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.

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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!