Originally Posted by peacefuljourney

Hey - I don't think that you want me to give my "honest opinion" on Dubai or Abu Dhabi! For real for real. I have had an experience and I dont want to be negative on such a public forum.But I will, if it will be helpful. I want to be positive. Which brings me to my next point. I'm more than concerned about moving to Greater London now, after reading the posts and reading other sites. It seems to me that there are not many people who actually like, really like, living there. I read more negative posts about the UK than positive ones. Between reading about the crime and the weather and the high prices, I get the impression that I don't want to move there, especially with my pre-teen as a single parent. What are some positive, uplifting things about Greater London that I can look forward to? I understand that I will be paying 1/3 or more of my salary in taxes; that I will be paying an exorbitant amount for utilities and all that. I pay nothing here in Abu Dhabi - but I'm leaving regardless. That means something. I certainly am not naive, being originally from the 5th largest city in the US, but certainly someone can offer some encouragement? Personally, every time I've visited London, including the time when I lived in Paris, I had nothing but a postive experience. Even when British Airways lost our luggage, when I went to London for my interviews and attended all of the interviews in a hoodie, sweats and Adidas. Even then, I had a good experience. Who can give me encouragement from the land of 1,000 rains? Best, PJ