England: Delaney Lehman (A Home Away From Home in London)

A Home Away From Home in London

A home away from home has been found in London; every day, a new door opens in this lively city. Upon arrival, I didn’t have much experience of city living or using public transportation. London has a vast transportation system that includes the tube, boats, red double-decker buses, and even bikes. My preferred mode is the tube, an underground train that has become integral to my daily life. With only a 10-minute walk to the closest station from my flat, making it very accessible in a time crunch. After only a few times using the tube, I and many of my other flatmates can get their way around without using maps!

Another part of city living has immersed me in London’s vast museum and gallery network. The Victoria and Albert Museum has an extensive collection varying from British artifacts to casts of Roman structures and much more. It hosts bountiful collections and holds one of the most beautiful cafes in London; it has now become a weekly study spot. I usually get tea and a slice of Victoria sponge cake and sit with my computer for hours. The V&A is not the only excellent study spot in London; numerous libraries, museums, and cafes also help the studying process/environment.

London is such a walkable city, a new hobby that I have greatly liked. There are endless boroughs to discover, and walking is the best way to explore. I often go on my afternoon walk to clear my head and destress. It’s also a nice way to call my family and friends back home. Whether drifting through Hyde Park or the city’s bustling streets, I never fail to feel fulfilled after my walk.

The food scene in London is another added layer that has become a part of my weekly life. The food scene in London is quite expansive. I recently tried the Noodle Inn’s Biang Biang noodles, a Chinese dish that uses a flat, wide hand-cut noodle made in-house. The dish was delicious. I had mine with chicken, and it was smothered in this delightful chili oil. In London, one single street can hold numerous different types of food, from Vietnamese specialties to Lebanese tapas. Another nice thing about London is the numerous food markets and halls. Where you can try a lot of different dishes at the same time. Borough Market has become a staple. Another of my favorite food spots is the Black Pig a Stall in the market, which serves Italian sandwiches. I tried the sandwich labeled ‘The Best One,’ which lived up to its name and was delicious.

Overall, London has been a place of constant exploration in all aspects of life. Every day, new places are seen and explored. My home, away from home, constantly changes, with endless things to see, try, and do. London has captured my heart, and my journey abroad has changed many of my perspectives on life.

Delaney Lehman

Major: International Studies with a Language

Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin