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The London American

The London American: A Guide to London and Its Airports

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I thought about titling this "London and Her Airports," but I was unsure if London, like England, is referred to in the feminine. Do any British readers know? I consider myself something of an expert on airports. The first time I flew internationally, I was 2 months old, and I've been on the go ever since. I'm like George Clooney in "Up in the Air," but happy - I know my way … [Read more...] about The London American: A Guide to London and Its Airports

The London American – the National Health Service

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Sorry for the break, Londontopia readers – I have been ill. However, this means that I can now write to you about the lovely NHS! The system is sort of in turmoil at the moment, with governments moving toward American-style privatization of medical care and cutting budgets left, right, and centre. Everyone is in an uproar, as doctors like to both be paid and be able to offer … [Read more...] about The London American – the National Health Service

The London American – Disability in the City

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When I arrived, I noticed a lot of people hobbling around on what Americans think of as "Tiny Tim crutches", the kind you imagine kids with polio and leg braces would use. These are the kind that loop around your forearm and are supported by your hands, which Wikipedia tells me are actually called "forearm crutches". I spent months thinking that way more people here have … [Read more...] about The London American – Disability in the City

The London American – Smoking in London

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Growing up in the 90s, I was taught to believe that smoking is generally one of the more evil things you can do. I remember the transition period, when smoking was forbidden on domestic but permitted on international flights and there were smoking sections in restaurants. (Really, smoking sections on an airplane make no sense. It’s all recycled air! I had no friends whose … [Read more...] about The London American – Smoking in London

The London American Watches the Royal Wedding

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Here is the image a kid growing up in America has of the royal family: they are awesome. They rule a country that once ruled much of the known world. Everyone loves them. They frequently ride around in carriages wearing tiaras, bestowing kisses on babies and appearing unquestionably regal on the balconies of their numerous palaces. America has sort of an obsession with the … [Read more...] about The London American Watches the Royal Wedding

The London American’s Guide to Letters

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We all know that back in the days before Internet, it was proper to send letters requesting someone's attention or company or thanking them for their time. I still write thank-you letters when people give me gifts, as recently as my college graduation. It has become common these days to send emails for certain things, and (almost) all of my university communications in the U.K. … [Read more...] about The London American’s Guide to Letters

The London American Takes a Vacation to America

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The London American is back in the U.S. this week, enjoying the heartiness of the Midwest and the sun in California. I’ve been noticing differences I’ve never before thought significant, and thought I’d share these with you – both as a guide for Americans returning home and for those traveling to London for the first time. I always suspected that culture shock is what happens … [Read more...] about The London American Takes a Vacation to America

The London American: Going to the Cinema in London – Many Differences from the US

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Going to the movies (or cinema, as I now say) is one of my favorite activities. When I moved to London, I was alone for about a month before I met my classmates, so I saw quite a few films and got to explore a number of cinemas. Although one would expect seeing a film to be similar in most places (at the very least, in Britain and America), I found some differences worthy of … [Read more...] about The London American: Going to the Cinema in London – Many Differences from the US

The London American – What to Wear in London? Guide to London Fashion

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Everyone knows that London is a fashionable city. It is quite different from anywhere I’ve lived, and I decided to change my wardrobe accordingly when I moved. Chicago is quite a casual city, and in winter becomes a sea of black and brown when everyone moves into the winter shades. I wanted color, sophistication, and uniqueness. My first step was to get rid of all my … [Read more...] about The London American – What to Wear in London? Guide to London Fashion

The London American – How to Be a Pedestrian in London (and Where to Go)

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I love to walk in London. It’s so wonderful to see the historic buildings mixed in with the modern, and you can really feel the change in area dynamics walking from the West End to the City or Southbank to Camden Town. On those days when it’s pleasant (that is, not raining), you can even look up and see the nice big trees in the park. There is, however, one sure way to ruin a … [Read more...] about The London American – How to Be a Pedestrian in London (and Where to Go)

The London American: A Primer on British Pub Ettiquette – Your Guide to Having a Pint in London Plus List of Cool Pubs

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The first week I got here, I heard someone invite a friend for a pint. I asked if this actually meant "a pint," not like the American "a coffee." Asking someone for a coffee never actually means having a coffee; you might end up with a chai, a triple mocha espressocino deluxe, or a double venti triple espresso latte with a shot of caramel or whatever your coffee-like product of … [Read more...] about The London American: A Primer on British Pub Ettiquette – Your Guide to Having a Pint in London Plus List of Cool Pubs

The London American: Eating British at Home

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One thing I've noticed while grocery shopping here is the abundance of fresh, ready-meals. In the U.S., I used to buy a whole lot of ready meals, mostly of the Lean Cuisine variety, especially while I was in the throes of writing my thesis. These would always be pretty simple: frozen pizza, frozen macaroni, frozen veg lo mein. Generally, they gave very simple instructions: keep … [Read more...] about The London American: Eating British at Home

Introducing The London American – How to Become a British American

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Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome our first official London-based columnist to Londontopia. Stacy Hackner is an American living the Anglophile dream while she studies in London. This column will be all about her trials & tribulations as well as her adventure - so let's give a big welcome to the London American! Hiya! I’m Stacy, holder of a Tier 4 student visa. I … [Read more...] about Introducing The London American – How to Become a British American