My first trip to London, England in the Fall of 2018 was a memorable experience. I had previously visited Europe, but this was my first time in London. I was visiting a friend who was studying for his MBA, and I saw it as an opportunity to explore another country.

The flight was 8 hours long, and I was excited to finally land and see the city for myself. I had seen London in movies and TV shows, so I knew it would be diverse and interesting to visit. However, navigating the city was a bit of a challenge as I was trying to figure out the train system to reach my friend’s apartment. Despite feeling nervous about being alone in a new city, I decided to make the most of my trip and explore independently.

I used the train system to visit various landmarks such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Palace of Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace. I appreciated the city’s rich history and felt like I was truly experiencing it, rather than just watching it on TV.

I was determined to make the most of my time in London, so I planned out different destinations each day and used Google Maps to navigate my way around. I was proud of myself for taking the initiative to explore on my own and not relying on others. I even got lost a few times, but the locals were friendly and helped me find my way.

This trip taught me that it’s okay to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. I gained confidence in my ability to travel internationally alone and make the most of my experiences. I would highly recommend London as a destination for anyone visiting Europe. The city is easy to navigate and the people are friendly. I hope to return someday and see even more of what London has to offer.