That's a Wrap

To officially wrap up London week, I thought I would share 20 random things I learned from the Londoners. Some are quite amusing, others are basic tips and a few were straight up culture shocks.

Before I begin, I must mention that everyone we came into contact with in London was friendly, helpful, sincere and welcomed us with open arms. It was refreshing to fit in so well even though we were thousands of miles away from "home".

1. Saying for the trip, "Mind the gap. Mind the cars. Mind the doors." This means watch your face or you gonna get pounded by something. Just pay attention to where you are going and walking.

2. It's not a "to go" cup. It's a "takeaway cup." I learned that the first day with a rum and diet at the hotel bar. Yes, I needed a "takeaway" rum and diet for a roadie.

3. I stood out like a sore thumb with my bright clothes. People dress very basic and in neutral colors in London. Mostly black, gray and tan. Boy, did I get some looks.

4. Tipping isn't expected, but appreciated. There isn't a line to leave a tip at restaurants. Maybe that's why the service was at a turtle's pace every place we dined at...except for the bars. They were pretty fast. Thank goodness. (And yes, we still tipped anyway.)

5. Bring some walking shoes, people. You will walk miles a day. This is where I failed and my feet, back and body paid severely.

6. You cannot find Diet Dr. Pepper anywhere in London. I wanted to die from withdraws. Once we landed on Texas soil, I headed straight for the juice.

7. Ask for extra ice because you only get two cubes per drink. I think it's kind of clever because in the end you get more bang drink for your buck.

8. Use your cab and rickshaw drivers as resources. Be friendly with them. Strike up a conversation with them. They know the city. It takes about three years to become a cab driver in London. I know this because my cabbie friend told me. They have to learn every inch of the city and it's surrounding areas. If it weren't for the drivers we met and became buddies with, we wouldn't have seen several places we loved.

9. Speaking of cab drivers, their skills behind the wheel are the shazzy shizz. They whip in and out of lanes and down streets like it's their job. Well, I guess it is. They all have hit at least one person in their career at least the ones we asked. Scary stuff, right?

10. Retail stores are like convenient stores. No lie. There was a Topshop, H&M and Forever 21 on every corner. I was told it's like this because people are only willing to walk so far in the area, so they saturate the streets with the shops. The shopping in general in London is INSANE! You could spends months and not see it all. 

11. It's not the highway. It's the motorway.

12. Looking for a new way to say "This is awesome"? Go with, "It's the nuts, Bro." You're welcome.

13. It seemed as though restrooms where always on a different floor if the establishment was multi-story. Oh, I mean the toilet. They are not called restrooms.

14. Ross and I never noticed any hoopty cars. Everyone seemed to drive newer model vehicles, but no trucks. All were very compact sized cars.

15. London Bridge really is falling down. It has fallen five times since it was constructed.

16. Do not. I repeat do not make local calls from your hotel room. Unlike the U.S., European hotels charge for local calls. We racked up a nice little bill. Just use a payphone. It's much cheaper. 

17. I suggest learning the public transit system if you have time. Cabbing it everywhere adds up and costs a lot more.

18. Beware of pickpockets. They are everywhere. Men, wallets in front pockets. Women, keep your bags zipped and close by your side. Luckily, we didn't fall victim.

 

19. Get ready to spend some serious cash. From touring landmarks, to dinner/drinks, transportation and of course shopping, money goes in a blink of an eye. I recommend using your bank card where you can. The exchange rate is better that route if visiting from the U.S.

20. For the love of all that is holy, stay longer than three nights. I fully regret that we didn't have a few more days/nights to explore...like go to Paris which is only a two-an-a-half hour train ride away. Oh well, what's done is done. We made the most of it. That's for sure. We can't wait to go back.

Next on the bucket list...Italy. 

Adding money to the piggy bank now.

That's all folks.

NOTE: This list was curated and adapted from my own personal experiences and opinions. Some points mentioned may not be 100% accurate. This post was based on how I saw London from my eyes. It was not meant to offend anyone.