Madeline Goodgame, a Texan who moved from the United States about six months ago has listed four things she loves more about living in London.
Madeline classes herself as a firm Anglophile and she’s enjoying finding her feet in London life.
She wrote in MyLondon magazine: “I’ve now lived in London for seven months after moving from the US to start a Master’s degree, but I had my eye on London long before that. I am one of those Americans. The kind that pays for streaming services like Acorn and BritBox and prides myself on my knowledge of British comedy and culture.
“The kind that thought they would move here and transition seamlessly because I have seen the Inbetweeners, thank you very much, and of course I’ve watched Peep Show . The kind of American who thought she could move to London and fit right in, but the truth is watching British TV can only prepare one so much.”
She then listed differences in lifestyle she’s noticed and where London, in her estimation, has beat the U.S.
They include availability of local pubs where Londoners can support their local football team.
“It’s amazing how easy it is to get people to go to the pub after class.
“London still has places for people to just hang out, something the US is severely lacking. US bar culture can’t compare, and it mostly comes down to tipping. When you go out in the US, you tip. You tip everywhere.
“The pressure that comes with knowing you are essentially renting a table by the hour for some time with friends adds pressure to not overstay your welcome. You stop spending money, you leave. When you leave, you drive. There is something magical about being able to walk to your local pub, have a few pints, and walk home,” she wrote.
Second point she raised is freedom to walk.
“I’m originally from Texas. You do not walk anywhere in Texas. Most American cities aren’t designed for walking and our cars are designed like tanks. A mile can take an hour to walk because priority is given to cars not pedestrians,” she revealed.
Third, she opines that the London Transport system is better than that of the U.S.
Fourth, she wrote that London winters are brutal, but that there are pubs and Christmas markets in London to make it survivable.
“Trust me when I tell you Texas summers are not for the faint of heart, even with air conditioning. Texas winters aren’t much better because climate change now causes ice storms that knock out the electrical grid. With no pub to walk to that means sitting in the dark and drinking alone.
“So, is London everything I thought it would be? No, but the lifestyle here makes contending with any cultural differences worth it. And when I want to complain about it, I’ll just walk to the pub and meet my friends,” she concluded.
