traveling – London Wandering

London Life, Travel, Writing in My Words

I fell in love with a city I knew I’d have to leave. Here’s what I’ve learned.

December 24, 2016 2 Comments

A quintessential view of the city; gloomy skies & double-decker bus, taken while riding the London Eye on my very last day in the city I fell in love with.

It is not without a heavy heart that I had to say goodbye to London & the little piece of myself I left behind.

My journey to London was by no means an easy one, but one driven by impulse & desire. I knew years ago that London would be the city for me, which sounds completely insane. All prior knowledge I had of the city came from films such as Notting Hill & Love Actually. But the opportunity to study abroad in the city I coveted to be in presented itself. So, naturally, one day after class I filled out the application & paid the deposit without telling anyone, hoping that everything would sort itself out in the end.

Fast forward a few months, after convincing my parents & dealing with all the technical travel bits, I stood in line at SFO security with puffy eyes & a blotchy face, a weepy mess of emotions. I have never cried so much before in my life, having to say goodbye to every familiar thing I’ve come to know in my twenty-one years of existence. Eventually, I made it through TSA looking like someone who was not in any way prepared to embark on a three-month-long escapade in a foreign country by herself.

A chilly night out in Oxford to see the lights switch on with some friends.

Going into the program, I had a lot of reservations:

Would I get along with my roommate?
Would I make friends?
What if the “study” aspect of study abroad got too overwhelming?
What if I spent all my weekends working on essays instead of seeing the sights?
How would I fit into London life & culture?

Here’s the truth:

I got along great with my roommate, but it was because of communication & compromise, like any other relationship. I got lucky & am so appreciative of her. (Mel, if you’re reading this, thanks for being a rockstar of a roomie! ♥)
Making friends happened on its own. I found people who shared similar interests & wanted similar experiences. Don’t stress about it. You’ll make pals, I promise.
School was actually one of my favorite parts of the program, which is good, considering it was the whole reason I went to London, to begin with. My professors were very understanding about culture shock & adjusting.
Continuing from that, sometimes my essays actually required me to go out & see the sights. Ironic, isn’t it?
With any new culture, I needed to assimilate. The first few weeks I was hyper-aware of how much I stood out. Eventually, I picked up on the lingo (pants are underwear, people!) & started picking up the accent. Soon tourists were asking me for directions.

I get by with a little help from my friends! Crossing Abbey Road with friends. 🙂

I made the grave mistake of falling in love with London, knowing I would have to leave. One of my best mates who’s off embarking on her own grand adventure told me that she knew I would love London & that I was “the most London-y person who isn’t actually from London at all.” I thought she was just making a funny joke, but little did I know, she was right.

I very quickly became smitten with the city & everything it had to offer. Just as fast as it came, the homesickness I felt diminished because I realized that London is home. It was scary how easily I adjusted to London life. I soon established my daily routine; taking the Piccadilly line to school, getting a tea (sometimes on the house!) from João at Pret a Manger before class, stopping by the AIFS office to say hello to everyone, & exploring the city once my lessons were done.

Every day I walked through the city, every part that seemed mundane, I adored & could picture myself doing for the rest of my life. I looked forward to tapping my Oyster card to get onto the Tube, enjoyed walking from my flat to Waitrose to pick up some groceries, going to Paperchase to gawk over the stationery, & have proclaimed Nando’s to be my favorite restaurant of. all. time.

The three months I have spent in London has allowed me to experience more than I ever could have imagined. I have seen more theatrical performances than I can count (Shakespeare’s Globe productions, West End Musicals, & more!), watched a live football match, & have visited enough museums to make me a history & art expert – not really, but a gal can dream.

Fulham F.C. having a chummy group hug after scoring a goal against Huddersfield Town. I wasn’t much of a sports fan prior to this match, but the English take their footy seriously; it was enough to convince me & it was loads of fun!

But that’s the sugar-coated part of it all. There were some cringe-worthy experiences & things I wish I did differently.

It took me quite a while to learn that a one pence & two pence are not the same as a one pound & two pound coin. I confused a few till workers & held up a few queues my first few weeks, but eventually I figured it out. English currency is very coin heavy (get it? heavy!) but I appreciated using it opposed to swiping a card. I felt more confident being able to pay in exact change!

Sometimes I wish I took more photos. Since being back in the U.S., I often find myself reminiscing about everything I did in London, before realizing that I never took a photo of that place/thing/experience. You don’t have to take a million photos to remember your experiences. Looking back, I now know it would have been pointless to take a photo of that one food stall that I didn’t actually like in the first place. Sure, photos are great, but they only capture what is seen, not the emotions or feelings that come with the moment. I like to think I experienced London wholeheartedly & not through a phone screen. I may not have photos to look back on but I do have the feelings and memories which are far more important to me.

The weather in Paris was très bien while sightseeing.

With Europe at my disposal & train travel so cheap, I wish I had visited a few more countries while I had the chance. The only other place I did go away for the weekend was Paris, France. It was a trip that allowed me to cross a few things off my bucket list & I am so glad I decided to go. I also wanted to go to Amsterdam in the Netherlands but decided not to make a trip. I don’t beat myself up over it, though. Because each weekend I wasn’t traveling was spent in London, the city I chose to study abroad in, becoming more & more like a local.

I made lists upon lists of little bookshops & markets I wanted to visit. I wish I actually went somewhere new each day instead of going to the same places over & over. Don’t get me wrong, being recognized at a cafe for being a regular feels amazing, but I found that I ended up in the same part of town each weekend, doing similar things. I managed to cross a few of the markets I wanted to see & got through a majority of the touristy bits I wanted to do, but there is still a lot that I never got around to, such as seeing the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park (I have been to Hyde Park twice & passed it even more times). I guess this means I have to go back!

In the short time I have spent in London, the city has completely stolen a piece of my ♥, for which I am so grateful for. Three months ago I stood in line at the airport sobbing, after saying goodbye to my parents, thinking that was the most I have ever cried in my entire life & the hardest thing I’d ever have do. I was wrong. Leaving London has been the hardest thing I have had to do. I love my parents immensely, but having to bid farewell to my friends that have made London feel like home, the AIFS advisors that made each day easier, & the city that had infatuated me was overwhelmingly difficult.

Group photo outside of the Musée du Louvre because we are pieces of art!

Standing outside in the cold at 6 A.M. on a Friday, I cried the hardest I have ever cried, saying goodbye to friends before boarding a coach en route to Heathrow airport. There’s a quote I love from one of my favorite books that goes “It is so hard to leave—until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world.” In comparison, leaving my family was a much easier thing to do because I knew I would be back. However, leaving London was not that easy. At this point in time, it is uncertain if I will visit London again, which is what made parting so difficult. On the coach ride to the airport, I continued to cry whilst gazing out the window, never knowing if it would be the last time I’d pass a Tesco or see a phone booth, trying to absorb it all in the event it would be my last.

London has enchanted me in ways I couldn’t have expected. I have grown tremendously as a person because of it all. Cheers to all of the tea I drank, the few people who returned a smile on the tube, & Bus 49 to White City for making the past three months incredible in ways I cannot put into words.

I am not certain about a lot of things in life, such as pedestrian safety in England, but I know I’m not done with London, nor is the city done with me, & one day I will go back, perhaps to never leave, regaining that little piece I left behind, finally whole in the city that is home.

A photo with some of the mates I made & the AIFS advisors who made London feel like home.

Edinette x

London Life, Travel

Homesickness can come in waves or tsunamis. It’s normal.

October 3, 2016 No Comments

Now’s the moment I give myself a much deserved pat on the back, as well as do a little victory dance. I have survived three weeks in London, & so far it’s been grand.

Although I am enjoying myself, I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss my family or my pets & the little quirks of home that are so familiar to me. I would like to think I have adjusted to London life quite well, but homesickness does creep up on me.

Sometimes it comes in waves, where I think of giving my parents a ring later in the day & once I do, everything calms down. Other times it comes in tsunamis, where I see something that reminds me of my mum & suddenly I am a weepy mess, wishing I was back home with everything I miss so dearly.

I went a solid week when I first arrived feeling like a bionic woman, completely invincible & ready to take on the world. However, the first time I rung up my dad, the call ended with me bursting into tears because I know that my dad, although a man of few words, was missing me as much as I was missing him.

For some people homesickness is immediate once they leave, while for others they don’t experience it at all. Just remember that homesickness is a spectrum & wherever you land on that spectrum is totally normal.

Rather than letting your adventures be dampened by your sadness of missing home, think of all the wonderful memories & experiences you could be making instead!

Here is a list of a few things that have helped me deal with homesickness:

I send postcards to loved ones back home. I can write out how I’m feeling to them, & in return they get a little souvenir that lets them know I’m thinking of them.
I brought photos of my family & friends to hang up on my walls. Sometimes just being able to look up & see photos is enough to calm the homesickness.
I try to stay busy! When I’ve finished schoolwork & other obligations, I go out to explore the city. I know that if I sit in my flat, I’ll only go stir crazy. If I’m occupied with adventures, I have less time to miss everyone.
I keep a journal of all the adventures I go on & even the little bits of everyday living. I do this not only for my own benefit, but I think of all of my loved ones back home that will want to know about everything I’ve done while abroad! I write it all down so that I can share it with them once I get back.
I made my flat a home. I went the extra mile when I moved in & decorated my flat a bit. I strung lights above my bed & hung up the photos of my family. It may seem trivial, but doing those little bits really transformed my flat from someplace plain to my cozy little haven. It may not be my bedroom back at my parent’s house, but it sure does feel like home for the three months I’ll be here!

Do you have any tips on combating homesickness? Leave them in the comments below!

Life, Random Musings, The Road to London, Travel

Feelings & Expectations for London // Pre-Departure

September 1, 2016 No Comments

As I write this post, I am currently sitting at my local Starbucks where the baristas know me by name, familiarity & comfort at its finest. I currently am in this limbo where I am excited for my trip but also in great fear of the changes about to come. And although my emotions are not even near stable, I thought it would be necessary to discuss my feelings & expectations for the city I am about to live in.

I haven’t even left yet & already I miss everything familiar to me. This trip is the flagship moment in my life where I am going to experience independence in full-force. My dad won’t be with me to help with my luggage, my mom won’t be behind my shoulder reminding me to eat, & as trivial as those things sound, being accustomed to having my parents around to suddenly having to be self-sufficient, is a bit jarring. After all, I will be in a new city where everything is foreign, & that alone is more change I have experienced in my lifetime.

I have lusted after & loved the city of London for many years, watching movies & reading books pretending that I am there as well. One of my biggest fears about studying abroad in London is that I have built up my expectations so far & high, that once I arrive I may realize that everything I believed & dreamed of is not true.

Now, I am sure I am exaggerating & I will have a lovely time. But just so I can see how these feelings & expectations compare at the end of my trip, here is a list of ten things I hope to experience:

I really hope I can live through what my mother calls “four weathers in a day” that she claims London is notorious for.
With that said, I hope it rains a lot & I don’t get sick of it. I adore the rain & have packed boots & a nice coat in preparation & would like to see if I like rain in theory, or if I can really live in it.
I hope I don’t experience London & my other travels through my phone screen. Although having pictures are nice, those won’t compare to the experience of living in that exact moment.
I hope I get comfortable enough with the city that other people will think to ask me for directions!
Make at least one friend that is a London native. Try to establish a friendship that will last even when I come back stateside.
Go exploring by myself at least once a week. Become comfortable & confident in traveling alone.
Go to at least one concert or show.
Try one food item that scares me.
Become sufficient in riding the Tube.
See the Queen. (It’s a long shot, but hey, here’s to hoping!)

Will I accomplish everything on this list? Maybe, maybe not. But by the end of this trip, I hope to have gained a broader perspective about the world around me, & about myself as a person. I’ll check this list again once I have come home & reflect on how my feelings have changed & what expectations have been met!

Here’s to a grand adventure awaiting,

Travel

So you want to study abroad… What’s next?

July 24, 2016 No Comments

College is a time in a young adult’s life full of immense growth & discovery. Periods of uncertainty, defeat, & triumph are inevitable, but it is important to allow yourself to welcome & enjoy the various new & exciting adventures that may come your way.

One of those adventures a college student may embark on is a studying abroad program! You get the opportunity to travel, experience independence, immerse yourself in a variety of cultures, all while earning college credit!

Although it is important to study hard & earn high marks, there is also so much to learn outside of textbooks & classrooms, & what better way to experience that than in a foreign country?

So you have an interest in studying abroad! Here are some things to consider before making such a big decision:

What do you hope to gain from the experience?

Do you see this as an opportunity to have a fun time, or do you hope that this can help you professionally in the future?

It is important to know what your goals educationally & personally are, as this will help you determine what type of study abroad program will best fit your needs & interests.

What are your professional & personal objectives?

Studying abroad will provide you with global experience & possibly a second language, both of which are invaluable & look impressive on resumes, as well as to future employers. Just as you would plan your goals after graduating, you should give studying abroad the same attention. How does studying abroad fit into your post-graduation plans?

Where do you want to study?

If you are like me, you may already have your ♥ set on a country. Remember, though, that not all programs are offered in every country, nor do all programs complete or meet certain course requirements.

So, if you happen to be heart-eyed emoji for a certain location, do your research! Does a program exist in that country? Will that program cooperate with your professional & personal goals? In the end, you have to remember that you are studying abroad & although it will be an awesome experience, you should make sure that you earn your credits appropriately.

Also consider how important culture, language immersion, & course offerings are for you. Find a program & country that will fulfill all of those needs.

Now here’s the big question: What type of program is best for you?

Study abroad programs do not come in a perfect fit for every student. There are a variety of programs to fit a variety of student needs.

Perhaps you’d be interested in a semester abroad, or maybe a whole year? You could do a summer program, or a Semester at Sea. If you’re interested in something more professional, there are even options to do study abroad internships.

I decided to study in a country that I have lusted over for many years, opting to do a single semester (as I get homesick quite easily), & am going to be taking mostly English courses that will go towards my degree. Currently, I am excited for my semester abroad & believe that I have made the right choices for myself!

Now you have a general idea of what type of program you want to participate in… Get more information & go for it!

MOST schools do offer a study abroad program. It may be obvious, & obtaining information will be easy, or you may have to go hunting around for the right resources. Always search your college’s website to see what programs are available. If you are serious about studying abroad, be diligent in your research!

I asked a counselor, searched my school’s website, & even asked some of my professors if they had any information before I was directed to the right people.

Studyabroad.com is a great resource to obtain initial information about various programs & where they are offered. The American Institute For Foreign Study or AIFS comes highly recommended (my study abroad coordinator claims it is the best!) & on their website you can search for a program available to you.

Do not forget to factor cost!

You know your goals, have found the perfect program… & now you realize how much studying abroad will cost. There may be programs where you can study abroad at little to no cost or can obtain specific scholarships.

Every program is different; flight costs, living accommodations, tuition, among other things need to be considered. Check with your university or community college to determine what options are available & best fit your financial situation.

Apply for financial aid & any scholarships available.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers grants to U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to allow them to study abroad! It is a fantastic resource for those worrying about financing their study abroad program.

It may be time consuming & the risk of not getting the scholarship is present. However, you have to remember that you are doing all of this work to fund one of your life’s most exciting & rewarding experiences, which in itself, is priceless.