Discovering Life in London: Three Favorable Aspects of the UK over the US
A Yank's Take on British Life: An American Gal's Top Picks for London Over the U.S.
Madeline Goodgame, a lass from the Lone Star State, swapped the big ol' Texas sky for London town last year to further her studies. Despite being a die-hard Anglophile, this move was more of a culture shock than she'd expected - even with her daily doses of the Inbetweens and Peep Show.
"I thought I'd stroll into this new life like a true Brit, but boy was I wrong," she told MyLondon, with a chuckle. "British telly can only get you so far!"
After half a year in the city, our American newcomer opened up about what she digs most about British life.
Pubs and Tip-free Tips
Madeline fell head over heels for London's pub scene, smitten by its charm in bringing people together, from mateys down at the local to footie supporters.
"The States can't compare to the pub culture here - and it's all about the tipping," she shared. "When you're out stateside, you tip . . . everywhere. Pubs in the U.S. feel more transactional. Once the punter stops pulling pints, it's practically time to leg it."
In London, Madeline found a charm in being able to stroll to her local, pull up a chair, have herself a couple, and saunter home mixed martini in hand.
Public Transport and Walkability
As a gal hailing from the land of pick-up trucks, Madeline admitted she was used to jumping in her jalopy to get around. But here, she's embraced London's walkability and the convenience of public transport.
"Most American cities aren't pedestrian paradises, and neither are our roads," she explained. "A walk in the park in the States can take an hour, if not longer!"
Despite the odd Tube delay or stretches of overcrowding, Madeline remains smitten with London's public transport. "I'm still head over heels for it!" she gushed.
On Weather and Comfort
Though London winters can be a doozy, Madeline wonders if the cozy pubs and festive markets make up for the chilly British breeze. "Texan summers are mad hot, even with air con," she shared, "And Texas winters? They're no picnic either - constant ice storms can mean whole neighborhoods sit in the dark and sip cocktails."
While life in London isn't perfect, Madeline's more than satisfied with her move. "And if I ever need to rant about it? I'll just pop over to the pub and meet my mates," she joked.
In Summary
Though Madeline's expat life has had its challenges, she's more than won over by London's pub culture, public transport, and stroll-friendly sidewalks. From the social aspects to the convenience, it seems like this Yank's found her new home in the heart of the Empire.
- Madeline Goodgame admits she was initially caught off guard by British culture, even with her fascination for British TV shows like 'The Inbetweens' and 'Peep Show'.
- Madeline finds the pub culture in London uniquely charming, attracting people from various backgrounds, such as regulars at local pubs and football fans.
- She finds the tipping culture in London intriguing, contrasting it with the rigid tipping habits in the United States, where tipping is expected everywhere, making pub experiences more transactional.
- London's walkability and public transport system have made a significant impression on Madeline, who was accustomed to driving in the United States but has now embraced the convenience of London's public transport networks.
- Despite occasional Tube delays and overcrowding, Madeline remains smitten with the city's public transport, finding it more efficient than what she knew in the United States.
- Madeline appreciates the warmth and coziness of British winters, noting that the cheerful atmosphere of British pubs and festive markets balances out the chilly weather.
- Texas summers can be scorching hot, even with air conditioning, and winters can be just as challenging with frequent ice storms, according to Madeline.
- Despite the occasional challenges of expat life, Madeline is more than content with her move to London, appreciating the city's culture, pub life, public transport, and walkability.
- When Madeline feels the need to vent about her living experience in London, she humorously proposes visiting the pub to share her thoughts with friends.
