Hello London

This post is long overdue. But it’s official, I'm moving to London! I have fallen head over heels for the accents, the city, and don't even get me started on the Big Ben.

When I was younger, the idea of traveling the world seemed like a distant dream. I always imagined myself scarfing down pasta in Italy or eating sushi in Japan. In high school, I made a promise to myself that I would travel after college, inspired by my aunt’s backpacking adventures across Europe 30 years ago.

I believe travel opens up a whole new world of people, places, and experiences beyond what we can imagine. It’s not just about exploring new cultures—it’s about learning everything from history to navigating a new public transportation system. Traveling immerses you in a country’s history and helps you develop a deeper understanding of the world. I did not grow up going to Europe every summer but I was fortuante enough to visit multiple regions in Mexico. Those trips exposed me to unforgettable experiences from swimming in ancient cenotes, exploring the ruins of Chichén Itzá, and sipping my tíos homemade mezcal at fourteen. But now, it’s time to fulfill my high school promise and explore beyond my comfort zone.

The UK: My First Stop

My first stop for my gap year travels was the UK to see my best friend Cameron. After a grueling 11-hour flight next to a broad-shouldered, man-spreading English fellow, I finally landed at London Heathrow. I expected to be greeted by long lines and strict customs officers, but to my surprise, all I had to do was scan my passport and walk right into the country. Having lived in New York I felt confident about my ability to navigate public transit. But the Tube tested me. No one warned me how confusing it would be. I had to ask three security guards and two strangers for directions just to get to the other terminals at Heathrow. After that little hiccup, I hopped on a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Bournemouth, a charming beach town southwest of London.

I purposely planned my trip so Cam and I could celebrate 2025 together. I was so excited to go out and celebrate 2025 in the UK! But the night did not go according to plan. I thought I would be able to hit the streets of Bournemouth, have a few drinks, and meet new people. But that was not the case. We were back at Cameron's apartment around 11:45 pm, yep, that's right, it was still 2024. However, don't be fooled, we still ate our grapes before 12:01am. Then boom, I was asleep by 12:03, and I am still waiting for the grapes to work. We spent our days in Bournemouth strolling the streets, sipping cider (we’re both gluten-free baddies), enjoying afternoon tea, and watching the prompt 4:00pm sunsets.

The Haunted Streets of Edinburgh

Since Bournemouth wasn’t cold enough, Cameron and I decided to head to Edinburgh. This magical city in Northern Scotland was nothing short of great. Even though I have never been colder in my life, I have nothing but positive remarks about this Scottish city.

My travel tips for Edinburgh:

• One day is enough to explore the essentials of Old and New Town, although two days allows you to go at a leisurely pace.

• Unless you enjoy being pelted by rain and snow, avoid going in the winter.

• The bus etiquette is not what we expected. When you ring for your stop, be ready and waiting at the door, or else you won't be getting off the bus.

• Go to the Scottish pubs and chat with locals. It was so fun trying to figure out what they are saying to you. I swear, sometimes they were not speaking English.

London: My New Home

After a few days in Scotland, we headed back south to London. I had heard so many stories about how dangerous London was, mostly from TikToks, and I was genuinely afraid that someone on an e-bike would snatch my phone right out of my hand. But thankfully, I left London with my phone in hand, scrolling on Zillow searching for my future apartment!

London feels like Europe’s version of New York. I can walk everywhere, eat amazing food, ride the Tube, shop all day, and have an endless supply of cafés. What else does a girl need?

One word to describe the food: delicious. Honestly, I was skeptical, especially with my gluten allergy. And let's just say I wasn’t exactly looking forward to beans on toast, but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was incredible. Every meal exceeded my expectations, and as someone with a sensitive stomach, my tummy was happy here. Also, I’ve never encountered so many people concerned about my gluten allergy—every restaurant we visited, without a doubt asked about allergies, and I didn't get glutened once, something I can’t say about San Diego. Here is my perfect day of eating in London: Willows for a Scandinavian-style breakfast, followed by Dishoom for a quick shared lunch, Tavernaki for a delightful and charming Greek dinner in Notting Hill, then end the night at a rooftop bar to soak in the views of the historic city.

Another huge perk of London, the museums are free! As a history lover, I was in heaven. I spent my last day walking through the British Museum, soaking in everything from 13th-century Asian history to life in Mexico during the Spanish Inquisition, and brushing up on the Enlightenment. And the best part? It was all completely free.

Must-Do in London

If you’re ever in London, I highly recommend seeing a show in the West End. Even if you’re not a theater lover, it’s a must. We saw Back to the Future, but there are so many other great shows, like Mean Girls, The Devil Wears Prada, and Mamma Mia. Afterward, hit the pub and stroll the streets of London, soak in all the lit-up landmarks and rare empty streets. I can’t wait to go back!

PS.  For my U.S. friends, do not forget to buy your ETA visa, even if you have a layover in any London airport, it cost 8 GBP. If you do not have it you will be fined.