BU Abroad: 10 Things for my 10 Final Days in London

It has come to this point: there are less than two weeks left of my semester abroad, and I find myself counting down the days. London has treated me so well, and now that I have fully gotten a taste of it, the holidays are beckoning me back home to the food, smiles, and hugs of my family and friends. However, I know how important it is to take advantage of the remaining time that I have here. In the 10 days left, while prepping for finals, and planning on how I will make 70 lbs of luggage fit into the confines of the 50 lb limit, I’m going to revisit one of my favorite activities each day before I leave.
 

1. Thursday: Harrods Department Store – Not only is this posh store worth hours of browsing and fawning over items that are far beyond my budget, but it is decked out for the holidays! There’s no better place to get a couple of cute gifts, and get into the Christmas spirit!
2. Friday:Borough Market – A tradition sitting under the London Bridge, Borough Market is one of my favorite market culture spots because of its focus: food! I’ll be sure to treat myself to something entirely British, and probably sweet, but it is also a place I have loved for its delicious and reasonable produce stands. My empty stomach will be filled, although I won’t be able to say the same for my wallet.
3. Saturday: Portobello Market – My favorite outdoor market. It’s perfect for gift getting, and antique browsing, which continues to be one of my favorite pastimes, especially in a culture as historic as that of London!
4. Sunday: Westminster Abbey – I have been here several times now, but have yet to go inside because of the astronomical entry fee. However, by attending a service, I will be able to see the inside, as well as get a taste of British religious culture (and maybe hum along with a choir tune or two!)
5. Monday: Charing Cross Road – As I boasted in an earlier article, this street is entirely devoted to used bookshops. And though I have spent a decent amount of time and money accumulating
    books throughout the semester, I think I’ll have to take a final check to make sure I’m not leaving behind any essential gems.
6. Tuesday: National Gallery – Sitting in the heart of Trafalgar Square, I have not revisited this monumental museum since my second weekend here. I will give a wave to Van Gough’s Sunflowers, and lend some of my time to appreciating the large Monet collection. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon, especially as the temperature continues to drop.
7. Wednesday:South Bank – walking along the Thames River for the final time will be even more special now that several Christmas-themed stands sit along the bank. An outdoor book display, art exhibits, and street performers will be a perfect mid-week pick me up. I’ll be sure to peek over the river to have a final goodbye to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben as well.
8. Thursday: Pub Drink – Ah, those British pubs, how will we live without them? I’m sure I can gather some friends to share those last legal drinks with. A final night out in London will be a finale to all my wonderful nightlife experiences here.
9. Friday: Café Forum Breakfast – Not a prominent London location, but an adorable café that sits around the corner from my housing here. On the day I landed in September, some girlfriends and I hardly knew each other, but still shared our first British meal here. A yummy and price-smart choice, we plan to come full circle by having our final cups of tea here.
10. Saturday: Head to Heathrow – The bags will be packed, the cab will be called, and I will be steps closer to winter break, and more importantly, to the friends and family that are waiting for me at home. I’m sure I’ll be sad transferring my British Pounds to US Dollars, but George Washington will look rather handsome to an American.