I’ve neglected to update my blog since the beginning of my abroad experience and I plan to catch up in this blog post, let’s see if I can do it!
Today is the start of my fourth week in London, more specifically in Kensington, studying at Richmond University. Although I’m taking a British culture class and a screen acting class my main priority is my internship, which starts on October 15 (due to Visa regulations). In the mean time, I’m exploring the United Kingdom (UK)!
My first week in London was a whirl wind, to say the least. The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), the program that helped me plan my abroad experience, collaborates with Richmond and fills the week with different ways to acclimate to the new area. Basically, it was an orientation week.
The second week was when it became easier to navigate my way through the area and learned, more importantly, how to use the public transport. The London Underground, also referred to as the Tube, is an effective way to travel around London, which is way too expansive to walk everywhere. Although, walking shouldn’t be dismissed in a city this full of adventure.
For example, Hyde Park is only a two-minute walk away and is where my roommate, Brook, and I spend some of our free time running, biking or just gazing at the marvelous park features including the Kensington Palace.
The end of the second week proved to be magical with a Saturday trip on the London Eye and a Sunday day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. My favorite memory from the weekend was drinking some of the water from the Roman Baths, even though it wasn’t too tasty it was a must try! Don’t worry the water is treated and safe to drink.
This last week wasn’t too busy but Brook and I managed to fit in visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum on Monday, attend a movie night in the residence hall on Wednesday and I joined a Harry Potter walking tour Saturday afternoon ending my week at platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross Station. I didn’t make it to Hogwarts but I’m still in London and ready to start a new week full of enchanting adventures around the city!
For pictures and up-to-date posts on my London adventures checkout my Facebook and Twitter.
Pictured below is a view from my room of a sunny day in London.
heatheramwilson 