Courtesy Wikipedia.org

While many of my fellow San Diego State students spent their Spring Break perfecting a tan on a tropical beach, I opted to trade my swimsuit for a heavy coat and London’s icy air.

I left the United States from San Francisco International Airport, and 10 hours, four movies and too many peanut bags later, I landed in Heathrow Airport.

Even before my arrival, I knew I was in for an unforgettable experience, and I was extremely anxious to see every famous palace and landmark that I’d only seen in the photographs of history books. It’s a great thing to see history’s timeless monuments in person.

And I also couldn’t wait to hit up the pubs as well.

There are many great things in London, such as its extensive tube system that literally runs under the entire city. Underground stops, commonly referred to as “tube stations,” are only a few blocks walking distance, no matter where you are. The trains come every two to three minutes, and they’ll get you anywhere in London within 10 minutes or less. London’s underground makes the San Diego trolley look like a bike with training wheels.

Because of the extensive station, it’s just plain silly for any Londoner to own a car. Parking lots, or “car parks” as the English call them, are rather difficult to find. Even if drivers do come across one, the amount of space is extremely limited. It’s the complete opposite of the “McBig” United States, where many homes have three-car garages for the family’s collection of oversized SUVs. Londoners know that bigger isn’t better, and those who do own cars opt for “smart cars.”

Compared to mellow San Diego, the citizens of this fast-paced city seem to move at the speed of light. Like busy ants on hot asphalt, Londoners make it a point to get where they’re going to quickly. In winter, the freezing temperatures probably have a lot to do with this phenomenon – there’s no point in standing around in 20-degree weather.

And when it comes to breathtaking sites, London once again leads the way. Kensington Palace, where the late Princess Diana lived, is open to the public with tours of the apartments and grand halls. Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II’s weekend home, is also worth the trip. And Westminster Abbey, the magnificent cathedral that houses the graves of England’s greatest monarchs, authors and scientists – including Queen Elizabeth I, Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin – is a sight to see.

However, all this pales in comparison to London’s most impressive assets: its people.

It’s amazing how truly cosmopolitan the city is. Spanish, Arabic, French and many other languages I could barely identify can be heard in every corner of the city. There are foreigners present who represent almost every country imaginable and make London seem like the center of the universe.

If the United States is a melting pot, then London is a giant cauldron.

London now has a higher inflow of foreigners than New York or Los Angeles, and the mix of accents and fashions make this city infinitely fun. It had such an impact on me that when I finally returned home, everything suddenly seemed bland, even though I live in California and am no stranger to culture and cosmopolitan cities.

It was plain to see that the whole world goes to London.

I was only there one week and, obviously, there is much more to be seen in London and the rest of England. With museums, theaters, great shopping and a history that predates the United States by more than 1,000 years, it’s a magical place with something for everyone.

I’m already dreaming of my next trip.

-Melissa Dudum-Maya is a Latin American studies freshman.

-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed – include your full name, major and year in school.