Day two in London began much earlier than I expected—around 6 a.m. local time. I guess that’s what 10 hours of solid sleep does to you after a whirlwind of travel and settling in. It was around 10 or 11 a.m. back home in India, so naturally, I found myself checking messages, touching base with work, and catching up on a few things. I started my day with the simplest yet most comforting meal—a hot cup of Maggi noodles and some chai. The chai was a pre-mix I brought from home, and in that moment, sipping on something so familiar, I felt a sense of warmth and connection despite being miles away.
I then set off to join an orientation tour organized by Goodenough College. From the moment I stepped in yesterday, I realized that Goodenough is more than just a place to stay—it’s a community. The tours they arrange aren’t just about seeing the sights but also about meeting people, making connections, and that was my agenda for the day.
Today’s trip was to the V&A Museum, and I found myself at the reception around 9 a.m. with a bunch of others, ready for the tour. We introduced ourselves, and it was fascinating to hear the diversity of backgrounds—people studying everything from medical education to architecture to economics and history. There was only one other person from India, and just one more from the London School of Economics. No one was from a tech background, which was a refreshing change from what I'm used to back home in South India, where most gatherings are dominated by engineers and techies.
This diverse mix of people with such different academic interests is something I’ve quickly come to appreciate about London. Conversations here are rich and layered, with everyone bringing their unique perspectives to the table.
After introductions, we headed to Russell Square station and took the tube to the V&A Museum. What struck me immediately was the simplicity of the tube system—just tap your debit card, and you're in. This was so different from India, where you have to buy metro cards or tickets. Little things like these make me appreciate the efficiency of the city.
The V&A Museum itself is incredible, steeped in history. Our dean, Alan, shared some fascinating stories, including one about how much of history revolves around lovers, like Romeo and Juliet, and similarly, the story of Victoria and Albert, whose love and legacy led to the creation of this museum. Walking through the museum, I was struck by how much history is intertwined with culture, and how museums like the V&A exist not just to display art but to educate the public. I learned that behind the beautiful displays, there’s a research room where the real work happens—where knowledge is curated and brought to life for the public to learn from.
One of the rooms that really caught my attention was the "Cast Courts"—a room full of replicas, not the originals. But these replicas, like the life-size version of Michelangelo’s David, are exact in size and form. It made me reflect on how knowledge can be shared and appreciated even when it’s not the original work. It reminded me of how important accessibility is—whether in museums or in technology.
After the museum, we all sat by a beautiful lake, sipping coffee and getting to know each other. As the day progressed, I found myself heading back to Goodenough College, and that's when the second part of the day unfolded.
At around 6 p.m., I attended an orientation at Goodenough, and it left me feeling incredibly grateful to be part of this community. While most people are confused when I mention Goodenough College, thinking it’s an academic institution with courses, the truth is, it offers something far more valuable than any classroom could. Goodenough is about building a community, about learning from life itself through shared experiences. During the orientation, Alan and Caroline, walked us through how this community has been built—through shared meals, events, and a genuine love for culture, art, music, and connection.
The one thing that stood out was how food binds people.
This instantly took me back to EdZola, where food has always been a central part of how we bond as a team. At EdZola, we make it a point to have breakfast and lunch together, not just as colleagues but as people who share a common purpose. No one pays for these meals; it’s something the company provides. It’s a simple but effective way to build camaraderie, and I believe the saying holds true—“The team that eats together, stays together.”
I also couldn’t help but think of our EdZola Virindhu, where we organize feasts, sometimes on traditional banana leaves, for our clients or for special team events. Each person takes turns serving others, creating a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving, which strengthens the bonds between us. It’s one of those things that’s hard to describe but makes all the difference when it comes to building a tight-knit community.
What struck me most was the passion of Alan, the dean, and Carol, the registrar, for Goodenough College. They’re dedicated to this community, living here, and working tirelessly to create an environment where everyone feels at home. The college was founded in the 1930s, and it’s an example of how an institution can outlast its founders and continue thriving for nearly a century. That got me thinking about how to build something that lasts—whether it’s EdZola or any other venture. It starts with strong values, shared visions, and a committed team who can carry the torch forward. It’s definitely something I plan to reflect on as I embark on this new journey.
Later that evening, I found myself at the dinner table, having conversations with some incredible people. There was someone studying Peace building from Japan, an economics student from Sri Lanka and also someone pursuing History. Every single person had a story, and I felt like I was in the middle of a "Human Library," where each individual represented a book filled with experiences, values, and cultural lessons waiting to be shared. I’ve heard of this concept back in India, where people are treated as living books and each one gets to share chapters of their lives, and I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly the kind of deeper, more meaningful connection I’m looking forward to exploring here.
To top it all off, I clocked more than 15,000 steps today! London truly is a walking city, and I’ve already fallen in love with how walkable it is. In fact, one of the things that surprised me was how pedestrian-friendly the city is, with cars always stopping to let you cross and footpaths that make walking a breeze. It’s a stark contrast to what I’m used to back in India, and I’m really enjoying it.
As I wrap up day two, I realize that this day has been all about connections—connecting with new people, with history, and with myself. London is quickly becoming a place where I can see myself thriving, both personally and professionally. Here’s to more days of exploration and growth in this vibrant walking city.
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