I’ve just started my last week of classes, which means next week is finals. And the following week I will return back to the good ol’ USA for the first time since 2010. It’s time for the two-week crunch as I’ve called it. A last ditch effort to get everything out of London I can in two weeks while also putting a ton of effort into those finals to make sure the grades stick.
When I first set in foot in London, I had instant culture shock that I thought I could never get over. Now, I’m pretty used to life in London, whether it’s hitting Tesco’s to grab a chicken wrap and bag of crisps or heading to a pub with friends for a quick pint between studies. I’ve made some friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. Some go to Penn State so I can see them every now and then during my senior year. My closest friends live in Boston, Connecticut, California, and Washington respectfully, so keeping in contact won’t be the easiest. But, Facebook definitely will help and I know that the friends I’ve met here will be around for a long time.
Right now, my classes are killing me. I’ve had a lot of work to get done and still have four final exams to go before I can go home. And since my grades transfer, everything I turn in is at the utmost importance. I”m definitely feeling the pressure, especially after working hard and receiving some grades that weren’t completely satisfying. It’s a different league in terms of schooling- professors definitely expect a lot from us and it’s been difficult for me adjusting, kind of like the transition from high school to college was. But, even if my grades aren’t straight A’s and I receive a grade I didn’t want, I will still be taking what I learned here back at home. I feel that my work ethic has improved tremendously and even though I felt these classes were extremely difficult at times, it will make completing my senior year at Penn State a little easier (or simpler rather).
But enough about the classes. What about London?
The image I had of London was from photos in magazines or movies like The Parent Trap, so quite romantic. But, London is a modern international hub that was overwhelming at first but now is quite pleasant. I love living in a place that is accepting of everyone and anyone; I feel like anyone can easily belong here. I’ve seen and been to a bunch of places so far: Harrod’s, Big Ben, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Picadilly Circus, Hyde Park, and the Tower of London to name a few. But, I still need to check out Abbey Road, Kensington Gardens, Covent Garden, Portebello Road among others. It’s virtually impossible for me to see everything in London; it’s like New York City in that respect.
But even without the major sites, I’ve taken a lot out of London. The theatre district, an icebar (pictured above), the BFI, the East End Markets on a Sunday, walking down the King’s Road every day, learning how to use and appreciate the Tube, the Double Decker buses, the nightlife… everything.
Now, I’m getting ready for my return. Back to the land where I can drive my huge gas-guzzling SUV, watch television again with a DVR, use the data on my iPhone, and see my friends and family yet again. But, I don’t know how to approach these next long two weeks. Anxious is the word, but is it more excited or nervous like Lindsay Lohan asked in The Parent Trap. Sure, I am nervous about my finals (especially for the borderline ones), but I would say as she did, “Anxious excited; definitely.”
Location: Manresa Road, Chelsea, London, UK
