Did the high expense of the city coincide with the majesty of my dream destination?
Annually, London attracts a multitude of visitors from around the globe.
This unique city exudes a distinctive charm and personality that is unmatched by most destinations worldwide.
However, I arrived without ample preparation and was swept into a whirlwind of cultural astonishment that lingered for weeks.
I would have appreciated a heads up about these London-specific peculiarities before my trip.
1. Beauty abounds in every corner
Frequently, photographic mastery is required to capture a city’s striking beauty, often by focusing on its more captivating aspects, wouldn’t you agree?
2. The majority of individuals appear attractive
The reputation of the British for their exceptional style is globally recognized.
Yet, the fashion in London manages to surpass even that.
Even with a simple pair of shorts to combat the scorching summer heat, you’ll find Londoners presenting themselves in a manner that seemingly exudes elegance effortlessly.
Genuinely, I’m left in awe of how effortlessly the Brits pull off their style.
Public spaces teem with individuals who caught my eye, exuding substantial attractiveness.
3. Unbelievably costly
Yet, London isn’t all about delight and amusement.
Indeed, it might just be the world’s most excessively priced metropolis.
Ranking as the fourth priciest city globally to dwell in.
The escalating cost of existence is a raging issue here.
For me, residing in London for a month set me back GBP 1490.
Should your plans involve a stay at a hotel or Airbnb, prepare to fork out a small fortune.
Accommodation in the heart of London begins at an approximate figure of $150 per night.
4. Compact Living Conditions
Similar to metropolitan centres globally, London exhibits a heightened demand for space.
The emphasis on this aspect is further amplified within London.
Though Central London presents an attractive aesthetic, it also offers a rather confined atmosphere.
Despite the hefty sum paid for my lodging, it resembled a tiny cubicle more than a room.
The constricted space was such that it barely offered room sufficient to unpack my luggage.
The scarcity of homes has exacerbated the situation.
Premium costs are inflicted for accommodation, yet the value received is disappointingly scant.
There were countless evenings when it appeared as if the room was slowly confining me.
5. The unique vocabulary of the British
Instead of the common ‘hi’ or ‘what’s up’ for greetings, Britons have a different approach.
They might ask:
‘Are you okay’?
‘All good’?
It seemed like ‘sorry’ was an omnipresent term I would encounter.
‘Sorry’ is their go-to word for all situations.
Initiating a question often begins with ‘sorry’.
My interactions with the locals revealed a stark contrast in their demeanor.
Some are exceptionally courteous, at times excessively so, while others converse indifferently, as though your existence means very little.
I attribute this to the influential city of London.
It’s a city where some struggle to keep their heads above water.
Yet some are enamored by its charm and wouldn’t dream of living elsewhere.
This contrasting quality is intriguing.
6. Priority: Speed
The pace at which London residents stride could easily be mistaken for a light run.
Take a leisurely stroll down the city streets, and you’ll likely be on the receiving end of disgruntled glares from the locals.
From placing your order at the neighbourhood coffee shop to navigating through subway stations, patience is a scarce commodity.
Remarkably, this hustling, bustling way of life has a unique allure and is inherently motivational. It nudges you to be quick, resolute, and manage your time efficiently. Those familiar with the tempo of New York may find a striking resemblance.
However, this fast-paced rhythm is not for everyone. You constantly feel the tick of the clock, compelling you to move – a perpetual rush. It can stir up either two reactions – you’ll vehemently detest it, or utterly adore it.
I found myself falling comfortably into the second group.
7. Embracing Diversity
Everywhere I turned, whether it was a taxi driver or a server, turned out to be an immigrant.
The dynamic city of London has become a magnet for immigrants globally, and you could argue it’s these individuals that keep the city’s wheels turning.
Let’s clarify; this isn’t intended to imply exploitation.
Instead, it’s a reflection of a sentiment I noticed among some locals who seemed disgruntled about ‘foreigners snatching their jobs.’
Yet, these so-called newcomers have proven to be the city’s lifeline, ensuring its smooth functioning.
The city’s appeal to such a diverse demographic is a testament to its allure.
Regardless of your ethnic background, sexual preference, or nationality, London offers something for everyone. You’re sure to find your tribe and a space that feels like home.
London’s strength lies in the remarkable diversity of its inhabitants.
8. Uninspiring food, challenges in vegetarianism
One day, I decided to test the ‘vegetable fried rice’ at a local Indian eatery in London.
To my surprise, it came served with an egg!
I noticed several supposedly vegetarian dishes in the UK had eggs included.
Perhaps this is a cultural difference, yet in the East, we traditionally categorise eggs as non-vegetarian.
In London, I found a multitude of choices for carnivores and vegans.
Consequently, for someone like me who isn’t part of either group, the culinary selections were rather narrowed.
Moreover, the food that I did manage to find was often tasteless compared to the vibrant flavours I’m accustomed to back home.
Don’t misunderstand me, London boasts of numerous acclaimed eateries with phenomenal food.
However, it feels disappointing to shell out more than $15 on every meal only to be met with lackluster taste.
9. Using profanity is just plain habitual, friend!
In contrast, profanity is primarily practiced by the Gen-Z population in India.
You rarely hear those of an older generation utter words like ‘sh*t’ or ‘f*ck’, especially not in the public sphere.
In Britain, colloquialisms and profanity are a staple part of daily conversation.
As an employee in a British firm, I’ve noticed that almost everyone at our weekly meetings tends to utter a curse word or two!
Surprisingly, even children and the elderly don’t shy away from using these words casually.
Moreover, the creative use of profanity in Britain is noteworthy. At times, I’ve found myself struggling to comprehend whether the person I was conversing with was even using a swear word.
Not that I’m griping.
Words merely possess the strength that you assign them.
There’s a refreshing and calming effect when you don’t need to overly formalize your language in the workplace.
Additionally, the act of using profanity oddly creates a deeper bond with the individual you’re conversing with, whether you know them or not.
Summary:
No place is without its own issues or flaws.
In my opinion, London is a truly wonderful city that should be on everyone’s travel list.
However, I wouldn’t recommend permanently relocating to London unless you have a substantial income already and can handle the often overcast climate.
I look forward to making a return trip to London sometime later in the year. I absolutely can’t wait!
