Transitioning into London
What an adventure these first two weeks have been! I'd heard the culture shock turns out to be much more apparent than anticipated. Coming into a country that speaks the same language, I had not paid much worry to the more subtle, cultural transitions this trip would bring (especially in the workplace!) The learning curve has been exciting thus far and I am looking forward to diving even deeper as the semester progresses.
Transitioning into Tea… It's no lie that people in London love (love, love, love, LOVE) tea. I had never considered adding milk (as silly as that sounds) but let me just say… game changer. That has been an interesting adjustment as I transition into life here in London. Still trying to swap my usual three cups of coffee for tea and stay appropriately caffeinated. I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I went to a local store looking to by a coffee pot and all I could see was tea kettles for miles. Two weeks in and I think I’ve discovered an enjoyment for tea. High Tea with an abundance of miniature sandwiches, clotted cream, pastries, and Proseco—count me in. (Milk n’ sugar please!) Transitioning onto the Tube… Mind the Gap (the DAAP?) I’ve found my morning routine is 50% sweating, 40% sweating profusely, and 10% moderately comfortable. The London Underground (the Tube) is a lovely monster. You and your closest 4.8 million friends snuggle up each day during morning and evening commutes. In all seriousness, it’s incredibly convenient to get around the city, and I am loving that aspect so far—just make sure you mind the gap. Fun fact: The Tube’s iconic logo is known as “the roundel” and is one of the oldest of its kind. Transitioning into Dorm-Style Living… My new friends insist I mentioned that I shamefully clogged the sink making scrambled eggs. Guys, it was one time. Favorite places/events/things: Sunday Roasts-- They are traditional British meals consisting of roasted meat (or a vegetarian option), roast potato, paired with yummy sides such as Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy. Sunday roasts originated in England as a meal to be eaten after church on Sunday. To an American, it’s like having thanksgiving whenever you want!!! Well, only on Sundays, of course. High Tea Muriel’s Kitchen-- As a person with a love for dippy little things, High Teas are never going to get old. Served on a miniature picnic table at Muriel's Kitchen, the pastries and mini sandwiches were a cute addition to the quirky blue and gold tea set. Borough Market-- I had repeatedly been told to spend the afternoon at the local Borough market. It did not disappoint! So many eclectic shops and eateries were cozily placed within the market. You could purchase any type of food—even a container filled with the colorful mushrooms of your choosing!! London Cocktail Village (LCW 2K17)-- Wow, just wow. Tons of local bars set up pop-up shops condensed under one roof in Old Spitalfield's Market. The sites were incredible, all intricately decorated to allow ticket holders to feel like we were stepping into another world. From a ferris wheel overgrown with flowers to paint splattered walls, each bar's set-up was incredible. All cocktails were made with love and hand-delivered in eclectic packaging. I’d be kidding myself if I said I didn’t pick drinks based on their cleverly packaged containers. |
Adjusting to London Culture
As I adjust to the culture in London, its been a back and fourth of trying to blend in vs. fully embracing being a tourist in a new city. I have felt culture shock, but not in a negative way. I enjoy learning the differences, even when that involves telling my boss at a networking event that I like her pants, intending to compliment her trousers. I learned the hard way that I actually referred to her underwear—oops! To me, culture shock has been apparent in little bits—ordering coffee, learning slang, navigating the underground (with thousands of your closest friends), crossing the street (without getting hit by a cab, bus, or biker), and eating baked beans for breakfast. I think having 3 beautiful months here allows for little moments of learning to ease the transition process as I go.
Local Cuisine
As far as local cuisine goes, I think I could really thrive here in London. Pies and Mash, baked beans and poached eggs for breakfast, and of course pints. I love being able to walk on any street and find a local pub serving pies n’ pints. Does it really get any better than mashed potatoes and beer?
I had the pleasure of having my parents visit. I made it my goal to take them to a traditional Sunday roast. We went to an eclectic, cozy pub in Angel called the Bull. It was complete with bloody marys (our addition), roasted vegetables, delicious potatoes & gravy, Yorkshire pudding—you name it! |
...More Favorite Places/Things/Events
Lady Dinah’s Cat Cafe--
Located in Shoreditch (which is one of my favorite areas), this cafe allows you to enjoy a typical British afternoon tea—with cats! My mom and I considered this place a must see and we were not disappointed. It was complete with mini sandwiches, delicious tea, pastries, and champagne (and of course cats). We seemed book our table when it was nap time, and they have a strict “don’t bug our cats when they’re sleeping” policy. This is a little different than my policy at home. It sounds a bit weird (and it was) but it was a great way to spruce up your standard tea experience.
PSA: Do not go if you don’t like cats.
Stepney City Farm--
Who would have thought there would be a farm in the middle of London? I loved coming here. It was a wonderful way to escape city life—even on a rainy day. It was complete with pigs, chickens, bunnies, all kinds of veggies, and even a farmers market.
Regents Canal Walk to Primrose Hill--
A coworker of mine said this was a must experience, she couldn’t be more correct! It was the perfect day to go and I brought my parents. We weren’t exactly sure where to start, but the entire canal was a stunning walk, especially during fall! The canal flows through the middle of the London Zoo, so you’re able to see animals on each side. All along the canal we walked by the sweet little boats docked to the edges. After the canal walk, we went to Regent’s park and walked through the Queen’s Garden—where the various birds have no fear of humans. My favorite part was the view from Primrose Hill (our final destination). We made it up the hill just before sunset. The views of London were too good to be true!
Located in Shoreditch (which is one of my favorite areas), this cafe allows you to enjoy a typical British afternoon tea—with cats! My mom and I considered this place a must see and we were not disappointed. It was complete with mini sandwiches, delicious tea, pastries, and champagne (and of course cats). We seemed book our table when it was nap time, and they have a strict “don’t bug our cats when they’re sleeping” policy. This is a little different than my policy at home. It sounds a bit weird (and it was) but it was a great way to spruce up your standard tea experience.
PSA: Do not go if you don’t like cats.
Stepney City Farm--
Who would have thought there would be a farm in the middle of London? I loved coming here. It was a wonderful way to escape city life—even on a rainy day. It was complete with pigs, chickens, bunnies, all kinds of veggies, and even a farmers market.
Regents Canal Walk to Primrose Hill--
A coworker of mine said this was a must experience, she couldn’t be more correct! It was the perfect day to go and I brought my parents. We weren’t exactly sure where to start, but the entire canal was a stunning walk, especially during fall! The canal flows through the middle of the London Zoo, so you’re able to see animals on each side. All along the canal we walked by the sweet little boats docked to the edges. After the canal walk, we went to Regent’s park and walked through the Queen’s Garden—where the various birds have no fear of humans. My favorite part was the view from Primrose Hill (our final destination). We made it up the hill just before sunset. The views of London were too good to be true!
London is Incredible and so is...
...Italy! (Rome, Sorrento & Positano)
Abby McInturf and I decided to start our European adventure a week early and headed off to Italy! We began in Rome—and let ourselves be absolute tourists. We explored the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica trying our best to take in each and every painting, wall, tapestry, artifact, and ceiling. People always say to look at the ceilings (which are, in fact, stunnnnning) but no one ever mentions the incredible tiled floors. It was sensory overload in the best way possible. Everywhere we looked there was so much detail, so much history. I’ve added photos below, my words hardly do the sites justice. We then journeyed to the coast, taking in the amazingly beautiful cliffs and colorful homes in Sorrento and Positano. These views again are hardly justified by my words. The entire time, we felt like we were staring into paintings. The coast of Italy has been checked off the ‘must see’ list and added to the ‘must return’ list.
Abby McInturf and I decided to start our European adventure a week early and headed off to Italy! We began in Rome—and let ourselves be absolute tourists. We explored the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica trying our best to take in each and every painting, wall, tapestry, artifact, and ceiling. People always say to look at the ceilings (which are, in fact, stunnnnning) but no one ever mentions the incredible tiled floors. It was sensory overload in the best way possible. Everywhere we looked there was so much detail, so much history. I’ve added photos below, my words hardly do the sites justice. We then journeyed to the coast, taking in the amazingly beautiful cliffs and colorful homes in Sorrento and Positano. These views again are hardly justified by my words. The entire time, we felt like we were staring into paintings. The coast of Italy has been checked off the ‘must see’ list and added to the ‘must return’ list.
...The Netherlands! (Amsterdam)
Our first weekend trip was planned for the Netherlands! The biking culture is incredible. We decided to explore the city of Amsterdam via a bike tour. Though I haven’t stepped on a bike in months, our cold hands and sore muscles were well worth it, and no one was hit by a car in the duration of the 3-hour tour, so I’d call that a success. We traveled over the canals and through the streets, passing windmill breweries and beautiful city centers. We took trips the Heineken and Van Gogh Museums—both incredible for entirely different reasons. I have to say my favorite activity was munching on a cheese and apple pancake the size of my face!
Our first weekend trip was planned for the Netherlands! The biking culture is incredible. We decided to explore the city of Amsterdam via a bike tour. Though I haven’t stepped on a bike in months, our cold hands and sore muscles were well worth it, and no one was hit by a car in the duration of the 3-hour tour, so I’d call that a success. We traveled over the canals and through the streets, passing windmill breweries and beautiful city centers. We took trips the Heineken and Van Gogh Museums—both incredible for entirely different reasons. I have to say my favorite activity was munching on a cheese and apple pancake the size of my face!
...France! (Paris)
My parents decided to spend their 30th Anniversary in Europe, beginning in London and then over to Paris (happy anniversary!) I was fortunate enough to be able to crash their romantic celebration and joined them for the weekend. They were staying a bit off the beaten path, but traveling into the city gave us lovely time to catch up. Montmartre was my favorite—which was a tough decision after seeing the lavishly incredible Palace of Versailles. The views of the city were absolutely amazing. We spent the day exploring the hill—the little shops, the delicious French onion soups, the stunning Sacre Coeur, and of course the incredible views of Paris the hill had to offer. It was such a wonderful weekend, even rain couldn’t spoil it!
My parents decided to spend their 30th Anniversary in Europe, beginning in London and then over to Paris (happy anniversary!) I was fortunate enough to be able to crash their romantic celebration and joined them for the weekend. They were staying a bit off the beaten path, but traveling into the city gave us lovely time to catch up. Montmartre was my favorite—which was a tough decision after seeing the lavishly incredible Palace of Versailles. The views of the city were absolutely amazing. We spent the day exploring the hill—the little shops, the delicious French onion soups, the stunning Sacre Coeur, and of course the incredible views of Paris the hill had to offer. It was such a wonderful weekend, even rain couldn’t spoil it!
...Denmark! (Copenhagen)
Copenhagen has been one of my favorite places to visit. You feel this sense of warmth from the city and the people--even with how chilly and rainy it was! (Are you seeing a trend??) The buildings in Nyhavn were so bright and colorful, it was hard not to be happy but taking it all in. The entire city was covered in lights and Christmas markets. We sampled ‘the world’s best hot chocolate’ at La Glace, drinking about 5 pots of the rich, chocolatey goodness. We were indeed impressed—and quite full afterwards. We discovered an amazing place to eat and drink called Copenhagen Street Food. The quirky warehouse was covered end to end in decorative stalls featuring different local restaurants and breweries. A foodie’s dream!
Copenhagen has been one of my favorite places to visit. You feel this sense of warmth from the city and the people--even with how chilly and rainy it was! (Are you seeing a trend??) The buildings in Nyhavn were so bright and colorful, it was hard not to be happy but taking it all in. The entire city was covered in lights and Christmas markets. We sampled ‘the world’s best hot chocolate’ at La Glace, drinking about 5 pots of the rich, chocolatey goodness. We were indeed impressed—and quite full afterwards. We discovered an amazing place to eat and drink called Copenhagen Street Food. The quirky warehouse was covered end to end in decorative stalls featuring different local restaurants and breweries. A foodie’s dream!
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to explore so many different places, cultures, and people.
Up next, Dublin and Scotland!
Up next, Dublin and Scotland!