Being in London has not presented me with as many instances of cultural confrontation as I expected before coming. In fact, America and the U.K. – or at least London – are very similar with culture, and I haven’t run into as many issues as I might have studying abroad elsewhere.
However, there have been some frustrating instances. Like many other people, riding the Tube (the subway system) was very difficult in the beginning. I spent the last semester in Seoul, so I assumed the subway would be a breeze as I had mastered it already. That was definitely not the case. The system here is set up very – ahem – interestingly, and what should connect (i.e. the circle line going in a circle) often does not. After a couple of late mornings and turn arounds heading to classes, I decided to stick with my tried-and-true route. But boy was that a learning curve. Not to mention the numerous rail strikes and unpredictability with times and station closings. Not that the buses are any better – those are often extremely delayed as well. However, I try to look on the bright side that at least public transport is available!
The other big thing I have noticed is the lack of people drinking iced coffee. In America, a lot of people typically drink iced coffee even in cold weather. Here, everyone has been drinking hot coffee since my arrival – where I was wearing a T-shirt, by the way. As everyone culturally drinks hot coffees, it is incredibly difficult to find a coffee shop selling good iced coffee. Most often, I find myself having to turn to Starbucks where luckily, the iced coffee is still as tasty as in America. However I definitely wish there were either more Starbucks around or more places with good iced coffee.
Although my experience here hasn’t been incredibly shocking, there still has been a learning curve, and I am grateful I have the opportunity to experience London culture.