Gaining my Footing
Throughout my limited exploration this week I have noticed that a lot of the major differences are in the details. For instance on the coach buses that transported us to the college campus and also took us on the tour around London we were required to wear seat belts!
This was fascinating to me because back home buses like that do not even have seat belts. Now this does not apply to their public transportation buses, just their private tour buses. When asked about it, the tour guide Kathy, simply responded. “Well, it’s the law”. They also strap their seat belts in from right to left, while we strap ours left to right. I actually think I prefer their method better because it didn’t wrench my neck when I tried to look out the window!!
This difference I attribute to their tendency to do everything on the left. They queue on the left, they drive on the left, and they buckle on the left they even pass on the left. Everything is backwards from my practice!! It is still taking some getting used to. I finally got to the point where I can cross the street!!
Interestingly enough I learned that the reason they tend to do everything on the left is because back when they used swords as forms of defense the majority of the population, like now, was right handed. Which meant in order to fight with your right hand you would have to travel on the left side in order to face your opponent openly.
I don’t know if this is true or some fanciful excuse but I thought it was fun, I read it in one of the many brochures’ passed around in the Tube stations 🙂
Also on my first day here I saw these really wild looking, what I thought at the time to be, bike racks!! I thought they were really cool and very secure. Turns out though, after a little more investigation they are bikes set up for rent that would allow individuals to bike around town for a day! Pretty cheap, only a pound! I considered doing it, but honestly the rules of the road are so beyond my grasp at this point I decided not to risk becoming road kill!!
Also, there is a huge collection of phone booths around London! All bright read and easily located. Even though most individuals have cell phones these days and I have not seen anyone use one yet. After some consideration, and shopping, I have noticed that they are a staple of the British stigmatization so maybe they are left as more of a hall mark than for actual practical application.
Everything here is massively exciting, it’s all new and fun and I love meeting the individuals here and discussing the differences in our cultures!! I just know the rest of my month will fly by, but I’m going to love every second of it!!! Angela
Hi-
I have experienced the same feelings when it comes to transpertation. Here in Australia, they drive on the other side of the road and like maniacs. In the middle of a crowded downtown street they will be zipping in and out, not looking at the people. I guess there is an unwritten rule here that says if you own a car, people will watch out for you and not the other way around. There have been more than one time that me and my fellow group members hold on for dear life. I am not sure I could ever drive over here because I do not like to ever be in a rush while driving and that is all that Australians seem to be in. It is quite a contrast to their very relaxed personality so I am still trying to figure that one out. There are a lot of things that confuse me, but driving over here is probably something I will never understand or want to try =)
Do people in London drive crazy as well? Or is there a difference in their driving that we do not have in the US?
The driving over here is nuts, they dont even wait at red lights, and when it turns green they start to go even if you are not out of the way!!! I never want to drive in the UK they are nuts!! lol
Always in a hurry, I dont know if its just because they are a big city, cuz I know people drive crazy in New York, but I have never actually been to New York City so I have nothing to compare it to. I cant really say 🙁
I am happy just being a pedestrian though, I just need to stay out of their way!!!
My group has gone on four excursions already during our time here, which translates to many hours on the bus. We were all a little surprised when we were told it was mandatory to buckle up too. Definitely a difference between home and here, although that could even be different by state.
While I was over there I braved the road and rented a bike near my hostel, it was a lot of fun but I was careful to stay off the super busy roads. I was in a bike friendly neighborhood and could not believe that there was almost a 1:1 ration for cars and bikes! Definitely be cautious if you decide to rent and remember to ride on the left side!
The explanation you posted for their driving on the left side of the road was very interesting! I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in London!
Maggie
Hi, Angela! Did you have that moment when we got here realizing the bus lane is almost never just buses? I thought English road laws were more strict than ours! Go figure.