“In people’s eyes, in the swing, tramp, and trudge; in the bellow and the uproar; the carriages, motor cars, omnibuses, vans, sandwich men shuffling and swinging; brass bands; barrel organs; in the triumph and the jingle and the strange high singing of some airplane overhead was what she loved; life; London; this moment in [July].” – Virginia Woolf
My month in England has sadly come to an end, and over the past few days, I’ve found myself scrolling through my own Instagram feed and Facebook album trying to relive the memories. I spent the month of July taking classes at Worcester College at Oxford University and traipsing around England with my 38 new friends, and it was a dream. London was an hour away by train, so weekends were often spent exploring different areas of London.
My favorite place I visited in London was Shoreditch, a trendy neighborhood complete with street art, an incredible market, and lots of ethnic foods. We tried Turkish food for the first time and even saw a Banksy.
As someone who loves art, particularly modern art, Tate Modern was on the top of my list of places to visit. It did not disappoint. I got see my all-time favorite piece of art, Roy Lichtenstein’s Whaam!, several Warhols, and a Picasso.
Something there is definitely no shortage of in England is cathedrals. They’re everywhere. Climbing to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral was quite a feat, but well worth it. From the top, there is a stunning view of London.
And of course, what’s a trip to London without visiting the queen?
London is a place with so much to offer from busy and touristy Westminster to artsy and trendy Shoreditch to calm and quiet Islington. If you love food, the Borough Market has you covered. If you’re into art, the National Gallery and Tate Modern have free admission. If theater’s your cup of tea, Piccadilly Circus has tons to choose from. If you’re into history and architecture, just look around; it’s everywhere. London is a triumphant city, and in the words of Samuel Johnson, “When man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”