In the first edition of her regular blog, London newbie Suzanna offers her advice for surviving the city’s frantic public transport system with your sanity in tact.
I officially made London my new home at the end of January this year (for the weather, am I right?). When telling people I had decided to move to this city, I was invariably met with, “Oh, I must give you my list.” This is because everyone has a list. And supposedly, each person’s list is a “really good and different and kind of progressive and alternative” account of Everything You Must Know/See/Do/Eat/Drink in London.
These lists have been helpful, full of information worth storing (for me, in an Excel spreadsheet, with tabs and formulas and colour-coded cells). Yet, throughout my two months of living in London (making me an expert, OBVIOUSLY), I’ve discovered that there are many situations unique to this city that these lists have not wholly prepared me for. So, true to my nature as a teacher, I’ve begun to create a list, full of reflections on my own learning as the new girl. And, true to the Vibe hymn of inspiration, I’d like to share with you my list. It’s a really good and different and kind of progressive and alternative list of Things I’m Learning About London. It’s a list that’s evolving and could cover many things over several posts; yet, for now, allow me to offer my musings on public transport.
I’ll be honest, public transport has the power to dramatically change human behaviour in very short spaces of time. As a longtime car owner in Australia, my suspicions have been confirmed in London: travelling regularly with the proverbial hoi polloi can turn even the loveliest people into raging maniacs. Yet, I’ve learnt that it doesn’t have to be like this. It can be different. People can, in fact, take public transport AND be normal.
So, here’s my brief list of tips on how you can normalise (EVEN ENJOY OMG) public transport in London.
1. Be the foreigner who charmingly breaks The Rules.
I eagerly took it upon myself to become familiar with the Politics of Public Transport (I am a Canberran, after all), and my pals who are seasoned dwellers of London were quick to tell me this: you’re amongst the British now, so it’s best to avoid any awkward interaction with strangers, particularly during the morning commute. Before 9am, you really shouldn’t even talk. Take your Kindle and pipe down. Initially, such advice seemed good and well. Yet, I’ve realised there is something beautifully inspiring in cheerfully disrupting your fellow commuters bleary-eyed surrender to the daily grind with even the smallest act of friendliness. My advice is this: Smile (not weirdly, just kindly and briefly) when you unexpectedly make eye contact with someone. If a seat near you becomes free and you’re the person best positioned to take it, offer it to another (I once did this on a 7am train, and the gentleman said, “Oh, you’ve made my day!” I then went in for the high-five, but that was too much). Encourage the young woman next to you who’s applying her make-up with one hand using only a compact mirror (e.g. “Even with the jerks of this train ride, your winged eye-liner technique is quite masterful, TEACH ME YOUR WAYS.”). Such positivity may not be enthusiastically reciprocated, but I’m certain it’s nearly always quietly appreciated. And even when it’s not, a heavily accented “Sorry, mate – I’ve just moved here from Australia/New Zealand” covers all.
2. Don’t freak out about commuting with pets. It’s weird, but good.
The other day, a gentleman hopped onto the 33 from Hammersmith with a Rottweiler. Initially, I was horrified; that is, until I realised this hound was not of the aggressive variety that bites people’s faces off for jokes, but the friendly kind that needs only a brief ruffle of its head for its few brain cells to smoosh together to make its tail wag. And then it was okay, because, in fact, there is little more that can endear a bus full of tired commuters on a grey Tuesday evening than the gentle cooing of, “Thatta girl, Poppy, you’re my girl,” from a shaved-headed, tattooed owner.
3. Walk. Everywhere. Always.
Whilst my pal, Citymapper, and I advocate the many benefits of buses, trains and hovercrafts, if you’re uncertain you have what it takes to navigate the complexity of the schedules and social conventions, be not afraid to avoid public transport altogether. If your journey at all allows it (and even when it doesn’t), skip the ride, pop on some trainers and stroll the cobble-stoned streets. You will not regret it. The best thing about London is the feeling of discovery in its every nook and cranny. I am convinced there is no better way to immerse your senses in the city’s story, in its culture and history, than to walk. Not hurriedly, but with mindfulness. It’s true, this is a city that deeply rewards the flaneur.
What are your tips for normalising public transport in London?