For a little over three weeks during the summer of 2017, I had the opportunity to further my studies in Journalism abroad in London, England.
While this was not my first trip across the pond, it was my first time traveling completely on my own. With no family or friends to make plans for me, I was free to make my own plans! My mornings were spent in academics, but my afternoons and nights were free to explore the tourist traps and hidden gems of London.
Every morning, I ate at this little breakfast nook called Café Java Nuvo. The cafe was right downstairs from my apartment complex, so it was extremely convenient when rushing to get to classes. The manager, Alex, became began to recognize me and would have my order ready for me before I arrived (one English Breakfast tea with milk, and a Java Fit yogurt parfait). I loved it so much, I never went anywhere else to start my day!
During the little time I had in England, I spent my free time cramming in all the tourest-y activities I could find. Of course, the first event on my to-do list was riding the London Eye! This magnificent ferris wheel stands 443 feet high, making it one of the tallest structures in the city. The ride took 30 minutes to go around the wheel once.
Personally I was pretty extremely nervous to ride the ferris wheel: 800 people aboard, a giant wheel weighing 600,000+ pounds, and nothing but glass and an iron railing keeping the from plummeting to my death! I’ve never been afraid of heights, but I’m not comfortable with glass flooring just yet. The ride was worth the view, on a clear day you could see up to 25 miles away.
If you’ve heard anything about London- it’s that it is always raining! The weather is extremely dreary in England, but occasionally the sun burns through the clouds. I was fortunate enough to ride the Eye on a partly-cloudy day.
What’s a trip to London without at least glancing at Buckingham Palace? The official residence of The Queen of England? I could not pass up the opportunity to tour the palace. While it does feel intrusive standing in line to walk through someone else’s house, viewing the Royal Collection of priceless art was incredible. Sadly, no corgis were running around when I was visiting.
As a student who spent many years being forced to read all of Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies, I felt within my element visiting Shakespeare’s Globe. This historic landmark, though not the original building, is still used today for authentic Shakespearian theater productions.
I bought tickets to a viewing of Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy about an Italian family and intertwining love triangles. The play was entertaining even though I had trouble hearing most of the dialogue. Even if you can’t obtain tickets to a show, definitely tour the Globe while in London!
I am a big Harry Potter fan. My father used to read J.K. Rowling’s novels to my sister and I as bedtime stories. For those of you who have seen the movies and not read the books; all of England is a visual inspiration for Hogwarts. In Oxford, there are actually a few stores dedicated to the franchise (some scenes were filmed at Oxford University!)
At the King’s Crossing Train Station, an actively working railroad for UK citizens, there is a tribute to Harry Potter fans representing the 93/4 platform that crosses over into the wizard world.
I walked over 4 miles, waited 45 minutes in line, and purchased merchandise just to take this picture at the infamous 93/4 platform. Embarrassingly, it took me 2 hours to find this major tourist attraction. I kept walking past it because I genuinely thought crowds were in line to board a real train!
On a free weekend, the city’s extensive rail systems took me on a day trip to the city of Bath. There, I visited the infamous 2000+ year old Roman Bath’s. These naturally filled hot springs were called the Aquae Sulis, or waters of Sulis, named after the Celtic goddess of healing and fertility. Her shrine is located within the Roman structures – where it is believed her powers are the strongest.
While the baths are no longer used, visitors can walk through the bath houses and feel steam coming from the thermal waters. These impeccably preserved historical spa also holds ancient Roman artifacts in the museum portion of the buildings. You aren’t really supposed to take photos of the baths, so I was chastised when attempting to photograph the building. Of course, at the end of the guided walk was a spa-themed gift shop. I had to buy my mother bath salts!
Back in London, I found the cutest, most Instagramable cupcake bakery in the entire world: Peggy Porschen Cakes! This adorable bakery & cafe serve luxurious cupcakes and treats I have ever tasted. I went for the pink-lemonade-champagne flavored cupcake paired with the same drink. It was heavily, I heavily recommend seeking out this hidden spot in London.
My time in London is memorable for many reasons: my first abroad experience alone, experiencing a city so similar to my hometown Boston, and of course visiting historically significant landmarks! I am always grateful for my worldly adventures and the lessons I take away from each trip.
London felt so familiar to me, I have a feeling I’ll be back one day to explore the city more. Boston is almost identical to London, with comparable architecture and food – the culture is parallel. You can read how Boston resembles England in my article about the best sights to visit in Boston.
If you have any follow up questions about London, please email me at hello@alostblonde.com
♡ Abigail Reagan
