London Study Abroad Short Stories Series
June 1st- Week One - Arrival In London
Weekly Photos
Before I even left the airport, my mom told me to have two glasses of wine in the United Lounge so I could pass out during the flight. I took her advice and got the ticket. To me, that meant I had to try and get my money's worth. In time to meet teagan at our gate. So, there I was, finishing my third glass of red wine and a large ranch dressing salad. With another wine in hand, I started to walk to find my friend. Unfortunately, I spilled it all over my white linen pants. I went with the laziest option possible and put my leg in the public restroom sink. That was probably a sight to see. I walked around with a half-washed, dripping wet leg, smelling like public restroom hand soap.
Once on the flight, I found myself seated next to some famous director. He mentioned he was running a concert that night, so I tried making conversation. Realizing I wasn't getting any tickets, I started blabbering about how there's no good pop music nowadays, only mentioning artists he didn't work for. He ordered a vegan meal, and I was like, "Go figure, LA boy." and an organic white wine, so I asked for another glass of red, as if I needed it. It was awkward because I couldn’t leave after the conversation, so I just kept having to say, "Good talking to you," and then ignore him to fade my gaze down the aisle. I pretended to nap for a while until I actually fell asleep. After that much wine, I probably snored the entire flight. Not like I was going to get any concert tickets at that point. Waking up you woud think I was a lot more shy but I was still trying to figure out who he was directing for.
After landing, I relied on Teagan to navigate the new city. Some could say I threw her to the wolves as we walked around fighting for a lift to the tube below. We got on the next train, but my bag was so heavy that lifting it after a drunk nap was not easy. My wheel got stuck in the gap, and I started to panic, thinking it was like New York and the train will just go and destroy my bag. In the blink of an eye I thought to myself the local newspaper headlines I'd make. "Tourist delays train, MIND THE GAP.” Still panicking, and Teagan with her 17-pound overstuffed bag was trying to talk me through it. Like that encouragement was really helping... A kind man saved me who im very thankful for.
Getting closer I was excited to tell my friends I stayed in a “flat”. It made me feel very British. First impression, I got excited learning the train went literally through our building! We finally made it to our tiny room, and I thought, "Oh man, Teagan and I will really be best friends after London”. We rearranged our beds which gave us a ton more room. I wanted bunk beds like in in the movie step brothers but she didnt think it would work. Despite the small room, I was excited.
Later that night, while scrolling on TikTok, I discovered the concert was for JoJo Siwa! I couldn't stop laughing because I had handed over my music playlist to the director, filled with the opposite taste in music: Rascal Flatts, Adele, and Sabrina Carpenter.
June 8th- Week Two - Exploring the City
Weekly Photos
This is a photo of Teagan, Riley and I really hungry looking for food, finally sitting down only to realize were were a few minutes late and the kitchen was closed.
We saw Big Ben! I found the building to cast a shadow just right for a photo. But then, a lady came over with a designer bag, dressed nice, and an evil grin. She walked close to me as my eye trailed her down. I'm not that gullible! Fight or flight mode kicked in, and I chose fight. I put my phone in my tote, turned around quickly, and stared the would-be pickpocket woman down. I honestly was ready for anything in that moment. Temperment filled my eyes and stance. She dropped her smile, got the hint, and left. Meanwhile the next ten minutes I started to replay tracking her down to do the same thing back but I had to just eat something. Being hangry is a real thing.
June 15th- Week Three - Student Life
Weekly Photos
Visiting new sites and learning to get around was pretty fun. I’m definitely like a third child—go with the flow until I become the backseat driver. Heading to the Art Workers' Guild, I felt like a little ant in line with my six-person flat. Single file and ready to take on the day! I never always know where im going. But I really like to lead because im a fast walker. My roomates love me because I walk so fast it really looks like im taking them where we need to go. Most of the time I do this 50/50 method. Left or right and half the time ones correct.
I was so tired after class I just wanted to go home for a little while. The first time I tried transport alone, I got lost because I didn't understand the low muffling into the announcement mic. "the cIRCEl lie sin dt runniwqng due wto personL REASONS PLEASE WMDIND THE GAP!!" So there I was, running around multiple train stations screaming the word tourist. I got on a train and figured if it didnt go the right way ill just subway surf until it does. Four trains later, I landed in Aldgate and walked home from there because no trains were going in or out of Tower Hill. Only to forget my keys and feel too nervous to ask to be let in. I sat there for six hours until I had to pee so badly I was forced to ask the front desk. They got me back into my room really fast and it was no problem after all. I learned transportation and to remember my key after that experience.
I honestly felt like I learned more in the first few weeks than ever before. It got my interest for sure. Between the 1883 Magazine, Apple UX director, Business Entrepreneur, and Grand Army, I was excited and inspired. I feel like a I have a full plate in front of me of wanting to add people on linkden, update my portfolio, travel around the world to learn and grow connections!
June 22nd- Week Four - Wrap Up
Weekly Photos
In our last weeks in London, we went to Hastings Beach. Teagan and I were in the water together when I saw fish jumping out, a sure sign of something bigger nearby. I thought it could just be us making that happen. We started playing mermaids, and as Teagan did an underwater flip, I felt a huge push of water. I told myself it was probably just her flipping and her feet pushing against me. No big deal, right? Well, that's what I told myself too. I tend to overreact and think something touched my foot often when I'm swimming in murky water. I felt a little scared despite trying to convince myself it was nothing. Not wanting to freak Teagan out, I moved to the "pee zone" where I sat in the surf to still be close by her but have a chance to calm myself. I stood up after a minute, thinking Teagan is going even deeper, so I'm fine. It wasn’t until I saw what looked like the Loch Ness Monster that I told Teagan to get out of the water. She thought I was crazy until it popped its head up again.
We vistited Emmas boat who welcomed us with open arms. Her home was filled with personality. It reminded me of a Dr. Suess quote "today you are you. Thats truer then true. Theres no one alive thats more youer than you."
On our way back I was put in charge to guide and defend the group through the wild. I dont have a huge fear instinct I'm more of if it happens it person. I watched Teagan, Sam, and Riley run away screaming. I was so confused. Until, I realized they were scared of the rats. Clearly I wasnt very good at my job.
I had a hard choice to make. Ice cream or the bar. So here I was standing in the middle of the street with one group getting a sweet treat and one getting a beer. I couldnt go wrong with either but I had to make the choice soon. So I chose the bar and walked up front to lead the group strait in the opposite direction. We had to take a bus back. Either way though my method still stands because left and right where both still good options.
