Meet Ade, ( and Claudius Jules (CJ) & Elyssia) from Brentwood, Essex who decided it was a good idea to move to LA 5 years ago simply after watching the behind the scenes making of a movie called ‘Barbershop’…
Ok, so there’s a little more to the story than that…
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I had been teaching in various capacities for over 15 years and my husband CJ had been involved with commercial property for about 10. We had been looking for a change while our daughter was still young and my husband was presented with an opportunity for us to relocate to LA.
What do you miss most from home?
Like other fellow Brits, Friday night Fish & Chips (with the occasional sausage in batter) is right at the top of the list but go ahead and add Branston pickle (chunky, naturally) and Hot Cross buns as a close second and third!
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
Drive-by’s, Botox, plastic surgery and countless opportunities for major calorie overloads were our first impressions! We’ve since realised that while Hollywood and Venice Beach are very central to the view many have of LA, the ‘City of the Angels’ has a lot more outside of these to offer and enjoy.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus in Brentwood?
Our local Boots, Marks & Sparks and of course Toby Carvery!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us? The Venice Canals are a beautiful and serene walk (especially at Christmas) a short distance from all the hustle, bustle (and muscles!) of Venice Beach.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here? My passion and love has always been helping kid’s to fully discover their unique learning abilities – as such for us, as I’m sure for other parents, really looking into and formulating a plan for your child’s learning and education here in LA is absolutely huge.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom - what is the best piece of advice you've been given? Don’t stress out and be overwhelmed with trying to get to grips with all the changes associated with the move all at once (get overwhelmed in bite size pieces instead)! I’m kidding of course - groups and forums like Brits In LA are a God-send so take full advantage of asking advice on virtually any subject from those in a similar situation who are more than willing to share.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment? I’ve recently been nicknamed ‘Super-Tutor’! Given my background and ongoing passion for primary/elementary age kids learning combined with experiences of our own now 9 year old daughter’s education here, I inevitably end up helping friends and associates with their children’s transition - sometimes through supplemental tutoring and also by providing guidance to parents trying to navigate their way through the LA School District maze.
Disclaimer: There are no red capes or S’s emblazoned across my chest (as far I’m aware) although I do a pretty mean Mary Poppins impression...
Brits In LA members that might be looking for help are free to reach out to me via my FB page (www.facebook.com/adefagan)!
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