2008 Woodie Awards
Inside London Times: 10 Common London Myths
Lara Bueso and Jessica Estes
Issue date: 10/28/05 Section: Life & Times
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1. It rains more in Orlando, which is the lightening capital of the world than here in London. You can count on the 4 pm afternoon downpour everyday in Orlando, whereas the rain in London is lighter and more sporadic. An umbrella may come in handy, but you are still perfectly capable of sightseeing.
2. We'll admit - we thought we were going to starve coming to London being fearful of the notorious traditional English food. However, it is more common for an Englishman to enjoy curry (sometimes regarded as their pseudo-national dish) or Thai for dinner rather than bangers and mash. Traditional English restaurants are few and far between, but international cafes and American chain corporations dominate the daily cuisine.
3. We were also warned of the standoffish attitude of the English, but most people prove to be friendly and approachable. They also don't mind when you ask personal questions...so be friendly.
4. Religion, sex and politics = the three deadly table conversation topics. This is not so. In the majority of table conversations at work and on the street, this is all we talk about and it proves to rile up some great debate.
5. The film, Love Actually, is the most awful representation of London at Christmas time. First off, it rarely snows in London and if it does, you will encounter snow flurries in February not four weeks before Christmas. It is actually colder in North Carolina right now than it is in London. So sadly, you will have to abandon those hopes of a white Christmas.
6. There is no need to hide your patriotism in Britain simply because you heard that everyone hates us. In fact, they seem more intrigued and often question about our homeland. Don't feel pressured to wear a Canadian flag on your bag or pretend you are from a different country (although this can be a fun exercise on a night out). Granted, there are those that dislike Americans, but you must also realize that there are some Americans who dislike Europeans as well.
2. We'll admit - we thought we were going to starve coming to London being fearful of the notorious traditional English food. However, it is more common for an Englishman to enjoy curry (sometimes regarded as their pseudo-national dish) or Thai for dinner rather than bangers and mash. Traditional English restaurants are few and far between, but international cafes and American chain corporations dominate the daily cuisine.
3. We were also warned of the standoffish attitude of the English, but most people prove to be friendly and approachable. They also don't mind when you ask personal questions...so be friendly.
4. Religion, sex and politics = the three deadly table conversation topics. This is not so. In the majority of table conversations at work and on the street, this is all we talk about and it proves to rile up some great debate.
5. The film, Love Actually, is the most awful representation of London at Christmas time. First off, it rarely snows in London and if it does, you will encounter snow flurries in February not four weeks before Christmas. It is actually colder in North Carolina right now than it is in London. So sadly, you will have to abandon those hopes of a white Christmas.
6. There is no need to hide your patriotism in Britain simply because you heard that everyone hates us. In fact, they seem more intrigued and often question about our homeland. Don't feel pressured to wear a Canadian flag on your bag or pretend you are from a different country (although this can be a fun exercise on a night out). Granted, there are those that dislike Americans, but you must also realize that there are some Americans who dislike Europeans as well.