London was one of my favorite stops during this study abroad trip, and I think it’s because it felt both completely new and oddly familiar at the same time. Navigating the Tube was a bit confusing at first, but once I figured out how the lines worked and got used to tapping in and out, I felt like a local constantly using the tube around the city. I tested my navigation skills a lot, whether it was finding the right stop near Big Ben or figuring out how to get from Camden Market back to our hotel without service. One of the best parts of being in London was getting to try all the different foods. I had a lot of fish and chips, I had pasta, and even enjoyed some afternoon tea with my friends. Every street seemed to have something going on, from cute corner cafés to massive museums, and I loved how much history was packed into every part of the city. Visiting places like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London felt amazing and so interesting, and hearing all the British accents around me made it even more fun. There was just so much energy in London, and I could totally see myself going back one day. Being there made me realize how much confidence I’ve built just by figuring things out on my own, whether it was using public transportation, finding hidden spots to eat, or just walking around and soaking in the city like a curious traveler instead of a tourist. I especially loved how big the city was, and how every corner had something unique to it.
