My first day was spent getting over my jet lag and getting acclamated to the London weather again after spending a month in sunny Mumbai. Somehow, being my luck, I missed the rare, but hot weather in London and got there right on time for a horrid, cold front (50F-60F) with rain to match the mood. Even my friend, though it is obviously not her fault, profusely apologized for the weather knowing I had hardly seen a hot, sunny day in London. She repeatedly nailed it in my head that this was NOT normal. Regardless, I tried to make the most of it and went out into the city when I could. My first day out, I went to a quaint area called "Hampstead" of London where the rich and famous of London reside.
At first I did a little window shopping, but then made it over to the infamous crepe stand which serves both savory and sweet crepes for all types of palates. Since, I was famished, I ordered a savory crepe with spinach, cheese, and garlic. Though drizzled in oil, I happily ate the crepe,
but realized that the dessert I was planning on having at the french bakery nearby was not happening. So, instead I explored the book store around the corner when I was hit with a sudden jolt of jet lag quickly ending my day.The next day was also not that eventful since the weather was so dismal--a brolley was constantly with me throughout the week. I had originally wanted to spend this day either by going to Stratford-Upon-Avon or Brighton, but my outdoor ambitions were squelched. Thus, I simply went into Central London to do some shopping and hang out with a friend for drinks on Oxford Street. Having one more day left, I figured it was best turn of events since I could stroll around till the weather no longer suited me.
Finally, the last day in London approached, and while I was saddened by this because I had fallen in love with the city and most especially rhubarb (a vegetable like fruit that is cooked) custard and brittle (i'm dead serious, people...you can't find this combination anywhere in the states)
as well as several other things English, I was also excited to be back home with my family and to see my friends after three long months. So, in style, I spent my last day in London using my hop-on, hop-off bus given to me by the GMU program and visiting Leonardo DiCaprio
at Madame Tussaud's (had he not just been created as a wax figure I would have gladly forgone the experience) where I also saw the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachan. That night, my friend also took me to the Shree Swaminarayan temple--the largest Hindu temple outside of India. This was definitely a sight to see and a great way to end my trip. In the end, my journey to London was an unforgettable one. On one level, I empathized with foreigners in that sense of having to find your way around in an unfamiliar setting, adapting to a different culture without anyone you know in your reach. But on another level it also taught me how life is something to be lived, enjoyed, and explored everyday. And now, having been home for over two weeks, I do miss London immensely, but I'm also glad to be back home to discover what lies ahead.
No comments:
Post a Comment