I have been in London for a little over a week now. My first day was not ideal, as I went to the wrong orientation. I found myself waiting in a Starbucks in the heart of London using their wifi trying to communicate with someone from my program. I was scared and felt hopeless. Finally, someone from my program came to find me. From there on out, everything has been great!

I feel like I have seen so much but I also feel like there is so much to do and see. The culture here is very similar to any big city back in the states. There are obviously differences, the main one being the means of transportation here in London. I have almost been hit by cars and bikes multiple times because I can’t seem to remember that the vehicles are coming from the opposite direction than they do at home. The steering wheel being on the right side of the car makes everything more confusing. I catch myself looking into cars and being confused because it looks as if no one is driving!

I have become much more comfortable with riding the tube (London’s underground transportation system) and have ridden it alone multiple times now. Everyone is very quiet on the tube and I feel like an outsider eating my breakfast on my way to class… no one eats on the go here, very different than in the states! All of the different underground lines are color coded so it makes it easy to navigate. I have memorized my route to class and have becoming great at “minding the gap”

I have had quite a bit of fish and chips since I have been here and have started exploring different food options. My flat is equipped with a kitchen so I have been eating at home at times to save money. Also, getting “take-out”  or “to-go” means nothing to the locals… it is called “take-away” here and they will look at you blankly unless you use their terms.

I have met people from California to New York and everywhere in between who are studying here as well! Everyone has gotten along so far which has been great. My flat mates are really nice and most of us have similar interests.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” -Ernest Hemingway

Tower Bridge!

The London Eye

At the gates of Buckingham Palace

Bridget

After missing a connecting flight in Calgary, Canada, I was left to wait in the airport in Calgary for six hours. After a few tears, some phone calls, a free burger, and a drink I was more determined than ever to get to London. Although it took much longer than expected, I finally made it to Heathrow Airport in London at 10:00 pm (I was supposed to arrive at 10:00 am) on Saturday, June 14.

After clearing customs and showing my University of Westminster acceptance letter, I got my bag and was left to find a taxi. The “black cabs” here in London are very pricy so an airport worker gave me a number to call to get a discount taxi service to come get me. As I wandered around trying to find the place where I was instructed to wait, I was getting nervous. I just wanted to get to my flat.

It seemed like everyone at the airport knew exactly what they were doing and where to do. To say that I felt lost would be an understatement! Finally I saw a man coming towards me with a sign that said “Bridget Rayburn”. I don’t think I have ever been more excited to see anyone in my life! After a long taxi ride into the city, I arrived at my flat and was greeted by security and my flatmates. After traveling for more than 24 hours and successfully making it to my flat all by my self, I felt like I could conquer the world!!

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Here is a picture of the sun rising as I was on my way to London.

Waiting with my things (for what seemed like forever)!

Free food courtesy of Air Canada for messing up my travel plans!

“Everything you desire is always just outside your comfort zone” – Chris Murray

Bridget

Here is a recent picture of me in Eugene, Oregon a few weeks prior to my travels.

I leave for London in five short days. I can not believe that a trip that I have been planning for months is nearly here! I am getting more and more anxious as the time of my departure gets closer. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and feel so blessed to be able to go on such an amazing adventure.

Having never been to London, I am not quite sure what to expect. I am thankful that English will be spoken but I am also aware of the strong accents that I will be coming across. I know that there will be cultural differences between London and my hometown (Portland, Oregon) and I am excited to discover them along the way. I am excited to meet people from all over the world, as I have heard London is a culturally diverse city. I’m hoping to drink lots of tea while I am abroad and try some new food as well. I can’t wait to see different historical sites and learn more about the English culture.

“The world is a book and those who don’t travel only read one page.” -St. Augustine

-Bridget