MELODY TIENYUN

A new city with a temperature shift from 108F to 60F highs. The weather has been splendid and I know I can’t be spoiled for too long. I had to buy a raincoat; I didn’t even own one prior to moving here. I love the coats, scarves, and boots, but it takes more effort than slipping on sandals and flip flops back home.

Now it is week 5 of classes and I am still starting to find a balance between going on weekend trips, exploring the city, meeting new people while being a full time student. When I walk onto Northumberland Avenue in the morning, two turns take me to notable landmarks in the heart of Central London. To my left, I head onto the Strand, passing Trafalgar square on my walk to school; if I veer right, I can walk up the bridge and see the London Eye and iconic Big Ben right there. Each time I head up those steps on my run I see a new crowd of tourists taking selfies, photographers, commuters, performers, and I cannot believe that this is all in my backyard.

On the streets, I’ll hear more accents and languages than the English one. I knew that London was an international hub, but I didn’t realize the full extent. It is fantastic to see a mesh and collision of heritages and nationalities. Whereas I feel like another one in the crowd, a Taiwanese-American from Southern California, it is quite rare here. People ask about life in California, and habits that are common to me- wearing slippers indoors, eating rice every day, speaking two tongues. I can tell that I have a laid back vibe compared to my new peers, but I doubt I will become too posh anytime soon.

I enjoy connecting with those from Singapore and China to practice my Mandarin, and also ask my French classmates what their perceptions on America.Their answer,

“Mcdonalds, obesity, consumerism, capitalism…”

I am looking forward to the plethora of conversations to come that will widen my view of the world- both challenging me and making me more appreciative of where I come from. 

Cool spots that I’ve explored in London so far:

Boxpark in Shoreditch

Sushisamba  39^th floor

Side note: this may have been my first impression of London as a child. Let’s take a moment to remember The Parent Trap.