London is really cold. The weather in London is terrible. London is so expensive. You will get mad cow disease if you eat the meat.
These are just a few of the frankly horrifying stereotypes of London I heard before leaving for my semester abroad.
While my other friends were hearing, "You'll love Valencia," or "Sienna is the most amazing place on earth," I was bid farewell with completely mixed reviews about a city I had never visited.
Through my column this semester, I hope to dispel or confirm these stereotypes by relaying some of my personal experiences to my faithful audience (cough, Mom and Dad, cough).
This week's stereotype is a more positive one: "British people are so nice."
Upon hearing this statement, I was a little more uplifted before my departure to the Motherland, but one of my first encounters with a Brit was not so pleasant.
After queuing up (the British version of getting in line) at a local pub, I was waiting to place my order for a nice cold Guinness when two bartenders simultaneously became available. When the bartender asked what she could get for me, I stepped around a man to place my order, expecting him to turn to the second available bartender.
As I started to place my order, the gent turned to me and rudely said in the most British of British accents: "Eh, don't they have queues in America?"
I was utterly shocked. I thought all British people were supposed to be nice! Unfortunately, this was not the case with Rudy McRuderson. And to answer his question, no, we don't have queues in America ... we have lines.
Despite the unpleasant encounter at the pub, my hope returned when I met my newest Facebook friend, a student at the local University College London.
I met him at my program's study abroad orientation when he snuck in to get free food (I use the term food loosely because yes, the food is not so tasty in London).
I knew he and I would be fast friends when he told me about his favorite Wednesday night pub where they serve pitchers of Long Island Iced Tea. Now if that isn't a good friend, I don't know what is.
Anyways, to make a long story short, my new acquaintance was extremely friendly and eager to introduce my fellow study abroad friends and me to the British nightlife scene.
After my encounters with my nice friend and the not-so-nice Rudy, I have come to the conclusion that the "British people are so nice" stereotype is yet to be determined. I will continue conducting in-depth research to find a more concrete answer for all those interested.
Until then ... cheerio old chap! (For the record, no, British people don't say that, and yes, I had to learn that one the hard way).
Courtney's column runs biweekly Wednesdays. She can be reached at kessler@cavalierdaily.com.
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