In January 2008, I have the privilege of traveling to London for a study abroad program. I know that my education in the States is already technically studying abroad, but I’m doing this for more reasons than one.

This is part one of the account of my excursion. I will list all the places I went and the things I did, leaving out in-class sessions.

January 4 – 8, 2008

Made in Italy
49 King’s Road, SW3 5EL
In my first dining experience in London, the dishes were served on long, wooden boards with handles on the side, which is new to me. This is also the first time I eat authentic Italian food, that came in three courses. I find out here that not all restaurants serve tap water, they instead serve fine glass-bottled water that costs more than its worth. The pesto was beyond delicious.

University of London Union
Malet Street
It is this destination that first put me in the experience of public transportation which I find very efficient. London Underground brings you to pretty much anywhere you want, with the familiar red double-decker buses that can get you there. Having an Oyster card which swipes you through both services makes things extremely convenient. ULU itself boasts some facilities that can be found in most good universities.
Website

Bus Tour
Around central London (The City)
A Scottish tour guide brought us to some sightseeing attractions, including St Paul’s Cathedral, a view of the London Bridge, nearby the Big Ben, and outside Buckingham Palace. Along the way, we crossed the River Thames a few times.

Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour
Around Strand
A balding Englishman took us to the spots in London that has relation with the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes. Detailing the events surrounding Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s writing of the stories, the guide spoke as if telling a story next to a fireplace. Fascinating, but probably only to certain bookworms.

Website

The British Museum
63 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3BF
An impressive collection of historical artifacts of various origins. With the price of nothing, one can immerse oneself into a glimpse of the life of mankind in yesteryear. See mechanical clocks, Egpytian mummies, Islamic pottery, Greek statues, and too much more.

Website

BBC Television Centre Tour
Wood Ln, Fulham
The headquarters of the media corporation offer tours unlike any other. Aside from showing us the obligatory architectural features, we had a hands-on experience of blue screen technology and the taping of a news anchor and gameshow. There was a metal detector similar to airports on the entrance, as a security measure. Since the building also houses the studios, appearances of British celebrities are not uncommon. Apparently Paul McCartney drops by for tea from time to time.

Website

The Beatles Store
231 Baker Street NW1 6XE
Within a small room houses a sizable collection of items related to the famous rock band of the 60s. The walls were riddled with frames containing the original recordings on gold-plated discs, raising the question as to how the owner had obtained them. Shirts, bags, pens, keychains, books, music merchandising has gone the full lengths, but there are also posters, photos magazines with historical value.
Website

Sea Shell of Lisson Grove
49-51 Lisson Grove NW1 6UH
Apparently the most famous fish and chip shop in London. I regret that I did not eat mine fresh as I had to take it all the way home first

Website

Tune in for the coming parts. Note: I am only displaying the photos I took in the final part.