London was the first place out of the US I ever visited (other than a trip to Canada that I was so young for that I literally do not remember). I went with my family as the first five days of a month long trip around Europe, because my mom wanted us to go somewhere that spoke English for our inaugural voyage. I also flew through London on my way to Aix at the start of this semester, so heading home from London seemed a fitting end to my European adventure.
When we planned our trip, Leah and I knew that London wasn’t the priority. Yet, there’s just so much to do there! Since we were arriving late Friday night and leaving (inexcusably) early Sunday morning, we packed as much as possible into our one full day in London.
After free breakfast at our hostel (which, incidentally, was literally on top of a bar! The most unique place we’ve stayed on our trip), we walked past the London Eye and Big Ben on our way to Westminster Abbey. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to take pictures inside the Abbey itself, but it was incredible. Although not the largest or even the most beautiful church we’ve visited, Westminster certainly had the most history. Site of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Will & Kate (among others), it is also the final resting place of what felt like anyone who was ever important to England! William Shakespeare isn’t there, but Sir Issac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Queen Elizabeth I (among other British monarchs) are, and there are tributes to others such as Jane Austen.
We stopped by Buckingham Palace with all of the other London tourists for the classic: the changing of the guard. It was incredibly crowded, but the band played a song by Michael Bublé and a Les Mis melody! I’m a huge fan of both, so I was basically floating on cloud nine after that.
We had fish and chips for lunch before strolling through some gardens on our way to Shakespeare’s Globe. Unfortunately, we were unable to take a tour of the Globe, as it was closed for dress rehearsal, but we were able to walk around the exposition, a sort of museum. It mostly focuses on was theatre was like during Shakespeare’s time, but also has information about props and costumes that the Globe uses (some of which done trying to stay true to what would have been done in Shakespeare’s time), and some general Shakespeare info. It was a really well done museum, and I wish we had time to see a performance!
We hung out a bit in Trafalgar Square before heading to afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. We had worried a bit about afternoon tea, if we would stick out in our jeans or commit a faux pas while stirring our tea. We needn’t have worried. Tea was a relaxed affair, elegant but casual. We sat around drinking tea for hours as I developed a new love for scones. It was certainly not a cheap treat, but seemed a fitting way to end our trip.
I’ve always loved London, and this brief stop was no different. It certainly helped that it was a bit warmer than it had been in Dublin and Edinburgh, but for me it was just the open, friendly yet elegant feel to the refined city that I’ll hold in my heart. I’m actually literally writing this post from Heathrow Airport, waiting to board my eight hour flight home (I’ve timed this post to post when I land!). It’s been a wonderful two weeks, I’ve seen and learned so much, but I am so, so tired. I’m going to miss all the people who made this semester so incredible, from my program directors to my friends. Extra shout out to Leah for being the perfect travel buddy, always willing to sit down at a cafe with me, going on free tours in cities she’s already been, letting me wear her jeans, and making me feel safe when I left my comfort zone. I’m sad to finally be at the end of my European adventure, but at the same time, I’m ready to go home.
Emily Sakowitz 