Saying ‘cheerio’ to Londontown

In her last column abroad, Caitlin Weigel lists what she will miss in London.

LONDON – The time has come, my friends; it’s the end of the line for this cowgirl. I’m hanging up my spurs and walking into the sunset – hopefully with a cool Western swagger and my imaginary suede chaps on. I like the way they make my thighs look, and I don’t want to take them off.

It is with a heavy heart, a full stomach and the anticipation of severe jet lag that I must say goodbye. In approximately one week, I will be leaving foggy Londontown and heading back across the Atlantic toward the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

In honor of my time overseas, I compiled a list of things I will miss most about Jolly ol’ England. And, so as to not totally depress myself in the process – because no one likes to sit next to the crying girl on the plane – I’ll also jot down the Philadelphia counterpart to each one, which I’m looking forward to upon my return.

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Hummingbird Cupcakes
Delicious, moist cupcakes with a perfect icing-to-cake ratio and flavors worthy of a hat tip. The store just came out with its holiday flavors, including gingerbread, peppermint and eggnog. I am making daily pilgrimages to try them all before I leave.

MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
The Cupcake Lady
A lawyer who quit her job to roll around in a truck decked out with sprinkles, dishing out sweet cakes of the cup? Major props. Her location changes daily, so you’ll have to check out her website, buttercreamphiladelphia.com, to see when she’ll be on Main Campus, but it’s worth it. Her arrival every Thursday afternoon last semester was the only reason I ever made it to my environment class.

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Primark
Cheap-as-chips clothing and shoes that are actually trendy and cute. Every day is like Black Friday in that store, and I often find myself whimpering in corners, attempting to avoid the stampede in the accessory aisle. But with dresses for 10 pounds and flats for 5 pounds, it’s worth the potential shopping battle scars.
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
Eternity Fashions
In the midst of the bustling Chestnut Street lies a clothing-store gem – Eternity Fashions. It may not look like much from the outside, but inside is a treasure trove. Bee-line past the plastic mannequins decked out in animal print hoe-wear and ignore the florescent lighting – you’re heading for the shoes. The back of this shop is full of Beyonce-worthy footwear for Ke$ha prices. (Read: Classy diva shoes for cheap.)

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Beautiful food packaging
I could literally spend hours in London’s grocery stores. Whenever I’m feeling less than enthusiastic about my day, I simply tuck into the nearest grocer and walk up and down the aisles, admiring the beautiful boxes. The fonts! The colors! The general layout and design! I constantly find myself swooning and whipping out my camera to take photos. Though every time someone else walks by, I have to pick up a box and look at it critically so they think I’m actually food shopping.
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
Center City and South Philly corner stores
With my new found love of well-packaged food, I plan on making my rounds to all the adorable corner grocery stores lining the more residential streets in Center City and South Philly. While Di Bruno Brothers and Whole Foods are solid bets for those wishing to geek out about design, why not be more adventurous and seek out those teeny-tiny shops throughout the city? If you’re really craving curious typography and innovative color schemes, you could also try hanging around the Tyler School of Art building and pouncing on students as they exit. You’re bound to catch a graphic design kid at some point.
And now, for the speed round:

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Time Out
London city listings of all the best stuff to do.
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.: U Wish U Nu (https://uwishunu.com)
They have your weekends/weekdays/all-day-every-day plans covered in the City of “BroLo.” (Not sure if that’s a term people use, but I’m hoping it catches on.)

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Polite homeless people
“Excuse me, love, but you could spare some change? No? All right then. Take care.”
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
unsolicited comments
“Dayum girl – you thicker than a Snickers.” These words were actually uttered to my friend last year while walking down Broad Street.

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
Snakebites
Half-cider, half-beer and a splash of black currant juice. Purple-y goodness.
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.: Brass Monkeys
When orange juice meets forties, beautiful things happen.

MISSING THE U.K.:
Bulmer’s
Oh, sweet cider, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
Yuengling Lager
Dear family: I know you’re reading this. I expect to be greeted at the airport with a cold Yuengling and Neato Burrito. Maybe some balloons, too, if you’re feeling up for it. I feel like this would be a proper welcome back to the land of stars and stripes.

MISSING IN THE U.K.:
BBC Online Television
Love me some dry British humor.

MAKING UP FOR IT IN THE U.S.:
NBC Thursday Nights
I cannot wait to be reunited with Liz Lemon and Old Chevy Chase.

Although I’m sad to say goodbye to London, I have a plethora of good stuff waiting for me back home. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring Philadelphia this semester. My time abroad has only whet my appetite, and I intend to embark on even more quests come spring semester. If you’re ever hungry for adventure or just plain hungry, holler at your girl. We’ll continue to metaphorically stamp our passports in the grand city of Philadelphia.

Caitlin Weigel can be reached at caitlin.weigel@temple.edu.