10 London Things Foreigners Find Mind Boggling

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10 London Things Foreigners Find Mind Boggling

London is a city full of quirks that can be quite baffling to outsiders. From the peculiar ways locals navigate public transport to the unique British slang, these characteristics often leave visitors scratching their heads. Here’s a light-hearted look at some of the things in London that tend to surprise those who aren’t from around here. Join us as we explore these funny and sometimes confusing aspects of London life.

1. Early Concert Exits

It’s a common sight: people leaving concerts early to beat the tube rush, even if it means missing the best part, the encore. This might seem odd since tickets aren’t cheap. Why not enjoy every last minute? Yet, many choose to skip the final songs to avoid the post-concert crowd.

2. Tube Entrance Blockers

During rush hour, it’s baffling to see people not moving further into the tube carriage, instead choosing to block the entrance. This not only frustrates incoming passengers but also makes the ride uncomfortable for everyone, including themselves.

3. Tube Entry Rush

Ever noticed how some passengers rush to get on the tube before allowing others to exit? It’s puzzling and can lead to a chaotic exchange at the doors. This move often comes off as opportunistic and can disrupt the flow of passengers.

4. The Universal “Love”

In London, don’t be surprised if everyone calls you “love.” It’s a term of endearment here, used freely by shopkeepers, bus drivers, and passersby. While charming, it can certainly catch newcomers off guard.

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5. The Expansive, Yet Accessible City

London’s vastness is often overwhelming, yet it’s incredibly easy to navigate thanks to its comprehensive public transport system. This combination is both impressive and a bit mind-boggling for first-time visitors.

6. “How Are You?” as a Greeting

In London, “How are you?” often simply means “Hello” and doesn’t necessarily invite a long response. This casual use of the phrase can be confusing for visitors who might pause to provide a detailed health update.

7. First Floor Confusion

For Americans, the “first floor” is the ground level, but in London, it’s the floor above ground. This difference in terminology often leads to some initial confusion and a few extra steps for unsuspecting visitors.

8. Pedestrian Right of Way

Unlike in some countries like France, vehicles in London don’t always have to stop for pedestrians at crossings. This can be a source of bewilderment for visitors, especially from places where pedestrian right of way is the norm.

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9. Unusual Coin Sizes

The non-intuitive sizing of British coins, where a twopence is much larger than a 20 pence, puzzles many foreigners. It’s often easier just to hold out a handful of coins and let the cashier pick the correct amount.

10. “Cheers” for Goodbye

While many around the world use “cheers” during toasts, in London, it’s commonly used to say goodbye. This can be amusingly confusing to visitors who are ready to clink glasses instead of parting ways.

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