Six months living in London- Instagram Q&A
Today marks six months since I decided to pack up my life in three suitcases and move across the pond! It’s been a wild ride already living here, from trying to get visas sorted, finding an apartment, to making friends and traveling around England. I always get so many questions from friends and family back in the states, which I LOVE answering and comparing the two countries culturally, so I opened up the dialogue to have my instagram followers to ask me questions about my life in London so far.
Below are a few of the questions asked. Hopefully they give a good image of my life in London so far!
How do they treat Americans who are living there?
I feel like I’ve been well received as an American here! I mean of course my accent cuts through glass haha, so immediately when I speak someone always asks “ oh you American?” and then their next question is “where in America are you from?” and shake their head as if they recognized where Cary, North Carolina is on a map lol. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea but that’s why London is great, it’s a mix of all cultures!
Any big (or amusing) culture shocks?
Sometimes things get lost in translation… even if it’s in English haha
I think what we Americans interpret British people to be like, almost this extreme of either drinking tea with their pinky out all posh and speaking queens English or someone from Peaky Blinders, is far from reality. Most average Brits fall somewhere in the middle, but there are so many different accents and regions just like what we have in the states.
What I’m still learning is how interpret what someone actually means by certain phrases. In America, I feel we are pretty straight forward with what we mean, but here it’s like dissecting a Shakespeare poem. For example, if a British person says “oh that’s interesting” what they actually mean is ‘that is stupid please shut up’ haha.
And of course, there’s the differences in terms for everything. Some are simple like bin instead of trash can, lift instead of elevator, or crips instead of chips. But once I said I was double fisting (in America double fisting is having two drinks at the same time), whereas here in the UK that would mean something very VERY different. Big yikes! haha
What do you miss the most about life in the US?
I miss the convenience and sometimes the space. That’s a super first world problem to say, but I do feel like in the US we have so much access with our cars and massive homes (too much at times), but it is nice to just hop in the car to go 5 minutes down the road and grab something at Target. So yeah, I also miss Target. In the UK, it’s a different shop for everything, and you gotta get yourself ready and muster up the energy to walk up the hill 20 minutes to go get it. I’ve got buns of steel now haha.
I also miss Trader Joe’s, summer thunderstorms, chips & queso, and of course my family. (Hi Mom)
What do you like most about London/the UK that you can’t get/doesn’t happen in the US?
Inclusivity. I know some of it is living in a liberal melting pot city like London, but I truly feel like you can be exactly who you are in London and be accepted. As far as food etc., I would say Chocolate Marshmallow tea cakes which I guess is an older generation treat but I love them! They are dome chocolate covered marshmallows on a round biscuit and they taste so light and fluffy and just plain delectable. If you watch the Great British Baking Show they make them in Season 3, episode 8.
And let’s not forget, British banter is unmatched.
What has been the most surprising thing you have encountered?
Everyone does NOT say sorry haha. I used to think every time you bumped into someone they’d be overtly polite but I haven’t found that to be the case. It’s a mixed bag, kinda like the states depending on how polite someone is. Also I knew there would be some wild differences of things items the grocery stores, but squash has to be the weirdest thing to me. It’s watered down juice basically? I’m still not sure.
What is something you’ve learned?
I had to take a while to ponder this one because there are multiple things I’ve learned in just the short amount of time here. But I think the most prevalent takeaway so far is learning my boundaries in my life and taking rest when needed. London can be a very on the go city where there is always something to do. As an extrovert and gemini, I can get in the dangerous habit of saying yes to everything and everyone, which usually leads to me getting sick or burnt out. Here’s a few other things I came up with though:
- Notice where you feel most at peace and most comfortable and confident in yourself. Pay attention to the little things that bring you joy.
- If someone or some thing isn’t adding value to your life, don’t invest in that anymore.
- Dating is hard no matter where you live.
- You can plan for over two years to live abroad, and yet there will still be things you encounter that you didn’t anticipate or hurdles to jump as an expat. I am quite independent but have finally learned to ask others for help.
- Always expect it to rain, even if it’s sunny when you leave the house.
- I need to take more “touristy” photos! Or just photos in London in general.
What tips do you have for Americans visiting London?
Right off the cusp… make sure you stand on the right side of the escalators, pee before you leave anywhere, pay extra attention when crossing the street, and don’t pronounce the W in Chiswick or Southwark. haha
Also check out my blog post on 7 apps you need when traveling around London HERE.
Would you like to live there after your degree?
Yes! I truly feel like this is my home and where I was supposed to end up, so I’m very excited to see what the next year has in store for me!
Got any other questions about my life in London? Want more tips on traveling in the UK? Comment below and let’s chat! :)
Sincerely,
Sarah
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