I started a master’s program back in September in Applied Positive Psychology at Buckinghamshire New University, just outside of London. It is an online program, but when my sisters got the crazy idea of going on a canal boat in winter because we’ve never done it, I thought, why not go over early, check out my school, and live like a Londoner for a week? So that’s what I did.
Earl's Court
What a week! I usually just breeze through London, so to have a whole week to do only what I want was heaven. I stayed in Earl’s Court, which is a fantastic neighborhood; it is safe, on the Piccadilly line, with lots of cute restaurants and bars. I spent a large amount of time at The Troubadour, a very cool little place which was founded in 1954 as part of the second wave of coffee houses and is now one of London's oldest independent music venues, which hosted iconic names such as Bob Dylan, Davey Graham, Martin Carthy, Judy Collins, Paul Simon, and many more. Also, The Bottlery was right around the corner from my hostel. I spent a few very interesting evenings discussing love, Albania, and Judaism with Alex, who ran the bar, and his friends.
The Museums
So, having seen most of the iconic tourist attractions in London over the years, what is a girl to do with herself? Well, although Reno has stepped up its game since my childhood, it can’t compare to the art and culture scene of a city like London. There is authentic Da Vinci art here. I stumbled upon two exhibitions featuring his drawings, and of course, the stunning Virgin on the Rocks lives in The National Gallery. I visited there twice.
Not only did I visit The King's Gallery, The Royal Academy, The Courtauld Gallery, and the British Museum, but I also checked out some very unusual ones. The first was The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Unnatural History. This unique, offbeat bar-meets-museum is full of the most eclectic items, such as a two-headed pig, the stomach of a horse infested with botflies, mice dioramas, and even the gold-plated skull of one of Pablo Escobar's hippos. After getting your mind blown by the strange, mismatched items downstairs, you can head upstairs to get your mind blown in a different way with absinthe they distill themselves. The other interesting museum I went to is a psychedelic paradise of neon lights and vintage signs, all hidden inside an unassuming warehouse in the deepest, darkest part of North London called God's Own Junkyard. Late owner Chris Bracey, the ‘Neon Man’, got his start by making signs for strip clubs and brothels, but later began fashioning props for directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton, and Christopher Nolan. I spent hours there slowly reading all the signs, making a bracelet, and having a yummy Victoria Sponge Cake and Prosecco at their cafe called The Rolling Scones. Highly recommend. The last museum worth mentioning was one I discovered on the walk back from The Viktor Wynd Museum. The bright lights and large windows with many children running around caught my eye, so I went into the Young V&A museum. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum family where children and families can explore their creativity and learn about art and design. They had a He-Man action figure set (so amazingly cool), an array of dollhouses, and all these interactive areas where kids can get their art groove on. If you have kids in London, take them here. I had fun by myself.
Buckinghamshire New University
As I said, the reason I came to London early was to visit my university, so one day I took the train over to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, a picturesque little market town with beautiful Georgian architecture. Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has a history that dates as far back as 1891. It was originally established as a School of Science and Art with public funds raised from a tax on beer and spirits to provide evening classes to local residents. The school expanded and became the High Wycombe College of Art and Technology in 1963. In 2007, it was granted University title and changed its name to what it is known as today. The campus is very modern, and it was a good thing they gave me my ID card because you need to scan every time you enter a different area. The next day one of my classmates, Jessica, met me in London, and we had a lovely day visiting over coffee, then an art museum, then lunch at Gordon's Wine Bar in Embankment - London's oldest wine bar. Very cool place. I felt like I was back in 1890 dining in a rock cave no higher than six feet with only candles lighting the tables.
The Game
My Dad has been an Arsenal fan since 1948 when "The Compton Boys", Denis and Leslie Compton, played and won their First Division title. So when I discovered Arsenal was playing Newcastle in a League Cup semi-final at Emirates Stadium, I knew I had to go. It was so exciting. I just arrived as they started singing the "North London Forever" song. The majority of fans were Arsenal, so hearing them all singing together gave me goosebumps. Here are the lyrics so the next time you're at an Arsenal game you can sing along:
North London forever
Whatever the weather
These streets are our own
And my heart will leave you, never
My blood will forever
Run through the stone
Arsenal ended up losing, but can’t win them all. Still an amazing night.
Clapham
My parents both grew up in London, allowing me to grow up part British. The first time I visited, I was only five and stayed with my grandmother while they backpacked through Europe. I have vivid memories from that time, and although my grandmother passed away many years ago, and we have no affiliation with her flat, I wanted to pay homage to that time, so I hopped on the tube armed with her address and found the house. I distinctly remember looking out the top floor window of the flat and watching kids play soccer (football) in the street, and it looked just as I remember. While there, I also visited St. Giles Church. It is where my parents got married. That day, on September 7th, 1957, started it all.
Wrap up
As I said, it was a whirlwind trip to London, where I barely scratched the surface, but it was perfect. From just wandering the streets, learning how to wield my oyster card on the Tube, and making sure I got some of the touristy things in, it felt like getting to know someone who has been in your life the whole time, but you never really knew. I now feel like I can call London my friend. Now on to the next adventure on Narrowboat Yelvertoft with my sisters, Yvonne and Mandy, to explore the Ashby and Coventry canals a bit.
This is awesome!! I love the picture of the flat and the church. But of course all the pictures are unforgettable.