Learning and Loving It
I've been in London a month now - the accents are much easier to understand. I started classes and am impressed by my professors and pleased with learning style. In two classes I’m the only American student, a novelty of sorts. Everyone is extremely helpful and answers my inane questions, like where to find utensils, how to get what the British call an "American" coffee, etc. The profs were all curious to hear about UVM. One class, 19th Century London, consists of “fieldwalks” - tours throughout the city. Another is Art History. Instead of looking at slides of famous art, we go to places like the Tate, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the list goes on! This week we are climbing the 500+ stairs to the top of St Paul's Cathedral. The prof says there’s no better view in the city (no elevator either)!
I have class Mon- Thurs, so there’s time to travel on weekends. I’ve booked trips to Florence, Paris, the countryside, Scotland, Amsterdam, Switzerland, and Belgium, and after my program ends I’ll spend the holidays in Austria with an exchange student my family hosted for 6 months ! Thank you RyanAir, which is similar to Jet Blue in offering cheap flights.
After class most days my friends and I (who have become like a family) try to visit places in London to get the most out of our study abroad experience. Last week we went to the Kensington Palace to see the Princess Diana memorial before it closed. We also toured Westminster Abbey and we’ve meandered through many a museum. At night we usually all cook dinner together, meaning salad and either chicken or pasta since no one has much experience in the kitchen. On Saturday and Sunday there are fabulous markets all over the city - Portabello Rd is one of the most famous… I got an antique bracelet there to remind me of London. Yesterday I went to the Borough food market and spent a few hours walking through eating free samples… I’ll be back next Saturday.
