I’m a Canadian living in London – here’s what’s weird about life in the UK, what’s great, how Britain could improve (and the key phrases visitors MUST learn to get along with locals)
“If a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” said the writer Samuel Johnson.
And Canadian expat Christina Ford agrees.
Christina, 63, moved to London in 2016. But despite her love for her new life in the Big Smoke, there were a few things that took some getting used to.
Here the lifestyle blogger (a-broad-in-London) and author of an award-winning book In Search of Mr. Darcy: Lessons Learned in the Pursuit of Happily Ever After shares her thoughts on the good, the bad and the just plain strange in Britain.
She reveals her thoughts on topics including door handles, unchilled eggs, jaywalking, stop signs and public transport – revealing the key British phrases visitors ‘need to know to stay out of trouble’.
Christina Ford (above) moved to London in 2016. But despite her love for her new life in the Big Smoke, there were a few things that took some getting used to. Here, the lifestyle blogger and author reveals her thoughts on the good, the bad and the downright strange in Britain
WHAT ARE THE STRANGER ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE UK?
No door handles
‘Instead, there is a prominent door pull that allows you to close the door behind you. But it is the turning of the key that opens the door, not a door handle.”
Unrefrigerated eggs
‘In Britain, eggs can be found anywhere in the supermarket except where I normally find them, in the refrigerator. Moreover, every now and then there is a feather or two stuck to it, which I must admit was quite disappointing the first time.’
No stop signs
Christina is pictured above in the Tower of London. She says the best way to explore the capital is by public transport
‘This could be life-saving information. When I say “no stop signs,” it is not because they have been replaced by traffic lights or roundabouts. Cars only have to slow down and not stop legally when approaching an intersection. Sure, there are a few stop signs, but far fewer than you might think.”
The Jaywalkers
‘Londoners wait for a traffic gap and then confidently run across the street. This is important to note: just because the herd is moving doesn’t mean all cows are safe. Look up from your phone and pay attention when you cross the street.’
The obsession with football
‘I thought British women over 50, that great target group, would be as interested in a football match between Newcastle and Manchester United as I am, but that’s not the case. I was wrong. Although I have to say this girl loved Ted Lasso, but I’ve learned that doesn’t count. And while the women aren’t exactly the loud, loud, beer-raising, boy-lovers, make no mistake: this country is football crazy. And if anyone wants to belong, you better get an answer to the inevitable question: “Who’s your team?”
WHAT IS THE UK DOING RIGHT?
Public transport
‘Complain about it all you want, but it’s usually the quickest and safest way to get around London.’
Standing in line
“Line up for everything, and I mean everything.”
Would Christina recommend London as a place to live? She says, ”Yes. As the saying goes: “He who is bored in London is bored with life.”
Postal delivery
‘In Britain usually the next day.’
Waste collection
‘Twice a week. Recycle once a week. (This varies depending on where you live in London.)’
Normalize drinking
‘Pub culture is socially acceptable and pretty much expected, compared to hanging out in a local American bar. I still don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing.’
Speaking of the weather
“I mean, every day, all day.”
Art and theatre
‘All galleries and museums are free!’
So much green
Christina rightly points out that London has so many trees that it’s technically a forest, which she thinks is “just amazing.”
Would she recommend London as a place to live?
‘Yes. As the saying goes: ‘He who is bored in London is bored with life.’
HOW CAN THE UK IMPROVE?
More affordable housing
‘For a single person on a decent wage it is still virtually impossible to afford a one-bedroom apartment in London.’
Londoners must make eye contact
‘British people aren’t exactly known for being the most hospitable to strangers. They can be friendlier, and not just to our dogs.”