Uniquely London

This journal assignment is supposed to be about what I've done or experienced that is "uniquely London." Something that I can only do here in my temporary home. Something beyond the obvious, something undiscovered, something I would recommend to future study abroad students. And I can't think of anything specific. So, bear with me, I'm taking this entry in a different direction.

I spent this weekend in Paris. (I promise later this week I will post about it and put up pictures, because it was an absolutely amazing experience.) Paris is an amazing city, and I fell in love with it. My only regret is that I can't speak fluent French. After three days though, I was ready to go. It was frustrating to not know what people were saying or what signs said. I missed hearing English spoken on the streets and in shops and restaurants.

When we got back to London, I was so happy to be home. I knew where I was going, I could understand the people, it was familiar. London feels more and more like home to me. I didn't completely realize it until I left.

"What we have we prize not to the worth

Whiles we enjoy it, but being lack'd and lost,

Why, then we rack the value, and then we find

The virtue that possession would not show us

Whiles it was ours."

Much Ado About Nothing Act IV scene i

Now that I'm back, I love London even more. Everything is "uniquely London" to me. Through this whole trip, this whole experience, I've learned a lot about myself. Without London, I wouldn't have the realizations I've had. I'm indebted to London.

What I can recommend to future study abroad students is to break off from the group.  Branch out and see something on your own. Even just walk down the street by yourself. Start small. Personally, I find everything here to be "uniquely London." I get a kick of walking into a coffee shop and hearing British accents. I love talking to people and being called "love" and hearing the smallest, simplest things called "brilliant." Eavesdropping may not be exactly socially acceptable, but it makes for an interesting experience.  

In my life in general, it's the little things that make me the happiest. So going off to just the grocery store or to get coffee or going to class by myself is a great feeling. I feel more independent that ever before. I'm amazed at how comfortable I am walking around the city by myself.

Going to a poetry reading at Poetry Cafe was a great experience. It was stuffy and crowded and uncomfortable. There was good poetry, awful poetry, confusing poetry. But it was authentic and real. The locals were supportive of the American Poetry Cafe Unplugged virgins. I enjoy the local experiences.

I have to catch my breath every time I walk across the Millennium Bridge and see St. Paul's greet me. It's the little things that make my time here so unique. So it may not seem like much to the world travelers, but for me, it's everything. What makes London for me is the everyday that seems so extraordinary to me, and reminds me every day how fortunate I am to be here.