My first year in New York has just wrapped up. It flew by so quickly and I have learned a great deal, mainly that everything in this city moves incredibly fast. Coming from a big city like London I thought it would be easy to integrate with the rhythm of life in the megapolis, however there are so many differences between the two cities, both big and small. Here are a few that I have observed.
1. How people react when they bump into each other on the street
New Yorkers generally don’t waste their breath on apologies when rushing down the crowded streets and avenues. Everyone is always in a hurry, busy streets are arenas for foot traffic and overtaking. There’s no time for sorries. On the other hand, in England people seem to be continuously apologetic for everything. Walking down the streets of London you can almost hear the echoing “sorry” and “pardon me” hover over the crowds.
2. Umbrella etiquette
Its true what they say, London’s streets are home to generous rain all year round. It is no wonder why Londoners have excellent umbrella etiquette. People make great effort to maneuver their umbrellas out of people’s way. New Yorkers, on the other hand, tend to not be so willing to adjust themselves, there is no time to waste in the Big Apple. If it isn't collision with other people that will break your umbrella then its the gusts of wind that are funneled though and intensified by the tall buildings.
3. How people behave when out in the city
New York is free spirited, people can express themselves however they please. Walking around the streets it would be no surprise to hear people belt out their favorite songs or dance with their head phones in whilst waiting for the light on the crosswalk to change. If you were to do the same in London all attention would be on you. London, though a cosmopolitan city full of expression, is still more reserved in some respects.
4. Pace of life
Though the two cities share a similar population size, both around eight million, the pace of life in London is much slower. London can be the site of leisurely strolling as well as frantic bustle. However, in New York there is never a second to spare and nor a quite moment. The city is buzzing with energy continuously.
5. The tube vs the subway
I have to admit, upon arriving at New York I couldn’t get used to the Subway system. It is far more complicated than the Tube in London. The same subway line has different entrances depending on whether you are going up town or down town. There have been many cases where I would enter the station going the wrong direction. In London, once you get into the Tube station the various lines can be accessed through the same entrance which makes life a lot easier.
6. Closing times
New York is the city that never sleeps. Many shops work until 2am and some dinners are 24/7 and the streets are always lively until the early hours. In London many shops close around 7pm and you would be hard pressed to find an abundance of diners open late.
7. Small talk
People in New York are always open to chat. New Yorkers are eager to have a conversation whilst waiting in a line or at a cafe. Walking down the street people might give you compliments on what your wearing. In London people are less keen to have friendly small talk and tend to stick to themselves.
8. Cleanliness
Though a beautifully sticking city when looking at the skyline, when turning your eyes to the street, New York can often be the site of mounds of trash bags that pile up on the edges of sidewalks. London is comparatively cleaner, I am often amazed by how little trash there is on the floor and even more surprised given how few trash cans there are around the city.
9. Architecture
Buildings in London are a lot lower and older and the architecture presents the city’s long history. For example the view of St Paul’s Cathedral from several spots around the city is protected by planning regulations. New York is a stark contrast with its towering high-rises attributing the city with a sense of human achievement and wonder as to how such tall buildings are built in the first place. Unlike London’s aversion to change, New York is the site of constant construction, as one building is torn down an even higher tower takes its place.
