Departure for London is less than one week away. Half of my bags are packed, and well let’s just say the other half are getting there. Although I’m excited for what’s to come, understandably, I also a little nervous. I’m an American college student embarking on a five and half month journey in one of the world’s most iconic cities. While I consider myself to be an independent person and more than capable of navigating my way through a large city like London, at least in the beginning, I will be an outsider. Someone’s everyday site will be a Kodak moment for me, and at least in the beginning, I will be that annoying tourist getting in the way to take a picture for my Instagram story. More than this, whereas locals will be able to walk their way through the tube system with their eyes closed, I probably will be running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to find the right train to get on. The largest advantage I have going in is that similar to the United States of America, English is the primary language spoken so I shouldn’t have much difficulty asking for directions, need be. Despite a common language, I anticipate encountering differences relating to the everyday mannerisms of individuals. Whereas I am an open book, those I meet may be more reserved and private individuals. Such an aspect of my personality is an advantage in the way that I won’t have a problem seeking assistance no matter the dumb/humiliating situation pressing myself in the moment. While this can be a disadvantage should my directness come off as intimidating, for the most part, I consider this attribute to be beneficial when meeting new individuals. I find that by being open with people, they are more comfortable around me and better relationships are developed. Moreover, when amongst more timid individuals, I find it difficult to determine their intentions. I can’t tell if they don’t like me, don’t want to talk, or just quiet in general. While I intended to find myself in the situation frequently as I meet and mingle with the locals, I have high hopes that when such potentially polar personalities are mixed together a happy medium will be able to be found, thus ultimately bettering both parties through the interaction with one another.
