There is no place like home... except London
By Jackie Zimmermann, Staff Writer
June 6, 2007 | 1:14 a.m.
I once again find myself surrounded by mountains of clothes. Unfortunately for me, I’m not packing for my trip to London but instead to go home. I must say, however, that it is still quite difficult.
My time in England has been extraordinary. London is a fantastic city with so much to offer. I have officially decided that if my future career ever called for me to move here, I would do it. Sure actually living in the city for longer than three months is rather intimidating, but I think that I would easily be able to get into the swing of things and live as a true Londoner.
If anyone is planning a trip to London, my top three must-sees would be Leicester Square, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. Leicester Square is such a great area to wander through. Around the square there is little traffic so you don’t have to worry about cars. Plus, if you like the theater, there are places just about every five feet to buy discount theater tickets to the numerous shows playing in the West End.
I enjoyed Tower Bridge for different reasons. It was really only one of those things that you view from afar, but it is such a landmark that it is still really exciting. Even though wandering through the Tower of London and seeing the crown jewels were great, leaving the castle and viewing the bridge up close made my day. Even though it is not technically London Bridge, it is still the image I will always have in my mind whenever I hear the classic nursery rhyme.
Then there is Hyde Park, which is absolutely gorgeous. There is a lake in the middle which is open for swimming and for renting row boats or paddle boats, but even just a relaxing walk through the park will place you among numerous fountains and monuments. It is a great and calming way to spend a weekend afternoon. The Princess Diana Memorial is also there, and though I feel that it is noticeably missing a statue or plaque commemorating the princess, it was still my favorite part of the park.
Even though this entire experience was full of new and exciting adventures, I have to say that there is one in particular that simply made my entire trip. While watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, we saw a car leaving the gates. As soon as it turned the corner we caught a perfect glimpse of the Queen. Yes, the Queen. There she was, barely tall enough to be seen through the window, yet causing quite a stir with her appearance. Needless to say, I was stunned. I am sure there are people that live in the city that have never been as fortunate as to have actually seen her. It made me giddy all day. I can now officially say that I saw everything I wanted to while in London.
Even with this incredibly lucky sighting, I must say I have mixed feelings about going home. Basically what I really want to do is go home, see my friends and family for about a week, then hop immediately on a plane and fly back here. I just feel so comfortable in this city. Plus, I am sure that if I were actually working or attending non-Ohio University classes I would be able to make a friend base that would allow me to feel just as at home here as I do at home in Michigan or at school at OU.
All in all I would consider this trip a huge success. Sure I didn’t meet as many locals as I wanted, and I am slightly disappointed that I am not coming home with an accent, but I still got to experience what has become one of my favorite cities in the world. I know that at some other time in my life I will make it back to London. Besides, I honestly don’t think I will physically be able to keep myself away.
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