To commemorate the start of Spring, we went in search of blooming buds and flowers. Much to our dismay, we did not find any (yet) to share but instead came across this giraffe springing out of the bushes in Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair. Grazing upon the greens of the 19th century churchyard garden, sits a small bronze giraffe. Who would have thought that our morning jaunt for flora would take us on an urban safari?
It’s Time for the H-1B Cap Lottery Again!
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”) just announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (“FY”) 2024 H-1B cap will begin at 12pm ET on March 1, 2023, and run through 12pm ET on March 17, 2023. During this registration period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to submit their H-1B registrations using their myUSCIS online account and pay the required $10 fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary. Registrants will be able to create new accounts beginning at noon EST on February 21, 2023.
Read moreH-1B Cap Registration Period for Fiscal Year 2023 Begins March 1, 2022 (Plus FAQ on the H-1B Cap)
It’s that time of year again! No, not Valentine’s Day; its H-1B Cap Season! US Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”) recently announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2023 H-1B cap will begin at 12pm ET on March 1, 2022, and run through 12pm ET on March 18, 2022. During this registration period, prospective petitioners and their representatives will be able to submit their registrations using their myUSCIS online account and pay the required $10 fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary.
Read moreSpring Is Almost Here
Despite the seemingly endless cold winter weather (with a few warm days here and there), the official start of spring is just around the corner. Don’t believe us? Check out these lovely flowers and this blue sky near Buckingham Palace in London. You’re looking great, flowers. And blue sky, don’t go away. After this long winter we need you. Yes, we are talking to flowers and the sky. That’s how long this winter has been. Welcome, springtime!
H-1B Cap Registration Period for Fiscal Year 2022 Begins March 9, 2021 (Plus FAQ on the H-1B Cap)
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap will begin at 12pm ET on March 9 and run through 12pm ET on March 25. During this registration period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to submit their registrations using their myUSCIS account and pay the $10 fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary.
Read moreCold, Cold London
England, like much of the American East Coast and Midwest, is currently enduring some very cold temperatures. Almost all parts of the country including London have experienced freezing temperatures this week as well as snow and ice in many places. In London, we ventured out after one of the coldest nights in decades to see the frozen fountain at Trafalgar Square. Those poor mermaids! Stay warm, everyone!
The Holidays at Hudson Yards
On a chilly day this week we checked out the incredible holiday light display at Hudson Yards. More than two million white lights are featured throughout the shops, the Vessel (which has extended holiday hours), the Edge observation deck, and the outdoor areas. With Hanukkah starting this week, Hudson Yards is also celebrating with traditional sweets and treats and arts and craft activities. If you go, be sure to social distance and wear a mask!
Happy Thanksgiving from St James's Park!
While we were enjoying a walk in St James’s Park on a delightful fall day, we came across these pelicans enjoying their own stroll. Pelicans were first introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian ambassador, and now over forty live here. Current pelican residents include Isla, Tiffany, and Gargi, and recent additions include Sun, Moon, and Star. They all enjoy sunning on their favorites rocks and being fed fresh fish between 2:30pm and 3:00pm every day (though during the pandemic staff feed them away from public view). While the pelicans are free to roam they rarely go far from the lake. Which is probably just as well. Because, you know, social distancing and all. And, don’t worry, pelicans, we're not going to eat you. Sorry, turkeys.
Daunt Books Marylebone
With cold weather fast approaching (not to mention the COVID-19 social distancing protocols still in place), it will soon be perfect weather to curl up at home with a good book and cup of tea (or something stronger). But where to purchase something new to read? Daunt Books (in particular, the Marylebone location) is one of our favorite places in London for book shopping. Originally a travel books specialist, this Edwardian store features an incredible three-level back room with oak balconies, viridian-green walls, and a conservatory ceiling, and is a perfect place to find pretty much everything including guide books, maps, history, politics, travelogue, and fiction organized by country. Happy reading!
Kenwood House
Outside London on the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by beautiful gardens sits Kenwood House. Originally constructed in the 17th century, the house served as a residence for the Mansfield family through the 18th and early 20th centuries and is now open and free to the public to visit and enjoy. Kenwood House has stunning interiors and a world-class art collection, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Turner. Most importantly, the house served as a backdrop for a pivotal scene in Notting Hill. It’s also a good place to relax and enjoy the last few days of warm weather.