Submitted by Jasneet Kaur on the 2014 winter session study abroad program in London, England sponsored by the Department of History…
From the minute I opened my eyes Saturday morning to the minute I stepped on my 9pm flight, I could only anticipate the greatest adventure that awaited my arrival in London. Now that it has been a whole week of walking the streets of the beautiful city of London, because I literally could walk for hours, I can only think to be forever grateful for this opportunity. We are staying in a hotel in Bloomsbury; the hotel is super comfortable and in the midst of a fairly busy center of the city. However, it is a bit quieter than I had imagined it to be. It definitely does not compare to the hustle and bustle of our own NYC. Our professor planned a scavenger hunt for us to complete during the second day. The purpose was to get familiar with the transportation system along with the general area of London we would be frequently visiting. It was extremely useful. During this week, we have already gotten to see and explore some of the greatest landmarks in London: Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and even Parliament! The architecture of these exquisite buildings is absolutely breathtaking. The time and effort put into the smallest details makes the work one of a kind. It was interesting to see the many influential figures of history who all share a common burial place in Westminster. The tour of Parliament was a unique experience because we got to see the setting of where the lawmaking of a country with a very different system from ours, takes place. I am looking forward to sitting in on a House of Commons session. I have heard that they get pretty intense. I, also, am in the search for the best fish and chips I can find; never settle for less.
The culture does not seem to be entirely different from ours in America. It is evident that at least this part of London is marked with financial stability. In the beginning, we were very quick to notice how easily they seem to catch on to the fact that we are Americans. After spending more time here, we look around and we ourselves are able to pick out other Americans or foreigners. It is actually pretty entertaining. The majority of Londoners I have encountered have been nothing but kind to us.