Whenever I’m in London I feel like an American. I’ve been aware of this for many years, and truth be told I like my American stint now and then. I’m not sure if it is the incredible number of American accents one hears in Starbucks on the streets of London, or if it is because I am struck by the beauty of the architecture and Britishness of it all; I did not grow up in this country and London always makes me realize what I missed.
It could be because London is pretty much the place in England for some good ol’ American food – or perhaps more correctly, food that reminds me of NYC – like bagels with cream cheese, vegetarian sushi and muffins. I had all three, with some pineapple so Florida wouldn’t feel left out. 
But then you are reminded you are, in fact in England because of the queues; we English and our queues!
7 million people getting onto a train at Paddington Station – total seating room on the train, about 150, I actually had a seat but gave it up, so I stood for 2 million years a few hours!
And if I forget I really am in England, I rely on the further evidence at hand - bed sheets hanging to dry (not that that doesn’t happen in the US but here over 90% of people still hang their laundry out) and the threat of rain looming…..!
You are so funny. I live in Oregon. You know how much rain we get. But even us oregonians don’t normally get this much rain in May. So in the last couple days, part of my post has been how daring it is when I put up a load of clothes on the line. Yes, I am brave beyond belief:).
Konnie
I can so relate, but maybe because I am an American living in London.
I get so giddy on my train ride into “town”, my heart gets all fluttery and I just can’t stop smiling! I really love London, as a tourist and as my home.
Oh, and you’re right, if it’s not over 20C and sunny, the dryer is my best friend!
Yay! I was in London this week too
I love visiitng…it really reminds me why I love this country so much! (even though in actuality the noise and bustle and million billion people stresses me out after just a few hours…)
xx
Your “Americanisms” made me giggle
Oh I really love today’s post! That must have been a really busy train!!!
Regarding the picture of sheets hanging on the clothesline: was that picture really taken in London?
I ask this question as a former resident of Inner London.
In Earl’s Court, Fulham, and Chelsea — there is no room to hang clothes outside there (at least not where I lived when in those places). And the air was never free of the stench of petrol and diesel fumes.
I had a “penthouse suite” when living in Vauxhall but I only hung clothes outside on one occasion. They stunk of petrol and diesel fumes when brought inside from the roof-top!
Living in Tulse Hill, meant a bit more leeway to drying one’s washing outside. The clothes didn’t smell as bad, but there was no real room to hang them outside.
Janey
Nope, they were once I’d left London on the packed train! When I was in London I didn’t even have room to swing a cat!
You know, I still haven’t been to London. Love to go there sometime though. Did you grow up in NY area? Of all the cities I’ve been to, NYC is still my absolute favorite.
I grew up just over the border, but it’s funny NY always feels like home to me, both the state and the city!
Nice post, but I’m glad I probably won’t be in London this summer…So crowded, even though so beautiful. I don’t think it would be good for my arthritis even though I have a cane I can turn into a sort of seat. I’ll be in Edinburgh and the Lake District and Somerset. There’s a slight chance I may get to the quilt exhibit at the V&A. But mostly I’ll be in more rural places and am so looking forward to it.
That’s a very good statistic, that over 90% of the people hang their laundry out to dry. That needs to be more popular here in the US, I think. Hope it will be dryer the second half of June!
Wow Thicket that’s amazing you are coming to England!!! I’m away for quite a bit of June but if you want to meet up let me know your dates and I can let you know if I’m around!
Edinburgh isn’t one of the “rural places”! btw!
London ugh, get in and get out of there asap thats what I think
Didnt you used to live in london and hate it?
I think that’s why I love it now, I go in, do what needs to be done and leave! I didn’t hate it, there were some wonderful things about living in London, including the museums and galleries each weekend but I’m more of a country girl!
Nice post. I enjoyed hearing your impressions of London which I have not yet visited.
Wow – your second picture down is of my old work! Haven’t seen it in a while so thanks for the memories, FT. (P.S. It’s far less interesting on the inside.)