Study Abroad Correspondents
International Academic Programs, University of Wisconsin Madison

Musings on London So Far

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We’ve now been here for a couple days now and I’ve already noticed a lot of differences. So, here’s what I’ve noticed so far. I’m sure this list will only grow.

  • What they call “winter” consists of 50 degree weather with a good amount of rain and sun. However, there is no snow and it’s not really cold, but they think it is.
  • The packages are confusing and hard to open. It took four of us to open some shredded cheese.
  • The appliances look like they come from outer space and have symbols that don’t help, but actually make you more confused.
  • People said we were going to walk, but holy crap do you walk.
  • Public transportation is easier than working the microwave and everyone uses it.
  • Everything (except drinks at pubs) is smaller.
  • You can constantly find places that were in a Harry Potter movie (see picture of London eye that Voldemort blew up).
  • A lot of what they do is grounded in old, old traditions.
  • Speaking of old, everything is old. Which means everything catches on fire really easily and is really drafty.
  • It’s always humid or moist.
  • Barely anyone has guns. Out of 32,000 police officers, 3,000 are permitted to carry guns. We’ve already gotten made fun of by a street performer for Americans being gun-happy.
  • Nothing is consistent here. In the U.S. doorknobs, switches, drinking fountains and toilets are all the same. That’s not the case here. They’re all different and challenging to figure out.
  • To turn things on you push the switch down.
  • There’s no correct side of the sidewalk to walk on, it’s mostly just where ever you’re not going to run into a person.
  • Hockey refers to field hockey (yes, apparently that’s a thing), not ice hockey. As a Minnesotan this makes me irrationally frustrated!
  • Hulu and Netflix don’t work (this isn’t really a difference, but is sad).

Until I find more to add, cheers!

This is the London Eye, which got destroyed by Voldemort during a movie. Obviously, the most important fact about this. It was also closed for maintenance.
This is the London Eye, which got destroyed by Voldemort during a movie. Obviously, the most important fact about this. It was also closed for maintenance.

 

4 thoughts on “Musings on London So Far”

  1. They really emphasize fire routes every time you enter a building. They also test the fire extinguishers once a week. We’re thinking it’s because everything is old and so it catches on fire easier. Like the buildings.

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