One of the best parts of getting to participate in a study abroad program is the built in travel. So far we have been on four group trips. And we thought it would be a good idea to relive our most memorable one, London. 

I must say, there is something so powerful about the moment you realise where you are. Yes, we planned our trip, hopped on a train and checked into our hostel but it only really hit me the next day as we stood on the London Tower Bridge overlooking The River Thames. Looking out to see the iconic view and knowing it wasn’t just a picture was such a surreal experience.

The two days were filled with sightseeing and adventures galore. But I’ve only got you here for a second so I’m skipping to the best parts. 

Our first official stop was Borough Market. I am a sucker for a good market. Borough Market is one of the oldest food markets in London dating back to at least the 12th century. From the decor to the quality of the foods and the friendliness of each stall owner, the market did not disappoint. There was so much variety, I am sure there is something for everyone. I’d definitely recommend it.

Next, we ventured into our first art stop of the trip. Tate Modern is a gallery that carries the UK’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art. From the time we walked in we were welcomed with a series of vibrant displays. I was most excited to see pieces by Barbara Kruger and the Guerrilla Girls that I had studied before. This was also a relaxing  break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

After some wandering about, we met with the group again at the Museum of London. The museum displays the history of the capital city. It has information about London from prehistoric times to date and was a more interactive museum experience. 

This is a good time to note that on each of our trips there is personal exploration time built in. It is really helpful to decide where you’d like to go ahead of time to make the most out of it. We decided to take a trip to The National Gallery. 

From sketches by Michelangelo to famous Da Vinci paintings, this was one of the greatest collections of art from the 13th century to 1900s. I got to experience a number of pieces that I learned about in art history classes and it brought me an immeasurable amount of joy. 

All in all, London was a joy to experience and it makes me even more excited about some of the upcoming trips.

Pro tip: If you’re a couple of students in a new city, you might think the perfect way to end a day of exploring is to go out and experience the nightlife. If that is the case (I cannot stress this enough) Buy tickets ahead of time! We definitely could’ve used that piece of advice.

I’ll be jotting down more pro tips to share with you but until next time,

Cheers!