so you're going on a study abroad..

So you’re going on a study abroad..

(I know a million things have happened in my life over the last four months. I fully intend to document them here, but all in good time. Here is a ridiculously long post that has been long promised to some cute friends who might just find it useful..)

MARKETS

Markets were definitely one of my favorite scenes to frequent in the UK. There are several right inside London itself and almost every town you stop in will have one as well. I love the food offered, cultures presented, and ambiance provided. You can get killer deals on unique souvenirs, incredible food, and some of the best people watching opportunities all in one spot. I call that winning at life, my friends.

(Harry Potter Puppet Pals?) 

Camden Market

This one was my favorite so we’ll start there. When you get off the stop, I believe you turn right and walk up the street. At first you will be disappointed and think, “Aimee. Why did you recommend this place? It’s just another tourist trap.” FALSE. Walk past all the touristy crap that you find everywhere and you will reach mecca. You’ll find food from all over the world and the cutest handmade goods on both sides of the street. If you’re like me and suffer in making small decisions, I suggest going in a group so you can get a bunch of food items to share; it’s impossible to pick one.

Portobello Road

The classic. Yes, it gets crowded Saturday mornings by about 10:00, but honestly I suggest not using Saturday to sleep in. If you get going by 8:00 or even 9:00 you can beat crowds and it makes such a difference. You have the rest of your life to sleep in. Take advantage of everything for these four months! Sleep can always wait (that seems to be a theme in my life no matter where I am..). Anyways. Back to Portobello Road. It is a way fun place to window shop, especially if you like vintage things. It can go on forever though; don’t feel like you need to walk the whole thing. The shops start repeating themselves.  A lot of the girls I roomed with were obsessed with their crepes..  I had better? But they did discover if you bring your own raspberries they will put them on the Nutella crepe for you haha.

Bourough Market

 BEST. FOOD.

 It is kind of far out there, but definitely definitely worth the trip AT LEAST once. Go when you are on your London Walks or after you visit Tower Bridge. Amazing grilled cheese (Grill My Cheese) and ah-maze-ing pastries/treats. Really just so many wonderful food options.. They also happen to have cookies bigger than you face for 2 pounds. Obviously that is a big yes. It’s open every day and is bigger than you think! It took me two trips to realize there was a whole other half I never knew existed at first. Walk in all directions my friends.

Covent Garden

Such a fun environment to go and just hang out. There are always events happening here or street performers. It’s a solid place to people watch and shop. And eat! There is a really good crepe restaurant in the basement. It’s usually easier to get off the Leischter Square tube stop and walk five minutes; Covent Garden’s stop is usually crowded and it’s like 20 flights of stairs underground so….

Spitalfields Market

Way fun market you will stumble across on your London walks. Adorable clothes, but a little pricier place. I never went, but I heard from another girl (whose opinion I completely trust) that just around the corner is what they call “Brick Lane” where Jack the Ripper killed most of his victims; if you want the best Thai food of your life, go to Rosas nearby and get the Chicken Pad Thai .

You will stop in so many random towns as you travel throughout the UK on coach. Don’t fall into temptation and just try things you know or go into chain fast food places. Find the markets when possible and eat there! It’s usually cheaper/healthier/better tasting and where you will find the locals.

STORES

I know what you’re thinking; “Aimee, I spent so much money to just go on study abroad I can’t afford to shop.”

Yes. Yes, you can. At least a little bit. It’s so fun to observe their styles and learn to dress like a true Londoner. There is just something about their clothes that is superior than ours..  If you’re really on a budget or really want to get a lot for your money, Primark is the place for you! Let’s be honest. Primark is actually the place for everyone. I got my favorite pair of black pants ever there for seven pounds. SEVEN. Say what. Everything there is super cheap and okay quality. It is pretty crowded there.. just be warned. Don’t go when you have a headache.

Harrods

Obviously. It is so much fun to walk through! Ha just don’t check the price tag on anything or you will come to find you probably cannot afford to even breathe in there.. Princess Diana’s ring is in the basement! Make sure to see it. And they do have good food. It’s home to the Cronut. As in a croissant donut. Yes. Those exist. Yes, you need to try one (though tbh the best one I had was at this incredible donut and cronut stand in Camden; FIND IT).

Hamley’s

It’s a five story toy store on Regent/Oxford street. What’s not to love? Speaking of Oxford and Regent Street, that is really where your central shopping will be. They have everything. ALSO. There is nothing more magical than walking all the way down Oxford street (starting at Marble Arch) at night once Halloween has past and the Christmas lights come out.. <3

Liberty House

Just off Regent street. It’s another one you probably can’t afford anything in, but worth taking a trip to and enjoying looking around. It’s not like anthropologie, but it reminded me of it just because of how it’s set up. If that makes sense haha. Go check it out!

Topshop

Go get clothes. kthanksbye.

FOOD

Nando’s: You didn’t go to London if you didn’t eat at Nando’s.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen: Need I say more? (they have an app that will give you discounts and I think they offer student discounts as well. Really just ask EVERYWHERE if they give student discounts; a lot of places do but don’t advertise it).

Café Nero: You can get hot soup and bread for like three pounds or something. Which is a miracle when you are in some tiny town in the pouring rain and feel poor.

Ben’s Cookies. Ben’s Cookies Ben’s Cookie’s Ben’s Cookies. Just go. All the time. Try them all. Love them all. And then please bring one home to me. (I am 100% serious).

Khan’s: WAY good Indian restaurant close to the Bayswater station. They also deliever if you aren’t feeling like going out! Once upon a time Ellen and I thought we could handle the hottest chicken they had…. Good times.

Zizi’s.:There is one right out of Nottinghill Gate! Super good Italian pizza if you are up for a night out.

Pizza Express: Good pizza at decent prices and can be found anywhere.

Taza’s: HOW could you ever forget about Taza’s? It is this whole in the wall place right off Queensway. We are talking less than five-minute walk from the Centre. It has way good shwarma (spelling??) for really cheap served to you by men who only call you love/dear/darling (in a totally non-creepy way). Man. Now I really want to go here.

Hummingbird Bakery: Right off Portobello Road! But don’t try and go on a Saturday. They have way good cupcakes AND sell pumpkin bread in the fall. Pricier but delicious.

Paul’s Bakery: Yes.

Crush: Good healthy wraps and such.

Hampton Court feat. the Volturi

Whole Foods: This was my comfort place when I needed some American groceries. Mostly you can get just a bag of popcorn kernels and brown paper sacks, go back to the center and pop it, melt a little butter, sprinkle some salt or cinnamon, and BOOM. Late night snack.

Dishoom : This was for sure my favorite meal I had in London. It’s a Michelin Guide restaurant and incredible Indian food. Oh my heck. We went our very last night and it was just the perfect ending to the perfect semester. It’s very close to Leicester Square. Honestly I thought the prices were very fair considering how amazing it is. Definitely more a posh place, and although we lucked out and got in without a reservation, I recommend getting one.

SNOWFLAKE: Go at least once a week. Have family night or something. It’s a gelato place, and having been to Italy and eaten my fair share of gelato I will vouch for its authenticity. My favorite was actually the pear? But I am a vanilla and fruit person. It is just down the street from Palace Court on Pembridge Road. I would tell you to bring me some of this back too, but the whole melting thing is an issue..

MUSEUMS.

The National Gallery is my personal favorite, but I love art. One of my favorite views in all of London is standing at the top of the steps and looking out over Trafalgar Square to Big Ben.

Honestly you will probably go to most museums for class assignments, but enjoy them. It’s incredible that they are all free to the public! The British Museum, Tate,  Victoria and Albert (way cool but prepare to get lost), are all so good. One that you do have to pay for is the Imperial War Museum/Churchill War Rooms, but I thought it was worth it. If you’re interested in WWII or Churchill, do it. Try not to get worn out of museums and just rush through them for class. It’s what you came to do: study abroad. You can learn so much in them! Seriously. On the flip side, don’t spend all day in one either.. Haha there is lots to do in very little time.

PARKS

Do yourself a favor and get up early a few times a week to go run in Kensington. It was one of my favorite things.. Say hello to William, Kate, George, now baby Charlotte for me! </3  OH! And rent bikes at least once! It is so fun to bike around for a little before dinner and just enjoy the fall air. St. James’s Park and going up to Little Venice are totally worth your time as well (London Walks class FTW ladies and gents).

Where has your backpack?

SHOWS

You are surrounded by the best theatre in the world. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WEST END. Go to the Globe more than once. Buy day-of/student tickets. See a show you’ve never heard of but has great reviews. Invest in the classics. Just live it up!

Some favorites included:

Les Mis: this is the show I really advise just biting the bullet and if you are going to see it, get an at least semi-decent seat. Because when they say restricted view, it turns out they mean restricted view. Go figure.

Matilda: dare I say this was my favorite one? At least top 5. AND IT ONLY COST 5 POUNDS. I was blown away by the kids’ talent. The music, the choreography, and the set were all brilliant. Get up early one day when you don’t have class and wait in line for the day-of tickets. I think we left about 7:30 or 8? And they give them to the first 15 people in line at 10:00. So so so so worth it. Bring a book and read in line. But you have to see this show.

Wicked: They give student tickets on the FRONT ROW day of for 25 pounds. Never have I been so blown away. I had seen Wicked when it came to Salt Lake, and obviously loved it, but HOLY COW. When you are five feet from the action and can see their expressions the emotional roller coaster you ride is unreal. Plus the Glinda is LDS, so that’s cool.

Other good ones included Phantom, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, White Christmas, and anything Shakespeare.

OH. Also. A few years ago, Benedict Cumberbatch ( <3 <3 <3 ) played the role of both Frankenstein and the monster at the National Theatre (epic, right?). Last year for Halloween they did a rescreening of the show at the movie theatre for like 10 pounds? It was INCREDIBLE. Frankenstein is one of my favorite books, and who better to be the complex characters than Benedict? If you have the chance, see it. But I will just warn you: it is a little graphic.

Speaking of shows and Benedict, keep your eye on movie premieres. Mockingjay and The Hobbit both had their red carpet premieres in Leicester Square in London. WHAT IS LIFE, right? If you plan ahead you can spot some celebrities and have your live changed by standing five feet from your love--Josh Hutcherson--and bff--Jennifer Lawrence. Living in London has so many perks it is insane guys. Just keep your eyes and ears out at all times and really take advantage of everything London has to offer! You will never get to call such a unique and cultural place home again.

TRAVEL.

I am just going to refer you back to my Paris and Germany and Scotland posts.. But PLAN AHEAD. Know things you want to see and do before hand. Then be flexible! Things don’t usually go as planned, so have back-ups and don’t stress. Just enjoy it all. Definitely take advantage of the fact you can visit another country for Thanksgiving break for only a couple hundred dollars. GO. Germany. Austria. Switzerland. Italy. Spain. Pick one and go. Small groups of even numbers are best, and you can find cheap but good housing on airbnb.

Thanks JK. Rowling. Always.

OTHER

Yes, you have to do the Harry Potter Studio Tour. And GET THE AUDIO GUIDE! So worth it to hear Tom Felton narrate everything you could have ever wanted to know about the world of Harry. Honestly, worth every pound seven times over. Even if you don't love Harry Potter, it is incredibly fascinating to see how the movies and magic was created.

 

HIGH TEA

Yes. It is pricey. But it is just part of the experience of London and something that needs to be done! Make some reservations, get all dressed up, and enjoy your afternoon of drinking some nice (herbal) tea with your lovely ladies being waited on hand and food (and eating so many delicious treats and finger sandwiches).

Just be prepared to make some of the best friends of your life these next few months. The London Ladies of Room 2 will always hold a very special place in my heart...

I could honestly talk for a week straight about London and the love I have for it, but no one would listen so I will be done now. But if you are going on a study abroad, count yourself among the luckiest people on the planet. If you are going on a study abroad to London, consider you and your life forever changed by the magic and energy of that city. Open your heart and mind to the people, cultures, and history presented there. Do not waste a single day. And remember, a man who is tired of London is tired of life; because quite frankly, London is life. Cheers!

Love Always, Aimee

(I realize half these pictures correlated with what I was talking about, and half didn't.. Just go with it.)

MIA

I must have had some theory when I returned to school that my life was suddenly uninteresting and thus did not need to be updated via this blog as often.

But then today I realized it is halfway through March and over a quarter of the way through the year and I have not posted one thing. And sure,  I know longer spend my days wandering London or weekends visiting other countries or castles. I spend my days sitting in classes or studying cadavers in the anatomy lab and my nights writing research papers or reading textbooks, but my life is not inconsequential because of it. Freak. I love my life! Research papers, never-ending classes and all.

First day of class shot. This is home. 

My teachers are amazing. I am learning so so much every day. Anatomy? GUYS. Everyone should take it!! It is so cool to study the body. And really, how can you study the body and not KNOW there was a divine creator? This stuff does not just happy people. It's perfect and beautiful and amazing. Even if the smell is less so.

skully is the only one who understands. 

My other classes are so uplifting. I am so grateful I had an extra semester to complete a minor in Family Life (someone remind me of this in a few years when I just want to be done and graduated).

new desk, old memories. 

Here's what I love about BYU: we accept all truth as what it is: truth. Gospel truths included. Meaning my teachers can testify of Christ and Eternal Families and the Atonement and things the Prophet's have taught us as we study the body or chemistry or family finance. And you wouldn't think those things all relate back to the gospel but holy cow I am here to tell you that they do. Everything is related to the gospel because God created this world and the elements in it. He is the only one who truly understands everything and the one who inspires us to be able to as well. There is no where else in the world that you can get such a good education by the world's standard as well as an education in the gospel. It is unlike anything else to feel the Spirit in a science class. There is no where else I would rather be (even if we don't get a spring break..).

original by yours truly. 

My roommates are bomb. I don't know how I have lucked out every semester so far. I always seem to have exactly the people living with me I need to learn from (it's weird, it's like I have someone watching out for me who knows everything or something).

Just your casual Saturday night jam session. 

Peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth. 

mini London Roommate Reunion. These girls are my favorite humans. 

The weather? Do I even need to explain this one? It has been beautiful. I have never seen a "winter" like this. Sure, we have no water yet for the summer.. But hey. I have nothing against April showers. Those are way better than January or February blizzards in my book.

surprise visit to see my favorite RM in California? YES. YES YES YES.

And that is only the very beginning of the list of reasons why my life is so wonderful.

new favorite place to eat: BAKED. Guys. I am a firm believer that sandwiches = life.

Well. It's almost midnight and I still have some reading to do for class tomorrow, so I will end there.
But just so ya'll know, I am alive and well and still loving life.
Yes, I miss England. I think I always will. But I also know happiness is very much a choice in life. And I will always (try to) choose to be happy.
So come what may and love it.

Love Always, Aimee

 (Sorry I don't have any really cool pictures really to post, just a lot of jumbled up thoughts and shots from real life.. but here's a flashback for your enjoyment and my heart ache)

(this is also home)

the Aftermath.

where has your backpack been?

(obviously) Everyone keeps asking me, "How was London?!" and I keep on saying "good!" or "great!" or "amazing", etc etc, you get the picture. But one word could never convey everything I saw and experienced in my four months there or the ways I grew and changed as a person. In fact, I am not certain any amount of words could accomplish that. I have managed to put my finger on a few small lessons London taught me that will stick for the rest of my life, and that is what I would like to share.

Most importantly, I learned that it is people who make things meaningful and important. 

I saw a lot of incredible places, that cannot be ignored nor should it be, but they would not have meant half as much if I had not been with amazing people. Just like Centerville would not be home without the people who live in it. Elder Bednar said, "The most important things in life almost always involve the people around you" and I am not sure if truer words have ever been spoken. 

That being said, I also learned a lot about service. 

I lived in very close proximity with 45 people. My room alone had 15 girls in it. FIFTEEN GIRlS ranging from 19 to 21 in age. That is triple the amount in my entire apartment last year.  It would have been really easy to become annoyed at any number of them or have silly problems, etc. It was almost expected. But we didn't have any. Honestly, next to no drama. Why? Because we all just acted selflessly to the other girls around us. We all were so willing to give anything to help each other out or listen to each other. There seemed to be an unspoken agreement to lift and love those around you that was so special to me. One of my favorite sayings is to "Never suppress a generous thought". I think London was the first place I consistently lived that way and I absolutely loved it. We know that every good thing comes from God; therefore I believe any generous (good) thought we have is a prompting from the Spirit (from God). So not only did I learn about service, but I learned to listen more to the Spirit and recognize it, which I am so grateful for. I hope it is a habit I can take with me for the rest of my life.

no one has ever become poor by giving; and because I have been given much I too must give.
And I would give anything to these girls.

I learned about how the Church works outside of Utah/the US. 

The members in my ward were so pure in heart, accepting, loving, and so wonderful. Not that members aren't wonderful in Utah -- the Church is the same no matter where you go -- but there was definitely something different. I was the racial minority; everyone else was from Jamaica or Ghana or Portugal or Spain or Brazil or Wales or who knows where else around the world. Many were converts or were inactive for parts of their life and they knew how important it was for every member to feel welcome and loved. They knew that everyone had a history and fell short of the glory of God and they didn't care. They loved you anyways. Tattoos? Great. Drinking problem? We'll help you. Divorced and have children? What can we do for you? Need a lift to the activity this week? Want to go to the temple this weekend? Really. They have nothing to give but they will give you anything. 

home is where the heart is and England has mine completely.

I learned more about who I am and who I want to be as a person. I learned how to be happy in any situation and love any place. I learned to see the world as new and beautiful and to appreciate all that was in front of me. I realize I am in love with London and just completely enchanted by every aspect of it. But to be honest, a good part of that stemmed from me expecting to be. I looked for the beauty and found perfection through the imperfection and 'ordinary' parts of it. I am trying to take that home with me as well so I can see everywhere I am as beautiful and exciting. Because it all is. This life is just one big beautiful adventure and I am so blessed to live it.

I was incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to study abroad in London. As cliche as it sounds, it truly changed me and my life for the better in ways I will never be able to explain or describe further than this. Although it feels like a feeble attempt, I still had to try. I owe that much to my dear city of London and the impact it had on me. 
London, thank you from the bottom of my heart; I will love you forever & always. 

when you hear Big Ben again, that's when you'll know (you're home).

Love Always, Aimee 

#cheerstoyoulondon

Finale

Monday and Tuesday were spent taking finals. I would just like to say I do not think there is any feeling quite at great as walking out of your last final. Can I get an amen? The relief and pure joy felt is unreal.

We took four finals in London; Shakespeare, Humanities, British History, and Church History in the British Isles. It went down much as finals do on campus. Hours and hours of studying, reading over notes, looking over the class slideshows, and asking every person who walks by what they are studying because there's just so information you have no idea where to start for a thirty question test. Half the Centre was up well into two am together holding reviews and talking over Shakespeare's plot lines and characters as well as the last three thousand years of Britain's history. They went well! I think? I guess I will find out when grades are released. Either way WE WERE FREE!

Wednesday we had the whole day to ourselves and our dear city of London. Me, Ellen, Addie, Zoe, and Lexie decided we wanted to see as much as possible so starting lunchtime we walked essentially the entire city. Beginning at Marble Arch we walked all the way down Oxford St. admiring the lights and window shopping as we went, then through the back streets around Tottenham Court and Charing Cross. When we reached Trafalgar Square we went inside the National Gallery one last time. Inside we just sat in front of Monet's Water Lilies and let the impressionist art in the room speak to our souls. I love art. I walked through a couple other rooms to say goodbye to Constable, Renior, Van Gogh, and Lorrain's beauties. Walking out of the front doors of the National Gallery is one of my favorite scenes in London. It gives you a view of the whole square and all the way down the street is where I caught my first glimpse of the beautiful Big Ben.

In Trafalgar Square we had the genius idea of climbing on top of one of the Lions for a picture.
Needless to say this quickly turned disastrous when I ripped my pants climbing up. *insert annoyed and embarrassed face here*. They were my favorite pair too... Lucky for me I was wearing a long coat that covered said damage because we had ZERO time to go back to the Centre and change or even buy a new pair. At this point we were supposed to be meeting at the London Eye in the next fifteen minutes. Whoops. Haha. (No fear everyone; I found the same pair of pants in my size on clearance yesterday so I once again have my favorite pants.)

*picture wasn't worth the pants, just fyi*

We walked from Trafalgar down to the Houses of Parliament, Ben, and Westminster Abbey. We snapped a last picture and walked across Westminster Bridge to the Eye.

last visit to Ben <3

There we met up with the other 10 ladies of Room 2 for our farewell ride over London. We timed it PERFECTLY. With a pod all to ourselves we watched the entire sunset over our city. It was absolutely perfect. I wouldn't want to watch my last sunset in that city any other way. We were able to see essentially everything and get one last view of the place we had the privilege of calling home these last four months. Obviously it was a little bittersweet, but we kept it light hearted by having a dance party to Imagine Dragon's "On Top of the World" at the top. Ha, it was only near the end of the song that we realized the pod next to us had been watching and recording us... Glad we could improve their experience on the Eye I guess.

isn't he perfect? 

Following that we just went together up the South bank a mile or so. We strolled through Christmas markets and walked under light-strung trees taking in the magic of London until we reached our favorite Millennial Bridge. That took us across the Thames to St. Paul's where we hoped onto the Tube for a stop or two to Covent Gardens and then walked to Leicester Square where we had dinner at THE BEST indian restaurant. It was a Michelin Star restaurant and had a line outside the door so we knew it had to be good. We only ended up waiting about fifteen minutes for a table due to a cancellation. That is what we calling winning at life, folks. Our waiter did not realize we were familiar with Indian food; he kept warning us that things would be "spicy" and told us the right half of the menu was probably too "heavy" for us to handle (admittedly we did not order from that half. BUT I did get chicken labeled spicy and it was not anything spicy like the last spicy indian food I ordered).

After dinner we split up because everyone had a different idea for how they wanted to end their evening. I headed alone (don't tell my parents) all the way to Tower Bridge. I wanted to see it one last time all lit up against the black sky. The excursion did not disappoint in any sense. The overwhelming feeling of love and appreciation for London I experienced as I sat on a bench outside the Tower of London cannot described. Visiting the Tower of London was our first 'London Excursion' on study abroad and therefore my first real taste of the city. It felt just right for it to be my last view as well and have a sense of closure about leaving.

I took the long way home just so I could walk one last time down Oxford Street because it is pure magic at Christmas time. 

At 22:00 (10 pm for those of you who are following along at home) we all reconvened at the Centre to head to our last Snowflake Gelato run up the street. I went big this time and got TWO scoops (and then immediately realized why I normally get one... They're decent sized scoops. Oh well. YOLO). I got their signature Snowflake flavor, coconut, white chocolate, and vanilla perfection with mixed berry that was absolutely heaven. The combination of sweet with tart goodness? Killer. Ten out of ten, would recommend. We took over the whole joint and overwhelmed the poor italians one last time and it was so bittersweet to all be together one last time.

Late that night the whole Centre said goodbyes and then spent half the night packing. I was up until 3 am and then woken up at 4:30 by a girl leaving, then slept again from 5-6 am and then I could not sleep any longer and I was up until after 8 am the next day by the time I made it home!

London fam selfie 

my wonderful professors and their wives 

Packing and packing and packing all the night long + my photo wall at the foot of my bed.

It's hard to believe my adventures in London are over (for now). That city will forever hold a part of my heart, but lucky for me I took so much more away from it than I left there; it has changed me and my life for the better. London, I love you.

last view of Palace Court before jumping in our taxi..

Love Always, Aimee

goodbye for now, England :( xoxo - Aims 

Lucky for me, Hanman was on the same flight home! And how else can you leave school in England except by reading Harry Potter the whole way home? 

(This is just from the mentioned finals above.. Sometimes it hits 2 am studying and you may or may not feel like your brain is going to explode so the only solution is to take a break and give the professor's son cornrows. Nice to know if I fail out of school I can fall back on a solid hair-stylist career, right?)