I’m spending the semester abroad in London, in the Earl’s Court neighborhood of the Royal Borough of Kensingston and Chelsea. I’m doing an internship at the European Bureau of a news outlet and taking classes about international journalism and British Life and Culture. I arrived this Wednesday–an atypical snowy day in London.The cab driver was chatty, but I’ve noticed that most Londoners I’ve seen so far do not engage in small talk like Midwestern Americans do. It’s not a good or a bad thing, just different. People keep to themselves and avoid eye contact on the tube or buses.
Here are a few photos and more observations from my time here so far.
Remnants of Old Posters at the Notting Hill Gate Tube Stop.
Easter Egg pastely houses in Notting Hill.
Typical Gray Day outside Buckingham.
There is a TARDIS outside the Earl’s Court Tube Stop–the one closest to me. No David Tennant though. Or Matt Smith, the new Doctor. I’m pretty sure it’s the same size on the inside too.
So far, so good! London is gorgeous. It’s exciting and multicultural and while people do like to complain about the weather–it’s been a lot warmer than my native Chicago. I’m in a nice Victorian flat with a modern kitchen. I’m sharing a room with two other girls, and space is tight, but I’ll be able to manage. I don’t think I have enough room for all my clothes, though 
Speaking of clothes, I’m really close to High Street Kensington, which has some really nice shops. It also has a Whole Foods, which I hope will inspire me to eat healthily and not just indulge in pastries from some of the amazing cafes nearby! One of my favorite foods is chocolate croissants, and there are some great French cafes in South Kensington where my classes are.
I start work tomorrow, I’m going to Bath and Stonehenge Friday, and will post any good pictures I get there!
Cheers,
Sarah
