Hello, I am Dominique. After 3 months of studying abroad at the School of Oriental and African Studies this past Fall, I am returning to London town this Winter for another semester of gray skies, rainy weather and bad food. At least those are the images of London that come to mind when I tell all of my friends that I’m returning to London. They don’t really understand and I can tell by the look on their faces that they are wondering why I would return.
There are several reasons. First, London is just so vast that I need more time to explore all of the hidden gems. From Notting Hill in West London to the clubs in South London to the East Enders, to the street markets in North London and, finally, Central London, my home, there is so much to see and so little time (now that the sun sets at 3pm). London is delightfully cosmopolitan and diverse with much to see and lots to do. Second, I don’t want to say good-bye to all of my friends that I’ve made at school. They are a great bunch and you will be hearing more about them in the upcoming weeks. Third, London has a historic feel, hard to describe, tangible when walking around the city. For example, my favorite moment was walking along Westminster Bridge, the site of William Wordsworth’s Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, and seeing the very places that inspired the poem—the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the National Theater and the Thames River. It was grand to witness the splendid beauty of the city.
Anyway, writing this entry from my tiny room in Baltimore makes me nostalgic for London. I can’t wait to return and update you about my adventures.
Until later,
Cheerio!
