A Foggy Day in London Town

A Colorado girl, exploring the big world. 21. Adventure keen.

[eunoe-deactivated20200524]

Art details moodboard pt.1

[caitstadler]

[jadery-aifs15]

meet my friend James! I met him through work, and I've already decided I'm taking him home with me as my souvenir!

[jadery-aifs15]

Last week thoughts...

I can't even believe that we're at this point... I can count my days in London on one hand. It's partially scary for me, because upon my return, I have to graduate. So on one hand, my return to the US is a slap of reality after an extended holiday in London. And I still have no idea what I'll be doing with my life.... So I'm returning to a lot of questions and uncertainty.

I also have a pit in my stomach thinking about leaving the people that I've met here. I have to chalk many of my relationships up to my outstanding internship. I found an office that I really fit in and where they are so open and accepting. My internship found me a home really. And the people I met there are all so talented. It's inspiring! But what am I going to do when I go back?? My friends will be there, but they'll be different and I'll be different...

Needless to say, I have a bit of anxiety when considering going home!

[jadery-aifs15]

It's difficult to really nail down what your favorite part of travelling would be. For me, it's always been simple: I enjoy meeting new people the most. Just going outside your front door enables you the opportunity to meet someone new who could change your entire life or move right on through.

For me, this trip has of course been amazing for all of the right reasons. I've done things I never thought I could/would. But in all actuality, this trip has blessed me with some amazing people that I can add to my list of favorite people.

What would I do without my two friends from the program, Carly and Ola? You can count on this trip to be a vehicle for making lifelong friends. You find people that have the same interests, the same passions, and most importantly the same travel style. Some people feel the need to go, do, and see everything. Some people like to relax and soak it all up. The greatest bit about the AIFS program is that you meet travel partners, compatible travel partners.

[jadery-aifs15]

Hit up the Imperial War Museum for my friends international studies course. Despite my lack of sleep, I was completely entranced by the Holocaust exhibit that the museum holds. The devastation to humanity is outstanding, but then to realize the terror spread beyond that into our literary history makes me shudder twice as hard. 

[jadery-aifs15]

Weekend day trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury, followed by the England v. Lithuania game! I definitely cried when I entered Wembley Stadium. I've played football/soccer since the age of four, so it blew my mind to see this ultimate tribute to the sport I love.

[jadery-aifs15]

If you're like me, you love the city, but need to get away for a little bit to recharge.

One of the greatest parts about being in London is the fact that there is so much green space throughout the city! The only thing is, is that many of the parks are lovely and green, but you are still surrounded by the noise and the bustle of the city. It's no real type of escape.

Regent's Park is my place.

It's my place where there are trees and benches. My favourite of all being the one I took a picture of above. It is secluded away from everything. You can't see the buildings, you can't hear the cars driving by. You are in your own little world. It's my place to go when I just need a moment to breathe.

The park is also home to a great collection of gardens, water features, and ducks. SO MANY DUCKS.

So now you know, the city is great. But there's also a great amount of surprises around the corner for anyone who needs one.

[jadery-aifs15]

An adventure to get another round of sweets from this amazing bakery, Kowloon. Chinese New Year getting crazy in Chinatown!

[jadery-aifs15]

Went to see the Victoria and Albert Museum today, along with the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

Honestly my favorite was most definitely the V&A. It has a great aesthetic quality as well as a great atmosphere in general. PLUS the Disobedient Objects exhibit is EXCEPTIONAL. Great visual history of rebellion and protest.  

How great is it that all of these museums are free????

[jadery-aifs15]

Looking quite American in my workout outfit at the Tower Bridge. NOT London Bridge as many people think.

[jadery-aifs15]

Chinatown was so cool to see. It's interesting to see a small pocket of a different culture wrapped up in the large package that is London. I loved walking around and hearing all of the different languages around me!

[jadery-aifs15]

The real ramen... I can never again eat Ramen noodles from Walmart... Regardless of their college student price level.

[jadery-aifs15]

East End is prime for checking out some excellent graffiti art.

[jadery-aifs15]

First day - first picture.

Essential tourist picture. No shame.

[jadery-aifs15]

New Beginnings? Or just jet lag...

Hello to all!

  Here I am at the introduction of my three month adventure. After spending over 14 hours either on a plane or in an airport, I was ready to crash land into any bed-shaped mass available.

How to explain jet lag... It's like pulling an all-nighter in order to write a paper. You finish it, overkill on the caffeine, and then plough through the day with no thought for your physical or mental safety. The jet lag though is the day after your massive lack of sleep... Where your body catches up to you and rightfully punishes you for your inconsiderateness. Your eyes feel sunken into the back of your skull, like your looking out of a tunnel at the rest of your miserable US compatriots. You get irritated for absolutely no reason... why is she smiling at me... stop looking at me... just take my coffee order and leave me in peace.

  The worst part about it is trying to make a rational decision when you can't feel your face and your limbs are on the verge of a mutiny. Yes, stay awake until a time where it is actually acceptable to go to bed in your new respective country. It is painful now, but it gets easier. A woman in the Newark airport informed me that it was a "day for every hour you're losing or gaining," with a conspiratorial wink. I didn't have enough control over my motor skills to answer with more than a grunt.

If anything, take comfort in the fact that no matter how terrible you feel, your fellow AIFS cohorts are feeling the same exact way.