I was asked to write a short article on my time in the UK by the company that I work for, Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy. This will be published in their newsletter (hopefully).
Dreams are an extension of a person’s imagination. The possibilities are limitless and the experiences are boundless. I had always dreamed to be able to live in a foreign country and the university I attend, the University of Pittsburgh, provided a chance for that dream to come true. I was presented with a number of choices but one stood out, London, England. The United Kingdom is an English speaking country which had a large impact on my decision. The country also has a long and illustrious history and its culture is closely related to that of the United States.
Each day presented a new challenge, especially the first few days. Something as simple as crossing the street became dangerous if I relied on my instincts. Driving on the left side of the road affects more than just those driving; I had to constantly remind myself to look right and then left. My reliance on my own vehicle was quickly replaced by a dependence on the London Underground (subway); a fleet of red double decker buses.
As with any large city space is at a premium. The program provided all students with a flat (apartment) within the city. I lived in close quarters with four roommates. This took an incredible amount of understanding and patience and even then a long walk solved a lot of problems.
Let’s not forget the main reason why I was there. My schooling while abroad consisted of four classes covering British culture (two classes), twentieth century art, and international trade. The classes were a mix of lectures in the classroom and field trips to different venues around the city. Many of the museums and art galleries were free to visit but having the insight of the instructor proved to be a great asset. It was quite a challenge to balance enjoying the city and completing my schoolwork. Sometimes you just have to buckle down and get the work done!
My family and I had the unfortunate experience of realizing just how unfriendly a large city can be to a disabled person. Public transportation was built to move as many people as possible, as fast as possible. An Underground station rarely had step free access to enter a train. This provided a new challenge of how to use an escalator when someone is on crutches. My mom made the best of it however and we had a fantastic time while my parents were there. They even trusted me to drive them around!
At the beginning I looked at the days remaining as if they would never pass. As I began to adjust to this new way of life my outlook on that changed. I began to think about how much I would miss London and all that is has to offer. My time there had its ups and its downs but overall it was a fantastic experience. I fell in love with the city. Completing this dream was a huge achievement. It is one that I am very proud of and one that I will never forget.
It is the eve of my departure. It seems like just this past Wednesday I arrived here and now my bags sit patiently by the door waiting for the morning to come. It truly has become a bitter sweet moment. I’m so excited to leave but I’m so sad to leave London and most of all leave all the friends I’ve made here.
My last trip through the city was great. The weather held off and the crowds were minimal. Seeing everything for the one last time made the walk worth it.I have quite a few pictures but everything is packed now so they will just have to wait until I return.
Speaking of that! I’ll be back up probably before most of you guys go to bed. I rise at 5:30 to catch my 6:30 shuttle to Heathrow. From there on it will be a jump across the pond to Philadelphia and it will be a great sight to see all of the family back on US soil!
Stay tuned, the trip may be over but there’s lots more to talk about!!! Most importantly, GOODBYE LONDON!
And you know what that means. Only one more day!
In my time zone there is a very somber mood. It is technically Friday and there is only one more day left. There were lots of final good byes today at the CAPA Departure Party. It truly was a sad time indeed. It didn’t hit until a professor I truly enjoyed shook my hand and told me it was a pleasure. That kind of set the tone fore the evening. There were quite a few goodbyes and fair wells. Only the best of friends will see each other in one last attempt to spend time together. It truly has been one of the greatest and saddest times in London. The bus ride back from the club tonight was a reflection of what I have done, what I haven’t done and what I have now realized over my three and a half months here.
I’m completely staggered by my reaction to this and I can only dream what I will be going through on Saturday. I do feel now that I am a true Londoner and that I fit in here. I will be greatly sadden by my departure in just over a day.
In an effort to keep the updates rolling in, Welcome to Thursday! Only two more days to go. I have so many mixed feelings right now it’s not even funny. I’m ready and very excited to come home, but I’ve grown to love London and hate to leave.
I’m down to my last and final class of the semester. I had my last art class an hour or so ago. We attended the Saatchi Gallery. It was a rather odd one but I did find the most unique and what I think to be the coolest exhibit in London. In the basement of the gallery there was an empty room with models of old men in electric wheel chairs. Each chair had sensors and moved around the room as if the models were driving them. The models of the men were so life like that I was scared looking at one. I was ready for it to jump up from the chair and scare me. It truly was an odd experience and rather intriguing piece of work. I do have some pictures but I won’t be able to post them until I get back to the flat. So look for them tomorrow morning or so.
I did make it to the Natural History Museum last evening. It’s a great place. I wish I would have devoted more time to it. I still did get a taste of it though! I have also picked up my British flag so I’m absolutely content in leaving now. I do want to pick up a few things but if I don’t, I’ll still return a happy Todd!
Status Update
Like I said above, two more days. At this time Saturday I hope to be somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean with America in my sights.
Hello and welcome to the last Wednesday in London, two days, twenty-three hours to go. Papers are all finished and I’m heading out soon to my last (and first) final of the semester. I’m pretty much done after that! Quite amazing if you ask me. After class I’m going to go check out the Natural History Museum. That is the last and final place on my list to see. After that I’m content leaving this island.
Speaking of leaving, I’ve got most of my life packed into suit cases right now. It’s now smooth sailing to the end. Friday I plan to end my time here just like I began it. A tour around the city and the final pictures of all. I still can’t get over the fact I’m having to think about this. It’s quite crazy!!
Stay tuned tonight. I hope to pass by Tower Bridge and get some night pictures!!
Edit, my bad, sorry for the typo.
Well I did it! I just finished a mound of greasy fish’n'chips. It was good and it was very filling!! I couldn’t let myself leave London without eating it at least once. So there is one more crossed of my list of things to do!!
So after typing up the post this morning I headed north for Primrose Hill. London is a very flat place and I never thought there could be such a hill where you could see the city. Just no way! Thankfully I was very wrong. A short walk from the Chalk Farm tube station I found my self at the foot of a very large hill. If it didn’t have side walks on it, it would look like someone dropped a large clump of green playdoe in the middle of Northern London.
I walked to the top and to my wonder eyes should appear, London spread out before me. It was absolutely amazing to see the city that I had been living in for the past three months in one view. I stayed there for a while to take in what a wonderful sight it was and to reflect what I’ve been through for the past three months.
Sadly I did have to leave. I said my goodbye to London and turned to walk down the hill. That will be one sight that I won’t forget. The town looked so small and manageable from that hill, I’ve actually found it to be just that. But back in September I would have told you that you are CRAZY for saying such a thing!
Well it’s back to work for me! Got to keep moving! Enjoy the pictures.
In an effort to see all I want to in the last week that I haven’t already, I’m making every minute count! Yesterday before class I went and walked around the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. There are so many different types of things in this museum. It was described to me by someone back home as going through the attic of an old house. It does seem that way! There is jewelry, iron works, paintings, prints, tapestries. You name it, it’s there! I’m definitely glad that I went!
Today I hope to make it to Primrose Hill in the north of London. It’s a very large hill that overlooks the entire city. I hope to get some great pictures and I think that this is a good way to close things out. A city overview if you will. Pictures will definitely be posted from that!!
Status Update
I’m just going to make these a regular thing now. Four days, one hour to go. I still have one more final to complete for International Trade (not worried) and a paper for Popular Culture. This paper proves that I’m a good procrastinator. I don’t think that’s a good thing though. I’m really nearing the end now and I’m getting really excited to return home. We got a paper on reverse-culture shock yesterday. I’ve found any type of culture shock to be weird, surprising, and generally sneaky. I’ll right more about that when I get home though.
I’m off to get ready for the day, it’s supposed to be beautiful out, cold but sunny. Look back later for pictures!!
