Before exploring London for the first time, I undertook the same research most any tourist might. Social cues, money tips, where to go and what to avoid at all costs. Of course, such a tourist can never account for the things that remain unseen until arrival. While I thought I had done my reading, I hadn’t bothered to wonder if secondhand accounts were always to be trusted.
Certainly, this random American traveler knows their stuff. Without a doubt, this seasoned Londoner’s perspective on their hometown is delivered without bias. From these writers, I had everything I needed to be at least reasonably prepared — don’t be too loud, always form a queue, no need to tip.
I am not, by far, a seasoned Londoner. As of yet, I am not even a repeat tourist. Despite these shameful truths, I can say with certainty that those sage pieces of advice do not apply to Soho. Let me explain.
The Sheer Noise
Don’t worry about keeping your voice down in London’s famous theatre district. This was something I had been concerned about prior to arriving in England — after being consistently told that Americans are obnoxiously loud, I was determined to prove myself unobtrusive. As it turns out, not only was my fear unnecessary, but my naive impression of Londoners’ volume level was unfounded.
In reality, London was loud. So loud. Walking down Oxford Street, I could hardly hear myself think. In all fairness, I wouldn’t attribute this cacophony to the individual voices of those around me— rather, it was the sheer number of people swarming at all times that cranked the volume so high.
Speaking of swarming people…
The Absolute Chaos
Fine, I’ll say it! Queuing is a lie. I was lied to, betrayed by anyone who allowed me to believe that London was an orderly place to peruse. In all seriousness, there are simply people everywhere, criss-crossing every which way without regard for your path (or bus schedule). Although it is true that like America, cutting in line for the cashier is rude, don’t expect anyone to pay mind to the general flow of foot traffic. It’s every desperate walker for themselves.
Interestingly enough, I was informed by multiple English folks that their experiences of queueing in New York City had been far more orderly.
Go figure.
The Hidden Expenses
It is true that shopping in England doesn’t come with the added taxes that Americans automatically factor into their bill. However, the notion that English waiters don’t expect tips isn’t entirely accurate. Rather than expecting a tip, the added fee is simply a part of your bill.
In America, you have your choice in tipping (amount, cash/card, or not at all). Tipping in America is a cultural norm, and a social expectation. Further, it is a source of income that can make or break a restaurant worker’s paycheck. During my experience in England, tipping wasn’t mentioned once — rather, a ‘service fee’ was often tacked onto my final bill without notice, draining my dinner budget even further.
I refuse to claim this fact as either positive or negative, as every new place has it’s unfamiliar cultural, social and economical characteristics. It was simply unexpected.
Don’t Know Before You Go
So, before popping off for your first attempt at a stroll in London, remember that those travel articles (by tourists and locals alike) will only get you so far. Rather, go prepared to be inconvenienced by all you didn’t anticipate. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be itching to do it again.
-Macy