However when it came to preparing for this trip, I did not prep as much as some of my friends would have expected me to. I packed two nights before I left and didn't really read my guide book until getting to my flat. Usually those are things that would have been a week or so in advance. One thing I did do though is think about some of the cultural differences I would encounter.
Upon arriving in London, I made a very small list of things that I knew would be different from the US:
- Different (and more valuable) money
- A different accent and general vernacular
- Driving on the left side of the road rather than the right side
Let me just say now that these are NOT the only differences that I have come across. Perhaps if I had researched living in the UK before I left Duxbury (like my mom and I did before I went to New Zealand) I would have been more prepared for some of the differences. But, let's be serious: I would not have laughed so hard, been so utterly confused, or really learned if I had done the research ahead of time.
Moral of this story: it is O.K to some times NOT be 100% prepared for every situation or possible encounter. Sometimes learning that you just said something that does not mean the same thing in the US then in the UK is half of the adventure.
So, without any further due, let me tell you about some of the fantastic, hilarious, ridiculous, and potentially life threatening things that I have experienced that do not happen in the USA!
***Note to my lovely Momma and Dad: Despite what I said about some potentially life threatning things, I have NOT had to go to the hospital or get surgery on anything! (For those who do not know my awesome New Zealand stories, this is actually an accomplishment. My second week in Napier I sprained my left ankle and then the next week I ended up breaking my right wrist... awesome times lol) But I cannot make any promises; I might get another opportunity to snow board down a volcano. :P ***
1. Squirrels are FEARLESS. My second or third day in London, I was running through Russell Sq. park and witnessed a squirrel climbing up a man's right leg to get a piece of bread. I was in utter shock that I wasn't paying attention to where I was running and almost hit a tree. Even now, seeing squirrels get that close to people freaks me out, but all I can do is laugh (sometimes uncontrolably). The only person I know that would love this is my good friend Mel- she would probably have the squirrel sit on her shoulder and become her pet.
2. Pigeons, ducks, and other birds are equally as fearless. Normally birds move out of the way really fast if they see a person coming towards them. Either birds in london have terrible reaction times or really get a kick out of freaking out poor tourists such as myself but not moving until the last possible second.
3. Pubs do not come and take your order; you must go to the bar and order if you want anything. My girlfriends and I probably stood at a table at The London Pub for 2-3 minutes before figuring that out our first night.
4. There are not container laws when it comes to carrying alcohol in public places. So casually carrying a beer around will not get you arrested, London college peeps!
5. CARS DO NOT STOP IF YOU TRY TO CROSS THE STREET. Those who call Massachusetts and New Jersey drivers the worst in the world have clearly never been to London. I will admit that jay walking is not the greatest idea in the world, but when we do jay walk (which is interestingly not illegal in the UK) cars will not slow down like they do in the US. I think I have yelled at the drivers in London more than the drivers yell at me which is DEFINITELY a change from being in the US.
6. Just incase you do not know which way to look when crossing the street, you can look down on the street and it will say look left, right, or both ways. I was so excited to see that on my first walk to work. (Most likely saved me from getting hit by a car once or twice as well)
7. Very few people talk on the underground (aka the London version of the T). This was one of those things I found out after having a loud conversation with some friends. I got some dirty looks that would turn Medusa to stone. Also, you have to swipe you card going in and out of the underground which I find really strange.
8. Drug stores really are just drug stores. What I wouldn't give for 24-hour CVS some nights... Thankfully though, I have discovered Tesco express which is a 24-hour grocery store! woot woot.
9. There are no leash laws in the parks, but people are not allowed to pass footballs or soccer balls. To me this makes zero sense- people cannot play together in a civil fashion but dogs can cause crazy commotions and fight each other? Positive point: I get to watch sooooo many adorable dogs horse around and be silly which is sometimes better than playing a game of pass. **Future note- NEVER bring Gralph (my adorable mini-schnauzer) to London; he would go INSANE**
10. People are all very friendly and willing to give you directions if you are lost. My first day of my internship, I decided that I would be a good idea to walk home. No surprise, I got painfully lost and had to ask for directions. The guy I asked took the time to turn on his lap top, google my location and destination, AND wrote out the directions for me. I asked if iI could buy the guy a coffee or something, but he refused and said for me to come back to his shop if I ever needed directions again. :)
On that note, I have to say that I have meet the friendliest people in London. The jerks are definitely lurking around somewhere... I just have been fortunate enough not to encounter them!! :D
I love london and all of its quirks and differences, and cannot wait to find more as I progress through my semester here.
Unitl next time- You stay classy, London.
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| Exhibit A-Duck coming to get our food at Regent's Park. They ended up running us out of Danielle's, Jackie's,and my lunch spot! FEARLESS I TELL YOU! |
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