I've been a bad blogger, but I have an excuse! Classes started and the metaphor of "hit by a bus" applies. I am not entirely sure if it is because of the differences in the UK system or because it is graduate school, but there wasn't the slow and steady build up that I was used to. I also decided to take a class outside of my Masters program in beginner Arabic, so I have more than a full load to deal with.
I have learned a lot of things about living in London, but I also realize that everyone's experiences will be different depending on where they live and who they hang out with.
Eating out costs more here, but you generally tip less, so it evens out.
Walking is the cheapest mode of transport, followed by the bus, the the tube. You tell yourself that you are going to walk places, then it gets cold and rainy so you take the tube everywhere.
A lot of things close earlier on the weekends, and there is a lot of repair work on the tube on the weekends. Long story short: stay home on the weekends. Especially on Sundays.
Food tastes different here. Some better, some worse. It is almost like a game, Russian Roulette of food. Diet Coke is better here, Pepperoni is worse.
When you live in central London, going to the big grocery stores is an event. I have to take the bus to get there, so I usually just walk to the local mini-Grocery. It costs more and doesn't have as much, but it works.
That being said, when you live in central London you sometimes have to really search to find things. Central London has everything, but it may not be conveniently located. The local mini-Grocery only had one pack of tampons and they are the kind without applicators. They did, however, have Reese's cups, which I have been trying to find since I got here.
USA = frozen microwave meals galore. UK = refrigerated (fairly fresh) microwave meals. I did find that strange.
You say "sorry" constantly, even if it is someone else's fault. And you mind your own business. That part I love. The Brits seem to have a "stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours" motto of politeness going on. You fall down, they help you up and everyone goes on their merry way. In general, they are extremely helpful when need be.
Skincare products rock here.
In the morning you prepare for London weather as such: Look outside. Is it raining? If yes, then put on your raincoat and open your umbrella. If no, then carry your raincoat and put your umbrella in your purse, because it probably will rain later.
"Dress in layers" is an understatement, especially if you are taking the underground. It may be freezing outside, but the tube is always sweltering and stuffy. Fainting can occur and make sure to carry extra powder with you, because you will sweat your makeup off.
They don't really use comforters in the UK, they use duvets. Flat sheets are also considered somewhat old fashioned.
There is nothing in the world that can compare to Primark.
Everything is busy. Living in central London means you will probably never be the only person in a bar or restaurant. Coming from a small town, I only really had to make reservations on special occasions. Here, it is common to make reservations for a weeknight dinner and to queue (wait in line) for an average restaurant for lunch.
Food tends to be healthier here. Saying that, you can eat absolutely horribly (and I do, lets not kid ourselves), with greasy kebabs and such, but there is a bigger emphasis on freshness and health. I guess what I am saying is that if you want to eat healthy, it is easier here than in the States.
While credit cards are accepted most places, it seems that cash is still preferred.
Borough Market is the best and worst thing in the world, and everyone should try it. I live near it, it is wonderful, but dear lord it can suck your money.
Wifi isn't as common here as it is the the States. Places have it, but it isn't freakin' everywhere like I'm used to. And sometimes you have to jump through hoops to sign on to it for a whopping 30 minutes. And sometimes it is terrible signal (I'm looking at you, University Library...).
Customer service tends to be pretty horrible by American standards. Starbuck is hit or miss here, I do miss my American Starbucks, but that comes from working at one for almost six years. People here tend to go for tea or real coffee, not frou-frou lattes. I went to Costa coffee to study and got their seasonal Orange Mocha. I was the only one with a very milky and whipped cream topped drink (there are extra taxes if you get food items "for here", and all drinks that are not takeaway ("to go") are made in ceramic or glass mugs).
That is all I can think of right now, considering I'm having a Ben and Jerry's sugar rush headache.
Love you.
Ali
