My visual/cultural experience by Leila Amer

While visiting London, I liked the fact that we were not in a major tourist area. It allowed for us the chance to roam the city like a local would. We would use the Underground as our major form of transportation and would often find ourselves alongside businessmen on their way to work. We would eat at local restaurants or pubs and listen to the locals talk amongst themselves, often times about the World Cup.

Even though we were allowed to act like tourists on the weekend, visiting the London Eye and Big Ben, it was great to get an alternative view of the city. It was so interesting visiting all the different galleries and observing the various styles of work that artists possess. The Sally Mann exhibit was my favorite. To see her work in person and witness the quality and the contrast of the prints was pretty amazing.

Even just walking around the city was a visual experience in itself. Some of the buildings were so detailed and incredible to look at. There were people from all walks of life passing by you on the streets and it was interesting to see how or if their mannerisms were different than our own. It was also quite interesting to see graffiti and how, for the most part, it was more for the sake of art than for vandalism. I never did find a Banksy piece, but I was able to see some pretty neat pieces while visiting Brick Lane.

All in all I had a wonderful London experience. I was able to spend time with old and dear friends as well as make some new and exciting friends. It was definitely a great way to spend two weeks in London.

Photo by: Naveen

Leila Amer

Woodbury University

Graphic Design