Guest Blog & Photos by Erin Peterson
As I stepped up the stairs with the usual masses from the underground railway, I listened to the voices around me. The women next to me spoke in English, nothing unexpected. However, the men in front of me were conversing in something foreign – Punjabi, I believe. The family behind me argued with each other in Italian. I finally reached sunlight and began my walk through Hyde Park. A warm, sunny day in London is something to be cherished, so it seemed that the entire population was out and about, absorbing as much Vitamin D as possible before the gloom took over again. As I walked down the little paths and through the trees, I continued to listen to the conversations going on around me, many of which I could not understand. I heard the rolling r’s of Spanish, the chattering of Cantonese, the tender words of French, and others I couldn’t even recognize.
I had heard from my professor that there are nearly 300 different languages spoken in London, that it is one of the most diverse cities in the world. I didn’t believe him at first. Like many others, I had expected London to be full of red telephone booths, black taxi cabs, old ladies drinking tea, and everyone else eating fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. But on this day, I realized that although these assumptions did have some ground, they only describe a very small portion of London culture. My professor was telling the truth: London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. With these 300 languages come their cultures, all combining to form the melting pot that is this impressive city.
Nearly every race, ethnicity, religion, and nation can lay claim to the greater London area. South Asians alone make up 13.1 percent of the population, followed by Blacks, either African or Caribbean at 10.7 percent. A huge portion is from other European countries, like Ireland, France, and Germany. As I left the park and entered the noisy streets, walking around the city, I noticed all the Irish pubs, the South Asian restaurants, and French and Italian cafes. I reflected on how one of my friends here is from Singapore, and another grew up in South Africa. I realized how wrong I had been about London, and I didn’t even know it until now. I had met people from all parts of the world in just a couple of weeks!
My friend from Singapore, George, had to serve two years in the Singaporean Army before being allowed to go to college. He’s now a sophomore at Portland State University.  He told me that he never had to go into battle, but there were some close calls, and even that was frightening enough. He is the one of the most loyal friends I have ever had. My host mom, Saida, is from South Africa, but is of Indian descent and is a devoted Muslim. She cooks some of the most delicious South African and Indian dishes, which I had never even heard of before! She and her husband, Mike, a traditional Englishman, are two of the most generous people I know.
That day in the park I realized something that I had actually already known: don’t judge a book by its cover. This city is a hub of international activity, with people from all over the world coming and going. You never know whom you’re going to meet next. It could be a Royal Prince from Arabia, a backpacker from Australia, or even just another kid from Eugene.

Read more stories from study abroad students in our Spring 2010 series, Blogs from Abroad.

Gallery • 4 Photos

The Melting Pot