When squinting against the warm springtime sun of London (rare, I know, but we must have brought the Texas weather), it’s easy to place myself right back into Austin.
With their language just slightly deviating from our familiar lilt, at a surface glance, the United Kingdom appears to be identical to the United States. The minute you wipe the smudge off your glasses, though, the differences plunk into your hand like sugar cubes in a warm cup of tea.
London. London Town. The Big Smoke. These are all names that have been bestowed upon my temporary home. What I have learned during my time here is that it is impossible to condense this city into a blanket statement.
It is not one people group, culture, or identity. Rather, it is a vibrant stew, each ingredient unique but complementing one another, nonetheless.
The city of London comprises 32 individual boroughs, each teeming with its unique flavors, language, and colors. Our program focuses on how each borough retains its own identity while simultaneously working in conjunction with others, constructing a greater understanding of the intersectionality in the U.K.
The complexity of it all can be overwhelming at times! Is it possible to capture the full flavor of all 32 (and beyond) in just a month?
Southhall Sikh Gurdwara
If you’ve ever seen “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” you know the idea of food raining down from the sky sounds like the ultimate paradise. Snow days of ice cream, bouncy houses made out of Jello, and pizza on command, oh my! Believe it or not, a place like that does exist in the Borough of Ealing, but it may not be exactly what you’re picturing.
In Ealing, the Sikh Gurdwara rose above other structures with its dazzling white domes and glossy gold script, declaring its presence to visitors. Fortunately, the beauty is not just outward-facing. The marble floors and elegant paintings signify its placement as a cornerstone in the community.
As my eyes took in the beauty before them, my nose was also tickled as the warm scent of cooking potatoes and spices wove among us.
After removing our shoes and donning head coverings as a sign of respect, we were treated to a comprehensive tour of the facility. Our guide not only informed us of the history of the Sikh religion but also explained how the Gurdwara was able to supply thousands of meals to the community every day.
The Gurdwara is supported entirely by food donations and the gift of time from community members. All walks of life gathered here to share in a warm meal, embracing the nourishment of both their spirits and their stomachs.
I left the Gurdwara, stomach bursting at the seams, but in awe of how the community stepped up for one another. The atmosphere buzzed with love, warmth, and most importantly, acceptance. Individuals are met at their current walk in life rather than where society expects them to be.
It was encouraging to see the tangible impact of kindness and to see individuals being served so intentionally. Studying abroad teaches you to appreciate not just the glamour that may come with the sparkling gates of Buckingham Palace, dripping with opulence, but also the day-to-day life of locals. The Gurdwara was transformative, to say the least.
Final rating was 10/10.
Public Transport
(and attempting to wrap my Texas mind around it)
Outside of the CapMetro and Greyhound bus systems, it is safe to say that Austin has yet to adopt public transportation infrastructure. London, on the other hand, has the Tube system ingrained into the daily life of almost every civilian.
Not only is the Tube a fantastic way to travel cheaply and efficiently, but it also provides a porthole into how humanity behaves when they think others aren’t watching. If a tree falls in a forest, does it make a sound?
I can be the first to admit I’ve had my hiccups on the Tube. From forgetting to transform lines, traveling eastbound instead of west, or sitting on a seat that is particularly warm from the last person, the Tube is a cultural experience in itself.
Once you get comfortable, the Tube can offer you the most vibrant people-watching in London without ever having to leave your seat. When there are 32 different boroughs to navigate, what better way to become acquainted with the people than traveling underground with no cell service?
When my family from home asks me what I’ve taken away from my experience so far, I always find myself coming back to the beauty of celebrating different types of people. London is Big Ben, beans on toast, and British accents! All that being said, though, it does the city a disservice to just stop there.
London is also rich in cuisine, vibrant colors, and close-knit communities! There is so much more than meets the surface, and it just takes the curiosity of a few to begin to uncover it. I constantly ask myself: How can I reach beyond the fish and chips?
This post was contributed by Caroline Lilly, a Global Ambassador for May 2025. Caroline is a sophomore studying abroad in London, England.
