FASHION WEEK

It was a harsh reality shock when I began to learn the fashion rules of London in my first week here.  No longer could I wear sweatpants for 3 days in a row, hell, I couldn't even wear them out in public.  Uh-oh.  Along with this, I also learned that I needed to start showering every day, because here it’s more unacceptable to look like a grunge ball.  This was definitely an adjustment, but I’m sure my roommates are thankful. As I began to examine the fashion of those around me to try and better fit in within this foreign culture I had one main observation: there was a lot of black.  Black leggings, black tights, black boots, black gloves, black scarves, you get the idea.  I guess I understand.  Black is an easy-to-wear color: it goes with everything, it’s slimming, it never goes out of style. 

Since being here, I’ve acquired a few articles of black clothing that I now feel I could never go without. 

A long black coat- waterproof of course- that I wear pretty much everywhere I go.  I wear it out on rainy days, out on sunny days, to the market, to the grocery store, to class.  It never fails to match my outfit, and it’s long enough to keep my legs warm, even when the cold London wind is blowing. 

A short black skirt- that I can wear out with almost any top.  I can wear it with shirts tucked in or pulled out, with tights or without, and with any color jewelry.  It’s fashionable and comfy, and for 4 pounds, I definitely feel it was a good purchase. 

Black jeans- original and chic, these jeans can slightly dress up any outfit they’re worn with. They work well if it’s too cold for tights or leggings, and they work pretty well with heels.

Black boots- warm and trendy, these boots go pretty much wherever I do.  They, also, are waterproof and keep my feet nice and dry when it's raining. They can be dressed up to wear out at night, or dressed down to wear around on errands. 

 This collection of black items, more than any other articles of clothing, will forever remind me of my experience in London. 

London's Cuisine

London has given me a different perspective on a lot of the rules regarding one of my all-time favorite things: food. As Americans, we have come to expect certain outcomes when it comes to food.  There are expectations as far as grocery shopping goes, as well as service, portion size, and condiments. 


Grocery shopping is always an adventure.  I feel I have begun to understand the basic rules, beginning with bringing your own grocery bag.  I have become quite fond of my orange-with-yellow-elephants reuable bag which contains the saying "I'm small, sturdy, and strong."  Although the corner got singed off in a lunch-time mishap after the last grocery shopping experience, it still carries groceries no problem.  This is very necessary because the walk from the grocery store to the flat feels like quite the hike when you're carrying 30 pounds worth of groceries.  Another rule of the grocery store? Always check the expiration date. The grocery stores here aren't too much different from the ones at home, besides the fact that they're a little more expensive, there usually isn't quite as much of a selection, and the produce expires sooner.  Flat 2 learned our lesson about products that expire quickly the hard way.


Going out to eat is a different story.  Often times you don't have a server, you simply order from the bar.  This isn't so different from America besides the fact that in America you are usually notified you need to order at the bar.  The tip is always confusing, also, because do you leave one?  Do you not leave one?  Is it included?  What percent do you leave?  The end of the meal is always full of chaos.  Also, as Americans, we are used to pretty large-sized portions.  Perhaps this is why a lot of us are complaining of hunger all the time- the British helpings are maybe half the size of American portions.  I don't know if I've seen any all-you-can-eat buffets or free refills.  Maybe it's best we become accustomed to not having these options.


They also don't have the condiments we're used to.  No ranch or honey mustard?  This would not go over well where we're from.  And, if there is ever salt missing from a table, we are instantly notified of this devastation by Lauren Rosenfeldt.


Cooking and eating in London is something to adapt to.  It's something we can learn from and hopefully something we'll always remember.

37 Hyde Park Gate

“There are few things pure in this world anymore, and home is one of the few. We'd have a drink outside, maybe run and hide if we saw a couple men in blue. To me it's so damn easy to see that true people are the people at home. Well, I've been away but now I'm back today, and there ain’t a place I'd rather go.

I feel home, when I see the faces that remember my own. I feel home, when I'm chillin outside with the people I know. I feel home, and that's just what I feel. Home to me is reality, and all I need is something real.”

When I decided to study abroad, it never occurred to me that London, England- and more particularly 37 Hyde Park Gate- would truly be a place I considered home.  It was a far away country, it was unknown sights and sounds.  It was more of a long-term vacation, but, of course, it was a dream come true.

Home always seemed to be where my parents were, where my bed was, a city I knew like the back of my hand.  Home was my kitchen, home was my closet, a place where all my memories were hidden. But, on my way back from traveling the past couple of weekends, I have come to realize that it absolutely is.  It’s where I long to get back to after being away, it brings me a sense of peace, and a sense of stability.  Its fake fireplace and freezing common room are things I found only too easy to accept. 

Do sometimes I think 37 Hyde Park Gate is going to drive me a little crazy? Absolutely. 

Would I trade it for anything in the world?  Absolutely not. 

The strong sense of affection I feel for this flat, and this city, is a stronger pull than the gravity that holds me to the ground I walk on.  I love the style of the windows, and the style of the doors. I love the tube, I love the parks, I love the shops. I love how much I’m learning without putting forth any effort.  I love the restaurants, the architecture, I love the dogs.  I love my flat- I love its creaky doors, and overwhelmingly loud toilets.  I love the door handles, I love the carpeting, I love the balcony.  I love being surrounded by my friends, and hearing about their adventures as well as sharing my own.  I love the tight knit, interwoven relationships that have been formed here, and I love knowing that these people and these relationships are not something that needs to be left here when I leave this wonderful place I am able to call home.