The semester is – incredibly – almost over, but I suppose I can take a look back to the beginning and my first thoughts. Initially, I was a bit surprised at the extent to which London is so fully globalized. Classical English literature and history (with not a few flairs of Romanticism) did little to prepare me for the seemingly generic urban modern-ness of the city. My aim is not to cast a certain light on the city; I am sure that London still retains a distinct character, but I quickly found that life proceeds in a way very familiar to me relative to an urban area in the United States. Perhaps I find this odd since I have never had any reference points outside of the United States before now.
I cannot conceal it: I am not exactly attracted to cities (as places to live); living in the heart of one for 3 months has been an interesting experience – mixed I suppose – but also particularly informative and enriching. London’s resources in many cases are simply overwhelming – diverse food, an outstanding accessible Underground system, countless historic sites and archives (many hiding amid contemporary structures), a fascinating Parliament, and one of the world’s finest theatre districts, as well as an abundance of music and art – how convenient that I am here! There is so much still on my list(s). I have visited the National and Tate galleries for class, but there is so much more to see at them that I have not gotten to yet. I think there is still time.
More specifics of the trip to follow!
View from my window
St. Alfege depicted in stained glass St. Alfege’s Church, Greenwich, London