London is a melting pot of different cultures, peoples, races, ideas and I couldn't have picked a cooler place to go to university. I've learned so much about people and life in this hub of England in the year that i've been here than I would have had i not come. Ever corner is a mystery and every train stop is a surprising new experience.
A while back, my friends and i decided to go walking about in Central London and stumbled across a bit of Asia in the Queen's country. We walked about in Leicester Square and watched as British industrial architecture gave way to Chinese Gateways and hanging lanterns. I was surrounded by an entirely different reality. I spotted people on corners selling roasted duck and bubble tea and i could smell the different spices in the air. In all honesty it was truly amazing.
It was in that instance that i realized that i hadn't really been appreciating other cultures that live around me. Back in Antigua, Chinese was synonymous with 'Cheap Chiney Man Products' and fried rice and sweet and sour chicken. I mean I knew beforehand that Chinese culture was expansive, but because i wasn't exposed to it i just went along with the stereotypes. Walking around in Chinatown with my friends i realized that in Antigua we aren't exposed to the full arsenal of Chinese food and culture despite being surrounded by so many of them.
I've decided that when i go home i'm going to look deeper into the menu at the 'Chiney Shop' and i'm going to order the foods that i've been exposed to here because the food is an absolute delight. I'm probably never going to order chiney fried rice again because i've now experienced true Chinese cuisine.
Heather Hayes, Paling Khant (Rocky), Measha Wallace, Aung Then Kyaw (Rico)
It was in that instance that i realized that i hadn't really been appreciating other cultures that live around me. Back in Antigua, Chinese was synonymous with 'Cheap Chiney Man Products' and fried rice and sweet and sour chicken. I mean I knew beforehand that Chinese culture was expansive, but because i wasn't exposed to it i just went along with the stereotypes. Walking around in Chinatown with my friends i realized that in Antigua we aren't exposed to the full arsenal of Chinese food and culture despite being surrounded by so many of them.
I've decided that when i go home i'm going to look deeper into the menu at the 'Chiney Shop' and i'm going to order the foods that i've been exposed to here because the food is an absolute delight. I'm probably never going to order chiney fried rice again because i've now experienced true Chinese cuisine.
While we were out and about in Chinatown, we headed to this place call Chai Time and my friends introduced me to my first cup of bubble tea. I was instantly converted into a bubble tea believer! I really did have an enjoyable day walking around Leicester Square and China Town and even though it offered only a small glimpse into the culture of China, it was an eye opener to how dense i've been all along.
This is why i like exploring and heading out and about. You experience more, you see more, you learn more; and that alone is what living is about. The ability to experience newness.