Week 5 Impressions by Julia Wilson

This past week in London was an interesting one. However, I’m starting to get used to the nuances of living in the city. When we first arrived, if things didn’t go according to plan, it threw us off. Now, it’s pretty much assumed that when we go out somewhere, things probably are not going to be going according to plan. Often times, we take the wrong train and get off at the wrong stop. Or we plan on taking a train that isn’t even running on that day (ie the Circle Line on weekends). But now we’re approaching the point where we know how to work around those types of inconveniences.

Now when braving the Camden Market the intimidation of all the people coming at you from all directions is decreasing. The pushiness of the vendors is starting to become trivial as well. Knowing who to duck and dodge is becoming engrained in my mind. I’ve even started to be just as pushy back, in order to get a good bargain, of course. The Camden market is not for the faint of heart, especially on a Saturday. I’m still in awe of this establishment, everything you could ever want or need, all in one place. More types of food then you could ever hope to try, and more types of clothes then I could even fathom.

It’s getting to the point where now after a long day out at the market, or having little adventures, returning to that small single bed is starting to feel pretty nice. That flat is starting to finally feel like home. Getting adjusted to London is starting to feel like a process of the past. I’m finding out where the cheapest and most authentic places are to shop, and make no mistake, they are not in Kensington and probably not Soho either. It feels like now we’re actually living in London instead of just having and extended stay here.

One thing I do appreciate about being here, is learning all of the history that goes along with it. Making different faux pas while mingling with the general British public isn’t the most attractive characteristic that I have to offer, so learning a bit of history and context is definitely remedying that problem. Overall, with every passing day my experience becomes even better here and I become more confident in my daily pursuits whether they be stopping at the corner market for a sandwich or going to the other side of town by myself to do some shopping. Either way, being more independent has now started to become the theme of my outings.