Culture Shocks I have in the UK

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their first-time experience visiting the UK, highlighting the cultural differences and surprises they encountered. They discuss the unique architecture, such as Victorian buildings and historic castles, as well as the deep and functional London Underground system. The creator also touches on the overwhelming influence of Harry Potter in British culture, the unpredictability of British weather, and the bustling yet polite atmosphere of local pubs. Throughout, they reflect on the friendliness of the British people, the high cost of living, and their love for London's theater scene, all while considering the UK's charm despite challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UK boasts impressive, centuries-old architecture, with buildings like castles and Victorian structures still in use today.
• 😀 The London Underground is very deep and convenient, but its age and condition show signs of wear and tear, with some stations even leaking water.
• 😀 Harry Potter has a huge cultural influence in the UK, with many tourist attractions and locations related to the series, even including Harry Potter-themed graveyards.
• 😀 The UK’s weather is highly unpredictable, with frequent rain that tourists struggle with, while locals are better prepared with raincoats and gear.
• 😀 British people are noted for being exceptionally polite, using terms of endearment like 'darling' and 'honey' and regularly expressing gratitude and apologies.
• 😀 The cost of living in the UK, especially in London, is high relative to income, making it a challenging place for lower-income people to live comfortably.
• 😀 Pub culture in the UK is central to social life, with people visiting pubs for conversation rather than excessive drinking, which the speaker finds healthy.
• 😀 The iconic red double-decker buses in London are large and intimidating at first but are also seen as a convenient and charming mode of transport.
• 😀 British theater is world-class, with a wide variety of shows running nightly, offering opportunities to experience high-quality performances regularly.
• 😀 Despite the weather and high costs, the speaker finds the UK to be a lovely place to visit, with an abundance of things to see and do, and considers possibly moving there.

Q & A

What is the main cultural shock the speaker experienced in the UK?

The main cultural shock the speaker experienced in the UK is the difference in daily behaviors and cultural norms compared to other European countries, such as the unique British politeness, the iconic landmarks, and the local pub culture.

How does the speaker describe the architecture in the UK?

The speaker finds the architecture in the UK to be very European, particularly admiring the Victorian buildings, castles, and well-preserved structures that have lasted for centuries, reflecting the historical significance and grandeur of British design.

What does the speaker think of the UK's underground system?

The speaker appreciates the convenience and depth of the Underground system in London, noting its efficiency and ease of access with contactless payment. However, they mention that the system looks a bit old-fashioned, especially given its age.

What is the speaker's opinion on the Harry Potter influence in the UK?

The speaker is surprised by how pervasive Harry Potter is in the UK, with many tourists visiting locations related to the books and movies. They mention that the Harry Potter phenomenon is so strong it influences tourism, even in places with little actual historical significance.

What advice does the speaker give regarding phone safety in London?

The speaker advises tourists to protect their phones while walking in London, recommending holding the phone with both hands, keeping it close, and being aware of their surroundings to avoid phone snatching incidents.

What does the speaker think about the UK's weather?

The speaker finds the UK's weather unpredictable and challenging to deal with, as it can switch between rain and sunshine frequently throughout the day. This inconsistency in weather is something they struggle with but acknowledge is a part of life in the UK.

How does the speaker compare jaywalking in the UK to Germany?

The speaker notes that people in the UK tend to jaywalk more than in Germany, where jaywalking is less common and often frowned upon. In the UK, while many still respect traffic lights, jaywalking is more prevalent.

What is the speaker's opinion on buses in the UK?

The speaker is initially intimidated by the size and speed of the double-decker buses in the UK but eventually appreciates how considerate the bus drivers are, noting that they wait for passengers to board and exit safely.

What stands out to the speaker about the UK's pub culture?

The speaker enjoys the British pub culture, noting that pubs are a common place for people to relax after work, drink socially, and interact with friends. They find this more laid-back and healthy compared to the fast-paced coffee and bubble tea culture in other countries.

How does the speaker perceive the cost of living in the UK?

The speaker finds the cost of living in the UK, particularly in London, to be quite high compared to average salaries. They express concern about how locals manage to live comfortably with the high prices, especially for housing and basic expenses.

What does the speaker think of London's theater scene?

The speaker is impressed by the vibrant and diverse theater scene in London, describing it as one of the best in Europe. They enjoy the variety of world-class shows available nightly and appreciate the creativity and talent of the actors. They also mention their strategy of purchasing discounted tickets last-minute to see more performances.