There are definitely many positives to attending a huge school like Penn State. One is how there are students there from all over the world. Even in my sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma, we have sisters from all over. One of my sisters, Eleanor, is from London. And I wasn’t sure if I would be able to visit her because she and her family are moving to Bermuda. But, the moving day was pushed back and I was invited to her home!
Eleanor lives in Ealing Common, which is west of Central London just outside of it. She lives in an English row of homes, similar to this. She gave me a tour of her house as well. One of the main differences I noticed when I first came to London was how everything seems so “small” here compared to the United States, and I do mean that in terms of living space. Eleanor pointed out that in America, we have room to build wide whereas in London, they build up. Her home though was (to me at least) a good sized home like I would see in a city like New York. Her mother is American while her father is English so they do have a mix of both America and England in their home.
A few of her friends also came over for lunch and they were just as interested in America as I was interested in England. One thing I was worried about when I arrived in London was whether people here would receive an American like myself well. Luckily, most of the ones I’ve ran into are very kind and very interested in America. Probably the number one question I get from the English here is “What do you think of President Obama?” They are very surprised when they run into an American who says they don’t approve of him. I do approve of him so I give them a straight answer of “A good job, better now that things are getting better in the economy.” And yes, I was quite bummed to find out the President would make a visit to Dear Old State while I’m here. But, I’m getting over it… slowly.
Some questions Eleanor’s friends asked me was about how big soccer is in the States (I said around the World Cup it’s big but not very celebrated otherwise); is New York City worth a visit (Absolutely- it never disappoints); how big is Disney World (huge, way bigger than Disneyland Paris and though expensive, worth it); what are the winters in Pennsylvania like (much worse than London, the 38 degree weather we’re having right now is actually balmy compared to State College); and summer in Pennsylvania (very hot).
In turn, I asked questions to them, like is it worth it to go to a football match (definitely- it’s like going to a Penn State football game); is American football here big at all since the Super Bowl is coming up (not really; people will watch the Super Bowl but they’re more into their version of football); and what vacation spots are popular with the English in the summer (more southern places usually in Europe like the south of France, Spain, and Italy because it’s very easy and cheap to travel around Europe).
I also finally had my first cup of tea! Eleanor made sure to use the special china to serve tea in. I put sugar and milk in because I thought it would be necessary. I was worried about trying it, but it was delicious! I never really had tea back in the States, but I definitely enjoyed my tea here. I’m actually craving tea right now! I think I’m going to go to the local supermarket, either Waitrose’s (which I equate to Wegman’s) or Tesco’s (which I equate to Weis) to get some.
It was definitely a joy to spend the day with Eleanor. I feel so lucky to have a friend from school who actually lives here. Now that she has graduated, I’m able to see her here more than back at school. I am hoping to see her again before she moves because it’s a little of home for me to see a friend. And I loved being able to interact more with other English (and they do refer to themselves as English. British accounts for all of the UK whereas English refers to just the people of England) students and staying in an English home for the day. It’s an experience I’m getting that other students here didn’t really have and I hope to have the opportunity again.
““Me and Eleanor back at Penn State!!
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Location: Ealing Common, London, England
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