This issue we look at the life of reader Shunney Nair, author of the newly published book app, London via Surrey, an insider’s guide to the best of London and Surrey

Where did you move from and what brought you to the UK?

We moved here five years ago from Houston, Texas due to my husband’s job.

What places in the US does living here remind you of?

London is like Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. all rolled into one city; while Surrey reminds me of Boulder, Colorado, though without the mountains and snow. Since these are some of my favourite places in the US, it is no wonder that I enjoy living here so much!

What was your transition like?

Having worked full-time prior to moving here, becoming a stay-at-home Mom was a big adjustment. My goal each day was to find places for the kids to burn-off some energy in the hope they would be quieter than usual, so as to not disturb our downstairs neighbours.

A month into living in London, I called my husband’s company’s expat services group and asked ‘what now?’ Once we moved from our temporary apartment to our home in Surrey, I became active with American Women of Surrey (AWS) and my children’s school. I guess I became a full-time volunteer helping with fundraisers and event planning using skills I had from my working days. Between volunteering and shuttling kids, I had a chance to go on some amazing outings through AWS. When a friend moved on, I ended up helping to organise these outings. It made me realise that planning comes second nature to me — the more challenging or unusual, the better.

Why did you begin writing?

It was somewhat by accident – I had been sharing what I learned and experienced through informal e-mails with friends and people I met along the way. It wasn’t until I learned that my emails were being saved and forwarded to others that I started to consider writing a book. It took a while before I was convinced I should attempt it.

After doing some research, I realised while there is a lot of practical advice about moving and living here, there was not a guide about lesser known attractions in London and Surrey, or a place to find answers to a range of typical questions. I am finding new people who move here have the same questions I did and locals are enjoying learning something new too. I am told that this book app fills a nice niche.

Why an app?

When I was editing the book in the spring, I learned two of the restaurants I wrote about went out of business. I realised I needed to find a format that I myself could update and keep current. I also loved the idea of an interactive exchange, real-time access while on the go and the ability map locations (something especially important to me given I get lost so easily).

What are the most interesting things you have done here?

Some highlights have been climbing Big Ben, watching catwalk shows at London Fashion Weekend, seeing the Queen at Royal Ascot and sitting at Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

What are your favorite things to do here?

Afternoon Tea

I cannot get enough of afternoon teas because it reminds of brunch and lighter fare. One of my favourite traditional teas is at Fortnum & Mason, but I also enjoy quirkier ones like those at Grand Imperial’s Dim Sum Tea, OXO Tower’s Not so Afternoon Tea and Sanderson’s Mad Hatter Tea.

Public Foot Paths

I am still in awe of the number of footpaths that criss-cross the English countryside. It is not unusual to pass through farmer’s fields, golf courses and even horse racing tracks. In the right season, there are fields of bluebells, rapeseed (canola) and wild garlic. It is one of my favourite ways to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon – especially if there is a gastropub at the beginning or end of the walk.

Theatre

Before we had kids, we would visit New York in the spring just before the Tony Awards to catch all the top-rated shows. What is exciting about going to the theatre here is seeing some of Hollywood’s A-list actors. In addition to seeing Bradley Cooper in Elephant Man and Nicole Kidman in Photograph 51, my favourite actor was Kevin Spacey in the one-man play Clarence Darrow. Spacey selected this play as his last act after 10 years of being the artistic director of the Old Vic (the first American to do so).

What has surprised you the most?

I am intrigued and impressed by the creative ways charities are supported here. Nearly every High Street boasts a charity shop, just as it has an Indian curry restaurant or a Post Office. These are well-organised shops with window displays of‘nearly new’items that rival their equivalents at retail shops. It’s not unusual to find clothing or a decorative item worth taking home.

Wimbledon’s Ticket Resale scheme has got to be one of the best surprises. As a general rule, I do things only once; but an exception to this rule has been going to Wimbledon. I am still floored by the idea that you can purchase a general admission ticket and with a bit of patience and luck end up seeing some of the top tennis players in the world play on Centre Court. Spectators leaving Wimbledon are encouraged to turn their tickets in to be re-sold – £5 for Courts No. 1 and 2 and £10 for Centre Court. This is such a great way to fill empty seats and support charity at the same time – I hope the idea catches on to more sporting events.

What are your three top tips?

Some of the best restaurants in the world are found in the greater London area. Surprisingly, they can be reasonably priced with lunch being a great and affordable option. Many are also found in stunning settings whether in historic buildings or with impressive views.

With a bit of pre-planning and effort, it’s possible to schedule unique private outings with a group of family or friends. The only limits are your interest and imagination – on offer are archeology, embroidery, gardens, music, tea or something else. Professionally trained Blue Badge Guides make what you see and do come to life. Take an iconic Routemaster bus to see the London sites at a fraction of the cost. The Number 11 bus starting at Liverpool Street Station goes by many of the major landmarks, including Bank of England, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

What is the best thing about living here? 

Beyond the endless number of places to go, it has to be the amazing people I have met – both locals and people from around the world.

What advice do you have for our readers?

Make a list of all the things you have wanted to do and start ticking them off by actually doing them. You’ll soon find there is so much to see and do and so little time!

Shunney Nair, author London via Surrey, an insider’s guide to the best of London and Surrey - with mini reviews of what to do, where to eat, tips on living here and more.

Contact Shunney at lonodonviasurrey@gmail.com or visit londonviasurrey.com

This issue’s American Eye enjoys the effervescent company of American in Britain, Paula Sides, lyric soprano and leading light of the English Touring Opera. 

We understand you were born and raised in Tennessee. What brought you to Britain and what made you stay?

I had a very traditional Southern upbringing. After finishing my first degree at the Schwob School of Music in Georgia, I had a choice of moving up north to the Yankee states or going abroad. I chose the bigger, further adventure, to spread my wings by moving abroad. At first I knew no-one in England, but I quickly found that I loved it here and decided to stay. I studied at London’s Royal College of Music on the opera course, where I received the Tagore Gold Medal as well as meeting my future husband, Jonathan. He was in the audience at a student concert and I was singing on stage! It was instant, love at first sight for both of us.

You’re set to sing the lead role of Mimi in La Boheme in the new ETO touring production. What are you most looking forward to?

I have always loved singing this piece. When I was starting out in opera, aged 21 and touring with a small company, Mimi was my first major role. Now I have the chance to rediscover afresh a role that I did when I was so young. I am incredibly excited to be performing a show that I love with a company, orchestra and director, James Conway, who I absolutely adore working with. It’s a marriage made in heaven. Tell us about some of the inspirations along the way in your career. Well, first there’s my amazing, dynamic voice teacher, Llyndall Trotman. She’s a live life-to-the-fullest, make-every-moment-count sort of person who shook me out of my fairly restrictive Southern upbringing, inspired me and empowered me to grab life with both hands. Then, at the Royal College of Music I was encouraged by everyone and inspired by the whole experience of being immersed in that very special musical world and atmosphere.

What do you most enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my husband and one year old daughter, Aurelia Ruth, in the beautiful Yorkshire village cottage where we live, just relaxing or walking on the moors.

What essential things would you advise Americans in Britain to be sure not to miss?

I would advise Americans here to see as much of the country as possible, it’s all so varied and different. They should try climbing mountains in Wales and the Lake District, see the coast in Cornwall, explore Scotland’s islands, visit Yorkshire for the moors and the Bronte connections. London’s concert halls and theatres are great, but I also recommend visiting all the local UK venues where the ETO is performing. My favourites are the beautiful Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and Buxton Opera House.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

For me at this stage with a baby it’s a guilty pleasure just to go to dinner with my husband and stay out past 9.30! One of our favourite places is the White Lion in Hebden Bridge. I really like going to the pub, which may seem funny as I don’t drink beer at all! But the whole experience is great. So many pubs in the UK and Ireland have wonderful traditions of music and folk singing. I’m reminded of all those Southern USA connections, which makes me feel right at home.

Are there any American comforts you really miss?

Yes! Peanut butter and real grape jelly, soft drinks with lots of ice and fresh popcorn with hot butter.

Can you think of a moment that changed your life?

That moment would be the first time I sang “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. It was the first aria I ever sang, aged 19. That feeling of being on stage and opening up your soul for a minute, performing, giving something to the audience, was both terrifying and exciting. I felt every emotion you could imagine. And I was completely addicted. 'American in Britain' magazine is always keen to promote cross-country relations– please share with us your fantasy British- American dinner party. This would be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with lots of Southern hospitality. I’d pack the table with all the people I love– a mixture of British and American friends we’ve been so lucky to meet in our life here. I’d cook lots of food, including at least five desserts and every pie known to man. And copious amounts of champagne. At about 3 in the morning, when we’ve had plenty of food and champagne, we’d finish off with a great musical jam session.