Orin Hargraves - Cultureshock! London

This 6th edition published in 2009. Reprinted 2010.

Published by Marshall Cavendish Corporation

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First published in 1997 by Times Editions Pte Ltd, reprinted 1998 (twice); 2nd edition published in 1999, reprinted 2000 (twice); 3rd edition published in 2001, reprinted 2002; 4th edition published in 2003; 5th edition published in 2006.

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eISBN: 978 981 4435 97 0

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Photo Credits:

All black and white photos from the author except pages x, 146147, 264265 (Photolibrary). All colour images from Photolibrary.

Cover photo: Photolibrary

All illustrations by TRIGG

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through topics such as how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

Why buy a guidebook? Maybe you want to get a head start on some of the experiences that will be available to you at your destination; maybe you want to get a grip on what interests you there; or maybe you just want to fill the vacuum of your knowledge about a place youve never visited before.

Nearly any up-to-date guidebook will serve these general purposes, and there are many to choose from: a whole industry exists to inform you about the ways that you can spend your time and money when travelling abroad. You will notice, however, that most guidebooks start from the premise that you are a tourist; that your visit is transient; and that your goal is to go home with a been there, done that experience under your belt. If this is the aim of your trip to London then you will probably be happy with the mainstream of popular information.

However, if the goal of your visit is to experience something a little bit richer, more memorable or more meaningful than what suffices for the tourist throng, this book will be one of your most helpful companions in London.

London is the tourist city par excellence. It receives nearly 30 million visitors a year. The tourist layer of London is too thick to be penetrated with the blunt instrument of the ordinary guidebook, no matter how skillfully you wield it. In fact, London guidebooks do not help you to penetrate the London tourist experience at all; they merely help you navigate it.

This book, on the other hand, is designed to immerse you in the real London. It guides you into making your stay as trouble-free as possible, and at the same time helps you discover what makes people tick in this exciting capital. For business people, the book will provide much needed advice on dealing with the locals and making your time in London a success. Whether your visit will last a day, a week, a month or a year, you will find within the tools you need to experience London on your own terms. Read on and enjoy!

Orin Hargraves

I am ever grateful to the directors of the International Meditation Center USA who put me up, and put up with me, while I was writing this book.

I thank the visitors to CompuServes UK forums who have answered my queries from time to time. I deeply appreciate the Guildhall Library in the City of London, and its many helpful staff. Countless hours of investigation and miles of pounding Londons pavements were saved by their presence.

Finally I thank the Londoners, past and present, whose kindness and friendship have ensured that London is always a home for me: Hilary Arnott, Erroll Bowyer, Yadi Nejad, Maria OShea, Neil Pavitt, Majid Suleiman, Irfan Torbas and Frances Webber.