You guys are really good at queuing

Title: A Surprising British Cultural Encounter at Oslo Airport

Introduction

As a first-time traveler to London and indeed to England, I recently had an unexpected yet enlightening experience at Oslo Airport that offered me a glimpse into British culture long before touching down on English soil. While I had heard tales of Britons’ affinity for queuing, I assumed these stories were greatly overstated. However, what I witnessed while waiting to board my flight revealed a cultural nuance that was as impressive as it was unexpected.

The Queue That Left Me Amazed

While at the Oslo airport gate—a designated room for passengers—I observed a remarkable phenomenon. Before boarding, passengers were required to leave that room, and to my surprise, people, except for us Norwegians, began lining up in the order they entered without any prompting or communication. There was no confusion, no jostling for position, just a silent consensus that this was the most equitable way to proceed. Even more astonishing was that everyone adhered to this unwritten rule, including those who found themselves at the end of the queue.

A Cultural Revelation

Being Norwegian, my expectation was that people might exit the gate in a random fashion, forming a chaotic crowd outside. However, the organized and respectful exit was both absurd and impressive to witness. It reflected a collective understanding of fairness and order that was seemingly ingrained in those participating.

Conclusion

This simple yet profound encounter allowed me to appreciate a fundamental aspect of British culture—one that treats queuing not merely as a means to an end but as a respected practice. As someone who didn’t anticipate experiencing a cultural insight while still in Norway, it was a delightful prelude to what lay ahead on my journey to England. Cheers to the British for this fascinating form of order that caught me delightfully off-guard!