10

Things I have learnt since I came here (London)

1. That the correct answer to the question how do you do…is to ask the person the same question again… and in the same tone….its not even like you ask them back...‘ and how do YOU do ?’

2. That there is not such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing!

3. That when someone says ‘Mind the Gap’ they are not really talking about the gap between the train and the platform. That phrase has many layers to it…one being, the gap between the upper and the working classes….a subject that is not discussed overtly in society today….but the divide exists nevertheless.

4. That the now world famous Harrods, started off as a grocery store in the1800s

5. That the Big Ben does not refer to the clock but a huge 13 ton bell that hangs within it

6. That the surest way to annoy a Londoner is to stand on the left hand side of the escalator in the tube stations. This side of the escalator is usually reserved for hurrying working crowd who prefer to walk up their way rather than stand there liesurely looking at the ads alongside ...which is an activity associated with tourists.
   

7. That natives love moaning about two things – 1. The weather and 2. The transportation system. But that does not mean that you have the permission to complain about them too, especially the weather…which is much like a part of the family…we can talk ill about family members but do not like others, outsiders to join in the bashing

8. That approximately 5000 people stay in central London. 300,000 people travel to central London each day on work

9. That Sigmund Freud spent the last year of his life in London. His family home, which contains his famous ‘couch’, has been converted into a museum in his memory and that of his daughter Anna Freud.

10. That when a stranger comes and tells you….hmmm cold isn’t it…it is considered rude not to respond. It is also considered rude to respond…but refute that statement. The English are not obsessed about the weather, they are just very very reserved, and by virtue of being surrounded by the ocean on both sides, weather is bound to be erratic most of the time. Weather talk has just evolved as a topic which one can fall back on, each time one wishes to engage in conversation.

And like Mr. Blair….I think No. 11 is more comfortable number to work with…so here is one more….

11. That Tony Blair does not occupy 10, Downing street, but exchanged it for No. 11, with the chancellor since the later is more spacious

Categories: Trivia_