Clearly you turn up in your Hogwarts robes and wand with your owl right? That's how you be English?
I am sure that'll help me blend in. /s
Quote:
Originally Posted by nonperson
Does anyone actually use Oyster cards any more?
You can use any debit card with contactless payment instead without needing to faff with topping up/running out of Oyster credit. Much easier.
I am sad to hear Oyster Cards aren't a thing anymore. I should still have two or three lying around somewhere!
Quote:
Originally Posted by tamobhuuta
Have tea with scones and sandwiches.
Excellent and sensible suggestion!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MunchBox
Follow Very British Problems on ALL the platforms.
See above.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muir
Convert to crisp sandwiches =P
I already sometimes have those :P
You successfully integrated me into your cult I guess :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by chinahorse
Not just crisps. Anything can go in a sandwich. Yesterdays left over spag bol? Sandwhich. Fish fingers? Sandwhich.
Isnt lidl. More leedle? Though our tv adverts say it lidl to rhyme with riddle.
Points to Lillie for knowing how to pronounce LIDL!!
I already do the sandwich thing.
Leftover sandwich with cheese made in a sandwich maker are amazing.
Literally had nudelauflauf as well as apple slices on a sandwich before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cacoethes
Fish finger sandwiches are lush
Lana, you have to have a fish finger sandwich at some point!
Fish finger sandwiches are soooo good!!!
Any further suggestions?
I *consider* leaving behind ALL of my London merch.
I have two different sets of bedding, a blanket, at least one pillow, two or three mugs, one hoodie, one shirt, a set of coasters ... probably more stuff that I already forget I have :P
I just feel they would out me as a foreigner at first sight :P
:skull emoji:
"... but me? Me? I am a thousand years old, you can't kill me!"
If it's all stuff that would be in your living space and not mainly wearing out in public I don't see the issue with it? Anyways, even if you are wearing it in public, is it more just wanting to blend in that you're worried about? I could be wrong, but here in my city it's very common for people to wear things with city names or sport logos and stuff on it.
Please do not give me virtual hugs unless you are only using the hug function on threads. Thanks.
You can't always keep it separate.
This is happening, this is part of you.
Maybe Londoners need to come here and tell me if a London hoodie gives you instant tourist vibes :P
In Germany I think it would be really weird if you had any merch from your city other than if it's sports related. Though I do have a fridge magnet with my town name on it. But only because it's also a bottle opener!
And I am pretty sure it's technically speaking not mine, but my roommate's. :P
I do consider though getting some merch from my town and/or the town where I did my BA when I move.
Overall, I guess it always feels like souvenirs to me and maybe that is why in my head it's super touristy and borderline tacky if you live in that place?
:skull emoji:
"... but me? Me? I am a thousand years old, you can't kill me!"
I say go all in on the London merchandise!!!!! Show and flash your appreciation for the British Capital!!!!!! It might be tacky and weird but tacky and weird is also awesome :D
I am sad to hear Oyster Cards aren't a thing anymore. I should still have two or three lying around somewhere!
You should close your account with them and get your credit and £5 deposit/s back!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auror.
I could be wrong, but here in my city it's very common for people to wear things with city names or sport logos and stuff on it.
Yeah, people here wear hoodies with names of cities and universities that I'm pretty sure they've never even been to!
I agree with Zurg. Who cares if you look like a tourist anyway? Tacky and weird is awesome! I think I'm pretty London savvy (except for the buses, haven't got a clue how they work) but still feel/look like a lost tourist when I'm there!
This thread is making me think of Joey from Friends when they all went to London, haha. Don't be afraid to step into the map. =P
I *consider* leaving behind ALL of my London merch.
<3 (sad that you never visited my house with the safety cupboard that had a Salad Fingers sign saying "I consider sitting this one out in the safety cupboard").
Also to continue with wild tangents, you mentioned nudelauflauf in your post and The Infamous American just today described nudelauflauf as "pasta casserole" and I find this really distressing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unbreakable.
Maybe Londoners need to come here and tell me if a London hoodie gives you instant tourist vibes :P
It's a yes from me! I always feel like a total dork* when I use my London underground rucksack in London. Though that doesn't mean I don't use it!
I don't think we've mentioned talking about the weather a lot?
(*more of a dork than usual)
More suggestions: develop a casual disregard for authority and The Rules, use the continuous tense and generally be inefficient. Also get VERY excited about how we won the world cup. Once. 54 years ago.
We may not see eye to eye, but we can respect each other's opinions and find the truth in them.
Perhaps in those honest conversations, instead of demonising each other,
we might see each other as imperfect humans, doing our best. ~ Jodi Picoult
I like the idea of leaning into it.
I shall be known as the person forever excited and enthusiastic about living in London!!!!!
In more practical terms, any general tips for someone new to the UK?
E.g. where to best do food shops?
Which stores have cheap, but still good toiletries?
What are people's favorite coffee or pizza places?
What do you do/where do you go when you are bored and have no money?
What's your favorite London park? (So far, I like St James' the best)
Where do you go if you want to do something, but also want to avoid being surrounded by hoards of tourists?
Markets to experience other than Camden and Portobello?
Favorite cinema(s) to go to?
I'm gonna live in the south-west of London, if that helps anyone coming up with ideas.
Serious as well as joke suggestions welcome!
:skull emoji:
"... but me? Me? I am a thousand years old, you can't kill me!"
I imagine you might actually find Lidl the most cost-effective and similar to what you’re used to in terms of food shopping? Though remember that you can only get Um Bongo in Asda, and even then, not all of them :P.
I don’t know if it’s a park but it has grass and I like it- Alexandra Palace. Though that’s north London. Turns out I only know North London.
We may not see eye to eye, but we can respect each other's opinions and find the truth in them.
Perhaps in those honest conversations, instead of demonising each other,
we might see each other as imperfect humans, doing our best. ~ Jodi Picoult
Savers have branded toiletries at cheaper prices I believe!!
Thanks for the advice!
Jenna:
same. I literally *considered* finding somewhere North to study as that's all I know other than Central London XD
But South-West seemed more attractive location wise tbh, and it gives me a chance to explore parts of London that I haven't been to yet. :)
:skull emoji:
"... but me? Me? I am a thousand years old, you can't kill me!"
