Trip of a Lifetime: London Edition
Another thing crossed off my bucket list! This spring break I traveled with my MEJO 447: Media in the UK class to London. We spent the semester learning about conducting business in the UK, the similarities and differences between the US and the UK, and having virtual site presentations with accomplished professionals in the UK. Once we touched down at Heathrow Airport, it was 9 am, we immediately got started with our day. Throughout the week, many of us packed our schedules to the brim. We wanted to make time for the firm/agency site visits, tourist attractions, markets, cuisine, and even taking some time to enjoy the nightlife in London, especially on St. Patrick’s Day! See some of my favorite things I got the chance to do while in London!
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On our second day in London, we were able to go to a Chelsea vs. Newcastle football game. While the game remained tied for most of the game, Chelsea scored and the crowd went wild! It was electrifying to be part of the fan section and to end our first Chelsea game with a win.
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A major hit among the class was the local markets and diving into their international cuisine. We took the time to explore the area, buy some gifts for loved ones, and have some great food from the food trucks and stands. While the traditional English food might not have been a fan favorite, the Indian, Italian, Chinese, Thai, and Turkish meals and desserts we were able to try were incredible and showcased the direct influence these cultures have in the heart of London.
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Big Ben has been under construction and scaffolding for the past five years and while we were there, we were able to see it new and improved. Despite being a gloomy evening, it was still a sight to see!
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While this trip was filled with many great activities, cuisines, and day trips, we spent many of our days touring agencies, listening to the career path of accomplished professionals, and had the chance to network. Special thanks to FleishmanHillard, Real Chemistry, APCO Worldwide, and Octagon for giving us great site visits and those who took the time to speak to us at UNC’s Winston House!
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Once we have spent a few days exploring London, we dedicated a day to visiting Stonehenge and Bath. It rained for our entire day site-seeing, but we were still able to enjoy our trip and had the chance to see the historical landmark, walk around, and explore the Roman Bath House!
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While we were in London, we were shocked by the clear skies, sunshine, and warm weather. Because we weren’t constantly hit by rain and gloomy days, we enjoyed days where we could simply stroll through the streets of London, take in the view, and even do a little shopping.
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Stay tuned for part 2 of my London blog posts where I talk about noteworthy similarities and differences between the US and the UK, with a more specifically on New York City and London!
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Advice of the day: When traveling, take in the moments of being in a new place. It is an incredible experience to immerse yourself in the cultures and social norms of the place you are in. You will be amazed how quickly you can start to feel like a local!
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Thanks for reading! 🙂