I just returned from a 2 week trip to London. Anytime I travel overseas or even to another state I am often struck by the differences and the similarities that the places I’m visiting have to my state/country.
As I mentioned in Monday’s post, London is a city that doesn’t try to embrace the visitor. Given that it’s a 2,000 year old city it has seen it all and done it all. The citizens are world aware in a way that those of us from smaller towns aren’t. As a crossroads in the Finance arena, and a cultural epicenter, London has a lot to offer the short-term traveler.
There are some negatives though. No one flirts. Really, no one. I am online dating because I work too much and I don’t get out enough. But, if there is one thing I can count on, it’s that American men flirt. My friend who just got married said that the English simply don’t do this. I didn’t believe her, but, I did have a hard time figuring out why she had so many problems dating (she wasn’t). She finally resorted to online dating because no one was “chatting her up.” Every time she visited she was amazed by how forward American men are when approaching women.
Transportation is expensive. The Tube (subway) rocks! But, it is not cheap and apparently passes are not subsidized by people’s jobs. That sucks for low wage earners. The average one way ride is a little over 2 pounds. Most people travel round-trip so it’s the equivalent of $7-9 dollars a day. This doesn’t include any taxi rides that you may take.
Housing is expensive. My friend was very fortunate to be able to purchase a home. Most housing in London is very expensive and people are unable to purchase homes when they are young and build equity. I don’t know all of the in’s and out’s of real estate buying in the UK. So, if there are any English readers reading this could you put your .02 cents in?
The weather sucks. Ok, this one is a double edged sword because I think the weather contributes to the innate fabulous English stoicism that they are known for. I had a difficult time dealing with the weather and experienced some low-grade weather depression the first week I was there.
The pace of life is amazing for such a large city. London’s pace of life is surprisingly calm for such a large city. People tend to start work at 9:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. in the U.S. Stores don’t stay open too late so plan your shopping accordingly. I loved that people don’t walk while eating their food. People take the time to savor their meals, even if it is a quick bite to eat. You very rarely see people walking around and eating at the same time.
You walk a lot! It is a huge city and most people are traveling across it using public transportation. Tube stations can be quite big with a lot of stairs so you find yourself walking a lot going to a destination. I thought the people were pretty fit.
The city just oozes history. You can’t walk around without being amazed by all of the historical buildings, the Thames River, and tradition. I am so glad that I had an opportunity to try London again (hated it the second time I visited AWFUL 2nd trip). If you get a chance I would recommend going to London-just save a lot of money!
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
OK where are these American men who flirt? They didn’t move to LA that’s for sure! 🙂 I’m always amazed at how young our country is when you are in Europe and visit places that are a million times older and richer in history!
Haha! They are out there. Really! The next time I visit London I want to go to some historical sites. I also want to visit the area where King Arthur supposedly lived.
I can’t wait to visit London but it’s never been a place I want to live (COL and weather mainly). Nice pics!
The cost of living is ridiculous! But, it’s def. worth visiting. I’ve enjoyed your travel posts btw. Keep them coming.