Submitted by Melody Taylor on the 2013 fall semester program in London, England…
Hello! I have been in London for approximately four days now, and already it has been an adventure. When we landed at Heathrow, we were greeted with unseasonably warm weather, which was a problem when all you pack is clothes meant for the rain and cold. The day was meant to explore Ealing, the borough I am living in during my stay. We went on a walking tour, and were told important information such as how to use the tube and bus system and where to find food.
The second day was orientation meetings. On the break, a friend and I went to Hyde Park, and ate lunch by a pond. The sun was bright today, which led to a plethora of Londoners relaxing outside. Everyone emerges from his or her sanctuaries when the sun comes out, apparently, since the sun is a rare treat.
We had one more day of orientations on Friday, and then were given a special treat of high tea at the Regency Hotel with all of the CAPA students and staff. My table ended up staying the whole time until only the cleaning staff was left! Afterward, a group of us went to Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square to be tourists while the sun was on our side.
Today was a bus tour of the major sights of London. We stopped at all of the major sites: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. However, we were supposed to stop at Tower of London, but there was a demonstration going on which closed off that part of the city. I came to London with an idyllic image in my head, and hearing about the protest made the place more realistic. It showed a new side to London, which makes me want to explore all the different levels that London has to offer.
London has been a whirlwind of rain and sun, making friends and homesickness, finding cheap deals, exploring parts of the city, and trying to be out in the culture as much as we can before classes start next week. I cannot wait for this journey to continue.
