Amber Jean

The first thing Americans are shocked about when arriving here or anywhere in the UK, is that traffic drives on the left side of the road. Already having come here before, that was the last thing that peeved me. Of course the accents are noticeable and the diversity which London holds is vast. Others will notice the food variance and soft drink selections. All of these things are shocking to Americans, but what shocked me the most wasn’t anything tangible. I was bothered by something different.

It may be just because I’m in a large city that’s densely populated and full of people in a hurry. Maybe I’m not used to being a foreigner. Either way, I’m most bothered by the complete lack of courtesy I’ve been shown by the general population. Of course I hate to make generalizations, and public transportation wasn’t something I would frequent in Florida. For example, people don’t move out of the way proactively, they only move if you say ‘Sorry’ while plowing past them. The same holds true when people bump into you or accidentally nudge you on the bus. Rarely do people excuse themselves, they simply say sorry in a coy fashion and move on with their lives. Even when I open a door for someone, rarely do I hear a thank you or even get an acknowledging nod or smile. What is with these people? I had a negative view towards Americans in this respect before, but being here for a few weeks has made me appreciate the courtesy most Americans show to other human beings.

Also dealing with taxi drivers and bus drivers has been a nightmare at times. Since the majority of these drivers are foreigners living in London, they too have no regard for my ‘feelings’, they just want to do their job. I got lost almost a week ago in the middle of Leicester Square (a.k.a China Town) because the bus stop the government website gave me online didn’t seem to exist. I was at the correct cross street and saw the bus I needed go by, but it wasn’t in service due to being a night bus. It was also 7 in the morning, so the night buses and the regular buses were sort of transitioning. Frustrated I got on the next bus and politely asked the driver to confirm if I was even looking for the right bus and if that bus would be coming anytime soon. I got a simple ‘I don’t know’. Thanks! That was helpful. I even asked a random man on the street where Mercer street was (where my bus stop was SUPPOSED to be) and he basically shooed me away as if I were an annoyance. Occasionally I’ll find a nice bus driver who waits for people instead of driving off when they’re running for the bus stop, gives adequate directions, and actually smiles.

I mean, come on. People know I’m a young American female by my stupid questions and funny accent. Don’t I seem lost to you? Can’t you just be nice?

Believe me there are definitely exceptions to the rule, but from my experience, people could care less if they run into you, they don’t make eye contact, and they rush you along like you’re inconveniencing them by even being there. People also kind of look at me weird when I give hugs…. Do British people really only show affection to dogs and horses?