When in London, there are several things to remember in order to fit into the culture. As I have mentioned, traffic is on the left side. This may be a carry over from many years ago when Knights jousted in the streets. This makes everything on the streets feel different including getting on a bus, crossing the street, turns, and parallel parking. While adjustment is not difficult, it does require constant attention to traffic in all directions. Strangely, after being here 3 months, it becomes second nature to pause at every intersection and tune into the potential dangers in all directions. It actually makes for a comfort level over time that you will not automatically rush into traffic or instant death. With a form of behavioral conditioning, walking the streets of London is easy and strangely entertaining, almost like a big frogger game!
Doors tend to open on the inside requiring a push rather than a pull. Keys turn to the right rather than to the left and doorknobs turn left rather than right. Toilets are rare and your personal needs have to be planned according to your location. While this is frustrating at first, over time you learn to plan and anticipate any physical requirements that may occur. Pace is quick in London and you learn to stay on the footpath (not sidewalk) and to walk around people when necessary, knowing someone will probably walk around you. There is no making eye contact with others and one should never to say hello to a stranger. In spite of being close to people due to the sheer numbers around you, there is no expectation of friendliness. At the same time, there is a social expectation of being polite and taking turns or waiting in the queue.
It is all about the queue in London. There is almost always a line for something and you wait in it like everyone else until your turn arrives. Get in the queue and stay there, no cutting corners. Pushing and shoving is frowned on and often results in becoming an instant enemy to the people. When someone is not polite, several others turn on him quickly, making him a pariah to the people. Not good. The plethora of cameras may contribute to what is a safe, non-violent existence in London. Far from perfect, it is a secure environment and aside from the fear of death at every intersection, people are safe from harm.
Small talk or frivolous conversation is very unusual and generally met with suspicion. Buying items at the store becomes a professional engagement without any kind of personal interaction at all. Again, polite behavior is expected but overly congenial conversation is not. Get in the queue, when your turn comes get your item, pay for it and leave. While this may sound cold to our Texas friendly ways, in fact it is normal and ironically pleasant. There is no pressure to try for false conversation. Whether you are in a bad or good mood or feel great or feel terrible, the action is the same. Get the item and leave. Speaking of the item, if you are going to drink the coffee inside, you will pay more for the privilege. Otherwise it is to "takeaway" and the cost is less. At a restaurant, you must ask for the bill or you will be there all day waiting. It is considered impolite to bring you the bill before you ask for it.
Walking is the expectation in London and that is what people do. It is imperative to accept lots of walking and learn how to navigate the tube and bus systems. Once those are mastered, plus the acceptance of lots of walking, you have become a Londoner! Once you reach that point, your impatience with tourists begins. They take too many pictures, walk in groups of three or four, are too slow, and seem generally confused. Having been one not that long ago, I recognize the signs quickly. Londoners know that tourists keep the economy moving, and they are proud that the town is sought after for its arts, its museums, its history, and its amazing architecture. But at the same time, tourists can make moving around quite difficult.
Is there resentment toward Americans? Maybe a little. Historical grudges are lasting and after all, we did break away from the King many years ago. At the same time, we do have a direct kinship, and with London's huge influx of multi-nationalities, anyone speaking English, even with an odd accent, is often appreciated by Londoners. Ironically, there seems to be a greater respect for Texans than for Americans. I believe this is due to television and Cowboy movies. Many people in London still remember the old show called "Dallas"!
I have grown to love this city and will deeply miss the immersion in the arts and culture. Everyday is a new adventure of some kind and there is never a lack of things to see or do. It makes for a mosaic of colorful experiences that never grows old. At the same time, it is not "me home" and I am ready to return to Texas.
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