This week, the next installment of our study abroad series is brought to you by Meg, a junior majoring in English and currently taking part in Binghamton’s Semester-in-London program!
Now that I have been in London for 14 days, I’ve noticed a few things that are different from the US. There are some obvious differences like how in the UK you drive on the left side of the road; but there are also some smaller details that really create the cultural differences. Here is my list of the 8 things I think are the most different (but not in a bad way):
Couples in London love to love each other, in public. I even saw a 60- ish year old couple making out on a street corner. In bars, in museums, on the tube, in theatres, everywhere. And it’s not just a nice peck, it’s grabbing and tongue kisses. Different.
Walking
Yes, people walk a lot in London, but that is not much different than the U.S. The thing that is different is the pattern of walking. There is no pattern. In NYC everyone keeps to the right. In London, people just walk. The key to this system is to stand your ground no matter what. As a touristy American you end up saying “excuse me” and knocking into people until you realize that some people should have to walk around you too!
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The plumbing in general is different here in the UK, but the 2 in 1 washer/dryer is the weirdest invention of all time. It washes perfectly, it’s just the drying that is the issue. Draining the water is the issue. But we are dealing.
Mam & Mom & Mum
Mam does not exist in this dialect. If you are called MOM it is because that is how a British person sounds when they say MAM. But MOM is not a mother. MUM is your dear old MOM. Don’t get it twisted.
Tube vs. Subway
Everyone knows that the Tube is awesome! And if you don’t know… now you know. The tube is so easy to figure out and seems so much cleaner than a subway car. There are a lot of similarities between these two underground transportation devices, but to me the quiet and comfortable Tube takes the “W” in this match up.
Pubs Close Early
Pubs close at 11 or midnight at the latest. There are rules about loud sounds after that hour? It is strange because pubs are always crowded on weekends until the very last call and they would make so much money keeping it open a few more hours. Now, bars here are open until like 1 or 2 and the clubs are open until 5 or 6 am. So why can’t the pubs join in on the fun? I’m not sure. I’ll investigate.
Push and Pull
One of the hardest things to get used to is the doors here. When you are walking into a building, you will most likely have to push the door to get in and when leaving you pull the door to get out. I’m having a rough time with this one.
Take Your Time
People really know how to chill here. Whether it’s on the streets, on the tube, or in restaurants. There are no waitresses that are trying to rush you out so that other people can come in and give them tips (because tipping is different here too). You can relax as long as you want without having to worry if you are over staying your welcome.
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