Leaving London

Thoughts on London as I leave:

1. It reminds me a lot like New York, but with the volume turned down to a comfortable level. There’s lots of hustle, bustle, and metropolitaniality, but lacks a certain oppressiveness. You can still see the sky, even in the central commercial areas. Less garbage too.

2. I think that’s partly because of the obvious British influence on Canadian culture. Things just feel familiar here, even with the British accent.

3. Speaking of, British accents are unexpectedly rare. Walking down the street, everyone is speaking some other language entirely: French, Spanish (both Iberian and Latin American), Italian, Russian, Chinese, and many others I can’t identify.

4. It’s fun and interesting not being able to differentiate between “locals” and “nonlocals” (tourists, newcomers, etc) merely by looking at them. All combinations are present.

5. If all you did was look at people on the street, you wouldn’t see much difference between London and Calgary. Same rough ethnic mix; similar variety of clothing.

6. Granted, I spent most of my time near tourist attractions, which has the potential to skew my observations. But I haven’t noticed much change during my time in other parts either.

7. I haven’t felt much culture shock at all. It’s been easy to adjust.

8. The biggest change: motor vehicle practice is utterly alien and confusing.

9. Fortunately, mass transit is very good, available, and affordable.

10. Pigeons have no fear. Thankfully, they’re also very maneuverable.

11. 7 hours of time difference means it’s easy to feel disconnected from my loved ones at home. I miss you guys.