Liz in London: today.

I love home, and I love Sonoma State. However, it is easy to get bored with the monotony of going to the same classes, attending the same meetings, participating in the same extra-curricular activities, and walking or driving the same route every day.

Every single day in London, I discover something new. I do something different, I see a new beautiful building, I hear a different accent, I eat at a new restaurant. The beauty of studying abroad is that you are constantly experiencing new things--you are always being exposed to change, and having to adapt. {This is also a challenge, as it can be exhausting! But it is definitely worth it.} Studying abroad is truly learning outside of the classroom. I am seeing so much of the world--an endless amount of history and culture.

I had one of those "oh my gosh I am living in LONDON" realizations today {they happen a lot} when my Art & Society professor took us to Saint Paul's Cathedral. Saint Paul's is an icon of London, and I was planning on seeing it eventually, of course. Going with my class and learning about the history of the church from my professor added so much to the visit.

I guess the realization really hit me after I walked up the 528 steps past the dome, to the top of the cathedral and saw a 360 degree view of London. Before that, it felt like I was just on a field trip in an amazingly beautiful church {because I was!}

But, as I was looking out, I thought "whoa...I am getting units for this!" How awesome is that? Studying abroad truly is a different experience than a semester at home. I miss being home for things that are going on at Sonoma State {wishing I could've seen that fireworks show at the GMC last weekend!} but I am enjoying once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for 3 short months in England! It is a trade-off, but I am almost sure that nothing can replace this unique experience that I am so blessed to have!

Most days, I don't do something as thrilling as walking up the narrow, claustrophobic, and winding steps to the top of Saint Paul's Cathedral. Some days, I just get a little lost trying to find something, or try a bite of a British culinary creation {you never know how those will taste...} But no matter what I do each day, I always encounter something new.

This semester is full of new experiences, 3 months
away from the usual routine.
And it really is a nice change.

{P.S. I have put a lot of thought into this. As beautiful and amazing as Saint Paul's Cathedral is, Westminster Abbey has the #1 spot in my heart for my favorite church in London.}