Note: this was originally published on Bootsnall in 2000 (yes, 23 years ago!) but as they’ve been removed from their website, I’m republishing them here. There were six posts from the start of my year abroad after university (I was in my mid-20s when I wrote them) and hopefully, they still have some value other than just nostalgia for myself, even if they are a bit, or a lot, out-of-date.
Without further ado, keep readying for my thoughts on my gap year and London.
It appears that sleeping on the plane is not for me but the excitement of being in another country all on my own has given me the boost of 10 cups of coffee. Seriously, the airport was a little hectic and the Tube crowded but it was all worth it. I met up with two fellow travelers from New Orleans at the hostel and we set off to explore the city.
The Tower of London was one of our first stops – yes, a typical tourist spot but if you are a history buff then it is worthwhile. Just looking at the different architecture was cool. We also hit the market at Notting Hill – no, not because of the movie but for the antiques. It was interesting, I almost bought a really old copy of Winnie the Pooh but figured that it would get ruined in my backpack.
The next day we headed to Camden Town market which was a haven for club kids and their clothes. Oh, there were other things there as well but seeing clothes that looked straight out of the Jetsons was rather neat. That night we did the Jack the Ripper tour – the one that starts at the Tower is said to be the best. You actually get to see pictures and drink in the pub that victims two and five drank at the night they died. And of course, the guide gives his take on what really happened and who really was Jack.
The next day we split up and went our own way. I went to an orientation session for working and living in the U.K. as I am here on the SWAP/BUNAC programme. It was rather dry but useful.
I did some other typical tourist things like visit Westminster Abbey – it is rather interesting how they seem to bury dead people everywhere – the floor, the walls. But the cream of everything was the Salvador Dali exhibit at the City Hall/Aquarium location. It had over 500 pictures, sculptures, etchings and furniture by him. Most places just show his more famous pieces – you know, the melting clocks – but this had a little bit of everything.
Well, that was my London adventure. I have now moved on so my next installment will cover Brighton and Stonehenge. Stay tuned.
Rambles and Walks 