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.
Todd Goodbye London London, Summary
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!
Todd Goodbye London Last Walk, Leaving, London
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.
Todd Goodbye London London, Saatchi Gallery, Status Update
I just got back from a little tour of London at night after class. I finished up my final, what a relief! I figured a little celebrating was in order. My friend Jessica and I went by Winter Wonderland. We got our picture taken with Santa! How cool!? After a mug of mulled wine (warm spiced wine) we headed to Trafalgar Square to get some better pictures of the Christmas Tree. I must say the fountain takes an excellent photo!
We both then headed down to Tower Bridge for a few more photos, walked along the Queen’s Path and caught the tube back to the flat. Quite a good evening I must say! This might be the last time that I see London at night. Quite a sad day indeed!
Just two and a half more days to go! I did some packing this morning. I think I’ll be able to get everything squeeze into my suit case and not have it going overweight! Just a few more things to grab and pack up before I’m ready to go!
Todd Goodbye London London, Status Update, Towe Bridge, Trafalgar Square
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!!
Todd Goodbye London Fish'n'Chips, London
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.
Todd Goodbye London London, Primrose Hill
Like the two past days I traveled to to another destination in England that I wanted to see before I left. I set off one last time to Victoria Train Station. I missed the 10:45 to Canterbury west and ended up having to wait another hour until the next one was ready to disembark. That gave me some time to burn. Luckily there was a pub in the train station I sat down for a full english breakfast. It’s got to be one of the weirdest things I have eaten here. It’s comes with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and get this, baked beans (not so bad), a grilled half tomato (um, no), and a cooked flat mushroom (seriously?). It was very good and very filling although a few things were left sitting on the plate when I was finished!
It neared time for my train to leave so I headed for the platform. I settled in for the hour and forty-five minute trek across the south eastern portion of England. I really enjoyed seeing the country side. It’s so very beautiful. Upon arrival I found Canterbury to be rather boring. I walked through some sections making my way to the centre of the city thinking, did I really just spend £20 and two hours of my time to see this? I made my way to the centre and wow was I surprised. There were small winding streets packed with people and shops. It was amazing! All of these people came out of nowhere. I walked around there for a while and sadly I missed a parade of some sort by just an hour. I meandered through a few more streets, had a gander at the cathedral.
I then made my way back to the train station in time to watch the train to London leaving the platform. Thankfully there was another in fifteen minutes. I jumped on that and head back into the city. Another item crossed off of what is becoming a very short list. Thanks Marian for the recommendation!
Might I also add that I have been very lucky these past three days. The sun has been out in full force and the temperature hasn’t been too bad either. I think it was a proper last weekend here!
Speaking of my list I will be visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum tomorrow morning before class. I’ve been meaning to get there since the beginning of the semester but just haven’t made the time to. Looks like I will have to squeeze it in! I’ll post details of that tomorrow.
Status Update
Five days, sixteen hours to go! Unbelievable! Like I Mentioned above my list has quickly shrunk down to a short list of things to do. There should be at least one update a night! Well, maybe not Thursday because CAPA is throwing us a going away party and we’re all celebrating!
Todd Second half, going way to fast Canterbury, London, Status Update, Victoria and Albert Museum
And Brighton got my shoes wet. The past two days I’ve been taking advantage of the rail system within the UK. It’s one aspect that I find truly amazing about this country. You can get from one point to another by train in a very short amount of time and it doesn’t cost a lot. Yesterday I made the journey to Oxford. I was actually very close to it when I went on my road trip. I figured it would be best to tackle the city without having to worry about a vehicle.
It definitely is a unique town. I quite enjoyed walking around it. I made sure to drop by Christchurch. It has some significance to Harry Potter. I’ll have to wait for a resident HP expert to chime in, Kim!! I ended up walking through a park and made it to out skirts of town. It was a long walk back in but I made it! At this point I was starting to really feel the effects of the cold that I was hoping was only a sore throat. Check out the Oxford album, there’s some good photos!
Today I boarded a train to Brighton. It’s on the southern coast of England. It is know for it’s rocky beaches. I didn’t quite know what to expect. The beach is completely covered with what we would call river rock. It’s much smaller, about an inch in diameter. It’s the weirdest thing! So I went down to the waters edge with a goal in mind. I wanted to touch the water!! This is when things went terribly wrong. I studied where the water would come up to and finally felt comfortable going near it. Well, one of those random large waves decided to rear it’s ugly head and before I knew it I was in water up to my ankles. OOPS! So I had some wet feet for the remainder of the day, great for being sick as well. I walked along the edge of the beach. They have a sort of board walk there. There is also Brighton Pier which is like an amusement park suspended over the sea.
Upon arriving back in London I made my way to Oxford Street. We Americans have Black Friday, Londoners have the first Saturday of December. Oxford Street and Regent Street is closed to traffic and as I found out people swarm the area. It was unbelievable the amount of people that were out. I also made what will probably be my last visit to the Regent Street Apple Store.
Tomorrow I’m heading to Canterbury. Check back tomorrow evening for those details. I have also dropped below a week remaining in London. I’m still in shock that this is my last Saturday in the city. Quite amazing! I can almost see home from this point!!
Todd Second half, going way to fast Brighton, Canterbury, London, Oxford, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Status Update
I’m now down to only 10 days! I just finished one paper in anticipation for the semester’s end. That just leaves one more to type up and a final to complete.
It’s a very cold day here in London today. It’s a chilly 36ºF. I guess this is preparing me for my return home. I’m ready for it to start snowing here any minute. It looks like I may be attending a comedy show this evening with some friends. I have to figure out how to look as anonymous as possible. I don’t want to be picked on! He He! Take care guys and look out for Christmas Tree pictures tomorrow evening!!
Todd Second half, going way to fast Christmas Tree, Cold, Finals, London, Papers, Ten Days
…next to last week. Yes, that is correct. I’m nearing the end of my time in London. Unbelievable!
Yesterday was the start of Advent. I was recommended by a wonderful couple that I met over break to view the services at either St. Paul’s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey. It was quite a decision of which to see but the candlelight service at Westminster Abbey won. The service was amazing. I recommend it to anyone who is here during the occasion. There’s nothing like being in Westminster Abbey, at night, only lit by candles. Thanks Bonnie for this wonderful idea!
My last weekend is quickly approaching and I have a few places to still visit. I want to visit Oxford, Brighton and Canterbury. In no specific order these are my last remaining goals while I’m still on this island. It’s rather ambitious but I will prevail! I still want to swing into the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum here in London. After that I will officially completed everything that I wanted to do while abroad. Next Friday, my last will be one last swoop around the city to see the great landmarks one last time. I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about this!!
Todd Second half, going way to fast Advent, Brighton, Canterbury, End of Semester, London, Natural History Museum, Oxford, St. Paul's Cathedral, Victoria and Albert Museum, Westminster Abbey
