Submitted by Megan Garner on the 2016 fall semester study abroad program in London, England…
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit an incredible site here in London. One of the skyscrapers within the heart of London, accurately nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” for its square yet curving appearance, has at the top of it, a public enclosed rooftop garden. I was lucky enough to be able to book it: while free, they have a very limited number of spaces each day. My roommates and I made our way up the 35 stories (via elevator, thankfully) and stepped out into a lush space. A terrace of steps made its way up two more stories, covered in plants and trees. All of the walls were made of glass, and outside there was a balcony looking over the Thames and the city surrounding it.
The view was breathtaking and I was amazed at how many sites we could see: the London Eye, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Rocket, the Shard, even the previous Olympic Stadium, all from this one vantage point. After taking in the view, we went back into the incredible garden, ordered tea and scones from the café and took a seat at a table. It was then, that I had a realization of how lucky I was. After acclimating to life in London, it took a moment such as that to remind myself of how incredible the opportunity is that I am currently living. It’s so easy to begin to take advantage of the city as I grow accustomed to it, but seeing it all from a new perspective reminded me of how fortunate I truly am.