If my first weekend in London is any preview of how my time here will be spent, then it will be very hard for me to come home in December. Don't worry MOM & DAD you can visit me here :)! Friday was a little slow sitting through our orientation sessions; however, it did not take long for us to find something fun to do. That night we checked out the Pub at Imperial College, which is the University F.I.E. is affiliated with. We soon realized how expensive drinks are abroad! After leaving the Pub at 11 (because that's what time all pubs close at - so early!), we took the tube to Piccadilly. Most of the nightlife takes place around Piccadilly and Lester Square, since that's where all of the clubs are located.
Saturday morning we rose early, to go on a Bus Tour of the city that the school set up for all Santa Clara students. Our guide showed us the main tourist attractions, while keeping us well entertained. We started in South Kensington at 10 and did not return until 13, even though we were supposed to be back by noon. This was our first experience of unexpected London Traffic.
During the tour we traveled through Kensington passing Harrods, stopping at Buckingham Palace, followed by seeing Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and finally, the Tower of London. I am already planning a time to come back to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards!
By the time we returned from our morning adventure we were exhausted, yet excited to explore more by ourselves. My two roommates, Janey and Mackenzie, and two of our flat mates Alex and Justin, and I decided to head back towards the Tower of London to check out the Borough Market for lunch.
The entire area was filled with vendors selling venison meat to delicious cheeses and fresh fruit. For lunch we settled on a pork belly applesauce sandwich. At first, I was a little hesitant to try this concoction. With the queue 25 people deep we decided to give it a shot.
Once we hopped in line two locals reassured us that these were the best sandwiches at the market. After waiting almost twenty minutes and searching for a place to sit and eat, we finally discovered that the sandwich was incredible and somewhat messy to eat!
Saturday was a full day of excitement that turned into a night of entertaining dancing at one of the newest clubs in the city! It really was a great way to start off my stay in London. During the next four months I really want to take advantage of any opportunities that I come across.
As my good friend Sarah, who went abroad last spring told me, "whenever you question doing something, always do it because how often can you say you were abroad in London?" I believe this is the best advice to live by during my stay and I am excited to do anything and everything possible! Until next time, XOXO.
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