My Last Week in England

Wandering Through History, Art, and Rain

It’s hard to believe how quickly my time in England is coming to a close. With only a few days left, our study abroad group packed in a whirlwind of unforgettable outings. From bustling London streets to quiet moments on campus, these final adventures encapsulated the best of our time abroad: history, art, friendship, and, of course, a touch of chaos.

An Early Morning at Abbey Road

Our second-to-last London outing kicked off with an early start—so early that I could have sworn I was sleepwalking through the Canterbury West station. After navigating the morning train and tube, we arrived at one of the most iconic spots in music history: Abbey Road. I’ll admit, our attempt at the famous Beatles crosswalk photo was…less than perfect. Whether it was my poor timing or the constant stream of cars, the photo is more a testament to our laughter than our coordination. Still, the visit to Abbey Road Studios’ gift shop was a treat for any music fan, filled with memorabilia celebrating the world-famous artists who have recorded there.

Next up was a much-needed coffee stop, where I made a serendipitous discovery—a shop stocked with American goodies! I spotted Powerade on the shelves, and I can’t explain how excited I was to grab a bottle. It’s funny how small comforts from home can feel like such a big deal when you’re abroad. Armed with caffeine and nostalgia, we set off for our next destination.

The British Museum:

The British Museum was everything I expected and so much more. It’s surreal to walk into a building that houses some of the most famous artifacts in the world. What struck me, though, was how little of the collection is actually British! From the Rosetta Stone to a marble lion dating back to 350 BC, it felt like we were walking through a world history book. One of the highlights for me was seeing the Throne from the Panathenaic Stadium up close—talk about iconic!

That said, the sheer size of the museum was overwhelming. After several hours of wandering through exhibits and getting turned around on its multiple floors, we decided to take a break. In true study abroad fashion, we literally sat down on the ground to play cards amidst the crowd. It’s moments like these that remind me how much fun it is to share these experiences with friends—whether we’re marveling at ancient artifacts or creating our own memories in the middle of a busy museum.

Exploring London’s Theatre District

With our brains full of history, we headed to London’s theatre district to explore its vibrant streets. The area was buzzing with activity, from street performers to excited tourists. We spent some time shopping, wandering through quirky stores, and soaking in the atmosphere. As the day wound down, we grabbed some drinks and carefully navigated the train routes back to Canterbury. Despite the exhaustion, I couldn’t stop smiling as I reflected on all the places we’d seen in just one day.

Campus Views

The next day was spent closer to home at the University of Kent. It was a quieter day, filled with lectures and final touches on our photography projects. I took some time to enjoy the stunning views from campus, appreciating the peaceful green spaces and the way the light filters through the trees. After the constant bustle of London, it was nice to slow down and focus on our work.

Our Last London Adventure

May 22nd marked our final trip to London, and we made sure to make it count. We started at the National Gallery, a breathtaking space filled with some of the most famous works of art in the world. Seeing pieces like Van Gogh’s Chair and A Wheatfield with Cypresses in person was surreal—I could have stood in front of them for hours. Another standout was Paul Delaroche’s The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which was hauntingly beautiful in its detail.

But the rain had other plans for us. Running through the downpour, we made our way to the National Portrait Gallery, where I found one of my favorite exhibits of the entire trip: the Julia Margaret Cameron gallery. Her pioneering photography captured such raw emotion and beauty—it was incredible to see her work up close. I loved learning about her unique techniques and how she challenged the conventions of photography in her time. Her portraits felt alive, like they could tell stories beyond the frames.

After braving even more rain, we stumbled upon a cozy pizza spot for lunch. Tucked away on the second story of a cute restaurant, we dried off and enjoyed some much-needed warmth and good food before heading back to Canterbury.

Wrapping Up in Canterbury

As our final lecture day approached, the reality of leaving started to sink in. During class, we shared our photography projects, celebrating the creativity and growth we’d experienced over the past few weeks. Later that afternoon, I took one last walk through the streets of Canterbury, soaking in the charm of this historic town.

In a little shop I hadn’t noticed before, I stumbled upon a photography display that stopped me in my tracks. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up my time here—a reminder of how photography has been such a meaningful part of this journey. From capturing moments with my camera to appreciating the artistry of others, this trip has deepened my love for the craft in ways I never expected.

Don't Want to Say Goodbye

It’s hard to believe my study abroad experience is almost over. These final outings were the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and reflection, and I’m so grateful for every moment. While I’m excited to return home, leaving this beautiful country and the incredible friends I’ve made is going to be bittersweet. England has left its mark on me, and I know I’ll carry these memories with me for a lifetime.