These past two weeks have been filled with… ups and downs.
After I returned from my spectacular trip to Budapest, my boyfriend and I continued on our adventures through the city. As soon as our flight landed, we began the complicated journey back home, anxiously fighting the ticking clock as we worried we wouldn’t make it to see the Aladdin show on time. After speeding past airport lines, hopping on a nearly closing train, and then running through the London streets with suitcase in hand, we made it to the Prince Edward theatre. I could hardly contain my excitement about watching the show and it did not let me down. The music, the costumes, the performances, and the sets were incredible. Everything was absolutely beautiful and I definitely enjoyed the opportunity to have this cultural experience. The next day, we wrapped up his trip and my Fall break with a visit to the British museum, a stroll down the beautiful Oxford Street, and a night out in Camden. We said our sad goodbyes and then I came back home to the reality of homework, homesickness, and exhaustion. I slept for nearly 14 hours and got to work.
The overall downcast feeling I had due to my vacation being over was worsened by the 2016 election. On this day, everyone anxiously discussed the subject, made predictions, and waited patiently for the results. The nerves wouldn’t let me sleep. I literally sat in front of my computer as hours and hours went by, constantly refreshing the news pages to see who was in the lead. Finally, at 7 am here, a winner was announced. My entire flat became silent and my roommates and I looked at each other in a mix of hopelessness, disbelief, and worry. I just sat there crying. I couldn’t wrap my head around the thought that such an evil man with such hateful views towards others could now be the president of my country. I couldn’t believe that the country my family came to with hopes of a better life was now about to be dictated by a man who appears to hate minorities and who successfully instilled a dislike towards them. That morning, I had to go to school and face the same tense ambiance found at home. Nobody dared speak about it, we all wanted to ignore what was going on. The British people at my internship were a different story. They jumped right into the topic and barraged me with dozens of questions I didn’t have an answer to. This made the week incredibly exhausting.
The week ended on a slightly more positive note as I attended a Civil Rights Conference hosted by my school. Although it was discouraging to learn about the prevalence of social injustice against some marginalized groups, it was also a relief to see how many great strides are being taken to ameliorate human condition. The conference was very educational and also entertaining as it included hands-on activities.
I wrapped up my week by visiting the beautiful Science Museum, which is breathtaking bout on the outside and indoor. This made me realize just how beautiful this city is and how in love I am with it.