When ever you go to a new country, no matter how close or far away it is there are some cultural differences. In London there were a couple that stuck out. First of all, everyone was speaking English which was such a nice treat. I have completely forgot what it is like to be able to communicate to everyone and understand what every one says to you and be able to read menus and labels on food. It was a nice treat but took some getting used to because of the different accents and different words for things. Bathrooms are loos, pants are trousers, diapers are nappys, vacations are holidays, and the list goes on.
The biggest cultural difference that I found was that they drive on the opposite side of the road than we do in America and in Stockholm. On the bus from the airport I first noticed it. It feels really weird to ride in the front of the bus on the wrong side. I thought that it was cool at first but then in town London I became a pedestrian and realized that I have forgotten the look both ways before crossing the road rule. As an adult, I have gotten into a bad habit of looking one way and then starting to walk and looking the other when I get to the middle, especially on city streets. I know it sounds confusing but so many times I would look the wrong way before crossing and step out into the street. To my surprise there would be a line of cars coming from what seems to be the wrong direction. On lots of the streets they have words on the street at crosswalks reminding tourists which way to look, most of them helped me but sometimes I just plumb forgot, looked the wrong way and almost got hit. Lucky I survived but not from the embarrassment.
Other cool differences about London were the double decker buses and the antique car looking taxis. Some annoying differences were that not a lot of places take credit cards and alcohol can not be bought or served past 11 at night. It still amazes me just how different each country is over here in Europe and how you can fly for just two hours or take a train for four and be in a whole other culture whereas in the states you can drive for ten hours or fly for six and still have things be relatively the same. It is one of the main things that attracts me to traveling around Europe. My next trip is Germany and France taking place sometime in the beginning of June.
I promise to write again before that though, until next time.
My love to everyone – Annie
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