London

AIFS, my study abroad program, offers a three-day optional stopover in London before the program commences in Italy. I opted into the stopover, and so when I left America on January 15, I arrived in London on January 16 where I stayed for three days and two nights. Although everyone was very jet lagged, it was nice to meet other students on the trip and adjust to the time change in an English speaking country. We had lots of free time to explore, but the program offered a sight seeing tour and other optional dinners to get to know the 90 other students we'd be interacting with for the rest of the semester.

I had been to London this past summer with my family, but it was fun to see the sights again with fresh eyes and explore the city with new friends. Besides stopping by the traditional touristy sites such as Buckingham Palace and Kensington, we had time to go out to eat, do some shopping, and see a musical! It was a tiring weekend, but it was nice to have the opportunity to see another country before the program commenced.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace from the back side

Tower Bridge