England: Cassidy Quandt (A Home Away From Home in London)

Program: UW Global Launch in London

Being back for the new semester, I cannot help but reflect on my love of life here in London.  There are so many new aspects that I have learned to implement in my daily life, details that I plan to never lose.  London has really taught me to value the small moments including the seemingly insignificant interactions with strangers. 

Since living in London, I have started shopping more locally.  I love wandering all of the markets, like on Portobello Road, Borough Market, and just the pop-ups found all over, specifically the one along the Thames.  Attending these markets, I am able to converse with vendors and really learn about specifically what they are selling and feel that much more secure with my purchases.  I also find it so interesting to learn all of their unique stories and how those have brought them to where they are now.  Going back to Madison, I am excited to attend the Madison Farmer’s Market and find other initiatives similar to those in London.

Another favorite aspect of my days here is stopping in at Gail’s or Guillam Coffee House, grabbing a Chai Latte and walking through Hyde Park. I feel no matter how many times I walk within the park, I still find a new path or a new way to venture out. My favorite thing especially is to start my walk around 4:30 pm- 5:00 pm so when I hit The Serpentine, the sun is just going down and creates the most beautiful sunset and reflection.  My nights wandering within the park but also the random alleys of Kensington will be something I will forever cherish from my time here.

Another major aspect of my time here in London I will miss is the architecture. I principally love studying in the Victoria & Albert museum, whether that be in their gorgeous café or in their historic library. Along with the Victoria & Albert museum, I love walking past and inside the Natural History Museum, the architecture is just stunning.  Furthermore, the buildings in Kensington are all beautifully Victorian. I love living in a place with such a prominent history seen through its architecture.