London Calling: London Beckons

Not more than an hour into being in the country, we were thrown into the deep end (so to speak). My mission for the week was to soak up as much information as possible, and to completely immerse myself into British culture.

The British flag waving over England

Part one: Get lost.

Want to find out about unique places and non-tourist locations? Find a way to get yourself lost. After a very long day of traveling, my roommates and I went to see some of the sites. We walked by Parliament, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. But on our way back, we took a wrong turn and eventually had no idea where we were. In fact, I still have no idea where we were! Somewhere between the London Eye and Goodge Street I suppose. We ambled through a cobblestone courtyard filled with Londoners. There was live music, a slew of outdoor cafés, and a street magician (I think). The sun was setting on the warm brick buildings and the air was filled with song, laughter, and the smell of good food. It was one of the most charming places I’ve been. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a camera, a map, or a working gps. So the mystery courtyard remains a mystery.

The London Eye

Trafalgar Square in London… somewhere near the Mystery Courtyard

Part two: Make friends with the locals – they know what’s up.

The best information is not in the Tourist Guide to London, it’s from the people that live here. They can lead you to the best pub for lunch, the stores with the best deals, and the events only Londoners know about. By talking to one of our staff members, we found out about a great pub to have duck quesadillas, blackened chicken, and pitchers of Pimms. Since my friend and I shared a meal, our total bill was under £6. We got to eat outside on the deck along with other customers and the sweetest three-legged pub dog, Mika.

Kristal, Dani, and Sarah at the Devonshire: a* lovely* pub just down the street from CAPA

A type of gin and a delicious summer drink

Mika, the pub dog

Part three: Pay attention.

There is information everywhere here. I’ve counted at least 5 free newspapers you can pick up riding the tube every day. Just reading the headlines keeps me informed about political matters as well as social matters. I’ve found out details about everything from spending scandals to Susan Boyle. Now pub conversations make more sense, English comedians are funnier, and starting up discussions with coworkers is easier.

So from everything I’ve learned I’ve created a blog readers culture crash course… AND a video.

A Crash Course in London Culture:

1. The best way to tell people you’re a tourist is to talk on the tube (underground).

2. The Queen has TWO birthdays!

3. Sprite here is lemonade. I still haven’t figured out what lemonade is…

4. The guards outside of Buckingham Palace are only there at certain times (Not 3 in the afternoon).

5. Many Europeans think American football is rugby. Um, no.

6. Skippy, JIF, Peter Pan, and pretty much all other types of peanut butter are not here!! I finally found some random store-brand PB today, but it’s just not the same.

7. European adaptors are not the same as United Kingdom adapters... RadioShack people DO NOT know this.

8. Speaking of electrical differences, don’t bother bringing an American blow-dryer. It’s not worth the $60 wasted blowing up electrical converters. (I’ve blown up 2 already.)

9. You don't have to tip at pubs, and they have really good food.

10. The letter Z is pronounced zed.

11. Quite good = not that great, and rather good = exceptional.

12. Red telephone booths are cute on the outside… not so great on the inside.

13. Britons seem to love Simon Baker. You’re never more than an hour away from an episode of the Guardian or the Mentalist.