loss in 1940’s London.

20. Cheet – Anna Davis

And last but by no means least, Cheet is a fun but surprisingly meaty novel about Kathryn Cheet, a London taxi driver with 5 lives, 5 lovers and 5 colour-coded cellphones to keep track of it all. Her life takes an unexpected turn the day Twinkle arrives…

The 2011 ANZAC Challenge takes place on Saturday 7^th May at Wasps in Acton and is London’s biggest Australasian Sports event and is a day a day of Sport, Culture, Entertainment and Remembrance. Continue Reading

According to a BBC World Service Country Rating Poll, the UK has risen in popularity since last year and is now considered the 2^nd most popular country in the world, after Germany. Continue Reading

Inspired by the local talent and creativity found in Southern Africa, Purely African delivers exciting contemporary and often unique items of homeware, bags and accessories to the UK and Europe.

Continue Reading

We all know that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, and a long life. But what if you simply loathe the gym and could think of nothing worse than putting on a pair of shorts and speedwalking through a Park?

We did a little investigating and came up with these 5 alternative ways to keep fit – some new, some not so new – all of them invigorating and fun!

1. Slacklining

Slacklining is a fairly new “sport” which is quickly gaining popularity in Australia, the USA and certain European countries. A slackline is basically webbing, which is strung up between two trees or poles. The idea is first to learn to balance on the line, then to walk on it and finally to do awesome tricks, just as you would on a trampoline! It is a fantastic core workout, helps to improve balance, focus and determination and has been shown to have great results among those with ADHD. Did we forget to mention it is also loads of fun and highly addictive!

2. Bikram

Bikram is a specific type of yoga developed by Bikram Choudry in 1974. If you’re thinking yoga is for girls who eat a lot of lentils, you couldn’t be more wrong! Bikram yoga is a 90-minute workout that will have even the fittest, strongest rugby player sweating, shaking and praying for relief! Essentially a series of 26 postures, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room heated to around 40° C to help detoxify the body and facilitate a deeper stretch. Many heated yoga studios also offer flow or vinyasa yoga, which is a more dynamic and (some say) more intense workout. If it’s mental and physical wellbeing you’re after, along with a super-fit, toned body, bikram yoga is your best bet!

3. Bossaball

Described as a mixture between football, trampoline, volleyball and gymnastics, this high-energy game is played on an inflatable court with an integrated trampoline on either side of a volleyball net. Teams consist of 3-5 players, with only one player per team on the trampoline at any given time and the other players on the inflatables. As with volleyball the objective is to spike the ball so that it hits the floor (in this case the trampoline or inflatables) on the other team’s side. A maximum of 8 contacts is allowed before the ball has to pass over the net; and players are allowed to pass the ball using any part of their body. Bossaball was developed by Belgian Filip Eyckmans in 2005 and is slowly growing in popularity. Bossaball could make it to the UK soon, but for now you might have to travel to Spain, Holland or Portugal to get a game in.

4. Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian art form which combines martial arts, acrobatics and dance. Its origins can be traced back to the 16^th Century, but it only started to surface as a part of modern culture in the 1970’s.  A circle is made, called a roda. Music is played, with instruments like the berimbau, a drum called an atabaque and a pandeiro, which is a type of tambourine. Inside the Roda, two players interact.  There is no punching and no jerky movements. The idea is to use intuition and foresight to anticipate your opponent’s next move and create a sort of graceful, acrobatic dance to expose one another’s weaknesses through playful “attacks” and counterattacks.  It requires strength, rhythm and presence of mind and is a fun, challenging way to keep fit.

5. Nia

Nia is a type of body-mind-spirit exercise created in California 1983 by Debbie and Carlos Rosas.  The Nia Technique is based on 52 principles that integrate modalities from dance, including jazz and modern dance; martial arts like Tai Chi and Aikido; and healing practices such as yoga. Done barefoot to inspiring music, Nia is a holistic fitness programme, which is cardiovascular and great for weight loss, toning and flexibility. Most importantly though, Nia teaches you to be more joyful and expressive your everyday life.

As summer approaches, why not ditch the gym card and try something new and exciting, with more benefits than purely the physical?