Submitted by Janaina Lima on the 2024 Winter ENGL program in London, England…
From the moment I stepped off the plane at Heathrow, I knew I would adore London. And after a week of being here I can say this still holds incredibly true. The nerves of meeting new people in a new place quickly melted away and I knew that this trip would be amazing. This week in addition to having class at the CEA CAPA center I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the homes of renowned writers John Keats and Charles Dickens. Discussing them in class only made getting to see their homes all the more special. It was almost like getting an inside look to their minds, an indescribable feeling. Additionally this week our program sent us to the walls of Westminster Abbey, a place I recommend anyone visiting the city venture to. There is an overwhelming sense of history and beauty within its walls that is almost hard to put into words. Being in the place where so many great minds and influential figures are buried and memorialized leaves you with a feeling unlike any other. A few of us also made our way to the Tower of London, which in addition to being a historically rich structure in the city and for the country, it also happens to be home of the crown jewels. Which you unfortunately cannot take photos of, but trust me when I say they are a spectacular sight to see. Crowns of unimaginable extravagance and objects that have been used in ceremony for hundreds of years, it was amazing. A seemingly perfect first week has left me excited for what’s to come and I look forward to sharing more about my travels! (Submitted on January 14, 2024)
