"flat to let" hunting and bank accounts....

Yesterday was my first full day of apartment hunting. One word: F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-I-N-G. They are VERY expensive (an apartment double the size, on the beach in CA is cheaper) and all are pretty old.
For those whom know our previous house in Redondo Beach, some bathrooms were almost half the size of our guest bathroom (= airplane bathroom), seriously, no wonder the brits have such a bad dental hygiene... No space to brush your teeth!
Getting a bank account has also been an 'interesting' experience. We have been to 3 different banks, showing our work contracts, bank account and investment statements in the US, etc.. And nobody "wants to have" our money! And unfortunately we need a bank acct. To rent an apartment and the only way to get a bank acct. We need a permanent resident here.... I thought these 'unlogical circles' only happened in Brazil.... Oh well, in the mean time we'll do it the old way and hide our money under our mattress.
Yesterday we went to have dinner in Notting Hill... Very 'chic'! We also walked around on Oxford street(= shopping). The winter sales are in full power, which means - INSANITY!!!! People really get into fights and become very aggressive in stores! It's actually funny and great people watching (I did not even adventure buying anything!)
Today I am feeling a little sick and it is 32F, so I'll just stay home and enjoy some days off before I start work on the 16th.