London- Home Sweet Home

Can you keep a secret?  Good.  I think I could happily live in London again.  Don’t tell my mom!  I was so thrilled to be able to go back to some of my favorite places and relive some of the best moments of my life. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time there yet but I will definitely be going back.

The weekend in London was because of a meeting with Fulbright, but we made sure to include some other fun as well.  I was lucky enough to be able to go up early to stay at Stephanie’s house in Brixton and hang out with her and Natalie.  After a bit of drama on the train line with a fire to the north of me I was finally on my way there.  I met a nice British woman who was stuck because of the fire too so I was able to chat with her and find other places to visit during my year here.  She thought I was  Australian, which I found interesting, but apparently some of them find our accents similar.

At the train station I was waiting for Natalie who had an even harder time getting a working train.  I decided to wander around and what did I find?  A Pret!  Now most of you have no clue what I am talking about, but for those who do, you understand. But I decided I would wait for my perfect sandwich until I could really enjoy it.  (I may have gone over and they didn’t have the one I wanted) 

After a night of catching up and an incredibly comfortable sleep on the blow up bed we were ready to go and see a bit of the city.  Covent Gardens, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben!  Yay! 

Friday night we all got dressed up and went to the American Embassy for the Fulbright gathering.  Because of the recent problems at other American Embassies we had to sneak into the back to avoid the protest at the front of the building.  Everyone was extremely kind about the situation and laughed with us as we pretended to be someone special with extra security.  It was a good night with free food and drinks and alumni to share their advice.  Sadly cameras are not allowed and I have been sworn to secrecy about what is truly inside.  Sorry. 

Saturday all of the Fulbright teachers in England got together to discuss our experiences so far.  We were able to talk to three alumni and two people from the British Council.  It was a beautiful day in London and I was ready to stop talking and start having more fun.  That night we had tickets to an amazing show down on the embankment.  It was a 1920 style cabaret called Wonderground.  I was amazed and nervous during most of the show.  There was tight rope walking (in heels!) and acrobats and some very strange stuff that I can’t quite describe.  It was fantastic.  

Sunday I decided to talk a walk down memory lane before I had to head back to Hull.  It was raining of course, but I didn’t let that stop me.  I started at Covent Garden, went to Leister Square, walked to Oxford Street, my old house, Regents Park, then down to the train station.  I was soaked!  I had to change before I could imagine sitting on a train for three hours.  Sadly it was time to say goodbye to London.  But don’t you worry I will be back!