Now this is a story all about how my life got flip turned upside down
Midwestern, Wisconsin born and raised
on the right side is where I spent most of my days.
Walking or driving it was all cool.
Going home or down the hallway at school.
When I went to London it wasn’t all good
Everyone walked on the left in all the neighborhoods.
I bumped into everyone so I sent a quick prayer
Please don’t let me get lost in the stairs
I hope anyone who has seen the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rapped that to the beat of the theme song. But in all seriousness, London life really is opposite. Almost everything is done on the left rather than the right. Will Smith’s life was “flipped-turned upside down” when he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle; he did not know anyone or how to get anywhere. This is exactly how I felt when we landed in London.
The first thing I noticed when I got off the plane was how everyone was walking on the left, at a fast pace. If I had a dollar, or rather a pound, for every Londoner I bumped into or almost took out with my suitcase I could probably afford a plane ticket back to the United States. That’s exaggerating a bit, but I did bump into people a lot.
Londoners also drive and park on the left side of the road. Traffic is always crazy, which stresses me out and I’m not even driving. However, I was impressed. Especially, with those who managed to parallel park. I can’t even do that on a deserted street.
As crazy as London is, I absolutely love it. After five days of bumping into strangers and nearly getting hit by a car or two, I am finally getting used to the whole stick to the left thing. It may be hectic at times, but it really seems to work for the city. I just hope I remember to stick to the right once I get back home.