England: Liam Grabel (A Home Away From Home in London)

Program: UW Global Launch in London

I have a very distinct memory of when I arrived in London where I thought that the route to Sainsburys was overly complex and that I would never learn it. Since then not only have I learned it but I am pretty confident I could do the entire walk from Metrogate blindfolded. What’s interesting to me is how the walk down Queens Gate Terrace towards class, the grocery store and the tube station has become something I both love and hate. When I am tired or running late the sidewalk seems to extend forever, but when the white buildings light up on a rare sunny day I get a feeling of homeliness and love it. This feeling that I really live in London has definitely been a newer development with my second semester and I think it’s that feeling that I will miss the most.

I will miss my Tuesday practices and Wednesday and Saturday football matches where I have to commute an hour each way where despite my complaining I always go. The football pitches out where I practice are another of my favorite spots, there’s a total of 18 and frequently for games the team has to trek across a couple to get to ours. During the walks I love the feel of the sun on my face or a nice breeze which commonly adds to my excitement.

Finally the V&A museum makes my list, while the museum can be quite overwhelming on busy days when I am lucky enough to get a slower one or wander into a quieter part it is incredibly peaceful. The collections feel never ending and its library—which I am now a member—is the perfect place to study or just relax.