If you ever get the chance to study abroad, I recommend you take hold of the opportunity.
I was fortunate enough to study in London over the course of three weeks this past January. Finally, my dream since early high school has come true, and I could not have asked for a better experience.
Life in London was definitely different than life in New York. For starters, everyone is nicer, and their city is much cleaner…even their underground system was clean!
I think one of my favorite discoveries was finding out that the performers you see in the underground actually have to audition to perform there. My favorite performance was the man playing a tuba. However, it wasn’t just an ordinary tuba. Fire spat out of the top. The instrument literally was on fire. Let’s just say, he was the only performer I gave a tip to. How could you not after seeing that?!
There was also the obvious British accent obsession. Yes, I love them, and I was too excited to hear them. Hearing the accent constantly was pretty amusing. I actually grew accustom to the way they spoke, and I even picked up on a couple words. Tube means subway, rubbish is garbage, and toilets actually signify the restroom. I even still use the phrase “cheers,” so at least some of the British culture stuck with me.
I’ve also received the question “how was the food” a numerous amount of times. I guess the stereotype for London food was that it wasn’t too tasty. To be honest, I actually really enjoyed the food. From traditional fish and chips, to the food of London’s Little Italy and Chinatown, and even to the other varieties of food such as Thai and American, London really had a taste of everything. Oh! And of course I can’t forget the crepes and gelato!
Life in London wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t do the typical touristy things. I took a bus tour, saw the sites (much love to Big Ben), saw some fantastic shows that aren’t in New York, and of course, took about a thousand pictures. I was also of age there…so that was pretty nice. Let’s just say that it was nice to have a casual drink with my friends in a restaurant and I was truly enjoying being an adult for a bit (because it meant a group of us were able to go into a karaoke bar).
But what made me very happy was that I got the chance to meet some of my family for the first time ever. They live in North London, so I was able to spend a night at their house for dinner. My cousin has a family of her own, and I loved them all from the minute I met them. They all made me feel so welcomed and loved and I am so blessed to have met them. They have made my trip that much more special.
London was the time of my life. Even though we had to cut it a day early (thank you, Blizzard Jonas), I still had the chance to travel around England, and make my dream a reality for three weeks. I’m already itching to go back, and am thinking of future plans. Who knows when I will be back, but I know that wasn’t the last time.