This week was by far my most chill week, which is strange considering I now have only one left. You would think I would be cramming to fit everything in, but the truth is, I’ve fit almost everything I had hoped to in already. I guess now I’m finally just…living? But in London. The best city in the world. Woah.
Although it was relaxing, I still had a lot of fun. On Tuesday, I went to Camden Market with Alex and got some falafel before heading back to our place to eat it. Adam met us in the lobby to eat, and from there the two of us went to a free comedy club called Angel, where 10 people with varying degrees of experience did their best to make us laugh. And it worked. I wish I had known about it earlier - I would have gone at least once more.
On Wednesday, I took my first final, which I think went well. Following class, I quickly checked out the London Museum before heading home. I had a train to catch; I was making the trip to York, a place I had hoped to visit from before the term even began. I was worried that it was not going to fit in my schedule, so I’m glad I found the time. I arrived somewhat late at night, so I went right to sleep once I got to my hostel.
The next morning, I was off. My first destination was York Minster, a beautiful church that won’t at all blend in with the dozens of other beautiful churches I’ve been to (sarcasm). But actually, it was amazing and I can’t help but stop and wonder how all these people made such a beautiful place as early as 1220 AD. After my visit, I walked around a portion of the city walls, which were also built in the 13th century (well, rebuilt, as Vikings destroyed the earlier Roman versions). It gave a great view of the Minster and was accompanied by spring bloom in full effect. Once I came back down to the main part of the city, I stumbled upon the army marching band, as it was the Queen’s birthday. I had nothing better to do, so I followed them around, as if I were in the parade myself (relax - I wasn’t the only one; I have a little self-dignity). The band was one of the best I’ve ever heard, and they stopped at a small park where the 21 gun salute was performed. This occurs only 5x a year in 13 counties, York being the only one in Northern England. Pretty cool coincidence if you ask me. I’d say it was a successful morning.
By then I was pretty hungry, so I got some Yorkshire pudding (essentially pork, vegetables and potatoes) in wrap form. Then I went to the Shambles, their famous market area. I first went to The Shop That Must Not Be Named, but after all my other Harry Potter experiences, it was a little underwhelming. Then, a couple stores down the street, was the York Ghost Merchant shop, which I stood in a queue for for an hour and a half. Yes. An hour and a half. 1.5 hours. 90 minutes. For a store that sells small ceramic ghosts. And yes, it was worth it. No two ghosts they make are the same, and they’re pretty cute. Plus, I had nothing better to do and the street that the shops are on is pretty Diagonal Alley-esque; there are worse places to wait. After 5 minutes in the store, I walked another portion of the city walls before calling it a day and taking the train back home. The city was exactly how I pictured a traditional English city to look and it was astounding.
After a successful trip, Alex, some of the girls and myself went to Notting Hill to walk around and meet Alex’s friend who’s also studying in London. I got some falafel from the place I first tried the food - if nothing else, Falafel Point at Notting Hill has made quite the influence on me, as it was the second time this week alone that I got falafel.
On Saturday I boarded the HMS Belfast, the only remaining Royal Navy WWII ship. It’s located conveniently between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, with a great view of the Shard looming to the left of the latter. It was a very interesting ship, which fought on D-Day and made trips to Russia along the Arctic Coast during WWII, followed years later by missions during the Cold War. Fun fact: its steering wheel is below deck, and the person steering the ship only knows where to go by receiving directions from others. After my time on the water, I went to a cute place south of the Thames called Maltby Street Market and tried some Ethiopian food. It was good, but I doubt I’d choose it again. Then, that night, Alex and I went to Primrose Hill for the sunset, though it turned out to be pretty anticlimactic because the sun sets in the opposite direction of the city skyline. I doubt I’ll make it for the sunrise.
Lastly, today was a beautiful day; I heard it was warm back in good ol’ New York as well. I walked around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for a couple hours before making my way to Fulham, where Riley and I watched the Chelsea match at a pub right outside the stadium. American star Christian Pulisic scored the game winner in the 90th minute for Chelsea, and this made up for the packed tube ride home from the stadium.
I guess that’s it - tomorrow is my last week of classes and last week in London. Well, temporarily, at least - I’m sure I’ll be back ;). I’m ready to see everyone again, but I’m not ready to leave. I guess I’ll just keep putting that thought off to the side until Friday arrives, though. One last week. Let’s make it a good one.
Cheers
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