England: Lily Bloch (Places: Routine & Favorite)
Places: Routine & Favorite
Moving from the United States to London has been an exciting journey filled with unique experiences. London’s cultural diversity is incredible, with each neighborhood offering distinct flavors and traditions. Navigating the city has been surprisingly simple thanks to the tube system, allowing for easy exploration of its historic streets and iconic landmarks. My favorite historic area so far had to have been Brick Lane. I love second-hand clothing and trying different world cuisines, and Brick Lane is perfect for both. I bought a Damascene bracelet (steel and gold inlaid jewelry) from Catalan, one of my new favorite pieces. There were endless booths of both curated clothing and different food vendors. I snagged a couple of samples and walked around to peek at all the diverse products. By the time I left later, I’d collected two bracelets, a jacket, a poster, and a lace tank top.
Another routine I try to incorporate into my daily life is cafe runs. My lovely mentor Ama and I recently went to this beautiful cafe called HJEM. It’s a Swedish cafe with delicious pastries and breakfast options. That’s another thing I’ve been enjoying, learning from older students and my mentors. It’s inspiring to hear what others are passionate about and what I should try. Ama runs a podcast that interviews young entrepreneurs, and she even invited me to come to shadow her some time. Networking truly inspires me throughout my journeys abroad.
Moreover, London’s rich history is a constant fascination for me. Whether I’m strolling through the historic streets of Westminster, standing in awe of the Tower of London, or admiring the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, I feel a profound connection to the city’s past. Learning about the centuries-old traditions and the stories embedded in its architecture has deepened my appreciation for this vibrant metropolis.
As London continues to reveal its treasures, both historical and contemporary, I’m eagerly anticipating further adventures and the chance to connect with a diverse range of individuals. London has truly become my new home, offering a vibrant and fulfilling way of life that I cherish. With every unique experience, I grow more fond of this incredible city and its endless exploration and personal growth possibilities.
Lily Bloch
Majors: International Studies and Spanish
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
The main goal I hope to achieve throughout this experience abroad is to push myself out of my comfort zone when learning about different cultural identities in London that are not prominent in Wisconsin. There is a pronounced South Asian presence that affects much of the culture, and it would be an honor to get to report on different cuisines, experience cultural celebrations, and take a deeper look into South Asian attributes to modern London artwork and trends. To start, I’ve heard there’s a great Thai place just down the block from our housing. I pride myself on having an open mind, but the only way to truly claim such a trait is to be persistent in improving and expanding your worldview through immersive opportunities and conversation.
What do you most look forward to learning about London?
Seeing the contrast between American societies versus English societies is something I think will be very interesting. There will be significant differences between living in a country that uses Democracy to govern in comparison to the United Kingdom, which runs under a Constitutional Monarchy. The comparison between the United States and the United Kingdom is fascinating, considering the history between both countries and the growth of each country post-Revolutionary War.