Lectures at Queen Mary are officially at an end. April brings Easter break, and exams begin in May. But with only one exam and a fairly short essay to write, the next month brings plenty of opportunity for adventure and exploration. And of this I intend to take full advantage.
I got back recently from a lovely trip to Munich where I stayed with a good friend. I thoroughly explored the city, marveling at the architecture and enjoying plenty of their famous bread. The Deutsche Bahn makes travel from Germany so incredibly easy, that we took a day trip to Salzburg, Austria on the weekend. The city is composed of timelessly elegant architecture, winding streets of shops, and squares speckled with cafes, all resting peacefully and beautifully under the magnificent gaze of the Alps.
Right after that grand adventure, I had a much more relaxed, but just as enjoyable, several days with my extended family out in the countryside of Dorset. Though we might not have done much in particular, it was a much needed time of shenanigans, good coffee, jokes, family dinners, and country walks with the family Labrador.
Continuing a bit of a trend I started last time and would like to keep up, I have discovered a new favorite area of mine within London. The neighborhood of Hampstead is a lovely little respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still somehow remaining quite central. Little flats line pristine streets, sweet shops and cozy cafés speckle the avenues, and in the middle of it all is the magnificent park of Hampstead Heath. Stepping onto the grounds of the park transports you from the streets of London to winding paths and gnarled trees reminiscent of English countryside as opposed to cityscape.
Another favorite from the past couple weeks is the lively mélange of culinary sights and smells that compose Borough Market. Nestled under the railway lines at London Bridge, vendors compete for attention above the din, as smells of gourmet cheese, fresh seafood, warm bread, and sizzling street-food waft through the air and tantalize the senses.