365 days: Stranger in a strange land
I always dreamed of visiting London some day, when I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to study in London University’s school of education, I was delighted . My residence for the year was in William Goodenough House.
As far as food goes I had a difficult time eating anything in the cafeteria, the food had a strange smell. I spent days without eating anything. Finally I bought some food and cooked in the small cooker we had.
My brother lived in London, he noticed I was losing weight, which scared him. He wanted me to stay in his apartment. I could not because the university was too far from where he lived.
I loved the city and visited some of the famous buildings, One of them was Madame Tussauds. I remember climbing the stairs, in the corner I saw two cops. Honestly I thought they were real people, I stopped and was about to ask something, when I heard a loud laughter behind me. ‘these are wax figures, they are not real. I was embarrassed and quietly walked up the stairs, and looked at everything around me.
I also visited the British Museum library. My friend wanted to look up something in the library. We had to get a library card. The librarian asked me why I was there. I just smiled, he then said, ‘O you are here with your friend.’
He gave me a card too. I watched the people in the library, they were so quiet, I was afraid to walk, for fear I will disturb their concentration.
I enjoyed travelling in the tube train, it’s so fast. I had a map which served as a guide if I wanted to visit somewhere other than the university.
I loved the city, there was so much to see and learn. Food was the only thing I did not enjoy.

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I loved London when I went there on a solo visit in 1994. I still love it, but I’m sure it has changed a little or a lot.
It certainly is an amazing city. I loved it. Thank you for your comment Shazia.
Dear Ranu,
Thank you for this detailed story of your journey, about London, the food, and everything!
All good wishes,
robert
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. ๐
I’ve wondered how I might eat in England. The day-to-day food, as I’ve read or heard descriptions, is not enticing. But I would trade that challenge for the opportunity to be there. I’m glad you went and had a great time. And congratulations on the scholarship you won!
Thank you Clouch. I do not eat pork, and problem was they fried eggs with lard. The smell turned me off from food. ๐