London’s East End

The East End of London is getting a lot of attention with the start of the 2012 Olympic Games.  Famous soccer player (ehem, footballer) and East London native, David Beckham, made a grand entrance during the opening ceremonies showing his pride for the neighborhood he grew up in.  As you probably have heard, in the not so recent past, the area was still in need of some “polishing”.  Even before the arrival of the Olympics, the East End started to get a facelift, and locals would tell you the neighborhood is well past the “up and coming” phase. Parks, arenas, and new roadways transformed London‘s East End in preparation for the Games. To top it off, a new Eurorail station brings visitors in and out of the East End to and from Paris and Brussels.

Welcoming in the 2012 London Olympics

As London gears up to be on the World Stage of the 2012 Olympics, the country will be indeed flooded with tourists, athletes, and people from all corners of the globe. It goes without saying that the city is buzzing with anticipation and has a tangible energy that can only be brought forth from an event of this magnitude. The Olympic games are not simply about friendly competition, medal earning, or even national pride though. You could say they are a symbol, or even more so an example of the peaceful coexistence between cultures, regardless of the global conflicts and crises facing our world today.

Right Before My Eyes!!

London, UK is revered as the global city and is known for its abundant amount of immigration. This is one of the main aspects that drew me to the city for my study abroad experience. I hope to be able to indulge myself within the many cultures that London embodies and force myself to let go of the Americanized perception: We Are the Greatest Nation. Giving in on this selfish idea and being exposed to a different idea, like growing and maturing in a place that is constantly changing.