It's been just over two weeks since I touched down in London town and I couldn't be more thrilled to be here (still)! London is everything I love about New York City minus a lot of the things I could do without. The Tube is so much more efficient and easy to navigate, the people are generally more pleasant, and you can find almost anything your little heart desires down any number of hidden side streets. So far, my only big complaint is that so many stores close so early - this American girl is used to her 24-hour access to late night snacks and emergency art supply runs.
It's been quite the experience so far though. Not even two weeks in and I managed to get "chatted up" by a local chap (although I politely declined an invitation to coffee...so you can relax mom and dad) and I had my identity stolen. Actually, two of my best friends and I were all the victims here. Someone scanned our card numbers somehow and went on a little Christian Dior shopping spree. (Let's hope they
at least got something
good!) Despite not having access to my checking account for a little while, all the money spent has been returned and everything's being taken care of!
Even without access to any sort of real funds, I've been having a wonderful time exploring the area and getting my bearings academically. My mom and stepdad actually took a short holiday in London as well so I got quite a few delicious "free" meals and enjoyed a few drinks with them at the pubs (which is still an idea I'm getting used to). Prior to their arrival I was able to go on a school-sponsored trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury, where we saw an amazing gothic cathedral - my architecturally inspired side went nuts when we saw it!
Interior of Salisbury Cathedral
Freezing my bum off at Stonehenge
I also was able to experience London's famous
East End Markets this weekend. Although we only strolled through three, it was exciting to see everything from local produce and flowers to handicrafts and clothing for sale. Plus, it's the only place in London I know of where you can get a punnet of vegetables for only a
pound. Being a girl on a college budget, the sound of that price is purely joyful. I'm looking forward to going back to the market this weekend to see more of the amazing street art and to take advantage of the plethora of local goods.
Flower Market in the East End
Delicious Patisserie at the Brick Lane Market
I also went on an open-top bus tour of the various parts of the city and was able to see all of London in a very small amount of time. We drove past parliament and Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye. It was nice to travel through the city
above ground instead of on the Underground for once. I'm finally starting to realize where things are in relation to one-another.
Academically, this semester is really going to be an interesting and unique challenge. Having an entirely new cast of professors has put me firmly out of my comfort zone which I know will only help me as a designer. Plus, they're encouraging an entirely different way of thinking from what I'm used to back in the states. Right now, we're starting out on a project looking at business and personal ethics and how we can address those issues in a multidisciplinary design project. It's completely abstract and analytical thinking which is both intimidating and exciting. But let's be honest, the majority of my feelings about
everything right now comes down to intimidation and excitement (mostly the latter though!) (:
As if the other pictures weren't enough:
The quintessential "Big Ben" shot.
Street Art near Brick Lane
Brick Lane Markets
Pleasant Notes written in the East End
View of Parliament from the London Eye
Until next time!
U.K. English Word of the Week: "Chatted Up" meaning hit on
