Submitted by Eric Varakian on the 2019 summer session program in England sponsored by the Department of Art & Design…
Driving down the left side of the road, I stare out the window of a black cab as we approach Central London. Slowly opening and closing my eyes, I am praying that we are close to the flats as my stomach is about to leave my body. I need food. I need water. I need rest. I hate London, let me lay down please. My friend Julia hands me her leftover airplane crackers, maybe these will help my stomach. Plain plane crackers, yum. How much is the cab going to cost? I don’t care, I will pay this man my whole savings account to get me safely to a bed. We make a turn and I partially read a street sign that reads “B____ Street” are we finally here? Sike, the rest of the name with the B was blocked by a street pole, it wasn’t Burton Street, I played myself. A few more turns and we arrive at Burton Street and we see some of our classmates waiting on the sidewalk. I barely even greet them because I am feeling so under the weather, hopefully some fresh air and a stationary seat will help me out a bit. About 10 minutes pass before the woman with the keys to the flats arrives and we go inside. I immediately go to the sink to refill my water bottle then sit on the couch to close my eyes for a minute in an attempt to regain any amount of strength. More of our classmates begin to arrive and we meet with Bill and receive a flat orientation. I know that I am going to be in for a long first few days, I am hungry, but can’t eat, tired, but can’t sleep. Hopefully, things will work themselves out soon. I am ready to experience London.