As I continue my journey in London, I’m trying to be consistent with sharing my experiences, even though my days are getting increasingly packed. So, here’s a glimpse into days 4 and 5.
Day 4: Exploring London and Entrepreneurship Pitches
Wednesday started leisurely for me. The day kicked off around the afternoon with a tour organized by Goodenough College. We visited several nearby spots, including a stunning cathedral right in the heart of London., St Pauls Cathedral.
One of the highlights of my day was finally taking a ride on a double-decker bus to reach LSE. My first impression of LSE was quite different from what I’m used to in India. Universities here seem to blend into the city. There are no boundary walls, and anyone can walk in and out. It feels like being part of a larger ecosystem, and each building is nestled among the city's streets, giving it the vibe of an open, urban campus.
At LSE, I attended an event focused on entrepreneurship. Around 300-400 students gathered, and I witnessed close to 20 pitches. The range of ideas was inspiring – from biotechnology and AI to social impact and climate change. The exposure to the startup ecosystem here is energizing, and I’m looking forward to diving deeper into this vibrant community.
After the event, I caught up with a dear friend, Shruthi, who also did the Teach for India Fellowship with me back in Chennai. It’s always heartwarming to reconnect with old friends, especially in a new city. We indulged in some roti and paneer at a nearby Indian restaurant, and I have to say, the Garlic Naan and Paneer Vada Masala were easily the highlight of the day for me.
Day 5: Calls, Collaborations, and a Taste of Home
Thursday was packed with Edzola work. I had a marathon of back-to-back calls, but amidst the hustle, one exciting moment stood out. I finally got to meet Lindsay, a partner here in the UK with whom we’re exploring collaboration opportunities for Edzola. Lindsay runs Catch Impact, and it was inspiring to meet someone on a similar journey as mine, but in a completely different geography and context. We’re both passionate about using technology for social impact, and we’ve decided to co-work weekly. This feels like the beginning of something promising for Edzola’s growth in the UK.
Post-meeting, I indulged in a bit of nostalgia by visiting King’s Cross Station – home of the iconic Harry Potter 9 ¾ platform. As a fan, it was great to relive those memories and feel the magic in the air.
The day ended on a delicious note as I made dosa for dinner! Thanks to a friend who had the right utensils, we whipped up some dosa, sambar, and chutney. It was a comforting, homely meal that made me appreciate the small joys of cooking with friends.
Looking ahead, I’ve got a packed day today. I’ll be heading to Westminster Bridge and preparing for a lecture I’m delivering tomorrow. With college starting next week, things are about to get even more hectic, but I’m hoping to keep sharing updates with you all. Family and friends back home are eagerly waiting for the next installment of my London diaries, so I’ll do my best to stay consistent.
Until next time!
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