*Insert obligatory introduction here*
Elena, business student, currently in England, work at Disney blah blah blah.
Today I want to talk about what I've learned in London so far. No, not the rich history and museum artwork.
But you know, the important stuff.
SURVIVAL GUIDE: LONDON EDITION
1. MUST LOVE BEER:
While beer is often the drink of choice in most bars and parties, its not even a choice here. Men drink beer. Women drink beer, or at least cider. Its socially acceptable to have a beer with breakfast. And were not talking bud lights in the morning, all beer is on tap, brewed locally yada yada. You know that cool hipster bar that has a changing line up of local beers to try? WELCOME TO EVERY PUB EVER.
2. EVERY PUB HAS THE "BEST FISH AND CHIPS"
I honestly don't think it counts as a pub until there's a sign outside saying this. With over 1000 pubs in London, this should be kind of a big feat. But I guess we'll never actually know.
3. ITS OK TO LIKE ONE DIRECTION
One Direction is used to market many products. Adults like them. There are websites that will alert you if a member is in your area, as they are often spotted in London. It's beyond creepy.
4. PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY
Neither do cars. Its the BUSES. These buses will not hesitate to run you over. They cut corners so sharp that you aren't even safe on the sidewalk. The night bus featured in Harry Potter was not exaggerating. I've been on a night bus, albeit drunk. I practically kissed the ground after I tumbled out.
5. EVERYTHING IS SERVED WITH CHIPS
Chips of course being like American fries, are a staple to every plate. Fish and chips. Steak pie and chips. LOBSTER and chips. That's right. I wonder if they dip their chips into caviar as well.
6. THE TERM "RAINY DAY" DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING
As a California girl, I understand a rainy day to be a day off; to be in your pajamas all day and watch movies, eat comfort food and postpone things until tomorrow, when the weather will certainly be better. If you have that mindset here, nothing would get done and the city would probably shut down. It rains at least an hour here EVERY DAY. Need to go grocery shopping? Grab an umbrella. Going on a run? Wear a hood. The rain ends for no one.
7. THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT CONCEPT OF DISTANCE
Londoners walk almost everywhere. So, if they can walk to a place without exerting a lot of energy, it is deemed "close". Close can mean a 30 minute walk. "Not far" can mean a 15 minute walk. "My commute isn't too bad" means a 2 hour journey consisting of train transfers and a 20 minute walk. And I think the climb down from my bunk bed to the kitchen is to hard.
I hope this list helps you if you ever find yourself in this place.
I still don't like beer.
