From day one in London, I feel like I’m in Lego World. The flat-faced trucks, the Tube trains, the road signs, the crosswalks, the construction barriers all appear to be from my childhood Lego set.
Taking a mental step back, I notice the flow of traffic.
As is widely known, people in most British territories drive on the opposite side of the road than we Americans, but I almost didn’t believe it until I witnessed it first-hand.
After being asked if I wanted to drive, I soon realized I was on the wrong side of the car. An awkward laugh ensued. Even more awkward, I did not find it necessary to walk to the other side, so I buckled up right behind my driver, Sergio, and we took-off.
After dodging oncoming traffic—or what appeared to be oncoming–the British drive on what they like to call the ‘correct side of the road’— I arrive at Richmond University’s Atlantic house dorm here in the royal borough of Kensington.
I’m still getting used to the fact that Kensington stands as one of the richest or, as they say, one of the most ‘posh’ areas in London and presumably the world. I never thought I would see so many Ferraris, Maseratis, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, that Porches and Audis would seem like second-class rubbish.
To give an idea of what this wonderland is like, the average house on Kensington Palace Gardens runs about £18 million. Do the math and that comes to a little more than $28 million. There are definitely other areas of London, like Camden for instance, which are more ‘liveable’ to a student. Kensington just happens to be where my campus is located.
Not too far from my residence is Gloucester Road Tube stop. One of the best cultural differences I have noted thus far presents itself all over London’s Tube system in the form of ‘adverts.’ Advertisements for plays, musicals and books line the walls as the commuters descend into the bowels of London.
In the states, one would be hard-pressed to find one of these ads unless you are, excuse me, within pissing distance of a theatre or a Borders.
Even in New Orleans—because we all know it has some of the best culture in America—one would have to pick up a “Gambit” or be outside Le Petite Theatre or Maple Street Book Shop to see an ad for something of such profound cultural significance.
And the fascinating thing about this is that Londoners are so immersed in their books that the Tube becomes a library. I would say about three out of five Londoners read something while on the Tube. Thus, if you are trying to play ‘Spot the American,’ it’s quite easy to do.
In short, and as the days roll on, I will embrace my culture shock with wide eyes and ears.
Russell Sheldon is an mass communication senior and is currently studying abroad at Kensington College in London, England.
He can be reached at
