Keila's London Photobook

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Reflections on my journey

For my last blog about London I would like to take some time to explain the title of my blog.  It is an excerpt from Margery Williams' book The Velveteen Rabbit.  It's the part of the book when the Skin Horse is explaining to the Rabbit how you become real when a child truly loves you and that this transition to becoming real doesn't happen all at once, but only after a long transition by very resilient toys.  This blog title was suggest to me by a friend.  I chose this quote because I felt that it would represent my journey well.  I knew that these new experiences and perspectives would change me and broaden my own views.  It would be a slow transition, but I would become more than I was at that moment through this experience.  I feel that I have changed on this trip.  I have learned so much from my travels and from my travel companions and I have learned so much about myself.  I know that my transition is not complete and will continue for a lifetime. I hope to continue traveling, learning, and becoming as my blog title suggests.

Lately I have been feeling like I need a change.  I have been looking to relocate in hope that this change will be beneficial.  After visiting such an incredible place as London, I know that relocating is the right decision.  I am not sure if London is where I will end up, but it is certainly on my list of places I would like to live.  My journey to becoming is nowhere near done and I think that this trip was the perfect beginning to my next chapter.  I am looking forward to what the rest of my life's journey holds for me. Thank you for those who have and will help me along on my journey, I hope that I will be able to do the same for you; and thank you all for reading.

Until we meet again...

Today was our last official class day.  We visited Buckingham Palace, had some reflection time at Green Park, and had a farewell lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Today was a really bittersweet day for me.  I am glad to be getting a break from schoolwork for a while, but I am really not looking forward to leaving.  I wish I could just ship my things and my dog over here from the US, get a job, and never have to leave.  I have also made some really good friends while I've been here.  We've taken naps in a cemetery, gone dancing together, made many inside jokes, and helped each other along the way.  I hope these friendships last a lifetime and I'm already making plans to visit some of them.  It really saddens me though to think that we may never all be in the same place together again.  They are a huge part of the enjoyment I had on this trip, and I know it would not have been the same without them.

I have also experienced many amazing things while on my trip, things that I never imagined myself doing.  I mean, how many people can say that their first kayaking experience was going up the River Thames to Parliament and Big Ben?  I have also seen the crown jewels, taken a cruise down the Sienne, climbed to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral, entered the Bodleian Library, and so much more!  These three weeks have definitely changed me as a person, all for the better.  I can now navigate a big city with confidence and feel much more comfortable in my own skin.  I've learned so much about myself on this trip as well as learning about digital media and London.  This is an experience I will treasure forever, and I would like to thank the people that have made it unforgettable for me and who I hope to keep in touch with for a lifetime.  So although we will part ways tonight and tomorrow morning,  I know I am saying "until we meet again" to my classmates and to London.  Until that time, thanks for the wonderful memories!

Wicked in London

Today I went out early with my flatmate Hilary to buy some same day tickets for Wicked.  That's right, Wicked!  It was just a short bus ride to the Apollo Victoria Theatre where the show is running.  When we got there we were a little concerned there wouldn't be any seats left because there was already a line of people waiting to buy tickets.  Luckily we were able to get some amazing seats on the aisle in the stalls not very far from the stage.  It also didn't hurt that we were able to get the tickets at a student discount, so I was able to see the show much cheaper than seeing it in the US and with a great view!

We purchased tickets for the matinee show at 2:30 pm.  So we rode back to our flat, had some lunch, and watched a British makeover show.  We got a little dressed up for the show (I mean, it is the theatre) and headed out again.  The show was packed and our seats were even better than I had thought they would be.  The sets were brilliant and the actors were marvelous!  I had read the book several years ago, so I knew the story.  The musical did a great job of portraying the story and the singing voices of the actors were spectacular.  Of the four shows I have seen during my time here this is definitely at the top of my list.

My what big eye you have!

Today was a day of relaxation and enjoyment.  Having to work on projects and running all over London doesn't leave too much downtime so I really enjoyed having a day in to myself.  Yesterday however was a ton of fun.  After finishing our group video and taking a short break my classmates and I were treated to a great view of the city via the famous London Eye.  I knew the London Eye was big, but it's a whole new monster when it's standing right in front of you.  We were able to get a capsule to ourselves as a class and the views were brilliant.  I give huge kudos to my friend and flatmate Melissa for working up the courage to go on the London Eye even though she is terrified of heights.  Getting to see the entire city from that perspective is an experience I will keep with me for the rest of my life and hopefully get to experience it again soon.

After the great views from above we were able to enjoy a stroll alongside the River Thames on our way to the Globe Theater.  The riverside is such a vibrant area.  There are street performers, pubs, food carts, shops, and lots of interesting people.  I wish I had discovered this place sooner.  I would have hung out there with any spare moment.  This city just keeps getting better and better.  Being able to see all of it is impossible in three weeks.  I don't know when I will see you again London, but I will be seeing you again for sure.

Falling in Love

Before departing on my trip people jokingly made remarks to me that maybe I would find a nice, smart, charming, and handsome British man that would sweep me away and I would never come back because I was in love.  Conversely, my older sister sternly instructed me not to fall in love while in London because she would miss me too much.  I'm so sorry to inform you Yimaira, but I have fallen in love!  Walking through the streets of London on a daily basis there is no shortage of attractive young men.  Katie and I are almost constantly giving each other little nods to point them out to each other.  But, alas, I have not fallen in love with a man on this trip.  I have fallen in love with the city itself.  Last night while trying to find a place to eat with a classmate after our class photography session, London and I had a bit of a quibble.  NOTHING was open and I was starving.  But a short tube trip to China Town and signs reading "Open till 1 am" became my best friends.  This area of town was vibrant and very active unlike the part we had just come from near St. Paul's Cathedral, which seemed like a ghost town.  This diverse little neighborhood demonstrates how multifaceted this city really is.  I really like that London has these little pockets of world culture tucked away where you least expect it.

In addition to London's diversity, he is also quite attractive.  Walking around last night taking night photos helped me to appreciate how beautiful the city is.  The night skyline is breathtaking and it was nice to enjoy it in such a calm and serene location. I have enjoyed the views from several points during my trip.  My first glimpse was from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral and it was spectacular, although a bit windy.  My second glimpse was from the perfect place to fly a kite on Primrose Hill in Regent’s park.  My final view was an extended one from the one and only London Eye, which brought me even more up close and personal to some great landmarks.  The ground view isn’t bad either.  Watching the moon over the city from the Millennium Bridge was what really sealed the deal for me.

Something else that’s really great about London is that it is so active.  There are so many green spaces throughout the city to enjoy the outdoors.  You can just come out to enjoy the sunlight and a book, or you can go for a run through the beautiful gardens, play a little pick-up game of soccer, or even just take a nap under a shady tree. 

London has so many great things to offer and I've done so many amazing things while I've been here.  I have seen some amazing shows, enjoyed the spectacular scenery, and you have all already read about my love affair with the food and the transportation here.  This is a place I could really see myself living in one day (maybe sooner rather than later).  Maybe my relationship with London will have to be long distance for a while, but I will definitely be back.  London has certainly stolen my heart.

Digital Video

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Digital Story

The magical transportation system in England

I have used public transportation in several cities in the United States.  The public transportation system in Orlando is absolutely terrible and I have not used it for years.  It takes hours to get where you need to go and if you miss your bus you have to wait at least an hour (usually longer) for another one to come by.  There is really no practical way to get around unless you have a car because everything is so spread out.  

The story is much different here in London.  London is a very walkable city.  There is a lot close by and because we are staying in Central London, anything that is not within walking distance is just a few tube stops away.  There is a train about every five minutes and the maps are easy to navigate and determine transfers.  You can purchase individual tickets or use an Oyster card that is reloadable for super easy and faster service.  The underground goes all over the city and is a very convenient way to get around.  There is a similar system in Paris, where I spent the weekend, called the metro.  After experiencing the Parisian metro system I have learned to appreciate the London tube system even more.  They are faster, there are more trains, and they are much less crowded.  I appreciate that Paris even had a public transportation system, but it really can't touch the London tube.

 In addition to taking advantage of the London Underground we have also taken some of the trains to the suburban areas near London as well as the Eurostar to and from Paris.  Here you can see Flora enjoying her train ride to Oxford for a day of collegiate tours.

London also has some other cool options for getting around.  The bus system is very reliable and you never have to wait long for the next bus to come along.  If you want to get around quickly and you want to see the city a little more the bus is a great option.  It's also slightly cheaper than the underground because you pay a flat rate no matter how far you go, rather than a varied cost based on distance traveled on the tube.  

Another cool option for getting around are these cool rental bikes that are hired out by Barclay's bank.  You have to be very brave to pedal around the city with these crazy London drivers, but on a nice, quiet day it can be a good way to get some fresh air and get where you're going a little faster.

I could say good things about the London transportation system all day.  It is like nothing I have experienced and I hope that the US gets a hint to make their trains more efficient like they have over here.  I have enjoyed the break from driving for at least thirty minutes across town to get anything done.  I'm certainly going to miss the great system they have here when I get back home.

High tea at Kensington Palace

High tea has been a British tradition for over a century.  Today we all partook in the tradition and enjoyed some high tea right next to Kensington Palace at the Orangery.  My flatmates and I wore matching fascinators to our tea time today to class things up a bit while we enjoyed our tea and snacks.  The fascinator, if you do not know, is a headpiece that is an alternative to a hat for formal attire.  

Fascinator Friends

Flora enjoyed showing off her fascinator for tea today

High tea began as Afternoon tea for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and their evening meal and became sort of a mini meal in it's own right.  Afternoon tea was a social event that was taken seated in low, comfortable chairs or sofas.  For the working class, tea time was their evening meal after returning home from a long day of work.  Tea was taken with bread, vegetables, cheese, and occasionally meat.  Variations could include the addition of pies, potatoes and crackers. This was referred to as high tea due to the fact that it was eaten at a table rather than in low chairs and sofas.  Today, Afternoon tea has taken on the name High tea to attract tourists from overseas.

My classmates and I enjoyed a variety of triangle tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and assorted cakes and tarts along with our delicious English tea.  I only have pictures of the tea as my table mates and I were a little overeager when our food arrived, haha. I do not normally enjoy tea, as I do not tend to drink hot drinks, but it was a wonderful experience to take part in a long tradition in British culture.

We'll always have Paris

Paris made a terrible first impression on me.  When we arrived we were greeted by bustling crowds, soldiers with automatic weapons, and signs warning of pickpockets everywhere.  Getting on the metro system in Paris was one of the most stressful experiences in my life.  I got to know some of my classmates very up close and personal on the train cars and the smell of body odor was overpowering, not to mention the doors only stay open for about five seconds at the stations to allow everyone to crowd in like sardines in can.  The city was very hot and we were rushing around it trying to make the most of a day trip for the few who would be returning to London that evening. We packed the Louvre, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, and Sienne River cruise all into one day.  My favorite part of the day was seeing the panoramic views of the city from the second level platform on the Eiffel Tower.  The breeze also felt so good up there after trekking through the summer heat.

My next favorite part of the day was going to dinner at a restaurant with one of the best atmosphere's I've experienced in my life.  We were all sweaty, hot, tired, and some of us were ready to write off Paris completely.  This place helped me to turn my frown upside down and enjoy myself for what seemed like the first time that day.  The wine was flowing and the music was playing, there was singing, dancing and revelry all around.  Getting to take off the heavy backpack and rest in some air conditioning didn't hurt the situation. The menu was pre fixed so it took a lot of the guess work out of ordering and the food was delightful.

After dinner finding the hotel was a breeze and it felt good to end a 16 hour day with a shower and a comfortable bed.  The next day was laid back and relaxing starting with breakfast at a French Cafe, some shopping, a stroll through a small museum and then a night out of dancing with some great friends I've made on my trip.  We had more bread and cheese this weekend than I think I've ever eaten.  We went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and twinkling at midnight and then went salsa dancing.  The salsa club felt like a different country and we danced the night away.  

Tactical planning for Paris

Our last day in Paris sealed the deal for me.  We enjoyed another great breakfast at a laid back cafe. Then we stood in line for two hours to walk through the cool, dark, and fascinating catacombs.  After that a couple of us took a small side trip to see the National Library of France which was absolutely amazing.  Paris made a terrible first impression, but for those of us that stayed I'm sure we're all glad that we'll always have Paris to share.

Au revoir Paris!

The Taste of London

I knew London was a multicultural place before I embarked on my journey here, but I was surprised by just how multicultural it was.  They call the United States the melting pot but I found Britain to be just as if not more diverse than the U.S.  Today at the Tower of London I even met a very nice man who worked there from Jamaica.  One of the best things about a diverse culture in a city is the amazing food.  You get to try food from all over the world without having to go all over the world.  At the two markets we have visited here I have seen Polish, German, French, Japanese, Lebanese, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Spanish, Italian, Jamaican, Indian, and American food.  I cannot say that I have tried them all yet, but the food that I have tried has been phenomenal.  I was very impressed today with the variety of food you can get at the Borough Market, not just at the prepared food stands but throughout the entire market.  There are cheeses, meats, jams, spices, fruits, and vegetables, that are not traditionally English sold at the market. I have also been excited about trying traditional English foods while I am here.  So far I have had bangers and mash, fish and chips, scampi and prawns, and a proper English breakfast.  London also has a large population of Indians and their food is very authentic and true to Indian food in India, so I was excited to try this as well.  Here are some photos of the food that I have had the pleasure of trying during my time here so far.  I cannot wait to experience some French food this weekend in Paris and to continue expanding my pallet as my trip continues.  Enjoy!