The Jetpacker

If there’s one thing we wish we knew before going to London, it’s this: don’t expect a foreign experience.

The United Kingdom is basically the America of Europe.  It’s like Europe’s safe zone for English-speakers.  The most foreign aspect of London is an accent that makes everyone sound more refined than you and a different set of slang terms — “if you don’t toss that fag in the rubbish there’s gonna be a row, gov’nor.”

London is all about celebrities, social status, sports, wealth and shopping, just like America.  The only difference is that London is older, more expensive, and they actually appreciate Hugh Grant.  Dentistry… not so much.

That’s why London isn’t a good place to adjust to the customs, culture and lifestyle of Europe.  Many European cities are laid back, easy going, simple and patient.  London is like any major city in America: bustling, guarded and unapologetic.

We never felt out of our element in London, which is one of the things that is so fun about traveling internationally.  That constant sense of familiarity bred too much comfort.  And if you’ve ever been a relationship that got too comfortable, you know what happens: you fall into a monotonous, unappreciative rhythm that lacks excitement, mystery and curiosity.

So our advice to North Americans is this: don’t go to London expecting a hallmark of European virtue.  Don’t expect to be transported into a completely different world.  Don’t expect it to feel foreign.  Like a new cocktail, expect recognizable ingredients with a slight twist.

If there’s anything else we wish we knew before visiting London, it would be to come in the mood for pork.  While pork isn’t the preferred meat in most restaurants, it’s hard to think of anything else when so many places have “ham” in their name.  NottingHAM.  WestHAM.  BuckingHAM.  There’s even a place just called HAM.  Mmm… Ham.