London has always been my favorite place in the world, and I got to go back this semester! I fell in love with London the first time I went there and I've visited six times.


Unfortunately, the friend I was traveling with got sick. He thought he was getting better, but as soon as we touched down in Heathrow and walked around, he was back to being very ill. The next morning, we went to the hospital to see what was wrong. They did blood test and gave him fluids and antibiotics, but he had to stay for two and a half days.

When I wasn’t visiting him, I was out exploring London. Luckily, I was there for St. George’s Day! The city was packed with people draped in the St. George’s Cross-and wearing red white and blue. In Trafalgar Square there was the annual St. George’s Concert where talented young musicians all gathered from across the UK. There was this really cool group called “World in Motion” which was a vast age group of kids and teenagers playing the drums, they were dispersed all around Trafalgar Square.  They were amazing, both musically and aesthetically!


Since I went a few weeks before Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, I saw merchandise everywhere with the happy couple’s faces on them. You could get flags, coasters, dolls, plates, cups, mugs, pens, t-shirts and posters. It was clear to see that everyone had royal wedding fever. I was actually interviewed by a news station from China about what my plans were for the wedding. Was I going to watch it? Was I going to throw a party? Obviously, I was going to watch it! I couldn't wait! Whilst I was there I purchased a few different souvenirs for people back home involving the royal wedding.

My favorite place out of my visit is the Embankment Bridge, which runs adjacent to the Embankment Underground stop. It’s not the Millennium Bridge, but it’s just so nice to look to your left and see the London Eye, look ahead and see Parliament, and look to the right and see Whitehall. London for me is an enchanting place, and when people ask me what I like best about London, I can’t really say. I love the energy, and love all the history, but I also love the way the city is laid out. I love the National Portrait Gallery, and the Tate Modern; I love getting lost in Harrods, and window-shopping on Reagent Street. I just love it all, the excitement the enchantment of the city, and all of it’s secrets. I love London and after being there six times, I still always find something new that I love each time.