London!
Hello!
I got back from London on
Sunday, and I was so happy to be home. That was when it struck me. I now
consider Madrid, and my host-household my home. I never thought I would get
used to city life, navigating the metro, or constantly overhearing conversations
in Spanish and wondering what the conversation was about, but I have. While I
was in London I would feel a smile form across my face when I overheard
Londoners make comments about the Spanish, who surprisingly, they had a lot to
say about. I glanced back at the women speaking Spanish on the street,
searching their faces for some familiarity, but mostly received raised eyebrows
in return. I am beginning to associate a small part of myself with Madrid.
I have also noticed my Spanish
improving. My host-mother and I usually keep our comments to each other brief,
because she speaks no English, and I barely speak Spanish, but lately we have been
able to converse with ease. I am by no means fluent, but I aspire to be. I have
been making an effort to practice in my spare time.
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Chinese Food, right next to the Hostel |
The first day in London, we
ate and went promptly to sleep. The next day we woke early and set off for Shakespeare’s
Globe Theater and took a guided tour of the inside stage. We also went on the
London Eye, a major tourist attraction that takes you up above London and gives
you a bird’s eye view of London. Unlucky for us, it was foggy of course, so
beyond the clouds, we were lost in the fog.
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Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre! |
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Nurse´s Costume in The Globe |
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Young Maiden Costume |
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Queen´s dress for The Globe |
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Memorial to Veterans |
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Ahh, London |
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Interesting Graffiti we turned into a photo-opportunity! |
However much I associated
with Spain, I also felt that my trip to England was a chance to get in touch
with my roots, since my mother was born in London, England. London was not at
all what I expected, but that isn´t a bad thing. It was just different from
what I assumed. I thought the city would be a constant source of entertainment,
people crowded in the streets, cars and busses whizzing by, but what I found
was all that and more. Yes, in Piccadilly Square and Oxford Square, there were
busses, cars, and people all threatening to run you over, but there were
quieter places, peaceful places where I found I fit right in. We visited a
lovely park and took pictures in the gold and scarlet fallen leaves. The entire
trip the only tea I drank came from the watery kettle in the hostel bar.
I hope the next time I write you, it will be about my wonderful surprise trip to Granada (I am on the waiting list right now). Have a great weekend!
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