Top 10 Things I Love About London

Top 10 Things I Love About London:

1) British accents: The novelty never gets old. You hear so many varieties of accents here, mostly from the UK, everywhere you go. Even the computerized voice on the Tube is British. The funniest thing is when you are walking somewhere and you see someone that looks intimidating, and then the second they open their mouth they just seem awesome to you.

2) Tea: I was not a tea fan before I got here, and I didn't have a proper cup of tea until like a month into my study abroad experience. But it is actually really good and perks you up! The British like to put milk in their tea, which makes it creamer and less bitter, so I think I'll probably start adopting that at home too.

3) The Tube: Public transportation is so easy here once you figure out the map. The Tube is the best place to people watch, because you see some real characters. During rush hour it can get a bit mad, but if you use it during an off hour it's kind of fun as long as it's not too hot underground. Plus, I love hearing people ask me to "mind the gap" every day.

4) Architecture: Everything is beautiful here, even grocery stores, because everything is housed in old buildings. There is a lot of modern architecture too, but I love the historic buildings that have detailed molding and big windows the most. There are so many small, winding streets here. In pretty much every neighborhood, if you wander a little you can find a square with benches and trees that is the perfect place to get a little sun.

5) Groceries: Flats are small here and kitchens are even smaller, so you have to buy your groceries for a few days at a time and carry them home. This can be tiring, but you can buy fresh produce and think meal-by-meal instead of planning menus and buying everything under the kitchen sink. It also stops you from snacking as much!

6) Strongbow and Pimms: two British drinks that I am pretty much in love with. Strongbow is a cider that is sweet and kind of zingy. Pimms is a dark gin that is served with a mixer, like lemonade, and fruit. Both should be enjoyed at a pub with your friends, either watching a World Cup game or having fun.

7) Fashion: There are H & M's on every corner here, and people dress like their lives are catwalks. Someone said that the British dress to stand out instead of to fit in, and I think that's absolutely true. Some common trends: lace tights under shorts, dresses and leggings, rompers ("playsuitProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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8) Free newspapers: The newspaper industry might be "dying" in the US, but here it's thriving. There are at least 6 major national newspapers. There are also free magazines and newspapers given out by the tube stations. They're not good quality, but at least it's good to see people keeping up with current events!

9) British politics: I came over here knowing very little about British politics, and through my internship have become embroiled in the mess that is the coalition government. Learning about Parliament, political issues and British history is really fascinating- in case you were wondering, Winston Churchill is a beast. The whole royalty thing is really intriguing too, like who is in line for the throne and what the Queen has the power to do. I still think our system of government is a lot better, but this one is pretty cool.

10) So much to do: In the past eight weeks, I have been to the Tower of London, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Westminster, Notting Hill, Abbey Road, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Circus, Soho, the London Eye and more in addition to side trips to Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Brighton and Oxford and weekends in Paris and Rome. Can life get any better?