NICOLE KLEIST
London Colunist
One week in London and already my bank account has been drained $697.89 from Target and $192.35 from a local pharmacy. This is quite a spending spree, but, don’t worry, I did not spend those amounts. Unfortunately, my identity thief did. Yes, after being in London for one week, I had a whopping total of $890.24 stolen from my bank account. It was spent somewhere in Manhattan Beach, Calif., but nonetheless got my adventure in London started on the wrong foot. Thank God I have been blessed in this new country with amazing people who have helped me overcome the obstacle each step of the way.
With that small bump out of the way, I believe it is safe to declare that I love London. I never thought it was possible to have a love affair with a city, but I am thoroughly convinced that London and I have a long future in store for us.
I allowed myself one week to be the obnoxious tourist who takes pictures of everything, fumbles with her oyster card getting on the tube and asks everyone how much each coin is worth. OK, I lied — I still do that.
However, as the days have passed, I have tried to blend in a bit more. This process of blending has included the typical avoidance of all eye contact with pedestrians on the street, attempting to speak with a sophisticated accent and soaking in the city for the magnificent reward it truly is.
Samuel Johnson once said, “If you are tired of London, you are tired of life.” This statement is true. Every day I discover a new street, a new pub, a new cafe and new people. Nothing stays the same here in London because it is so full of life.
A flaw I have always found in myself is my tendency to get comfortable with routine and normality. London is the perfect remedy for this problem. Although I have already pin-pointed my favorite clubs and restaurants, it seems that every day holds a new adventure.
Clearly London has decided to derail from routine as well. Upon coming here, the weather has reached into the 80s and dropped back down to rain and thunder. It has made for quite the wardrobe adjustments.
It is odd to think that I am here for school. To be quite honest, I am thoroughly content with my classes. I believe that is something that happens when you start to grow up. You enjoy learning.
Instead of reading about the great paintings by Constable or the phenomenal sculptures by Michelangelo, I get to sit down in front of them. This allows for an amazing learning experience.
Another aspect of the London program I have found that encourages a pleasant learning and living environment is our live-in faculty, the Whites. Professor Jim White, his wife Penny, and their two children are amazing components to our little aggregate of Pepperdiners.
The family contributes in a variety of ways. Jim White is our science and economics professor. Penny White is a fantastic cook and kind-hearted woman. And of course, their two children provide entertainment whether it be discussing the latest Harry Potter drama or listening to their son’s great adventures at school.
Additionally, every Sunday we are blessed with the opportunity to hike up to the fifth floor to the “London White House.” Sunday evenings with the Whites includes praise songs, prayer, devotionals and delicious treats cooked by Penny White. It is a fantastic small group that allows for personal and collective spiritual growth.
Altogether, what I find most intriguing about my time to be spent here is the excitement of looking forward to things. I look forward to my trips to Germany, Greece and Paris. I look forward to seeing musicals like Les Miserables and Mary Poppins. I look forward to exploring and losing myself in the city. And I look forward to establishing relationships and friendships that mean something.
09-21-2006