On the first day of each of my classes, my professors asked, “What do you think is British?” The rooms filled with answers like “tea,” “phone booths,” “the Tube,” “the Queen,” and sometimes followed by other British things like Peaky Blinders hats, dry humor, politeness (but also undertones of indirect judginess), maybe the Spice Girls, and always One Direction. None of these things are incorrect, per se, but how do you explain that these things make up the bigger British ‘culture’? I certainly don’t feel like I could pass as a ‘Londoner’—fundamentally, there are so many things that are different. For one, I don't throw elbows in the Tube station, though maybe I should. 

Home sweet home: the Bakerloo line has become a well-traveled route.  

London, to me, has been scouring for Wi-Fi in cafes and trying to get away with sitting there without buying anything. It has been standing on a train for three hours from Manchester because another line was delayed. A sunny day is something to take advantage of. In London, if the sun comes out, I will walk every which way to stay in the sunlight, regardless of where it is taking me. 

Flower shop flowers from my dear roommate.  

An iconic tote bag highlighting a classic commuter. 

London has shown me endless amounts of fresh flowers and excited people to show you their collection of antique rings and watches. The people here seem strong-willed and independent (especially on the Tube or on the way anywhere, ever). There are tote bags galore—expressing all their thoughts, opinions, preferences, and more. Proud to live in London, they know I am out of place, just as I know they are right where they belong. I’d say I am getting the hang of it, though. Of what exactly, I couldn’t explain. If I got a dachshund and put him in a red sweater, I might just declare myself a Londoner—even more so if I bring him to the pub. 

A watch collection displayed at Portobello Road market. My favorite is the square one.  

A view of the moon and the beautiful tube station light. 

The dogs of London rule this place. He's enjoying a pint after his exhausting day, of course. 

This massive city might not be home yet, but I can confidently say that I know maybe three Tube routes without using maps. My roommates brought home fresh flowers one day, and it didn’t even cross my mind that was a possibility. Through embracing what London has to offer, maybe when leaving, I will have a better answer to what ‘British culture’ is. I think the culture here varies depending on who you ask. Right now, my final answer is that London culture is embodied by the rollercoaster ride that is the Uber Boat. 

Views of Tower Bridge from the quintessentially British Uber Boat.