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Life in London
Okay, so the content of this page isn't so academic. However, I hope that any Canadians that are thinking of traveling or spending some time abroad will find it useful... or entertaining... Since September 2001, I have joined the many Canadians who are currently living abroad in the world. For the curious, I am working on a Masters degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. Living in London has been an interesting experience to say the least. Canada is a country that still (tries to) maintain close ties to its "Mother Country." After all, Queen Elizabeth II is still, technically our head of state and all of our laws require royal assent. So some interesting things have happened and I have taken some pictures along the way... September - Well you know... After landing in London, checking into my temporary residence to find accommodation for the rest of the year, I meet with students from literally all over the world. We are all promptly horrified at the events of September 11.
It was really incredible how the events of that day cemented fragile and cautious friendships into real bonds. Really. I mean, there is not a lot that can be said about the day that doesn't already sound cliché, but many of us, separated from our families, worried for friends, and alone in London, came together to support one another.
October - Touring around Mom and Dad came to visit me in London. They tried to tell me told me it was for their 25th wedding anniversary - but I knew it was because they still don't trust me to take care of myself. I toured London with them as well as the Cotswald's (South Central England), including Warwick, Oxford and Stratford.
I also start classes. After all, That is what I was paying for. November - No heat, but meet and greet What didn't happen this month? I lost my heating for two weeks at my apartment and ended up sleeping on the floors and couches of most of my friends. But there were good things too. I celebrated American Thanksgiving with my friends since I missed the Canadian one in October. Also, quite randomly, I ran into Sir Paul McCartney at an armature classical music concert near Waterloo station. Turns out that he is quite a nice guy and didn't mind our pathetic groveling at all. Near the end of the month, I spent a weekend at Windsor with the
International Relations department at a retreat. I had a great time - the English countryside is so incredibly pretty and the weather was very warm and (actually) sunny. After service on Sunday at the Royal Chapel, we were greeted by the Queen Mother herself and took the time to meet us and find out who we were. I can't emphasize enough how friendly she was to us - I was deeply saddened by her death in March. Lastly, I had the chance to go to a black tie dinner at Parliament with a fellow Queen's alumni friend, Dave. We were actually given the chance to see the House of Lords, the House of Commons and other famous rooms in the structure. December - Warrior Princess!
I learn exactly how tough I am when two thugs try to steal my cell phone. Turns out that a lifetime spent play wrestling my brother pays off and I am able to fight the guys off and keep my phone by kicking and screaming with everything I have. Go me! London, like all cities, has its issues with crime - but I was surprised since I live in a relatively safe part of the city. Nevertheless, the police were very nice. While the two guys are still at large, I like to think that they are walking funny. Bill Clinton came to campus to give us a talk on the challenges of globalization or something that sounded like that. He didn't really give much in the way of content - but he was a great speaker. I enjoyed it. I came home in mid-December on American Airlines via Chicago... apparently because I had a death wish. I had my luggage searched three times. Nice airline though. January - Travel-rama After returning early on in the month, I travel to Geneva and Copenhagen in one month. I have decided to leave the description of these two events in the Adventures in Politics section. I went to a Super Bowl party with three of my American friends at the Hard Rock Cafe. We had to wait until 3am to see who won - but it was worth it. (Especially since I won a bet!) February - I am Canadian! The LSE Canadian Society hosted a Quebec MLA who spoke on constitutional reform. Later, in true Canadian style, we all went out for a pint and chatted about politics. Attend a party of Americans and Canadians glued to the TV to see who will win the hockey gold. We couldn't make it to The Maple Leaf - the Canadian bar in London since - it was too busy. However, a residence room filled with patriotic and somewhat crazed North American students worked out rather well. AND WE WON! I have to admit how homesick I was at that moment. I called Mom and Dad and I could hear cars honking their horns in the background. Listening to Canadian radio over the internet, we could hear how the nation erupted into a mass party from coast to coast. March - Back! March was a relatively quiet month. One of my friends took me on a six (yes six) hour tour of Harrod's. I could barely afford to breathe in that place! I also finally had a chance to walk on the Millennium Bridge - which had been closed for re-engineering since 2000. The LSE Canadian society also had another event - the first Trudeau Memorial Lecture. The High Commissioner from Canada gave the audience a lecture on Trudeau in power and whether he would have any answers for the questions and challenges of today's world.... I had to leave for another lecture before the end - so I never did find out. I came home for break mid-way though the month to take care of
some business. I am sorry that I wasn't there for the death of the Queen Mum April Well I am heading back to England on April 13. Wish me luck! I am hoping to finally get on the London Eye - a gigantic ferris wheel that gives you a great view of London. May and June Still haven't made it on the London Eye! ARGH! But I did take some time out and got a great view of the city from St. Paul's Cathedral. (Cheaper than the London Eye too!) Can you say exams? I sure as heck can. Nevertheless, there have been some wild happenings here in London. Now, unfortunately, my thesis is getting in the way of me writing about it (think Jubilee, World Cup) but I hope to have some pictures and fun details soon. I just can't afford to develop film right now!
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