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.

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