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Meet the Man in the Colorful Suit: Jama Elmi

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

A crowd has formed on Portobello Road and in the center is a man in a hot pink suit and matching hat. That man is Jama Elmi, 55, who has been donning vibrant outfits for the last seven years. Elmi currently works as a model and actor as well as an ambassador for the Rise Together Alliance. 

He traded his once drab clothes for colorful suits when he was working at an Ibis Hotel. Elmi said, “They had their own uniform that was black and gray. I was invisible there, really invisible.” 

But one day, he was on a long train ride when something caught his eye. “My eyes were craving color. I looked to my left, no color. Looked to my right, no color.” said Elmi, “Then, there was this advertisement of a man in a three piece suit. I said to myself ‘Oh my god, what does he have that I don’t?’ A suit. So I made it my mission to get a suit.”

Jama Elmi poses in a pink and gold outfit. Elmi said, “Four years ago, it used to take me an hour and a half to pick an outfit. But now, maybe about 40 seconds, 30 seconds.”

Elmi bought a suit and was quickly noticed by others when out on the street. He eventually went to Shepherd’s Bush to find a tailor after realizing his need for colorful pieces could not be found just anywhere. Every three months, he would return to get two new outfits made. Elmi thinks he now has over 800 different outfits. 

However, with his tailor having switched businesses because of challenges from the COVID-19 lockdown, it’s been over a year since he’s gotten anything new. His 86 year old mother who he cares for has also given him an ultimatum. “If she sees a new outfit, I’m out of the door,” said Elmi.

This craving for color was nothing new for the Somalian. When he was nine years old, Elmi came across a mannequin wearing pink trousers and a Hawaiian shirt. He bought the outfit and wore it to school where he received a lot of attention from his peers. “I just loved color, but then that went to the back of my head and life came onboard,” said Elmi.

After rediscovering color in his clothing, people continued to be drawn to him. As he walks down the street, people in cars honk and wave. Seven years into wearing vibrant outfits, Elmi is known practically wherever he goes. But it’s not just the suits that make people smile, it’s also the conversation that Elmi welcomes. 

Elmi said, “Even if they’re having a bad day, when I cross paths with somebody, I can see their face light up.” His fashion has even helped him in his work. When he was still a support worker, he’d pick his outfits each day for a different resident based on what they liked. 

Not only does it put a smile on other people’s faces, but these interactions give the Harrow Road resident joy too. “It’s like that cartoon, Popeye. When he wants to be strong, he will have a spinach,” said Elmi. “The public is my spinach. The compliments they give me, that is my spinach.”

A close-up of Jama Elmi’s rings and bracelets for the day. “People come up to me and tell me stories,” said Elmi. “It depends on the outfit I’m wearing.”

One of his favorite suits has a map of the world on it. He loves the engagements he gets when wearing it. Elmi said, “When I went to Portobello, people were coming up to me and saying, ‘Oh, my God, I came from there’ and poking me.”

The 55 year old has begun conducting an “investigation” about his outfits and who they attract. “When I put on the red, it’s only the women that come up to me,” said Elmi. Pink surprisingly gets the attention of men, yellow attracts older folks, and young kids love his rainbow suit. 

Elmi said he even once caught the attention of King Charles III. The then prince was apparently in a car trying hard not to let Elmi catch him staring at his vibrant suit. He had been sitting outside of a cafe on Queensway. Elmi recognized the royal just as the traffic light turned green and the car drove away.

However, not everyone starts out as a fan of the vibrant outfits. Elmi said that when he goes shopping for his mother, the Somali community would often tell him not to wear such clothing there. “Because religion wise, I’m not really a strict Muslim, but my mum is. So in Muslim culture, anything that attracts, it’s forbidden. But I love the center of attraction,” said Elmi.

Eventually, they’ve come around to embrace his flamboyant style. The kids go up to him now and ask him for pictures or to be involved in their projects. Elmi said, “I just tell them, just wear what makes you happy.”

Elmi has become a local celebrity over the last seven years. He is now featured in a photography exhibition at The Muse Gallery and is involved in the Notting Hill Carnival. But his goal continues to be spreading joy through his uniquely vibrant outfits. 

Let Jama Elmi be a reminder that everyone could use a little more color in their life.

Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

I saw the award-winning musical Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre on Saturday, July 11th. 

I bought my tickets about five days prior for just £39. There was plenty of availability at a range of prices and views. The show is also running until June 2027.

I arrived right when the doors opened, 45 minutes before showtime. The queue moved fairly quickly and I was inside the theatre within 10 minutes. I immediately got into another queue to purchase a program from the merchandise stand. There were quite a few other merch items from t-shirts to a vinyl of a live recorded performance. 

The Lyric Theatre is located on the busy Shaftesbury Street, near a number of other theaters. Inside, the walls and ceilings are decorated with red velvet, gold accents, and chandeliers. The theatre only seats 938 people so the show felt pretty intimate.

I sat in row F of the Grand Circle section. My seat was in the middle which gave me a great view of the entire stage. However, just a few seats to the left and right of me had extremely obstructed views with poles blocking over half of the stage. It surprised me that the theatre sells those seats at all.

I spoke to the couple sitting next to me who also luckily missed the obstructed view by a few seats. They had not known much about the musical but just wanted to see a West End show and came across Hadestown. I got to give them a little synopsis of the show before it started. 

Photography by Brinkhoff Moegenburg

Hadestown follows the relationship between Hades and Persephone as well as Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice voluntarily goes to the underworld because of the harsh weather on the world above that occurs in Persephone’s absence. Orpheus then sets off to get Eurydice back, but Hades won’t let them go that easily. Hermes the messenger god acts as a narrator.

It was first performed in London back in 2018 right before going on Broadway in 2019. Since then, it has won the Tony award for Best Musical and the Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album. This current West End run started back in February of 2024.

I had never seen the show in full before, but I’ve listened to the soundtrack many times. When it came to the set design, lighting, and costumes though, I truly had no idea what to expect.

Photography by Brinkhoff Moegenburg

The set was almost like a jazz bar which makes sense with the music. The musicians were on both sides of the stage on platforms that created walkways between them and the balcony in the back center. Throughout the show, the worker ensemble would move the tables and chairs around center stage to create new scenes. Then, when Eurydice goes to Hadestown, the sides of the stage where the musicians are moved out, leaving more room in the center and walkways. This also allowed the rotating stage floor in the center to come into greater play. 

The main cast for this day was Marley Fenton as Orpheus, Bethany Antonia as Eurydice, Juan Jackson as Hades, Clive Rowe as Hermes, and Rachel Adedeji as Persephone. Each of their performances were amazing, but Persephone and her voice truly stood out to me. Adedeji also played a great drunk, which was both entertaining and showed part of why Persephone chooses to spend half the year in the underworld. 

Photography by Brinkhoff Moegenburg

During the 20 minute interval, I spoke with a grandmother who came to see the show with her granddaughter. They came about two hours out of London just to see the show. The granddaughter was a huge fan of Hadestown while the grandmother was there to spend time with her. So far, they said their favorite part of the show was the Fates. The Fates act as a conscience, pressuring Eurydice, Orpheus, and even Hades. The granddaughter talked about their harmonies. I also liked the height difference between this cast of the Fates because it made for some dynamic formations and choreography.

Towards the end of the musical, is the recently viral “Wait for Me (Reprise)” which Antonia portrayed Eurydice’s verse more as encouragement than desperation and I liked that. I thought Antonia and Fenton’s characterization of Eurydice and Orpheus, respectively, made the ending even more devastating.

After seeing the full show live, I have come to appreciate the musical even more. The costumes and set made the story come to life. On top of that, this cast was phenomenal and so I raise my cup to them.

Hadestown will be touring the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2027 so if you’re unable to catch them at the Lyric Theatre, check out the tour dates here.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

For the summer of 2026, Shakespeare’s comedy play A Midsummer Night’s Dream has returned to the Globe Theatre. 

I attended the 7:30pm show on Tuesday, July 7th. I was given free tickets from CIEE, however, prices typically range from £5 for standing to £88 for seating. 

I had never read or seen the play in full before, but I did know of the premise from excerpts in movies and on social media. In summary, there are several intertwined storylines: four young Athenians lost in the woods, a feuding fairy king and queen, and amateur actors rehearsing a play. 

Though I arrived just after 7pm, I was able to stand at the very front and center. The show started a little bit early with the cast bringing up audience members to do auditions for the play that’s within the actual play. We learned a song, some got to dance, and others performed a short monologue. Shortly after, the show began.

The stage was the first thing I was able to take in. The venue itself is an open-air 360° auditorium, but it was still intimate as it only holds 1,570 audience members. For this production, the stage had four runways where the actors often entered from as well as stairs in the front center. This made the audience feel even more immersed in the story.

Before attending, I wasn’t aware that the show was extremely interactive and not just during the pre-show auditions. There were shoutouts to different audience members when the amateur play’s casting was called. The actors walked through and stood in the yard many times. Audience members were even chosen to actually be in the play, wedding ceremony, and help Puck put the Athenians to sleep. 

Photography by Helen Murray

Though I unfortunately was not chosen to go up onto the stage, I still felt a part of the show. Being in the front, I was ‘the wall’ in the play and got to link arms with one of the actors. There were several times when the actors spoke their lines directly to me with some intense eye contact. I even got spit on, by accident of course, but I figured that would happen at some point. 

A fellow CIEE intern, Josie Jukita also appreciated the ability to participate. Jukita said, “My favorite part was how interactive it was, the fact that so much of the audience was able to get involved. It was well-integrated into the show and made the experience very memorable.”

The set design, costumes, and props matched the play’s eccentricity. The rainbow flowers and other decor ‘magically’ appear during the show as the fairies come out at night. The colorful and atypical costumes by Fly Davis also brought the play’s whimsy to life. Puck the fairy seemed to be wearing a greenscreen suit and donkey Bottom was more like a piñata. The props were equally unique as Puck’s magic was shown with bubbles. All three aspects complimented each other for a colorfully modern take, which I think made it more digestible for the average viewer. 

Photography by Helen Murray

Romaya Weaver who played Helena was my absolute favorite. Her faces were priceless and her raspy voice, whether intentional or not, fit the role well.

My roommate and fellow CIEE intern, Nowal Farah also thought Helena stood out. “I liked the storyline where the girl [Helena] was in love with the guy [Demetrius] that wasn’t interested,” said Farah. “I thought she was very dramatic and I enjoyed her performance.”

Though the entire cast was brilliant, as most took on two roles as well as sang, danced, and acted. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of singing and dancing throughout. The musicians were tucked up in the stage’s balcony but they truly brought the performance to life. Mel Lowe who played Lysander had a beautiful voice. At one point, she snuck in the “Defying Gravity” run. There were more shoutouts to other musicals with the character Bottom wearing Hamilton and Cats t-shirts during the play rehearsals.

Photography by Helen Murray

Overall, seeing a Shakespeare play in a recreation of Shakespeare’s iconic playhouse was an experience I will never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially with it being my first interactive performance. 

Visit the Shakespeare’s Globe website to get tickets to other performances.

12 Nights Together, Together: Harry Styles’ Record-breaking Wembley Residency

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

Harry Styles released his fourth studio album Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally. on March 6, 2026. Leading up to that long-awaited release, the artist announced a residency tour called Together, Together. The tour includes 68 shows in seven different cities over the span of seven months. Styles began his run in London on June 12, the first of 12 total shows at Wembley Stadium.

Also in London, was a pop-up store and fan experience presented by American Express. Located in Borough Yards, fans lined up to take pictures in front of different backdrops and buy exclusive merchandise. I went to the fan experience a few days before my show and only had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. I bought the pop-up store’s exclusive black London jersey.

I went to see Styles in concert on July 3rd, his second-to-last show in London. I purchased my tickets back in January when they initially went on sale, but I know that there were tickets being resold just days before the show. I took the Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines all the way to Wembley Park. Then, I still had to walk about 10 minutes to the stadium entrance.

Weeks before, I had seen videos online of people not being able to get inside the stadium because of the turnstiles. When we finally got to the front of the queue, I made sure the turnstiles were locked before scanning my tickets and trying to get in. It turned out to be no problem at all, but I was anxious about it the whole train ride over.

Once inside the stadium, it was easy to find our seats. We were in section 104 row 10. The view was amazing, though one of the screens was slightly blocked by a speaker and light stand. Still, we were closer to the extended stage than I thought we would be. It was definitely worth the price I paid as at times we got to see Styles really well and not just from the screens.

Shania Twain was the guest artist for London. She went on just before 7pm. Her set was about an hour long, packed with her classic hits. She even did a cover of Styles’ song, “Falling.” Twain’s energy and stage visuals got fans ready for a night full of dancing.

Styles has been known by fans for his thought out pre-show playlist. This time the last song was Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” which inspired one of the songs on Styles’ newest album. Then, came the moment everyone in the stadium had been waiting for, Harry Styles ran out onto the stage.

I’ve seen Styles three times before this, twice during Love on Tour and once during his Los Angeles residency at the Kia Forum. I was interested in seeing the difference in his performance as it had been nearly three years since he was last on tour and four years since I had last seen him. 

The artist started off with “Are You Listening Yet?”, an energetic song that perfectly set the show’s mood. Styles was wearing a navy suit, light yellow button-up, and hot pink tie looking like he came straight from a corporate job. Though the extended stage was massive and included two bridges, he quickly made his way around and then ditched his jacket.

Styles eventually brought out an orchestra to play “Coming Up Roses” and “Fine Line.” The latter used to be played at the end of his shows, but Styles said he was hoping it could signal a new beginning instead of the end to something. The shift in pace and mood felt necessary at this point in the night before the “Disco, Occasionally” vibe could continue with full energy.

Being in Wembley, Styles later recreated Freddie Mercury’s chant, telling the crowd to repeat after him. He then suddenly sang a few lyrics from a song off of his debut album, “Two Ghosts.” I nearly lost it when I recognized the lyrics, however, he just as suddenly left us hanging and moved on to a different song. I could tell that a lot of fans were feeling lots of different emotions after. 

As always, Styles also spent some time interacting with fans. That night, he spoke to two sisters who were dressed as disco balls, silver paint and all. He also spotted Sean McNicholas who does a Harry Styles tribute act. McNicholas’ sign asked Styles to take over his tribute shift, which the artist found amusing.

The night continued with the band moving into the middle of the stage for more danceable songs for which he was joined by dancers Aysia Ianiero and Rubia Serena Veth. Styles then seemingly wrapped up the show with the album opener, “Aperture.” He waved goodbye and expressed so much gratitude for his fans who allow him to keep doing what he loves.

Most of the audience, however, knew that the show was not over yet. Since the beginning of the tour, Styles has been starting his encore with a surprise song. Night 11 got “Boyfriends” from Harry’s House. This song was on repeat when I was sixteen and hearing it live again really took me back. However, I was hoping for something off of his debut album especially after the tease of “Two Ghosts.”

During his second to last song, “Sign of the Times”, a fireworks show lit up the sky above the stadium’s open roof. This was new to me at a Harry Styles show, but it truly added to the emotion of the song and night. Then before leaving the stage, Styles was visibly crying and taking it all in. After that 11th show, he had beaten the previous Wembley record of most consecutive sold out nights. It was truly an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Photography by Anthony Pham

Compared to past shows, Styles’ outfits are more refined, his dancing remains energetic, and the care he has for his fans is evident. Harry Styles was born to perform. Even after taking a long break from the stage to reflect on his artistry, the 32 year old continues to rightfully sell out shows.

A Non-Hiker’s Guide to the Seven Sisters Cliffs

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

Just a few days into being in London, many of my classmates brought up the Seven Sisters Cliffs. As more days passed, I began seeing videos on TikTok with tips for hiking the iconic white chalk cliffs. Eventually, my friends and I decided to make the trip.

Despite going to school in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, I’m not much of a hiker. The most I usually do is a long walk on a well-kept path with the occasional slight incline. So when planning this day trip, I made sure to find an easy and short path where we’d still be able to see the cliffs. Now that I’ve been, here is my non-hiker’s guide to visiting the Seven Sisters in East Sussex. 

I took the Thameslink from London Bridge Station all the way to Brighton because my friends and I thought we might as well visit that area too while we were down in East Sussex. However, if you only want to visit Seven Sisters, take the Southern line all the way to Seaford. From either station, you’ll need to take a bus to the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre. There’s the 12, 12A, and 12X Coaster service.

Once you arrive make sure to use the toilet and get water or snacks before starting your walk. There are three different options for a relatively easy and short walk to different viewpoints of the cliffs.

The first path takes you to the beach right next to the first cliff. From the visitor centre, make your way towards the Cuckmere Inn on Eastbourne Road. Just before the Cuckmere River, turn left at a wooden gate. From there, walk along the river all the way until you reach the beach. Snap your pictures, look for seashells, and take a rest. To get back, go the exact same way you came.

The second way is a little longer and is the one I took. From the visitor centre, walk towards the Cuckmere Inn on Eastbourne Road. Then, cross the Exceat Bridge and turn left into the inn’s car park. Walk through it to the path entrance which is a wooden gate. After a few minutes, there’ll be a diversion in the path at which you can go three different ways. I’d recommend turning left. This path is a little uneven, however, you’ll get to walk along the Cuckmere River until you reach the beach. Once you get to the beach, you can make a right and walk up a slight hill to the Coastguard Cottages. This viewpoint allows you to see the cliffs peaking out from behind them. Then, if you walk to the other side of the cottages, you’ll see all seven cliffs. You can go back the same way you came or make it a loop by taking the path closest to the cottages. Going this way, you might get to see cattle and sheep. Eventually you’ll end up back at that first diversion in the path. It took my friends and I about 30 minutes both ways excluding time to stop and take pictures.

The last option is part of the Country Park Trail. From the visitor centre cross Eastbourne road and head to the left towards the wooden gate by the bus stop. This path will also take you to the beach and bottom of the first cliff, however, it is less direct. You might pass by cattle, sheep, and horses. This is also the way to start the cliff hike from the visitor centre end so it is likely to be more crowded. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try to hike up the first cliff to get a different view. Then, go the same way you came to get back.

Though the full 8 kilometer hike from the visitor centre to Beachy Head can take up to six hours, there are plenty of easier ways to enjoy the view. An hour walk there and back is much more realistic for many people. Still, come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. Check out the Seven Sisters official website for additional information.

The English National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

On June 25-28, at the Royal Albert Hall, the English National Ballet performed Kenneth MacMillan’s The Sleeping Beauty. 

I went to the 7pm show on Sunday, the last show of this run. My seat was in Rausing Circle R row 5. I purchased my tickets a week before for a slight discount on TodayTix. However, when I got to my seats, I realized we had an obstructed view that was not noted on the website. Because of the shape of the stage and the way the seating section curves, we could not see part of stage right.

Still, the Royal Albert Hall was absolutely breathtaking both inside and out. The mostly red interior and the arches above the Rausing Circle section conveyed the venue’s grandness. Hanging from the ceiling were acoustic diffusers that look like mushrooms, adding to the fairytale whimsy of the ballet. Outside, the dome-shaped roof and detailed facade looked especially gorgeous as the sun was setting. 

On top of it being in an iconic venue, I was excited to see a performance here in London because I grew up doing ballet. Aside from The Nutcracker, I’ve only seen one other ballet by a professional company and that was American Ballet Theatre’s The Sleeping Beauty when I was nine years old. Then at 13, I learned the Aurora Act 3 wedding variation. Being familiar with this particular ballet, I was interested in seeing the English National Ballet’s take on it.

The Sleeping Beauty was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. After debuting in 1890 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, it took several decades before the ballet became recognized and praised outside of Russia. Now, it is one of the most famous ballets of all time known for its classic choreography and musicality.

Emma Hawes as Aurora and Aitor Arrieta as the Prince in Kenneth MacMillan’s <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> &copy; Photography by ASH

Photography by ASH

The storyline differs from the version that many are familiar with. In the ballet, baby Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger and die on her sixteenth birthday. However, the Lilac Fairy changes the curse so that Aurora will sleep for 100 years and then be awoken by a kiss. Act 1 is Aurora’s sixteenth birthday where she pricks her finger. In Act 2, we meet Prince Désiré who then wakes Aurora. Lastly, Act 3 is their royal wedding.

The English National Ballet performed Kenneth MacMillan’s version which was first done in 1986 by the American Ballet Theatre. It is shorter than the original version with only two acts. I found that the pacing was tighter as well, making it feel like it went by even faster. As for the choreography itself, I only really noticed a few differences though I’m no expert on the original. I do know that much of the hunting and court scenes were cut. I’m just glad that the Bluebird and Princess Florine were kept as their pas de deux is one of my favorite parts.

James Streeter as Carabosse in Kenneth MacMillan’s <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> &copy; Photography by ASH

Photography by ASH

As for the music, it was performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. Their partnership with the dancers was evident as musicality is important to this ballet and it did not disappoint that night. I was sad that we couldn’t see the orchestra at all during the performance given the way the Royal Albert Hall is set up, but after bows they were shown on the screen.

Costumes, props and set design also make up a big part of a ballet’s storytelling. Some of the costumes were the originals by Nicholas Georgiadis, while others were recreations. They were all gorgeous, though my favorites were the Lilac Fairy attendants and Aurora’s wedding dress. As for the set design, it was unique because they were in the Royal Albert Hall. The floor and digital backdrop had illustrations by Charlotte MacMillan, Kenneth MacMillan’s daughter. It would change with the action of each scene, bringing the set to life. Because of this, the dancers actually came down the steps of the stall sections closest to the stage and from doors that opened in the backdrop. The props were also only seating or handheld items. I thought it was effective in storytelling, however, sometimes the stage felt empty.

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Photography by ASH

My favorite part of the entire ballet was Aurora’s wedding variation as it always has been. Maybe I’m partial to it because I remember the choreography, but the music itself is iconic. Sangeun Lee danced Aurora so beautifully and made everything look effortless. Her partnership with Gareth Haw, Prince Désiré, also advanced the story. It did not feel weird to me that we see them meet and get married in the same act because the dancers portrayed their connection well.

As for the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse, I appreciated their interactions. The contrast was obvious between Anri Sugiura’s gentleness and Fabian Reimair’s dramatics, making for good entertainment. However, the confrontation before Prince Désiré wakes Aurora felt a little underwhelming as I wasn’t always convinced that the Lilac Fairy could defeat Carabosse.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the English National Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty. The dancers, musicians, costumes, and set all worked gracefully in telling the story I know so well. I even teared up during the bows because as a former dancer I recognized their passion and realized I missed that feeling of performing on stage. And I like to say that a great performance is one that can make you feel something. I would definitely see the English National Ballet perform again.

Tasting Matcha Across London

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

As a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast, upon landing in the UK, I was immediately curious to see how the more recent matcha craze hit London and how it compares to my personal taste. Back in Seattle, Washington, my favorite matcha spots are Nana’s Green Tea, Grean Matcha and Phê. However, I most often make my own matcha at home with powder that my roommate bought in Japan. I like my matcha lattes best with oat milk and maple syrup as a sweetener. Some people claim matcha tastes like grass, but I think you just have to find the right place for it. So, I went on a mission to try matcha from different places around London in search of a new favorite.

The very first matcha I had in London was from Costa Coffee, the largest coffee chain in the UK. I ordered a medium iced matcha latte with vanilla syrup because the barista asked if I wanted to add any sweetener. I couldn’t see how it was made behind the counter, but it came out pretty quickly. The color was a pale green which is often telling of a not-so-good matcha. Still, I gave it a try. It mostly tasted like vanilla which may be my fault for getting the added syrup. However, if I hadn’t, then I imagine it would have been like drinking a glass of milk.

I had high expectations going into Blank Street because a friend of mine recently visited London and absolutely raved about this place, suggesting I give it a try. It actually first opened in New York, but I haven’t been before. Of the many locations across London, I stopped by the one in Notting Hill Gate. I ordered a classic iced matcha latte. The vibrant color was deceiving because when I gave it a sip, the matcha taste was very subtle. It wasn’t a bad matcha per se, just not what I was looking forward to based on things I’ve heard. However, I will go back to try the blueberry and white chocolate matchas with lower expectations.

Molly Tea in Chinatown was my next stop. As a Chinese tea chain specializing in jasmine tea, they offer two kinds of matchas. I tried the premium jasmine matcha with a regular sweetness level. It was fairly crowded in the tiny shop, but my drink was ready within five minutes. The color and texture looked immediately promising. I personally enjoy jasmine tea and didn’t mind that this drink’s flavor profile leaned more to jasmine than matcha. It was a little sweeter than I was expecting so I should have gotten 70% sweetness instead of regular. Still, it was a delicious matcha.

Then, I went to Matchado in Bloomsbury but they have four different locations. On top of the variety of drink options, Matchado offers many matcha flavored sweets like brownies and Japanese pancakes. I ordered a regular iced matcha latte with brown sugar syrup. It was ready almost immediately, so I’m assuming a matcha concentrate was pre-made. Still, it looked like good quality matcha. The brown sugar part was not overpowering as I could still taste the umami of the matcha.

On my first day in London, I heard someone say that Pret a Manger is the “Starbucks of the UK” so I had to give it a try. I wanted a guava iced matcha latte because I was intrigued by the flavor combination, however, the location I went to was out of guava. I settled for an iced blueberry matcha latte which comes with coconut milk. The blueberry syrup was quite nice and not too sweet, but it was somehow still overpowering. I couldn’t taste even a hint of matcha. I tried drinking from the top or mixing it better, but it was all blueberry. 

Next, I visited Jenki in Spitalfields. They emphasize how their matcha is sourced from Japan and whisked to order, so I was looking forward to both the taste and texture. I tried the iced matcha latte with maple syrup which would be the closest to how I make it myself. They do in fact whisk it to order and right in front of you, but they had an electric attachment to speed up the process. Though I got maple syrup, the matcha was still very bitter. I prefer a balance of sweet and umami so having paid the extra pound for syrup, I feel like it could have been better.

The last place I tried for this list is Tsujiri, a matcha dessert and tea house. I visited the Camden Market location and ordered a sweetened iced matcha latte. It was prepared quickly and the worker mixed it for me so I didn’t get to see the color of the matcha alone. Still, it tasted great. There was that balance of sweet and umami that I prefer. It also had a creamy texture, better than the rest of the matchas on this list. I definitely want to go back to try their matcha sundaes. 

Overall, the matcha scene in London is not all that different from what I’m used to in the states. There are some exceptional matcha places, some just ‘alright’ matcha, and some coffee shops with inconsistent matcha. I would also say the pricing is comparable to Los Angeles and Seattle with a few places here being slightly cheaper. My favorites from this list are by far Matchado and Tsuijiri. I would still try all of these places again as sometimes the quality depends on the location and barista. I suggest you give these places a visit too to see how you like the matcha for yourself.

One Week In As a London CIEE Intern

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By Leah Gabriella Cardenas

After at least 10 hours of travel and being in an airport, about 60 college students from across the United States arrived in London where for the next eight weeks they would be living and working. Some had been to the United Kingdom before while for many, this was their first time. Either way, it would be quite the adjustment with navigating the Tube to work everyday or simply learning how to start the washing machine.

Spread out across five different living accommodations in Central and South London, communicating on WhatsApp and using Citymapper to get around quickly became the norm for the interns. The CIEE center in Russell Square was then their home base for weekly classes and events.

Melissa Nowacki in Notting Hill.

After just a week of London living, interns’ experiences and expectations going forward varied. “I’ve never really left the United States, so I’m excited to see the different cultures and all the tourist parts,” said Melissa Nowacki, a business law major at Arizona State University.

Nowacki is working with The Death Penalty Project as their communications intern. “Even things like spelling, I’ve struggled with here,” said Nowacki. “I’m typing things and sending them out at work and I don’t even think about how there are differences in something like a ‘z’ to an ‘s’ or double letters.”

Though faced with challenges, many students felt welcomed. Jaymi Robinson, a strategic communications major at Howard University in Washington D.C., is interning with Cavendish Consulting. “Everyone in the office is very friendly and also just understanding of the position of an intern who comes from America. They know we might feel a little disoriented and they want to help you,” said Robinson.

Jaymi Robinson in Kensington Gardens.

In addition to making workplace and cultural adjustments, having all new flatmates and classmates was difficult in itself. “I’ve been doing a lot of introspection, like thinking about my personality and hoping that how I’m being perceived by all these new people is good,” said Robinson. “And I haven’t felt that way since freshman year of college.”

Still, the interns quickly formed close groups to get dinner together after work or do some sightseeing on the weekends. “The first week was probably the most social week of my life, we were just out every night either at a pub to watch a [World Cup] game or just exploring like when we went to Primrose Hill,” said Brayden Brafford, a computer science student at Purdue University.

Going forward, some have even greater plans for their time in London. “I want to go to Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Ireland. I also want to see shows like I’m seeing Phantom of the Opera and I want to see The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm,” said Brafford. “There’s just so much to do in the city.” 

The CIEE building in Russel Square.

Though some interns are used to living thousands of miles away from home or others have visited London before, working in a different country posed an entirely new challenge. From having an hour and a half commute to handling a heatwave without AC, the next few weeks will test the CIEE interns as they navigate being abroad. Still, most expect their time in London to be a unique and influential experience.

The Summer I Left My Heart in London

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By: Natalie Kreider

One could only imagine all the things that could happen living in London for three months. There were times that I approached with wonder and curiosity, while there were those where I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want to go home. However, those moments forever changed me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To quote Jake Keller, Paddington Art’s intern before me, “London broke my bank account…” I knew that was going to happen, but not in the first month and a half. To be honest, I got caught up in the shopping and going out to London’s pubs with my new friends. It was easy to forget that I was an international student on a visa, living in one of the world’s most expensive cities without permission to receive public funding. Then, reality hit. For a moment, I just wanted to go home to leave the discomfort behind. But I wasn’t going to let that define the rest of my time here, so I decided I needed to get creative and make the best of the situation. I cooked more of my meals, spent my days in awe of the free art museums, and wandered through Hyde Park in my new clothes — small things that brought me joy. 

I’ve always been drawn to roles that support and uplift others, which is why I believe I was led to Paddington Arts—a not-for-profit that embodies those values and has made it its mission to empower youth through the arts. My role there was to write and post content for their blog, where I was given visionary freedom. That said, I had only ever written within a scholarly context, so this was a creative challenge. Initially, I was going to approach my articles by combining a journalistic and academic tone. That was more challenging than I anticipated, so I changed course and started writing about my interests, my reflections, and what was on my mind. These articles soon became another archive for my last six weeks here in London.

Looking back, my summer in London was far from perfect, but that’s what I needed. This was my first time living by myself and for myself. My mom told me that I wouldn’t be the same person when I came back home, and I know she’ll be right. Through every high, low, and quiet in-between, I’ve evolved more into who I’m meant to be. From navigating financial realities to finding my creative voice at Paddington Arts, each challenge shaped the experience into something I’ll carry with me long after leaving. And with that, London will always have a special place in my heart. 

The Value of the Arts within a City’s Culture

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By: Natalie Kreider

When I first arrived in London, I didn’t know what to expect from its art scene, except for the research I had done online and on social media. However, as a lover of the arts, that doesn’t nearly depict what I have discovered in the two months I have been here. From those unexpected artistic encounters to the start of my time here at Paddington Arts and exploring London’s many neighborhoods, I’ve come to recognize the value of the arts within a city’s culture.

Almost every week, I’ve found myself walking into London’s many free art museums, where I could stay for hours, which I have. However, I was not expecting to witness it so often in everyday life. Specifically, what’s enthralling is the deliberate nature of a crafted piece in the streets, but it’s placed in an unconventional setting. One sunny morning, while walking from the Westbourne Park Tube station to Paddington Arts, I slightly tilted my head and noticed the graffiti on some old cars in a small junkyard by the canal. The beauty behind this discovery was not just the art itself, but how one has to pay attention to the little details to discover this artistry.

As a study abroad student on a limited budget, not all the art that London has to offer is accessible to me. Starting my internship at Paddington Arts, a youth arts nonprofit that makes art an attainable, creative, and explorative outlet for all, has put into perspective what it means for art to be accessible. This organization provides young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, with the space to rewrite the narrative and share the untold stories of the arts. It also gives them the chance to express themselves and grow in ways that they probably never thought were possible. In the short time I’ve been here, it’s become clear that spaces like this are essential in providing art for all in this city and influence artistic culture.

From the street art in Shoreditch to the musical theater posters displayed throughout the Tube stations, London’s art reflects the character of its people and what matters to them.  As I’ve wandered throughout the different neighborhoods, I’ve come to recognize that the art depends on where you are in the city. In the artfully subversive East End neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Camden, the walls are adorned with graffiti and murals, some of which are political, while others are purely self-expressive. In other parts of the city, there’s a more subtle hint of art. Throughout the West End neighborhoods of Soho and Covent Garden, a more polished, theatrical environment emerges, mirroring its historical prestige, where the city is reflected in its baroque theater façades, curated gallery exhibitions, and illuminated posters for its many musicals. This contrast between the neighborhoods exemplifies how London’s art reflects the diversified identity and values of its people.

Over my past two months in London, I’ve become more aware that the means of art is not just for pure observation but something you experience, navigate, and learn from. It’s the subtle little details that I didn’t plan to discover, such as the hidden graffiti-covered car by a canal, that made me view the city through a broader artistic lens. This change in perspective has further expanded once I started my internship at Paddington Arts, where I’ve witnessed the significance of making creative expression accessible. Providing young people with the opportunity to express themselves through art, especially for those who are often overlooked, reinforces the value that art plays in contributing to London’s cultural identity. These experiences began to connect as I continued exploring London’s neighborhoods, where I’ve recognized how their distinctive artistic styles reveal a great deal about who they are and what they are about. In the weeks I’ve been in London, I’ve witnessed how the arts shape identity, create space for expression, and reflect the voices of its communities.