London Quirks

Every city has little things that makes it unque, for better or worse. Here are the quirky bits and pieces I have picked out in London so far. These things make London, London.

1.) London is NOT a British City, It IS A World City.
Walk down the street and its likely that you will hear more than English, a lot more. London is a city of immigrants and tourists. A sizeable portion of the population was born outside of the country. Popular languages other than English include Polish, French, Spanish, and a variety of Indian Languages.
2.) The Tube
Mind the gap... between you and your next destination. In my class on the Economics of London we spend a considerable time talking about the importance of public transportation. The Tube is the primary means of transport around the city. The bus system is okay and the roads are a nightmare. Plus petrol (gas for you Americans) costs over 8 dollars a gallon. The Tube is easy to navigate and mostly runs on time.
3.) Smoking
Growing up in Kentucky I thought that we had more smokers than anyone. False. Walk the streets of London and you will see scores of people lighting up. The good news is that smoking has been banned in restaurants and all other manners of public places.
4.) Shopping
One thing I miss about America is the ability to get in my car, drive to one store, and come out with everything I need. You just can't do that here. Walmart, Target, Kmart, etc type stores do not exist. So you have to go to multiple places to get the essentials. Likewise stores don't stay open late.
5.) Clothing
London is one those places where you can wear anything, and I do mean anything ,and no one will give you a second look.
6.) Food , by any other name...
Lots of food items have different names here. For example
Chips= french fries
Crisps= potato chips
Biscuit= cookie
aubergine= eggplant
prawn= shrimp
rocket= arugula