What makes British culture unique? – A conscious traveler in London

Last week I checked in an older couple from Britain at the Hotel where I’m working. While talking to them during check-in time, I remembered the British culture I experienced during my short stay in London.

So, who are they? British culture is known for teatime, the breakfast of beans, eggs, and sausages. Their British English accent. But how about the specific behaviors of their people? When I travel, I always look out for certain behavior that is specific to a culture. Like the smiles and cheerfulness of Tanzanians. Now and then it is hard to point out specific cultural traits.

Discover British cultural features in London nightlife

However, this wasn’t the case for British culture. My sister and I were in London for only five days last November. We wanted to feel and see the real London, so we stayed with a couchsurfer and an Airbnb host. We were outside all day, exploring, shopping, and discovering the highlights and the off-beaten tracks of London. On our last night, we were checking out the nightlife in London and met up with a bounce of couchsurfers (travelers and locals alike).

After ordering drinks at the bar and heading back to the group I realized that whenever someone unintentionally stepped on my foot or push me with their elbows they always apologized! It was a packed club and pushing is normal in crowded places. Nevertheless, it was the first I’ve ever heard someone apologizing for that. Of course, Austrians apologize if get knocked over with full force. But the British apologized for the most normal ramming in packed clubs.

So, to conclude British culture showed to be very polite. They are the politest people I have ever met. Honestly! Who apologizes when they step unintentionally on your foot in a packed club? I was very surprised about their apologies. And that’s just one example. There isn’t often much time to explore more of the culture on a short city trip.

Other observations of London life

Here are two more fun facts: Keep left. That’s not only for the cars also if you walk at the underground station, but you also find the signs with “keep left” everywhere. I’m not sure if that’s only for the rush hour or if the Londoners like structure.

“It’s raining. Ruuun!” It didn’t rain much during our time there, luckily, two or three times. Once late at night, we were at Oxford Street when it started to rain, just a little and everyone was running, searching for a shelter. We were laughing as we thought the British here are used to rain. But maybe that was only this part of the city?

Let me know in the comments what do think about British culture.