A New Yorker in London
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve left the country, unless you count Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I am mostly a creature of habit and like to frequent my homes away from home such as Province-town, Miami, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Now that I am settled in my new apartment for almost a year, things are good at work and (still) no significant other to focus on- I decided it was time for a faraway adventure. London was calling and I answered.
Upon my return back home from London like anyone of us travelers experience, I was bombarded with everyone wanting to know “how was your trip??” The answer in short was: SOOO GOOOD.
As a New Yorker, there was a familiar feel in the air; the bustling streets, the lively parks, the shopping and the street traffic. The main difference is the abundance of history (in Europe) on every corner, outlined by every bit of preserved architectural detail. That and the British accent.
We all already know their subway is called the tube and they refer to their apartments as flats, but here are a few other minor sayings and behavioral differences that stood out to me:
When going to a grab-and-go establishment such as Pret A Manger, instead of being asked “to stay or to go,” you are asked “to stay or take-away.”
Don’t expect someone to ask you “is this the line for the club?” Instead you will be asked if you are on the “queue” for the club. Speaking of clubs/bars in London - was it me or were the amount of people spilling their drinks far more common than it is in New York? I am not exaggerating. Drinks spilled and dropped rather frequently to the point where I was expecting it. Maybe they just have a weak grip ;)
I also noticed that a lot of people would place their jackets and bags on the dance floor and dance around it with their group of friends. It was like a dancing bonfire of accessories. None of this behavior was too outrageous to me but I definitely took notice and found it charming.
The people in London Town were generally nice. There were a handful of people who went out of their way to poke fun of my American (New York) accent; however most people were excited to have a New Yorker in their presence and were very welcoming.
I also found the price of pretty much everything to be cheaper than it is here in Manhattan. I spent far less on food, drinks and taxis than expected.
The weather was perfect and I knew as soon as I arrived this would be an epic adventure. Thank you London for welcoming me and I hope to see you soon...
Favorite Meal: La Bodega Negra Restaurant
Be sure to have a reseravtion and don't be alarmed when you show up to the address (9 Old Compton Street) and don't see the restaurant name on the building. The restaurant exterior is disguised as a sex shop with neon light signage.
Favorite Places to Dance: Heaven and G-A-Y Late
Favorite Neighborhoods: Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Soho
Favorite Thing To See: London Tower (Big Ben)
Hotels: Hotel Café Royal and One Aldwych
Be sure to check out my #geraldjsays posts on Instagram.