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We took possession of our new London flat this week

I mentioned some time ago, that my sister had willed me a block of flats in Belgravia.  To the non-Londoner, Belgravia is East of Kensington, south of Hyde Park and borders Buckingham Palace.   The four levels are more or less identical and are served by a lift, the ground-floor apartment has access to the garden at the back.   The apartment that my sister kept for her use is on the second floor, her children would use it from time to time apparently. 

It's nice to have a pied-a-terre in London, although this is a lot grander than either my wife or I would have chosen, but it's a gift.  We will use it the same way my sister did.  Soon three of our four children will not live in London, so this will be perfect.  My wife even set up a shared Google calendar, so that we can coordinate.  With three bedrooms it should be fine.  My wife shared the calendar with my nephew and nieces for when they come to London.  Apparently only once or twice a year.  We would rather the place be used.  

Anyway, a lot of work this week to get everything registered properly, and for all bills to be sent to the farm.   The funniest was the TV license, get this, there are two levels £159.00 if you have a colour TV and £54.00 if you have a black and white TV (I don't think that black and white TV have been sold for over 40 years).   I wondered for a minute if we didn't pay the tax, the flat doesn't have a television, but it's probably too much trouble anyway.   The apartment has cable and no way of receiving TV signal, still...

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