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Hey all! So I’m officially back in the states. It is surprisingly easy to adjust back to the way of good ol America, it’s just my body has gotten used to the walking and the no preservative diet. My pre-conceived notions before I left were many. I thought that the British would be less influenced by different cultures, but discovered that their national identity is mixed in with pieces of everybody. I assumed that there wouldn’t be a lot of different tones of people, but noticed that the tones were spread out. Even the Scottish have a African community. There is just so much that I have learned on this trip I know it exceeded my expectations. All in all it was just like going to a new state, but with a completely different government system, accents, and… Okay so it’s nothing like going to a new state. However, it was a great experience I hope everyone gets to have. Travel tip: Make sure you go to the right airport, just saying. If you haven’t kept up with this blog I have a YouTube playlist of my journey where you can watch from beginning to end of my time before and in London. I’m lucky to go to a University that allowed me to travel outside of the country. Though the program was with a different college. While abroad I realized how lucky I am that Universities in the states offer so many options and opportunities some students in other countries never get. Travel tip: Check to see if your school offers any travel options and if they do take it, just make sure your dedicated and financially ready. There are scholarships and grants out there so look. This blog is destination world so as I travel more I’ll blog more :) Cheers and Laters! My last video for my scholarship for my study abroad program. Ello There!
These last days are going fast. I will miss the church family we have made here for sure. There was a Christmas service last night that was amazing. We had virgin mulled wine which smells better than the real stuff and homemade mince pies which are traditional Christmas treats here in Britain. Though I have loved it here I do miss my COTR (home church) :) After service we made our way to the hostel for the night. It is interesting meeting all sorts of travelers. We had a room of about 12 people. Travel tip: Always remember a towel and padlock for hostels. The great thing about our hostel is that it allows you to leave your bags so you can travel the city. So city here we go for one last hurrah! Travel tip: hostelworld.com is your friend. Our hostel has many of the same things our program offered. However, light sleepers beware. Roommates will come in and out of the room and everyone has different sleep habits. Laters! My rib cage is exposed to the world, but there is nestled my soul protect by my spirit protected by God
— SOLS  Ello All!
My time in London is almost up, but before I go. I want to talk about how I have been spending my last few weeks in London. First, I have been finishing up classes with papers and finals. It wasn’t too painful. Not nearly as painful as next semesters load back in the states. Classes aside I have been having a blast revisiting some of my favorite places here in London and traveling to parts I haven’t seen. I made it to a comedy night in Camden town, went dancing twice at some K-pop events in London clubs, went to see some more of the countryside with our group. It has definitely been eventful. Travel Tip: Always keep abreast of what is happening in the place you are visiting. I’ve been blessed to find a group that I love here called Heartz which is a creative arts group that does poetry, art, music, and dance for God. It has been nice getting to know that group of people and I will miss them dearly. I even started presenting my poetry at their church it has been a enlightening experience for sure. This has revealed things more to me spiritually than I anticipated. It has been sad to see people leave, but I am glad to have met them. This group of Vandoners (place where we lived) were a lively bunch. We have some good family dinners and smaller bonding moments. It always nice to have people going through a similar experience as you are. Travel Tip: Whether with strangers or friends when traveling abroad attempt to befriend new people. They just might surprise you. If you have been following my short blog here then I thank you dearly. I will probably be doing some more post before I leave. So stay tuned in! Laters! Ello All! So before I leave there is one fundamental thing you have to talk about especially as a college student… Food! Yes, the four letter word that consumes the mind of a typical college student. Here in London for our group it is one of our favorite things to groan about, enjoy, and share all together. This might be a bit, but I’ll attempt to make it painless. If your hungry read this later. How is food here in London? Well… It’s very diverse and I’ll tell you why, some British meals can be a bit on the bland side. I have had the typical fish and chips which is pretty good when you know where to go for an affordable price. If your in Central London near Buckingham Palace go to the Laughing Halibut right off of Victoria street. They have a market on the street during the week days. They also have great sandwich places and tasty pastries. Your typical English breakfast can be pretty good as well. Pastys are delicious they are bread with meat or veggies or both. Travel tip: Don’t always go for what your used to try something new. The best food here is ethnic food and there is a lot to choose from. They have amazing selections in China town, the East End, and other places. Some of the greatest finds are those little places that have great food, great prices, and good service. Many people in my group suggest Slug and Lettuce half of Mondays. Some of the great places I have eaten at have actually been out of London and into the smaller towns. Kent has some pretty friendly cafe type of shops. Now I don’t always eat out most of the time we stay in and cook. The great thing about London is no preservatives and fresh produce. That could also mean quick expiration dates and a lot of pasta. Markets are a great place to get bargained prices as well as out of the Central London grocery stores like Iceland. The best thing here is sweets. Especially chocolate. It’s just better here and you will hear British say that all the time. I suggest Swiss and French chocolate as well, German too. And because your closer the prices are better. I have a fond memory of getting chocolate chucked at my head in a parade. Alright that’s my summary of food here in Britain. I do miss good old American food with all it’s seasoned, slightly greasy glory. Also the portions in America do us justice. Ahhh… But for now I’ll enjoy all my options here. It’s not bad and great for the figure. Cheers! Beep
For a city rich with history It is under constant repair There’s always hammers Always drills Scaffolding to block the walkway, Always work men Unafraid of heights The boss who’s taking a fag break, Sometimes there’s yelling heard Sometimes the hum of tools But beware the trucks that will almost run over you Beep Mind the Gap ;) |
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