Submitted by Alexa Hosino on the 2014 spring semester study abroad program in London, England…
It’s my second day in London, and I already feel right at home. Leaving the United States was a lot more overwhelming than I had initially expected, but as soon as I stepped onto UK soil I felt at ease. It’s no joke that it rains daily here, I’ve already had to learn that the hard way. It almost feels like I’m a freshman in college again; traveling everywhere in packs and feeling the rush of getting to know everyone and all my new surroundings. Today, we had afternoon tea at the Regency Hotel. We learned proper tea time etiquette and were dazzled with an assortment of delicious pastries, scones and finger sandwiches.
The sightseeing began with a bus tour of Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey. Up until now it’s been surreal that I am now a Londoner. Seeing all these historic places finally made me realize that I get to call this spectacular city my home for the next three months.
Our next adventure was a walking tour of Primrose Hill and an exploration of the Camden Market. It was overwhelming fabulous. There were assortments of jewels, furs, bags, and an intoxicating aroma of food. There were fresh donut stands, Chinese food every two feet, and the largest assortment of ethnic food I’ve ever seen. I chose to go with a large fajita wrap filled with sour cream, rice, steak, avocado and tomatoes. It was the most deliciously fresh Mexican food I’ve had in my life. I love this type of atmosphere and I will most definitely be going back multiple times this semester.
