Roll With The Punches

       As with all journeys, we are to expect some hurdles along the way. With my first UK adventure behind me, I can say that this past weekend trip to London threw every unfathomable and unearthly obstacle in my way, resulting in one of the most interestingly comical trips I have ever had.

       I was accompanied to visit London with one of my friends, Rachael, as we left early Friday morning. We spent each day traversing different parts of the city center, seeing nearly every tourist site desirable, from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to Kensington Gardens and the Millennium Bridge. One of the most amazing aspects of such a large city as London is the fact that there is something new around every corner. On Sunday, we walked around Hyde Park, leading us eventually into Kensington Gardens and a modern art gallery, and while walking around the nearby Kensington Palace, we ended up on the avenue where Ambassadors from various nations lived. Each spot was different in its own light and that in itself was amazing.

       Our difficulties came down to one thing: transportation. In search of a cheap hostel, we choose one which was located roughly 30-40 minutes out of the city center via subway. This did not stop us, however, as we began to plan our days around starting earlier in the day. What did throw us for a loop is when the only subway line leading to our hostel was closed on Saturday and Sunday, forcing us to take a combination of subways and buses that took nearly over an hour to get into the city. We persevered, however, by making light of every awful situation that came our way, such as when I accidentally triggered a series of events that led my foot to be drenched in a puddle. After this weekend, there is no doubt that Rachael and I deserve the awards for “Most Optimistic In Face of Certain Frustration.”

       London is visited by 15.3 million tourists each year, becoming one of the most well-known and popular cities in the entire world. Everyone who visits London can go on and on about its great historical significance, its elegant beauty, its rich and vibrant city-life. I did not have this experience though; instead I had one filled with comical memories and great sights. But in a way, is that not the point of any trip? We often do not go to a city to see the city, but to make memories to remember the city. I will forever remember that after this weekend, I took two planes, two taxis, one train, one airport bus shuttle, four buses, and over 20 subway rides on at least six underground lines. I will remember the struggle Rachael and I had on Saturday night to find a place to go out and have fun. These are the things I will remember more-so than the city itself.

        There was one great highlight to the weekend, however- an aspect which I would not have discovered had I not been to this great city. I called Glasgow my home. When things seemed like they could not be any worse, I simply said I wanted to go home; but I did not mean to New York, I did not even mean to the United States. I meant Glasgow. It seems strange that after being here for only a mere six weeks, I could see myself living here much longer than one semester. My friends and family back home are most likely shaking in their shoes right now or screaming at me via this blog, but it is true. I did not realize how much I would love Glasgow and to think about leaving in two months is a dreadful and saddening thought.

        On any journey we must anticipate the bumps in the road and roll with the punches. To believe that they will not come takes away from the innate purity of the experience. For after all the chaos and confusion, you may find a pearl hidden deep within, just waiting to be discovered.

        In any case, I am happy that I visited London. After all, how many people can say that?

        Oh right…15.3 million people.

 

 

 

Once again, I have uploaded pictures from my London trip which can be viewed here:

 

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