It was only a month ago when I stepped out of that plane with an overweighted suitcase, and into a black cab that drove me to Notting Hill.
I gazed out of the window, fantasizing about this new chapter of my life. I tried to memorize the names of cute boutique shops we passed by, and streets that had charm – hoping to be able to find them back again. I watched the stylish people returning from work or relaxing in a pub with a pint of ale.
I can get used to this, I thought.
The truth is, it’s not as easy as I thought.
Culture shock sometimes comes on stronger in a country that is similar to home than when it’s radically different from what is known – the differences we encounter are unexpected.
I knew that there would be some differences – but it’s those (small) differences I didn’t expect, that result hardest to adapt to.
- The overcrowded streets. A friend of mine once told me that the crowds make her feel like if she was part of a video game, in which she had to overcome hundreds of obstacles that appear unexpectedly from every side. She couldn’t have expressed any better what I’ve felt every day.
- The cold wind. I knew London was going to be wet. I knew that the wet cold feels colder as it gets under your skin. What I didn’t know was that, to this, you have to add wind – wind that I’m still not sure where it comes from, but it catches you unprepared, when you turn right in the next crossing between skyscrapers in the center of London city.
- The long distances. London is big. No, actually, London is huge. When I was flying over the city, I couldn’t see the end of it – more and more buildings melt into the horizon. It takes me longer to go to work than it took me to go from my apartment in Lausanne to Geneva’s Airport (and not only did I go to another city – but to another canton!).
Yes, life in London hasn’t been as glamourous as I had thought it would be. There are things that annoy me that I didn’t even think would annoy me – like, having too many choices. Seriously, how do you deal with that? But it’s a part of moving to a new country.
People tell me that I will get to love London. That I will learn to read in a crowded tube without losing concentration. That I will stop feeling the invisible rain on my skin. That time will take a different speed.
I’m sure I will. But it will take some time.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh so true, so true. How about the fact that so many people are around yet most won’t look you in the eye! But I’ve come to like all the people; makes me feel safer somehow. And it is really huge, but that means more to do and see!
But I hate to tell you this: the weather has actually been pretty awesome lately. Get ready for the darkness! If you ever need a cultural tour-guide, Matt and I would be glad to help. He’s actually British but I know more of London than him ;)
lifebeginsat30ty recently posted..The not-so first date, part 2
This is such a great post! I really enjoyed reading it as I am looking for a three month long internship in london and upon my graduation am planning on moving there! And I totally understand though with the overall size difference, with relation to switzerland.
London has so much to offer and im sure if you went back to switzerland in a couple months who knows, maybe you would be annoyed by not enough choices ! haha. All the same I hope you start to enjoy the city more and I miss you the best! xxx
Awww, I’m so sad that you aren’t enjoying London as much as I have. It was pure bliss for me, from day 1! I can understand the feeling you have though, as I feel the same in France right now.
I do agree on one thing: the overcrowding. London is constantly filled with people, at any time of the day, and I guess it can get a little overwhelming at times. But in the end I realized that this is what I liked most, being one tiny soul within this sea of people, all leading different leaves and going to different places.
P.S. Is that your door that’s painted in that pretty shade of purple? Coz that would be something to smile about ;-)
I can relate to this – I think all expat experiences require a significant adjustment time. Your mind is used to one place and way of life and all of a sudden you relocate, with all the stresses that involves, and you scramble it all up. I hope the coming months become easier for you =)
Andrea recently posted..Oktoberfest 2011: The World’s Greatest Beer Festival
I would love to move to London. Alas, I’ll probably only visit. I’m curious to see how you like it. I hear it will get better. Try not to be overwhelmed by the all the choices; chose something new every day. Your routine will never get old. :)
GL. I can’t wait to keep reading.
There are cities you immediately fall in love with but for others, it takes longer. Especially when expectation are high.
I never felt home in Paris and I really dislike the city even though I admit that it’s a great place for tourists. But I would never live there. Expensive, cold (wet cold), crowded, dirty… I like London though, which is to say everyone’s got a different opinion :-)
The good thing with large cities is that you can find very cool neighbourhood. I’m just you will adapt and find some good sides! And remember fall is always a blah season, it may affect the way you view things as well.
Maybe you won’t fall in love with London…I don’t think we were meant to love every city you know? But I’m sure you’ll fall in love with certain things about London. Focus on them!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..My Wedding & Honeymoon: Day 6-10 (Part 12)
I’m so happy to hear about your adventure! Even if things are not going as well as you speculated. Transitions are hard and moving abroad is a big one, that is certain. As much as I can promise you it’ll take time to adjust, I can also tell you you’ll be glad you set out on this great adventure. All the best to you and I look forward to hearing more about life in Knotting Hill (how cool is that?).
Stephanie recently posted..Fine Art Friday: Nuit Blanche 2011
I hope it gets a little easier on you! I love London but it is huge, you are right!
Meri recently posted..Gold Star Bonanza
I love London as a visitor, but I can see how it would take some time to get used to living there. I think often it’s the small things, that just start adding up that contribute to culture shock. On my worst days it’s one of the “little things” that I’m upset about. Looking forward to future updates.
Laurel recently posted..Andechs Monastery: A Place for Pilgrimage, Praying and Beer Drinking
For sure you will get to love London, but you are right – sometimes the culture shock is even bigger when the culture you are moving to is similar to your own. Looking forward to see how I will feel about Australia!! :)
But I know that you will be doing fine, just stay open and flexible and happy!! :)
Kristina recently posted..{ goodbye roadtrip } rome I
oh, absolutely, it will take time. Swiss cities are basically small towns dressed up as cosmopolitan metropolises, whereas London actually is a *proper* city :-)
The food is probably the thing that would take me the longest to get used to – but the weather, well, living in Zurich I am used to the wet fall weather.
Personally I find London much more appealing than anything in Switzerland – the architecture, the language, the fashion, the culture, the sheer size and amount of choices… overwhelming after being in the tiny land of cheese and chocolate, but amazing nevertheless!
Here’s to you finding your bearings soon! If you need company, just holler ;-)
Elisa recently posted..Finding focus – New Month’s Resolutions
Oh I hope you will love it soon enough! I’m actually planning on moving there next year for a few months to work and travel around the UK a bit before moving to Germany.
Michelle recently posted..Top 10 Reasons to Travel (…because excuses are for politicians)
Hi there, I didn’t know you were moving to Notting Hill. Thats where I live too! Let me know if you ever want to grab coffee. Hope you are enjoying your new city!
Wendy recently posted..Helsinki, Finland
I must admit, I didn’t love London the first time around. But I’ve been back 2 times since, and it’s now one of my favourite cities! I think spending time in the city and discovering it for myself helped me see a new side of London :) Hope you’re settling in well!! All the best!
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