Exploring the Differences: U.S. vs. England During Our Visit
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Chapter 1: The Unexpected Focus on the U.S.
During our extensive summer visit to London, my Danish husband and I had an incredible time. Yet, we found ourselves frequently discussing the U.S. and our lives in California. Here’s what sparked those conversations.
Section 1.1: The Surprising Silence of London
One of the first observations my husband made upon his arrival in London was the unique blend of busyness and tranquility, markedly different from the cities we had lived in back home.
As we rode the train from the airport, I remarked on how people conversed in soft tones, with hardly anyone raising their voice. This remained the norm throughout our stay, save for a few exceptions. The usual loud declarations and phone conversations we encountered in the States were significantly less common in London.
It wasn't just the volume of conversation that caught our attention. Trucks (or lorries, as they are known in the UK) were notably quieter, drivers seldom honked, and we often enjoyed serene moments in cafes, either in peaceful silence or accompanied by gentle music.
In stores, we experienced a shopping environment devoid of loud music. Sounds were contained within vehicles, making any sudden loud noise—like a revving motorcycle or a honk—feel out of place. London Zoo even had designated "quiet hours" for those sensitive to noise, and the refrigerators in the homes we stayed in emitted barely audible beeps.
With a noticeable reduction in daily anxiety, my husband mused, “Is it really possible to have a bustling city without constant noise?” While London is not as serene as rural areas or his hometown of Copenhagen, it certainly maintains a much lower decibel level compared to New York or Los Angeles.
Section 1.2: Surprisingly Lower Prices
In one of the globe's priciest cities, we found ourselves frequently discussing the surprisingly low prices. In the lush, quiet neighborhood of South East London where we resided, renting a one-bedroom flat cost about the same as a room in New York City or Los Angeles.
We enjoyed our favorite comedy club in central London where entry was just one pound, with tips making up the rest of the cost. A double Gin and Tonic priced at six pounds was likely the costliest item on their menu.
Attending "Mamma Mia" for under a hundred dollars for two was a pleasant shock, especially when we learned that drinks were just five dollars and could be taken to our seats (with no rowdy patrons). In contrast, water alone in a New York theater can set you back six bucks.
Grocery shopping in London also proved to be significantly cheaper than in Los Angeles, deserving its own discussion. A delightful Vietnamese or Indian meal in a restaurant ranged from eight to eleven pounds per person, plus inexpensive drinks. In Santa Monica, it’s hard to find a sit-down dinner for less than twenty dollars per person, not counting drinks.
Tipping in London is appreciated but not mandatory, and patrons are not expected to leave 20%. Many of London’s museums are free to visit. Teas, coffees, and pastries are readily available at lower prices and with better quality than back home.
Bus rides were efficient and cost under a pound and a half each, while haircuts came in at a fraction of the price compared to New York or LA. Even Nike shoes were more affordable.
“It seems like prices in big-city America are somewhat of a scam,” my husband lamented.
Chapter 2: Healthy Eating Options Abound
As we continued our conversations about our experiences in England, one topic that stood out was the abundance of healthy and reasonably priced ready-to-eat foods found in supermarkets and chain cafes across London.
A fantastic Japanese fast-food chain, Itsu, boasts 74 locations in London, offering freshly made sushi and rolls, most priced under seven pounds. My favorite Itsu lunch, costing seven pounds, was both delectable and nutritious.
Every corner had supermarkets like M&S, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, providing a broad selection of takeaway salads and meals for around five dollars.
Then there’s Pret a Manger, London’s beloved café chain with 311 locations, serving organic coffee (available for a mere $30/month for five drinks daily!) and delicious sandwiches for just a few pounds each.
With these options, we never felt compelled to dine in restaurants, often spending no more than five to seven dollars per person for a healthy meal. In Santa Monica, the only five-dollar meal option available would be a Subway sandwich, with proper café sandwiches costing fifteen to seventeen bucks.
It was no surprise that London has significantly fewer fast-food chains compared to major U.S. cities. McDonald’s and Burger King are infrequently seen, typically found near train stations and populated by tourists and teens. Each time we passed one, we couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would choose to eat there when so many healthier and budget-friendly alternatives were available.
We were left reflecting on the minimal effort made in the U.S. to provide affordable, healthy grocery and meal options. If fast food is all that’s accessible, that’s all people will consume—resulting in an unhealthy population.
Section 2.1: A Calmer Atmosphere
After a week in London, we began counting the anxious individuals we encountered; the tally was just two—both Americans struggling with their circumstances.
Having lived in the high-pressure environment of Los Angeles for three years, we were astonished by the overall sense of calm we found in London. The idea that a bustling city could feel so relaxed was almost unbelievable.
While we did encounter a few stressed individuals (often for valid reasons), we noticed a lack of the neurotic anxiety that is so prevalent in the U.S. In multicultural London, people seemed to go about their lives with minimal complaining or conflict, a stark contrast to the constant bickering and frustration we often witnessed back home.
By evening, the atmosphere transformed into one of joy and relaxation, often enhanced by a pint or two.
As long as you steered clear of the London Underground (the Tube), it was easy to navigate daily life in England’s capital without running into stressed or hostile individuals, especially in residential areas. What a refreshing experience!
Ultimately, it became apparent that our discussions about America during our trip to England stemmed not from nostalgia but from our realization of the many aspects that functioned better and cost less in the UK compared to the U.S.