I spent about five days in London last summer and here are some of the things I learned about England’s capital.
- This popularly photographed bridge is NOT the London Bridge.
It is actually the tower bridge. This iconic bridge, which was completed in 1894, was designed by Horace Jones together with John Wolfe Barry. The real London bridge is the one below:
2. Another thing I learned during my few days there was that servers at restaurants do not take your order at your table. They just serve you your orders. You have to order food and drinks at the bar. This is unusual to me since in North America, servers come to your table, take your order, and then serve it to you. I was really confused at first and I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting for someone to take my order. Finally, one of the servers informed me to go to the bar when I am ready to order.
3. Londoners are helpful people! I took the tube from Heathrow International Airport to my friend’s flat in Canary Wharf area. I had a 50-lb luggage that I had to carry up and down the stairs of a tube station, and at least three gentleman came up to me to help me carry my luggage. I thought it was so sweet. When I told a local I met a few days later about how I think Londoners are helpful, he was surprised. According to him, that goes against the stereotype given to Londoners. I think as long as it is not rush hour, there will be Londoners who will be more than willing to help carry your 50-lb luggage up and down the stairs in a tube station.
4. Locals’ favourite phrase is “are you okay?” or “you alright?” And I swear they will ask you this every 10 minutes or so. This local that I met and hung out with a few times, always asked me if I was okay and I kept wondering why? Did I not look okay? Even some strangers on the street asked me “you okay?” I didn’t mind it. I actually thought it was sweet that they care about me. 🙂
5. Always bring an umbrella or a hoodie! I went to London in the summer and the temperature was at around 15 or so degrees Celsius. In Canada, we usually wear summer clothes once the temperature hits 10 degrees Celsius. I packed mostly dresses during my trip and I was wearing a dress when I went out with my friend when it started raining during the latter part of the day. I forgot my hoodie at home and I refused to bring an umbrella with me. I was left soaking wet. It was warm enough to wear a dress but the rain was freezing cold. Locals were looking at me like I was crazy wearing just a dress in the pouring rain. I was so embarrassed! But, oh well, lesson learned!
6. London has (in my opinion) the most dashing lads in the whole wide world. Most of them wear suits and oh my god! I can listen to them talk all day even if all they say to me is “you okay, love?” <3 This reason alone makes me want to move to London some day! I actually plan to, target year: 2017. The ladies in London are also very fashionable. Everyone looks like they all have important jobs to attend to.
7. This last one, I’ve learned this because of a local I met. He brought me to a house party and someone brought some type of East Indian food that I don’t remember the name of. Everyone at the party got super excited and the food was gone in an instant! They told me that most Londoners are in love with East Indian food.
Are you from London? What do you think of this list? Do you agree on all of the things listed on here? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Also check out this fellow travel blogger’s post about alternative things to do in London.
The London Bridge mistake always makes me laugh. I kept getting it wrong until a polite co-worker corrected me.
I’m glad my friend told me all about it on my first night in London to save myself from posting #londonbridge in any of my photos in social media 😛
Great list! I can’t believe I still haven’t been to London, but it’s never worked out with our travels while in Europe. It’s on our list for upcoming trips across the pond, though, for sure. I’ll have to remember not to make the bridge mistake! 🙂
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife recently posted…Holiday Bliss: DIY Beauty Gift Basket
I remember seeing that bit about the London Bridge on an AFN spot in Germany, haha! And GOOD TIP about the hoodie and umbrella!:)
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete recently posted…On the Running Bench, and What Did You Want (80s Kids ONLY)?
I agree about everyone being helpful and friendly, but I guess it depends on where you come from. And the umbrella too.
Tara recently posted…Destination Washington: North Cascades National Park
The first few time I was asked “are you alright?” I thought it was so odd. Like do I look upset or something? haha And I loved finding out which bridge was the London bridge. Too funny.
Alexandra @ My Urban Family recently posted…When Your Partner in Crime Lives Far, Far Away
Time for me to go back.
I love this! I went to London for the first time last summer and learned these things too! Such a fun city!
Number 1!!! MIND BLOWN!! I can’t believe this whole time that wasn’t the london bridge! What the heck! That name is so popular, but the acutal bridge is “bleh” lol And I think all the lads that have accents are dashing! lol I love men with accents.
Shamira West recently posted…Reflecting On 2015 & Planning For 2016
I love London. I have been there twice now and I would go back in a second if I got the chance. The London Bridge thing cracked me up. I made the mistake as well. Funny how the same misinformation can reach so many people.
Shelby Vogl recently posted…5 Ways to Survive a Swedish Winter
I know hey? I wonder why and how the Tower Bridge is mistaken for the London Bridge?
I know!! Haha, we should move to London and surround ourselves with dashing British lads <3 It will be heaven!
You MUST go to London!!