The Greatest's

A post about the “greatest” things of London according to me, here we go.

Greatest adventure: On a large scale I would say my greatest adventure was my trip to Ireland with my girlfriends Callie, Cami, and Rocío. It was such a great time. We were only there for 3 days, but we had so much fun. We spent a day in Dublin enjoying the city, spent a day touring the East Coast of Ireland and the other day the West Coast. We visited Galway, and sang Galway Girl endlessly, tried not to fall off the Cliffs of Moher, and became a close group of friends. That was probably the best part of it.

On a smaller scale I would say my greatest adventure was either my first “date” with my girl Callie or my endless outings with Rocío. Rocío and I always end up eating then wondering around the city. Both are great memories and will always be a wonderful part of my trip.

Greatest cultural difference: The biggest thing that I’ve noticed since coming here is that everyone is in such a big hurry. Maybe I didn’t notice it back in Ohio, but it seems like time is against you here, therefore hurry. Also, the lack of friendliness was a bit different. It wasn’t really a shock, but still it’s nice to smile at someone and for them not to look at you like you should go crawl in a hole and die. Ohio I’m coming back soon don’t worry!!

Greatest food experience: In London it would have to be broken down into types of food. There are so many great restaurants and cafes. Some of my favorites include Chiquito Mexican restaurant, the Breakfast Club at Hoxton, the Diner, Nando’s, this random Argentinian ice cream shop off of Regent Street Prêt Manger, Red Dog Saloon, and the list goes on forever! Plus all of the fabulous places I’ve been in Ireland, Paris, Nice, and Monaco.

Greatest memory: Looking back and remembering how and when I met all these lovely people that I now call my friends.

Greatest challenge: Being away from my family and friends is what everyone is expecting me to say, but honestly that wasn’t it. Don’t get me wrong I have missed everyone, but it’s been a nice change to be completely on my own and fending for myself. My greatest challenge has been finding myself this year. Who I thought I was wasn’t really me. It was a compilation of all the people I love and the attributes that I love that are part of them, but it wasn’t me. I’ve made great strides in finding myself since coming to London and that won’t stop once I head back home.

Greatest fear: Let’s be honest, it was making friends. I think this was such a big deal for me because I wasn’t comfortable with who I was and I didn’t know who I was without friends and family.

Greatest accomplishment: I’ve become independent and I’m so proud! Yes, I spend many days just chilling in my room on my own, but I enjoy it! I’m comfortable being myself, but I’ve also become more social at the same time. I’ve made friends that are social butterflies and want me to be friends with all their friends. They know my fears and my insecurities, but still want me to be part of the group. Friends. I’ve made so many of them from all over the world and I’m so blessed to have met them all.

See it’s hard to pick the greatest things when everything has been so great. Yeah, there have been some pretty crappy times, but the great memories will always outweigh those crappy feelings. Any day. It’s about time for me to come back to Ohio, while I’m super excited about it I’m super sad to leave this city and life that has become so normal to me. Especially leaving all the friends that have shaped my life in this way and that way. But that’s the thing about friends you make in your adult life, there are some that you just know will be with you for the rest of your life. Knowing that makes it all a bit easier to go back home.