i bought a pair of suspenders.

It's both upsetting and unbelievable for me to type, right now at this very moment, and know that I have only two more days in this fantastic city left to accomplish a whole list of things that haven't yet been accomplished: there are still so many museums, performances, markets, shops and streets that I haven't been to and, at this point, will certainly not get the chance to do this time around.

That's why there's always next time...I hope?

Many of the people we've met here have insisted that we return someday. Vanessa and I were even offered a free plane ticket to return to Mile End! But it's true, I think: you can't do everything you want in London when you're just "on holiday". You have to come and really spend some time here to be able to do both "tourist-y" things and live as the locals do, so to speak.

At any rate, my time here IS coming to a close and I suppose I'm finally coming to terms with it. And it will be nice to return home.


I mentioned, I think, that the fashion here in London is exceptional (and if I hadn't, you would've been able to gather if you're aware of the fashion industry at all today). A personal goal of mine, coming here, was to snap photographs of people or outfits that inspired me while I was here, but that was quite a bit easier thought than done. Not only would my camera have to be out, on, and ready to snap at any given moment, I'd be putting quite a few people on edge, no matter how discreetly I could have taken the photo. Needless to say, I haven't got one photo of a male or female whose fashion inspires me.

But:



I have been documenting my own fashion evolution, if you will.
In retrospect, it would've been great to have gotten a shot every day. But, as fashion goes, some days are better than others.
These were a few of the more inspired outfits I've worn here.
The first one is with my new suspenders, from H&M.

I'll have to snap a photo when I return home, displaying my fashion wares that I've purchased here. My goal, as far as purchasing clothing here is concerned, was to purchase clothing items that were distinctly European, that I more than likely wouldn't be able to find as easily in the States. This includes a new pair of boots, multiple pairs of tights, a few skirts and a few tops, and a gray beret. I've made my purchases in some pretty unique locations, as well: chain stores on Oxford Street, markets, vintage stores on Camden Road (incredibly bizarre punk/vintage section of London), and antique malls. I'm ecstatic about coming home and assembling some incredibly eccentric outfits.




I took a day to walk through the parks in Mile End a few days back; many of the boroughs in London make incredible efforts to keep communities spruced up, clean, and constantly involved- planning events or building new community centers or parks.



A few years ago, The Green Bridge was built to connect multiple parks, or "green spaces", in the Mile End area.




























A few more shots from some well-known spots in London:

Parliament









Westminster Abbey:


























Tonight is our final, celebratory dinner. All of us have been wrapping up our community work and squeezing in the last few tourist ventures that we can.

We'll be sure to make the most of our remaining time here.


Be home soon!
xoxo,
Alexa

markets, malls and masterpieces- london, week #2

It's been 9 days since my arrival in London, which is almost unbelievable to me; our days are so packed now that they seem to drag out and pass by incredibly quickly, simultaneously.

Since my last post, I have taken tons of photos, ones that I intend to share here with you. I'll break this post up into three separate categories: markets (Mile End, my community), malls (social scene, etc.), and masterpieces (typical sightseeing around London!).




Markets: I've been to Mile End nearly every day, with a few breaks here and there, alternating times and shops to visit.

To elaborate a bit, the purpose in these visits to our assigned communities is to establish relationships and engage in conversations with members of the community to gain a better understanding of the people and the cultures present there.
I'm one of 6 that has been assigned to work in Mile End, but we usually spilt into groups of two to roam around and take photographs. My partner and flatmate, Vanessa, and I met a Bangladeshi man who owns a burka shop on our first day there. His name is Abdulah and he seems like a wonderful man. We've gone back to visit once, but plan on returning a few more times.



I also went to the market on Saturday and met some wonderful individuals who were happy to engage in conversation with me.


One of these individuals was Michael, the vendor of Mickey's Sweets. He brought up a rather intriguing question: why aren't "sweet shops" commonplace in the States?



The marketplace is like an outdoor flea market that runs for blocks and blocks. London is known for them, all over the city. There you can find fashionable clothing, accessories, music, house goods, and food for really reasonable prices.

It was bitter outside, so I didn't stay long before I had to grab a latte and catch a bus home. But I'm certainly going back again.



Here are a few other photos from Mile End:

Regent's Canal






Old Ford (renovated for a catering service)










Malls: It happened. I had my first big London splurge a few days ago. It was terrible. I try not to think about the conversion rate for fear of wincing.

It all went down on Oxford Street, one of the grandest shopping streets in London: French Connection, TopShop, Primark, Urban Outfitters, H&M, American Apparel, UniQlo, Marks and Spencer, to name a few.



I'm including in "malls" the social scene.

As a group, we've done quite a few things together: we've gone to see a contemporary dance show and a chamber orchestra together, and have shared a large group dinner as well.

TAS is one of my professor's favorite Turkish restaurants in London and it marked the first evening social event that we had a class. The food was really light on flavor- not overpowering at all. It was nice; I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know my classmates.



While I'm on the subject of food: after attending the orchestral performance, our professors invited Vanessa, Kelly, Hillary and I out to gelato and tea. I cannot explain to you in words, or even through images, how incredible this food was. I had a slice of apple pie with amaretto gelato. There were many spoons being shoved across the table and into one another's food. Divine.




Finally, but certainly not least: masterpieces.

I'll merely label these rather than bulk them down with lengthy stories.

The masterpieces of London:

Tower Bridge- daytime






Tower of London


Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace


St. James's Park, walking along the Princess Diana Memorial Walk outside of Buckingham Palace














View of the city from a bridge above the River Thames (the lighting was delicious!)


Tower Bridge, at night




Isn't it obvious?


Big Ben


I will openly admit: I teared up when I saw Big Ben for the first time.
You walk out of the Tube station and you practically run into the thing at eye level.
Then your eyes trail up...and up...and up, following the symmetrically ornate carvings on the exterior. Your head is almost at a 90 degree angle when you realize the monstrosity of the thing. And then, its beauty overwhelms you.
Honestly, it is one of the most breathtaking sights I've seen in my travels.
And it's really just a giant clock.


London Eye


St. Martin in the Fields- right outside of Trafalgar Square. This is where the string orchestra performed Vivaldi's Four Seasons.


Trafalgar Square (with Big Ben, in the distance)



It might be hard to believe, but it's been hours since I first started this post.
Which means that it's about time for me to get out into the world and experience what the nightlife of London has to offer me.

Final quick updates: Class is challenging, as I anticipated. The amount of research and analysis that we're performing is intense for such a short period of time. And we're trying to spend as much time in our field as possible, continuing to break down our defenses a bit, enough that we aren't shamed if we are turned away. But I can't shake the feeling that, in the end, the result is going to be incredible and it will certainly all be worth it. I just want to be proud of the work that I've done here and the stories I'll be bringing back to Elon.

In the the next few days, I'll be out in the field, attending a mime performance, and over-nighting in Birmingham, a past industrial capital of England. Oh, and in my free time- continuing to explore London and socializing with my extremely lovely friends here.

Loving everyone at home (and across the globe!),
Alexa

Cheers!