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The start of Christmas in London

Published on by miadervisevicLeave a comment

In London, Christmas starts on November first. The lights are shinning, and the markets start getting set up. Everything has decorations, and the joy of the winter holidays are in the air! Its so surreal to experience Christmas (or the start of it) in a big city like London! While Denver may have one or two small Christmas markets, and an iceskating rink, London goes big or goes home. There are at least 7 markets close to me, as well as iceskating rinks in the making. Not to mention, the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland!

It’s so fun to walk around the city and look at all the lights and decorations. It brings so much joy, and on every corner you can see people laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying time together. Scarfs, sweaters, and hats, have become the staple fashion over here now, where people bundle up cozily and spend time together. I love experiencing this kind of atmosphere, as its so different from my hometown. I find myself comparing aspects (such as holiday festivities) to my hometown life, and how it’s similar or different. London is a huge city, and in some way, with all the lights, and decorations, it seems to almost appreciate the holidays more. I do find some similarities though, and its fun to find a piece of home. The smaller markets are very similar to the German one we have in Denver, and it’s fun to walk around and think of home, while also experiencing something a little bit different. I find myself appreciating the winter season more and more while I’m here.

The first snowfall of the season happened on Sunday, and it was beautiful to see the little flurries of snow falling down. People tilting their heads up to watch it fall, and enjoying the phenomenon. The snow doesn’t stick here, as its kind of a mix between rain and snow, but its fun nonetheless, and exciting to experience. However, the cold here sets in quickly, and it doesn’t take long for one to get cold, if they don’t have a proper jacket.

School has started to slow down a bit, and my friends and I have started to focus on our projects and final papers. Because of the drop in weather and temperature, theres not much one would want to do other than go to the markets at night or on the weekends; So, I’ve been spending my days focusing on the four papers I have to write by mid December, and going to classes. However, this does give me and my flatmates an opportunity to plan what markets we would like to go to, as well as talk and catch up. So far, my flatmates and some other friends have planed a few markets as well as iceskating, that we are so excited to go to!

I used to not like winter, because of the cold, and the lack of things to do, but experiencing winter here in London makes me want to rethink. Even the darkest of nights so far, have been brightened with all the lights in central London as well as the company of friends. Its interesting to see how being in a different city (and studying abroad) can change perspectives and ways of life. I enjoy seeing the differences in myself, and influences of the city I am in, and cant wait to experience more in the last month I have.

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Comparing the U.S and E.U Price tags

Published on by vanessacepedaLeave a comment

Hi there! I’ll just jump right in and get economical. Those who have heard the stereotype that Europe is super affordable to live in and traveling is less expensive overall clearly have not stayed in the continent for as long as I have, and to keep it truthful at the beginning, so did I until I realized that I was not spending monopoly money and Apple was not the one paying. 

To place more of a perspective on this matter, know that I’m comparing life in the States to mainly being stationed in Italy for school. First of all, the pros and cons of Europe: yes some entrance to attractions can be affordable, especially if you can qualify for a student discount, but nobody talks about how Europe charges for everything. The most baffling example was this weekend when I went to Tuscany to view Pisa and on my walk I came across a pretty garden that was charging me about e22 just to look at it (not joking)

  From switching metro lines, being charged for 8 oz of tap water, using the restroom, and watching a salesperson restock their one-of-a-kind item. You can take an educated guess and land on the fact that on average you are spending close to 50-100 a day—yes, 100 if you’re visiting a city for the day. Don’t ask, just trust that somehow some way you do.  I will for sure agree that the convenience of heading to other great countries is wonderful, and of course, you are able to find cheap travel accommodations when you are already traveling from a European country, but the truth of the matter is that it’s just like anywhere else really where you have to wait for a deal to pop up, because I don’t know about you guys, but a weekend trip to Switzerland from Italy should not be costing $400 (one way so x2) on just flights on flight scanner.

Yet all of that can somehow be masqueraded by its beautiful scenery, fresh and clean and affordable food, with no sales tax being a huge win. Overall, of course, I’m aware that, on a bigger scale, the average European is not really spending this much every day, for everyone has a routine and habits that work for them. 

When it comes to the U.S., there is much to say about everything, but I’ll try to keep these comparisons alike. I have to give it to the States when it comes to public attractions and events. Where you only truly pay for exclusive experiences but nobody is charging you to go to Central Park or attend museums and art galleries with discounts to spare and most of the time having free admission based on age or educational status. I have to give credit to the free water and restroom with the occasional rule or purchase something before being allowed to go. Yet again, safety has plummeted a bunch, not to mention the poor health or produce even at the top-tier stores. 

Both of these locations have their wins and not, and I believe that overall it has helped me debunk theories and stereotypes about them. Of course, nowhere is perfect but just as I have found myself missing certain comforts from the States, I am well aware that I will miss even more the easygoing way of life of Italy along with everything being walkable with meaningful communities.

Ciao!