In January 2008, I had the privilege of traveling to London for a study abroad program.

This is final part of the account of my excursion. I will spell out my experience and show my photos here.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

It was when I noticed a flyer in campus that first stirred my interest to take part in a study abroad program in London. Having my father’s consent, I proceeded to apply and obtain a place and scholarship for the program. One would think that my being in the states is already considered studying abroad for one such as myself. However, I’m doing this for course credit, as a vacation, to see my old friends, and to make new ones. Also, I have not been anywhere in Europe and I am born and raised in a city; London would make an ideal destination.

After being completely sleep-deprived on the journey, I slept off the jet lag on the first night by sleeping for 10 hours. The journey began with a weekend to spend together as class; all my classmates happened to be American girls. Being male and foreign, I was twice the token. Despite having to listen to girltalk, I was undeterred and glad that I have a room to myself, small enough as it is. I am also fortunate to have made 19 new friends who were nice to me, though one of them had to return home too soon.

Within a few days, I can navigate my way to any part of the city; I have a passcard that grants me unlimited access to the buses and subways. The London Underground is not a difficult system to use at all, as everything is clearly labeled. Being able to commute like a real Londoner immersed me into a new lifestyle as many things in the large city becomes easily accessible. I only wish that Baltimore and Kuala Lumpur would be closer to London in that effect.

It was this time that I truly flexed my uncanny ability to survive with as little money as possible, having much practice in the states. For the trip in its entirety, I spent no more than £120 on food and personal expenses in 17 days; the only souvenir (that I can absolutely do without) that I bought was a £5 shirt from Camden Market. Its a lot of money in other places in the world, but I challenge you to replicate this feat in my shoes if you think you can.

I loved the fact that I can freely travel anywhere in city and see things in my own pace. The many museums are mostly free to enter and the sights are worthwhile. Though I could have spent a little more to taste a bit of France or Spain, I chose to forgo the opportunity and made the most out of London. I did not regret it one bit.

Speaking of traveling alone, staying there for that long required me to independently carry out daily tasks. I learned to hand-wash my clothes as I refused to pay £2.50 for laundry. But things really got tricky when the dial on my watch came off and disappeared. Having no phone isn’t a walk in a park either (but going to Hyde Park is).

The AIFS, the organization that handled everything about our presence in London, was quite efficient to put together a good set of sites to visit and guest speakers to educate us on British media. They were also courteous enough to provide us with a two-night stay at a hotel when the water heater in our residence broke. Even without that sweet taste of luxury, I must commend the AIFS for a job well done.

All in all, London was a fantastic metropolitan experience. My only complaint is the unwelcome winds that freezes my body. Being here has further enhanced my self-sufficiency, all I need now is a job.