Category: England

Exploring the English Countryside

Published on by miadervisevic1 Comment

Mixed in with my classes and studying, I’ve been able to explore more parts of London, and England in general. From finding new streets and cute stores, to getting fully out of the city and exploring the Cotswolds. While I love big cities and being able to see people walking about, there’s something about the English countryside that is charming and pulls you in.

I’ve always wanted to go to the Cotswolds. It’s just always been something on top of my bucket list, and now I am happy to say I’ve been able to complete that dream. The Cotswolds, and specifically Castle Combe (rated the most beautiful town in England) draws you in, and make you never want to leave. The brick houses, along a quiet, and foggy street is something out of a fairy tale. When one thinks of “English countryside” this is what they picture.

When I stepped out of the train, I noticed how quiet it was. The cars splashing in puddles was the only sound, other than the song of birds. I was surprised to experience how quiet it was and felt as though I needed to whisper the entire time to preserve the peacefulness. It’s always an eye-opening experience going to a new country (or a new part of a previously visited country), and experience at least a little part of the local’s life. I was drawn in by the atmosphere, and the life of a quiet, small town. People walking their dogs and saying “good morning” to each-other was a normal routine. I loved it. Bakeries and shops, that ran on the honor system and a welcoming atmosphere that felt like a warm hug. It was so different than the life in London, or even my hometown.

Comparing life in a big v. small city/town was very interesting in terms of Castle Combe and Chippenham. Where life is quiet and peaceful in the countryside, everyone knows everyone, and trusts, there was an opposite life in the city, where it’s filled with suspicion and weariness. Visiting the Cotswolds, makes me think about how wonderful a life in a beautiful, quiet town would be (you wouldn’t have to worry about phone snatchers, that’s for sure)!

I loved walking around, and taking it all in, like a breath of fresh air. The mist hanging in the air, and the song of birds sent a wave of tranquility. With vines crawling up the sides of houses and the colors of changing leaves, it was a beautiful sight to see. It was truly autumn here! In London, while it’s chilly, it hasn’t been raining much and the leaves haven’t changed yet, so I was overjoyed to finally see the start of my favorite season in the most beautiful town. The Manor House (which is now a hotel), is a beautiful estate with the most gorgeous manor house, which I’ve decided is truly my dream home. With green, orange, and red vines climbing up the brick house, it was a sight to see, and my breath was taken away. Truly, I have no words to express how marvelous this town was. It’s one of those things that words cannot recreate, and you have to experience it for yourself.

The public transportation there, was also on a leisurely schedule, and would only stop (in the case of Castle Combe) 3 or 4 times a day, meaning you had to time everything perfectly around the bus if you didn’t have a car. My friend and I luckily had no problems with this, and actually timed it perfectly where we had enough time to spontaneously go to Bath!

As we were wrapping up out time in quiet Castle Combe and taking the last of our pictures, we realized we still had a while before our trains! So, we thought to go to Bath, which happened to be only 10 minutes away by another train! With smiles on our face, we headed to Bath and got excited for a tea shop we decided to visit.

Sally Lunn’s Eating House brought the Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice vibe to life. With delicious pastries and tea, we were transported back into history, and imagined what life would be like back then. The buns and tea were 10/10 (as one would expect in England), and we had an amazing time talking about our favorite moments from this trip (and weekend). After walking around Bath and truly loving the autumn leaves and weather, we headed back to Chippenham, and further, London.

I honestly, will never forget this trip because of the amazing memories I got to make. Checking a bucket list spot off my list and seeing my dream house, as well as seeing my favorite season (autumn) start. If one is ever in London or in England in general, they have to experience the magic of the Cotswolds, as it is indescribable.

Two Very English Weekends

Published on by Elsie BuczkowskiLeave a comment

Weekend in London

I was super excited to have an entire, proper weekend in London after my trip to Munich. A few of my friends were out of town, so I had some alone time to explore my area. For the most part, I tried to get comfortable in my dorm. I was having a lot of trouble feeling relaxed and at home in my room all by myself. It was exposure therapy. And now I have lovely little lamps that make it feel homey. And I have cute prints I got from the Victoria & Albert Museum on my fabric bulletin board. I went with my photography class, but after class was dismissed, I had a walk around by myself. I was so content and in awe that I took no photos of the art. 

Another thing that I’ve been thinking about is my spending habits here. This city is so incredibly expensive, especially the area that I’m in. The only place you can get a pint of beer for less than 9 pounds within walking distance of my dorm is the Metropolitan Bar, a JD Wetherspoons pub. This chain of pubs gets a bad rap in the UK, but I love that place with all my heart. The drinks are half the price of the bar across the street, and the food menu is absolutely massive. I would compare it to something like a Sharis. It’s cosy. There are strange old people there all the time. You sink into the worn booths. But I’m obsessed with the vibe they have curated consistently throughout their many locations. 

Another way we have been spending less money is by cooking at home in our shared dorm kitchens. We’re terrible cooks. But we are determined to get better. 

Last Sunday, we walked around Marylebone and got a little Sunday brunch out. It was perfect and relaxing and exactly what I needed before the week started. 

I’ve also mastered the art of walking in London. The thing that I didn’t understand about London is that there is no designated side of the sidewalk you’re supposed to walk on. People just walk wherever they want, all the time. Once I finally accepted this fact, my life became much easier. Now I walk whatever side of the sidewalk I want to, I look straight ahead at where I want to go, and people (for the most part) will get out of my way! 

Weekend in Canterbury 

This past weekend, we went on a girl’s trip to a small town called Canterbury, a few hours outside of London. It was the perfect calm, walkable small town where we could catch our breath and not always have to be on edge. 

The five of us took a 30-minute train ride to the White Cliffs of Dover on Saturday morning. We got a quick French breakfast and then took a taxi up to the viewpoints. The pictures do not do this place justice. We lounged around in the grass, soaking up the sunshine and staring at the cliffs like it was a riveting film. We didn’t want to leave so bad that we didn’t call our taxi until the last second. 

Back in town after our morning in Dover, we explored the beautiful gardens and canals. The cathedral that Canterbury is famous for did not disappoint either. But the weekend’s main event was our punting tour on Saturday evening. We had so much fun gossiping with our punting guide, Marcus, while he tried to tell us about the rich history of Canterbury. It was so entertaining we seriously considered going back in the morning before we had to catch our bus. 

I woke up at 8:00 am on Sunday so stressed out. I had received an email that said our bus had been straight-up cancelled. Without a refund. Instead, they put us on a different bus that left two hours later than the bus we scheduled and didn’t even take us all the way to Central London, where we departed from. Luckily, I found a train for only £15 more than we paid for the bus. I was worried that a last minute ticket would be ridiculously expensive. I called the bus service, and they kindly gave us a refund. 

I am excited to spend another weekend in London before heading to Paris. I’m extremely proud of myself for finally getting into a groove here. I look forward to sharing all the touristy things Max and I do this weekend when he visits, as well as more about my internship in my next update!