Transporation: Culture Shock

Since our time in London began I knew the biggest cultural difference I would see was transportation. As I look out the window on a rainy night at the local Pret a Manger I see so many people that use completely different forms of transportation. First of all, many, and I mean many people walk. It is beyond comparison from our part of the United States. It doesn’t take a tourist long to have sore legs from being here less than a week all together. For those that do not walk there are the famous double decker red buses that roam the streets. This design makes sense, just like the houses here. The only choice is to go up to hold people in order to make space mean something. Then there are the thousands of taxi cabs that are always being used to transport people through this busy city. They all have the typical look of something that many of us would call a “death trap” due to how compact they are. I have kept my eye out for the more so “American” style vehicles that are regularly found in the United States. So far I have only encountered three Ford cars, only because I was paying attention for those. For those who do not use either of these decide to get around on two wheels. Many people have their own motorcycles and bicycles. Personally, I would not want to use either in this busy city, as I would be afraid of getting run over.

There is an issue with all of the above mentioned means of transportation, and that is time. When we took a bus on the first day of our trip it took us an hour to travel 20 miles into the city. In response to this, the tube is a common alternative. The tube system is a series of mainly underground trains that run through different parts of the city. Each tube line has a color code and is given a name. Each individual line has its own stops that it makes at stations on its route. Some routes cross over at the same station where a person can get off and head a different direction. It is a great alternative to save money, and all it takes is an oyster card to gain access to specified zones. However, on a daily basis I could not use the tube unless completely necessary. It becomes extremely crowded in the morning and late afternoon when everyone is commuting back and forth from work. Many of the people that aren’t tourists look miserable at the end of an eight hour day. Their eyes are bloodshot and many are sleeping, about how I felt during the first couple of days here. I wanted to get pictures of us in a crowded tube, but it is so uncomfortable and hot in those situations to move around too much. I will take advantage of this opportunity before the trip is over.

Today was the first day we used one of the stations above ground.

The typical double decker bus.

This is the sign at every stop for the tube system. These become very important to recognize here.

The typical London cab.

I thought this picture symbolizes the what I feel is a problem for transportation in London. The grocery store chain Tesco delivering groceries. This is something we don't see in the United States and he actually just pulled up on the street sidewalk to park.

Tourist Day

Today was a first full free day and all of the justice studies students took advantage of that time to cross important things off our list. The morning began by making our way to the London Zoo. We spent at least three hours there enjoying the animals and I even got Skyler a pet gorilla (stuffed animal). Then we ventured into the very busy Camden town. Here we ate a small pizza place called Pizza Express. We took a tube after that to the Westminster area and the pier to the Thames River. I thought the best part of the day was going to the London Dungeon. This excursion took us through some of the dark past that London still holds as a remainder of what they don't want to become again. We got our moneys worth since it was a hour and half to complete the whole thing. Many actors portrayed characters of Sweeney Todd, the London Plague, and Jack the Ripper. I thought this was the best part of the day. Finally we went a few feet down the pier to the London Eye. This featured many breathtaking views of the London Area and we could see for miles on end.

I am looking forward to New Scotland Yard tomorrow with Constable Richard Watson. It will very interesting to see everything it has to offer.

This was an interesting tree that fascinated our group.

They had pretty birds in the zoo and many of these animals are interesting to me since my minor is wildlife management.

This was the male tiger that was pacing and watching the female with her cubs.

I took this in line at the London Dungeons. Very interesting things on there.

Views from the London Eye.

Finally, a funny note from our teacher. If you read the first line carefully you will see what I mean. I think my teacher is teasing me too much. (An inside joke from the justice studies department.)

Security differences in London

Today we ate a proper English breakfast out our hotel, I was not overly impressed with it. The sausage was good, but I was not a fan of the bacon. They put a much larger emphasis on their breakfast over here. Our scheduled event for the day was meeting Constable Richard Watson of the London Metropolitan Police Force. I would have to say it was the most interesting thing we have done so far. The security tactics they take here are much different than  in the United States.

The first thing that I want to point out is the security cameras all over the city. Every street in the United Kingdom is monitored by cameras attached to street lights or attached to poles. They are always connected to a control station at the police departments. From there the department can monitor what is taking place on the streets and plan accordingly. When we first met Constable Watson, who has quite the sense of humor, he took us down a couple flights of stairs to the special operation room. It is the biggest of its kind in the world. There are three sections to the main room where many pods can be manned by workers. From there communication takes place during events and it is used on a daily basis. While we were there we could see cars driving by on the streets and people talking. This made me think that if we were constantly monitored in the United States how paranoid and upset everyone would be. Constable Watson responded to this by saying what one would think, "Why be worried if you aren't doing anything wrong?" In addition to the pods in the large room were rooms for silver and gold ranked officers. The system can be somewhat confusing, but essentially gold ranked officers are in charge of setting up events. The silver ranked officers relay those commands to the bronze ranked officers that are out on the streets observing events. In his time Constable Watson has worked events from simple riots all the way up to Olympic events held in London a few years ago. In a another post to come I will address gun control in the United Kingdom and how they can effectively do their job without guns.

After that we enjoyed a drink at the Sherlock Holmes pub and I actually tried a local beer called Peroni. From Italy, more local than the United States. This tasted pretty good, so I am opening my horizons and getting closer every time to ordering a cider. After that the justice studies group went to a smaller Italian restaurant where I had a wonderful pizza. The eating customs here are much different than back home as I assumed they would be. I will address those differences once I experience them more.

We are finally in London!

It is Tuesday night here in London, England and my wife and I have finally found some time from our busy schedule to blog. As so many of you know we had quite the time getting over here. Our flight out of Rapid City arrived much later than was planned. I don't think I have ever been so tired, but more excited to do so many things. After planning my wife's graduation party and getting up early on Sunday I only got two poor hours of sleep on the plane ride before we began our journey in London.

The first day we arrived at the airport and were escorted to Windsor Castle. We only spent an hour at the castle before we met up again to exchange currency and get a cheap (.99 pence) phone. The castle was one of the most amazing sights I have seen. We did not have nearly enough time there, but we were still able to take so much in. Many parts inside of the castle we could not take pictures of, but I will attach a few that I did take. I thought the Queen's Dollhouse was impressive because of the amount of time it would have taken to be made. The many rooms inside the castle were so impressive which had big furniture pieces and beautiful paintings. It seems that money does not go as far here. I exchanged $100 for 57.57 pounds. Not only that, but meals are outrageous.

In order to become more accustomed we ventured to the local pub, called Friends at Hand. I enjoyed a nice meal of fish and chips. It was one of the first times that I ordered fish over a good ole hamburger. I will say that it tasted amazing with a good ole Budweiser. Yes, I chose domestic beer over the typical cider or ale, but maybe I will give in before we return.

These hollow places slits in the wall were built here in order to shoot arrows through at approaching forces. They come out of the wall at an angle so the soldier could have more room for movement when he wanted to shoot in different directions.

Lion King!!!

Skyler and I bought our Lion King tickets tonight! I am excited to see my favorite childhood movie in action. I have never gotten to experience the theatrical experience quite like this. We got pretty good aisle seats on the first level. Hopefully all the hype of the theater is worth it. I will put pictures on here after we go that night.

Differences in eating out

Since I am the only male going on our study abroad trip, I probably put more of a priority on the food I eat. Although I need to keep my figure it is not everyday a person gets to go on a trip like this. Before my fellow students and I get to the eating part it is important that we know some of the differences in eating out in the US and the UK. The following are some common differences in eating out between Britain and America that I found spread throughout the internet.

1. First, in Britain going out for a meal almost always marks an important occasion. Here we often go out to try a new dish at our favorite restaurant.

2. In America we are asked if we would like water when we sit down at a table or we ask for it as if it is no problem. In England, water must be requested from your server as if you are needy.

3. Here it is fine to customize your order how you want it. In the U.K. if you order something that is what you get.

4. The food preparation is also much different in the United Kingdom than it is here. In the U.K. a burger is only cooked one way and it is not recommended that you order one. Among other foods there is not near as much of a choice.

5. The views of being a server in the countries are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. In the United States, waiting on tables is regarded as a good job. In Britain, waiters are treated as well and it isn't regarded as highly.

6. In the United States coffee and soft drinks are refilled on the regular. Servers do this in a pro-active method. In the United Kingdom the cost of the bill can add up pretty quick the sooner you finish off a drink.

7. Complaining in the United Kingdom and sending food back does not usually happen. Often the British are too embarrassed to do so and it doesn't look good.

8. The stigma that Americans carry is they take their food with them that they don't finish.

9. Probably the biggest and most obvious difference is tipping. Since American staff does not get a full hourly wage in some cases they need tips. In the United Kingdom tipping is not a necessity and it is normal not to tip.

Dr. Nobiling told us of a place near our motel that serves American food with unlimited refills and the public has the ability to fill up their own drinks. In addition, they have ice machines, which is not the normal across the pond. We were told that many of us will be craving a good soda with ICE and something more American to eat. My wife made this for me awhile back, I think I will be craving it once we return. I will report back with my opinions on the differences in dining out while on my trip. 

Loud Americans

I researched some common stereotypes of Americans. It seems that we tend to come off as loud and sarcastic. I will have to remember to keep my voice down and not make any jokes. I will definitely have to pay attention on our trip to how the locals react when we talk around them. It can somewhat make a person paranoid.