The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind, and as I sit down to reflect, I realize just how much has happened in such a short time. After months of preparation, anticipation, and countless thoughts about what life would be like in London, day one is finally here. So here I am, taking a moment to pause, process, and journal.
It all started with the flight from Bangalore. The new terminal there is stunning—it’s nothing short of marvelous. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it wasn’t India. The check-in with Virgin Atlantic was smooth, even though one of my bags was a bit overweight. Thankfully, they were lenient about it, and before I knew it, I was boarding the plane at 5 a.m.
Even though I knew it was an 11-hour flight, my mind struggled to comprehend the duration. I kept thinking it would be just a 6-hour flight, maybe because I boarded at such an early hour. This was my first long-haul flight of over 10 hours, and I ended up in the middle seat of the economy class—easily one of the most uncomfortable spots for someone like me who’s six feet tall. But there was some comfort in the fact that there was an exit door in front of me, giving me a bit of extra legroom. Still, having to pull the screen and table from behind the seat was a bit of a hassle. In all honesty, economy class can be quite uncomfortable, especially when you’re tall and bulky, but I made it through.
Sleep, though, was a challenge. I managed to catch half an hour here and there, but for the most part, I was awake, and the flight felt eternal. By the time we started descending into London, I was already asking myself, "When will we get there?"
As we approached the outskirts of the city, the scenery felt oddly familiar. It looked like the outskirts of any Indian city—barren lands, a few green patches, some scattered trees. For a moment, I wondered, "Is this really London?" But as we got closer, the city skyline appeared, and I could finally see the high-rises and architecture that made it unmistakably London.
That’s when it struck me—Earth, in its essence, is the same everywhere. It’s humans who shape civilizations based on their own tastes. But the land, the trees, the air—it’s all the same, regardless of where you are. It’s the people and their creations that make each place unique.
Once I landed, things moved pretty quickly. The customs process was a breeze—no drama, no questions, just a straightforward border clearance. I booked an Uber and met my driver, Dinesh, a Sri Lankan Tamilian driving part-time. It was a comfortable ride in an electric car to Goodenough College, where I’m staying.
As we drove into the city, I couldn’t help but compare London to Ooty. I grew up in Ooty, and I’ve spent a lot of time there since childhood. London’s weather felt eerily similar to Ooty’s cool, pleasant climate—around 10 to 20 degrees most of the year. And the architecture here reminded me of the colonial buildings in Ooty, which makes sense since Ooty was a summer capital for the British during their rule in India. It’s funny how we humans always seek connections and similarities in the unfamiliar.
Goodenough College welcomed me with open arms. The check-in process was quick, and I was shown to my room on the fifth floor. It’s a cozy space, and I immediately noticed the absence of fans or ACs. That was my first little culture shock, but I quickly realized that London’s climate doesn’t require them, and there are central heaters for the winters.
One thing I felt immensely grateful for after settling in was the meticulous packing my parents helped me with. I wanted to freshen up after the long journey, and everything I needed was right there—mugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoos, all thanks to my family’s thoughtful packing.
After getting ready, I took a stroll around the Goodenough campus. It’s a beautiful place with a rich history, and I can’t wait to explore more. But before that, I decided to treat myself to a proper meal. I had some ready-to-eat food, but being day one, I wanted something special. I walked around, and although I had my eye on an Indian restaurant called Namaste London, it was closed. Eventually, I stumbled upon this cute Italian café called Ciao Bella, run by a few Italians. The owner was warm and welcoming, and I ordered a pizza and lemonade. It felt refreshing, and I couldn’t help but think that pizza isn’t the junk food we perceive it to be—it’s just bread, cheese, and tomatoes after all!
After my meal, I made my first purchase in London: a 27-inch external monitor. Back in India, I couldn’t function without one, and luckily, someone at Goodenough was selling theirs. I met Lin, a PhD student at LSE, who had just moved in and had a few things to sell. The monitor was perfect, so I brought it up to my room, set it up, and called it a day.
By 6 p.m., I was out like a light. I thought I might wake up in the middle of the night, but surprisingly, I slept for a full 12 hours and woke up at 6 a.m. the next day. I guess the long journey had taken its toll on me!
As I reflect on my first day in London, a few things stand out. First, taking one day at a time is key—there’s no rush. And second, while I haven’t made many friends or met a lot of people yet, I’m looking forward to connecting with others and building new relationships here.
So, here’s to day two and the many adventures ahead!
Comments