I expected posh accents, poor dental care, and a ridiculous amount of tweed suits. I am pleased to share that London showcases all of the best stereotypes American media touts about the British. Although I'm sure the poor dental care and tweed can be found farther up North.
Instead of sweating away my summer months in the wonderful Midwest, I packed up my galoshes and flew out for a summer internship in London. For the next seven weeks, I will be working for the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) and gallivanting with my flatmates to various U.K. attractions. While I am somewhat put-out by the drizzly British weather and the rapid pace by which my tan is fading, I am having the time of my life (and it's barely been a week).
The United Kingdom is the perfect location for the average American's time abroad. While the accents can be difficult to manage, everyone speaks the same language as you. Due to the globalized quality of London and its large immigrant enclaves, the food here is ethnically varied and equally delicious. In general, most Brits enjoy the robust nature of traveling Americans, unless you're being loud in the Tube. So far, I'd say the most difficult part about adjusting to London is walking on the left side of the sidewalk. I never realized how autopilot my strolling was until I kept bumping into British nationals on the pavement.
I have been blessed with a fantastic learning opportunity through my internship with ICPS. For the next four weeks, I will be hosting training programmes for foreign delegates on all manners of government policy from gender equity to anti-corruption to technology and development. These topics are addressed with leaders from foreign governments and followed by hearty debate on the approach to reform. Just this week, I have met officials from Gibraltar, Botswana, Pakistan, Lithuania, Kosovo, Swaziland, Bermuda, Croatia, and Slovenia. Between lectures, I was grilled about Trump's popularity in America, listened to griping about the Brexit, and was advised on the corrupt politics of south African nations.
Whaaaaaaaaaat?!
I've had my fair share of fun doing the typical tourist activities with my flatmates. This past weekend we took a bus out to Bath to see a spa that the Romans built over natural springs and made a necessary detour to Stonehenge. Much to my amusement, one poor fellow on our trip believed we were actually taking a bath in Bath and brought along his swim trunks.
Stonehenge...what can I say? Some crazy Anglo-Saxon cavemen lugged massive stones up the hill from the River Avon and arranged them in a circle (to honor a burial or the sun and moon or their favorite crumpet, who knows). It's easy to be underwhelmed, especially when the best part of the visit is the "Stonehenge Rocks!" pun in the T-shirt shop.
I love the old brick buildings along the winding cobblestone streets. I love the quirky pubs with their dim lighting and distinct names (The Jerusalem Tavern anyone?). I love the dry wit and strong accents of my coworkers. I love exploring a city so rich in history and international culture.
To sum it up, I really love London. You should come. :)
