After arriving home from London the way I felt can be simply put in one word: Tired. The flight home all though not terrible since I slept most of the time was a lot to bare after such a packed trip.
A week later after returning and being able to reflect upon my experiences in the great UK, I have realized much about myself and my likes/dislikes. I thought London was a lovely place, also very easy to maneuver, but I kept feeling like I was just in any other city. I felt like the mixture between the old and the new architecture is what ruined the feel of London for me. I enjoyed my time much more when I was away from the hustle and bustle of the city. From Stourhead, Greenwich, Salisbury and the country side I felt like I was truly having an abroad experience when I was in those locations.
What I did love about the trip was any and all free time that we had. I think I learn better and experience more when I am allowed to explore on my own without constraints of other’s time. There were many times I saw something that was intriguing to me, but it was bypassed due to the demand of the group. I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting people on my trip. I did meet a handful of wonderful people that were open to new experiences and friendships and I am so thankful for them.
Overall I would love to return to London one day but with my family or close friends instead. I would have preferred to stay in a more quiet part of town that felt more like the quaint London I had envisioned. I would love to take my family to all the places that made my time abroad wonderful and leave out the pieces that did not. I also would suggest to anyone traveling there to spend more time country side.
London did not capture my heart the way I thought it would, but I got bit by the travel bug again and am already saving for my next experience.
-Adriane