As I've lived in London for almost a month now, I have started to adjust into the London lifestyle. I take the Tube on the daily, live in a flat, and wear my jumper like everyone else. However, I haven't been like this the whole time. When I first got here, there was definitely some culture shock that occurred which I definitely needed some getting used to. Even today, I still struggle with the little things that are different from America. Here are some of the changes that I've experienced that I still need to get used to:
1. Escalator Etiquette
This was legit the first thing that I had to get used to. When you get right off the Tube, there are escalators that you need to take to get out of the station. When I first got here, I didn't think much of it, and stood on the escalator fully waiting to get up. However, here in London, there is a widely known social rule that if you are just standing on the escalator, you need to move to the right so those that want to walk up the escalator can do so. It took me by surprise, and I quickly moved to the right once I figured it out. In America, there is no dual capacity that escalators provide, so it has definitely been an experience, but that was my first realization that I am in a different country with different rules and that is okay.
2. Quiet Transportation
Another big difference I've noticed is how quiet the public transportation is over here. In America, the subways/buses etc. are so talkative with noise everywhere. However in London, the Tube is naturally a place for everyone to decompress, read a newspaper, and think about their day. Occasionally when there is a person being loud, everyone looks at them, as noise is not the norm in said situation. I personally enjoy it, as it is a different kind of pace that I am not used to.
3. Ordering at Restaurants
This still trips me up. I'm used to the waiter taking our order and that is that, but in some places in London, you have to go up and order yourself. Nando's, a popular chicken place here, is known for it, as well as the bars in pubs. It gives you more of the authority to go and get what you want, but it is definitely not what I expected.
4. Pricing�
The last notable difference is the prices on anything you buy. In America, I am used to there being some sort of tax and have the true value of the item I am buying be something else. However, here in London, the price is indeed the true value, which is super nice. I sometimes have to do a double take that there is no additional tax every once in a while.
All in all, these little changes don't seem as much, but they are big game changers when you all of a sudden have to live in a new country. And yet, I appreciate these differences, as they keep me well-rounded and aware of other cultures outside of home.
