What London did to me...
To try and put into words what 21 days in another country, another city which was unlike anything I had ever experienced before is near impossible. In the following I will do my best.
Upon arrival and perhaps within the first few days I wouldn't say I was unimpressed, but rather indifferent. At first examination, it did not appear to be much different than a big city in the USA. Now I have never been to NYC and my other experiences with big cities happened either at a young age, or for a short period of time. This however seemed similar in the shopping mall a few blocks away, the sight of McDonald's at every corner, along with the Pizza Hut and Dominos. However once I ignored the similar and took a closer look at the differences I was amazed at all this city had to offer.
During our walks whether with Dr. Hertz or on my own the age of this part of the world was overwhelming. There was no place you could turn and see that didn't have some sort of historical significance. It was amazing to see one city that had a story at nearly every corner, or every stone. It humbles me to think how this much history must change someones perspective. To Americans every corner is a place to make history or become famous rather instead of embracing what was once here.
London gave me a different view of culture, race, and prejudices. This is something I didn't expect, nor did I think needed an adjustment. I always thought to myself to be a diverse individual. I will admit that I am not without my stereotypes, which unfortunately seems to be a part of human nature. However living 3 weeks in London, what I would say is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world, I learned to see beyond those stereotypes. In fact looking back at them, it makes me sick to think I used to have those thoughts about a group of people as a whole. Racism and stereotypes seem to be nonexistent in London. I'm quite sure this is not an accurate statement, but perhaps it is, on such a smaller scale compared to the US that it seemed nonexistent to me. I loved their uniqueness. I loved that no one seemed to care about others differences. Whether it was the way they dressed or the way they spoke it didn't seem to matter. It was such an inconsequential thing to them. I'm sure in certain areas they have their own stereotypes, but the ones that are so prevalent here seem to meaningless to them.
Another thing that London gave me a new perspective on, was myself. I'm sure everyone goes through the early stages in life wondering who they are, what their purpose is, why they do things they do. And I am one of those individuals. Of course, I thought I knew, or at least had a pretty good idea. But going to a foreign country practically on my own, at 28, for three weeks and venturing into the unknown, taught me a lot. I have a new perspective on relationships, the value of alone time and the beauty of friends, old and new. I wouldn't pretend to say that I have it all figured out, but I have a firm grasp on what I had been looking for, for a long time.
As for London itself that is 20 page paper on its own. People say you actually fall in love with Paris, but I fell in love with London. Their way of life (minus the underground), their views of politics, drinking, and tradition. The way they build and move forward but still maintain more greenery, than I've even seen in my life.
The Kinks have a song Sunny Afternoon and I listened to them a lot on my walks around London and the parks. This particular song's meaning came to mean so much more to me while strolling around :
"...Cause I love to live so pleasantly, live this life of luxury, lazing on a sunny afternoon. In the summertime..."
I realize that they don't get sunny days too often but taking time to appreciate it, and the beauty of it was something I enjoyed watching. We complain, no matter what the weather. A month and half ago everyone complained it was too wet, no sunshine, and now they complain there's too much. How about, enjoy what you have while you have it, because you never know when it will change.
That was what London did to me.
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