I underestimated the cultural gap I would experience my first week in London. I never knew how common tea was in the workplace even though my advisers discussed it during orientation. “You have to make the tea just right,” they stressed. I think that scared everyone in the room. Every day I’m asked if I would like a cup of tea and if I respond yes, “How many sugars?” and “Would you like milk?” proceed right after. The great thing about cultural gaps is more than likely you won’t try certain things unless you’re introduced to them. For example, never in a million years would I think to put milk in my tea. Now, it’s the best thing next to sliced cake.

Before coming to London, I didn’t know what to expect. Despite all the articles I read and the YouTube videos I watched about traveling to London, I wanted to come here with an open-mind without any preconceived notions. However, I went to New York a week before arriving in London and I notice so many similarities.

Unlike New York, I really appreciate how easy the transportation system is to navigate. I thought my commute to Kew Gardens would be difficult, but the City Mapper app and all the signage make it surprisingly very easy. I never knew life outside the United States could be so different, yet similar. The food that I’ve indulged in tasted fresher than in the States, but it’s relieving to see familiar restaurants for those homesick days. Even though I’ve only been here for a little more than a week, I’m slowly feeling at home as it’s getting easier to navigate around the city and understanding the culture. I was nervous about going abroad for the first time for two months, but overall I’m that I chose London to be my first trip outside the United States.