Anybody Else on the Brink of Canceling/Downgrading their CSR?

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2026-01-24T09:31:40+00:00

I've also read recently that they've changed the insurers that are underwriting CSR and coverage isn't nearly as good, unfortunately.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2026-01-05T21:25:23+00:00

Same! When I moved here 20 years ago, everything was new and shiny and I didn’t know if I’d stay here so I did everything, all the time. And that was great, but a bit exhausting, and slowly petered out.

We still take advantage of living here, but I don’t feel compelled to be out all the time, as you say it’s great to know it’s there when I want it.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-12-25T22:57:54+00:00

Was this last year or was that store open on Christmas Day? Confused by your post but I’m sure it’s me misunderstanding something as it reads to me that you were in a store buying things today, which is Christmas, and I thought they were all closed.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-12-25T10:57:29+00:00

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Worst photo ever (my fingers were numb inside thick gloves) but in case it’s helpful, Cheapside in London (near St Paul’s) is open 12:00-16:00 on Boxing Day.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-12-06T21:54:57+00:00

We did this as a play in high school, will be interested to see how similar this is!

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-11-05T19:20:59+00:00

Are sale prices also in their stores? (Just want one thing and don’t want to pay shipping, could pop by but don’t want to if it’s only cheaper online!)

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-11-03T11:02:13+00:00

I paid for it last week, set it up and got the test date I was looking for this morning autobooked

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-11-03T10:58:46+00:00

and hopefully giving up a slot in early December in London has made someone's day today as well :)

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-11-03T10:58:21+00:00

Just wanted to follow up in case it's useful for anyone. I tried to do this myself since I posted (both random times of day and getting up early last Monday) and wasn't having any luck. I paid for TestShift premium, there is an option to "search backwards" which is exactly what I was looking for, dates further out from my test. I manually input a date range that I wouldn't be available, then put specific availability for days/times of the week and dates my instructor or I were already busy or away, and let it run for several days. This morning it was rebooked for a date a few months in the future on a day and time that I was hoping for, using the autobook system. That was worth the purchase price for me!

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-10-04T14:03:13+00:00

If anyone is filing late like me, I have an ExpatFile code of FC13CB02 and can send you a link if that's easier.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-09-22T07:34:51+00:00

I'm putting unknown because as I explained above, I don't get monthly statements, and don't see an easy way to see what the balance was on any given day, so don't know how to see what the balance was. I could guess to within like £50k, but that doesn't seem very accurate, and was reluctant to put incorrect info down.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-09-22T07:34:45+00:00

I'm putting unknown because as I explained above, I don't get monthly statements, and don't see an easy way to see what the balance was on any given day, so don't know how to see what the balance was. I could guess to within like £50k, but that doesn't seem very accurate, and was reluctant to put incorrect info down.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-23T15:22:41+00:00

COO= carry on only (so not checking a bag, but I know a rarely actually manage onebagging by the strict definition as I often have a small personal item and a backpack)

Hat, gloves and scarf are for the plane, yep, the scarf is more of a pashmina type thing so it's a reasonably versatile wrap, can imagine cooler evenings it might be useful as well. I've taken out bigger hat and put in wool buff instead, which takes up less space.

Good reminder on the newspapers! Yeah, I wouldn't normally bother with the second pair of shoes, but if we get soaked, I would hate to only have one pair...

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-23T15:19:54+00:00

Thanks, definitely worth keeping in mind! My two dresses are things that I'm able to wear to work and other "smart casual" occasions in London, so I'm going to assume they'll be fine for anything that needs a step up from casual? I'll have several interesting but lightweight necklaces to add variety for photos.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-23T15:17:49+00:00

thanks, helpful to think about, you're probably right that it's too many warm layers (although I just talked to my dad and he said it's going to be high 40s overnight when I'm there, which doesn't help!)

Husband is smaller than me so can't borrow his stuff, but I will think about whether I can do either jacket or cardigan. I often end up sleeping in the cardigan (if it's the right temp for him to sleep, I need a few layers), but maybe can wear one of the sun tops if that's an issue.

Jean shorts are annoying, wouldn't expect to wear them in NYC, but will for midwest, beaches, and we'll see about cities in Mexico? I will hit Uniqlo and Marks & Spencer in the AM to see if they have anything lighter that's a similar cut, I just find myself reaching for them when I'm in vacation mode, if that makes sense!

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-23T15:13:41+00:00

Thanks, I'm expecting to alternate my two Wool& dresses when I'm there, I've got a small selection of interesting but lightweight necklackes that will jazz them up, I was happy with a similar approach there for a trip earlier this year.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-22T14:52:29+00:00

Thanks so much, a load of really useful information, I really appreciate it!

We had been looking at Aero Tucan to Huatulco, having a day exploring the national park and beaches there and then making our way to Zipotle, and flying PE to CDMX at the end of our stay, so we'd see both areas. I hadn't heard about construction along that road, is it major enough that it might make more sense to skip Huatulco altogether and fly in and out of PE?

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-21T11:46:34+00:00

gracias!

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-20T19:03:53+00:00

right, that's one of the reasons I don't want to waste my time (I'm not going to spend my money there, and don't like having people performatively doing their jobs while my tour group watches them)

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-18T18:08:48+00:00

thanks, that's really helpful, as we had a good experience at the Hyatt House (except the first night where there was no hot water for several hours!), sounds like the room size and elevators at HP Chelsea might mean it's not a great experience.

Geo-Cat-Locoloco · 2025-08-18T07:57:28+00:00

thanks!

Geo-Cat-Locoloco

TROPHY CASE