A Life In London

It's day one of being in London. I am with nine other freshman from the University of Maryland. It's an awkward stage, but one that seems to be a part of everyday life. We've spent the day wandering around the city. Everyone is exhausted. But the city holds plenty of opportunity. I started this post a week ago, so now a week has passed. Deal with it. It's odd being in a new country. When the plane lands, it doesn't really cross your mind. Even a week in, it doesn't seem to be that different. It's like any city, the people do their best to look unfriendly, but if you're nice to them, they are nice to you. Last night I left a club around 12:30 and wondered around for 2 hours trying to get home. Although all the directions I got were terrible and ended up having to take a taxi, everyone was very nice to me. Although I wouldn't recommend exploring that way. London is a busy city though. Cars wait for no pedestrian. There are always people out and about. And everything seems ridiculously expensive. It's hard for a college kid on a budget, but at least we can drink. The pubs are fantastic, you walk in, maybe get carded, and buy a beer anyway. Clubs are amazing too, but it's important to go in groups, and they might be expensive. It's not easy learning a new place, in a new country, but it is fun. Imagine having the feeling of knowing a city of 8.5 million people is at your fingertips. There is always more to see. Kind of like life. You can always do more in life. Which leads me to a nice quote by Samuel Johnson, "Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." Maybe you can want to see more about the world, and get away from London, but it's always a part of life. No matter where you are, there s a way to be happy. You just have to find it. London is where the rest of my life starts. There is no turning back, there is no springing forward. I am in the moment, and it never stops. Just like London. So, I will learn to move on into life, just as I will learn to move into London.