Personal Conversations

from The London Review 2023

Who Are The London Reviewers

By Jillian Parsons

Conversations while in Oxford:

I felt the most normal to my peers while I was in Oxford. Although very different from the University of Kansas, the campus and people were kind and warm toward the younger generation. A group of us went to the Oxford covered market. While we were all scavenging for the best place to eat, I saw a small sandwich shop hidden by fresh fish smells. In this small little hut there were two people chatting. I opened the door in hopes to find a delicious meal. I ordered a Diet Coke and a ham & cheese sandwich on fresh baked bread. While the lady was making my sandwich, we began to talk. She asked if I was studying at Oxford… I felt honored that she assumed I was an Oxford student. Anyways, she told me her name was Jennifer and she helps her husband run the sandwich shop. The conversation I had in Oxford was sweet and kind. And yes, she was amused; I was from the middle of the United States.

Conversations while walking the street:

Stereotype: Americans are loud and obnoxious. Americans can be rowdy. I did notice the looks we received while walking around the streets of London. On the street there were no conversations, everyone had a destination, and they were focused on getting to their location. The louder our group was, the more looks we received.

Conversations with the worker in Jakob’s:

The first day of London a big group of us went to Jakob’s. This was an Armenian-Persian restaurant. When leaving we were stopped, and recognized as being Jayhawks! And this is how the conversation went…

Worker at Jakob’s: “Where are you guys from”

Jill: “We are from Kansas”

W: “My cousin is from Kansas, and he attends the University of Kansas!”

J: “We are students at the University of Kansas, where is your cousin from!?”

W: “A place in Kansas that sounds like California starts with an ‘O’.”

J: “Hmmm, I am from Overland Park which is close to Lawrence… Olathe?

W: “Yes, his name is Jude, and he is from Olathe…”

J: “Wait, I know a Jude from Olathe. Do you have his Snapchat?” [looks at snapchat bitmoji]

J: “Oh, that is not Jude Schnieders from Olathe.”

Ask The London Reviewers

Favorite Tube Line?

Total: 92 Books Bought?

Average: 4

Favorite Museum?

Did You Ride The New Elizabeth Line?

Where Was Your Layover On The Way There?

Where Was Your Layover On The Way Back From London?

Jude is a second year student at KU majoring in English and minoring in Theatre. They are a proud executive member of the improv team, Safety Goggles On. Their dream is to be a comedy writer for television. Their favorite part of London was getting lost in markets, museums, and parks. That isn’t to mention the many, many cups of tea they enjoyed.