“I start really missing London when I go away. I have a little flat, but very central. I live above a pub and you’d think it’d be a nightmare, but I like hearing the music and it’s quite comforting.”-Ellie Goulding
It’s Day 3, and I am finally starting to feel at home in this city. In particular today, I got a taste of what life in London is like from our visit to Greenwich.
I was blown away by the Royal Banqueting Hall, Royal Chapel, and Queen’s House, today. I was really hit by this idea that has been flickering in the back of my mind thus far: All of this is normal for Londoners! That awe we felt when we saw St. Paul’s peeking between two high rises for the first time? That excitement we felt walking along the Thames? These treasures are simply a part of the fabric of Londoners’s lives-they might even be used to them! What would that be like, to live in a place where you could expect to see so much beauty on a day to day basis?
Afterwards, some of us stayed in Greenwich and shopped and ate at Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant. The shops were so cute, and the restaurant was so quaint and the food was amazing. Since it was all in this cute suburb, it felt like I was getting to see a real slice of London life, which was awesome. It was so relaxing just to get to shop and eat and ride public transportation.
Jamie Oliver’s Italy was the perfect way to end our day!
I started thinking about what effect it must have on Londoners to live around such beauty, and I started wondering if their love and acceptance of the arts didn’t come from the beauty and history that surrounds them. Art and history are important to them, because they are surrounded by it. Perhaps American culture could come to have the same kind of appreciation for art if we were to put more value on what we already have around us and provide for new art to be made for the public to enjoy in their regular lives.
Even this sketch I did of an Anglo-Saxon cross fragment in the British Museum Great Court, situated between two incredible marble pillars, demonstrates the beauty which is commonplace to Londoners.
I love your use of quotes to begin each of your blogs! Especially this one, which made me smile to myself as I read it. I find myself falling more in love with something new this city has to offer everyday. It’s an excitement that will be really hard to let go of in just a few short days, so I’m trying to really appreciate it while it lasts. I can’t imagine what it would be like for this to be my life. I love Columbus, but being able to study in a Starbucks within eyesight of St. Paul’s Cathedral? Taking a casual day trip out to Stonehenge whenever I want? I just can’t wrap my mind around it, and I’m happy I’m not the only one. I agree that Americans could learn a thing or two from London. London is filled with beautiful things that evoke inspiration in me, even from the slightest glance. It’s no wonder their culture is so incredible. This trip is really teaching me to appreciate the little things like this. I know upon returning to Columbus, I’ll pay much more attention to its hidden wonders.