Letter from Kenrick Mark (44th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

It was Friday, November 13th! I woke up around 8am. I was carefree! I relaxed for a while, laying down in bed. I opened my window, and cool breeze rushed in. I took a shower an hour later, got dressed and went out to explore. I went to top up my train card/pass at the little green convenience store, opposite the Stephen Lawrence building. The market’s booths were already on display. There was a variety of booths, from international food cuisines, to post cards, canvas paintings, photographs (in huge frames), clothing, necklaces, home decors, vintage items (for homes), smoothies and shakes, rum and other liquor, and even Caribbean sweet treats! I bought ‘cutubrute’ (coconut candy) from a Caribbean guy at the market. I was super thrilled when I saw an entire table of ‘cutubrute’ at one of the booths! I bought a few. There were 3 sterling pounds each (quite expensive)! In Belize, I bought the treat for a mere 25 cents! I always passed by the market while going to school, and would peep at the many attractions! I went in to the green store, and topped up my card. Only one of the Indian guys were there. He was quite busy too. There were some people in the store looking at London souvenirs. I just said ‘Hi’, and he smiled and said ‘Good morning’ too. I am sure he remembered me from my first visit.

I walked back to the train station and boarded the DLR to Lewisham. I also wanted to visit Shadwell, to see what’s going on there. On the way to Lewisham, a few Arab guys boarded the train and sat near me. They smiled at me and I smiled back. They then focused on their phones. Many people in London thought I was Arab too. I loved the many views while travelling to Lewisham. I hoped that one day, after I finished my studies and get a high paying career, I can bring my family to visit Europe — to explore a few countries, to enjoy the local cuisines from the continent, to meet new people and immerse in new cultures, to ride trains, boats, helicopters and planes, and to have good fun! I am positive they would love a new adventure! There were a few kids too with their parents in our train cabin. They looked so cute and innocent with their toys and teddy bears!

We arrived in Lewisham. I tapped my card at the exit/enter machine. I leisurely walked to the Lewisham Shopping Mall. It was super cold, and a heavy breeze was blowing. When I walking across the street to the mall, the breeze sort of blew me a little. I just felt like someone moved me at least 3 feet to the side. I got scared a little. I began to walk slowly, ensuring that I ‘stamped’ my feet, while walking. I laughed at myself. I told my classmates about this later on, and they said ‘it happens, and you need to be careful when those heavy breeze blows’. I was thankful when I entered the mall. There were crowds as I walked nearer to the main section. Many people were in the stores. I went to Greggs to purchase my favorite — 3 sausage rolls and a hot coffee! I sat outside on a bench, alongside other elders. I enjoyed my brunch!

Many kids were playing in the mall too. There were a few games, and parents were having fun with their children. There was a trampoline, and a rope swing. Of course, there was an officer in charge of securing the kids before they went on the rope swing journey (smiling). I’m quite afraid of heights and wouldn’t want to be in those games. There was a phone and accessories store near too. Oh, there was a healthy food shop. I peeped while going out to the market area. The stuffs in the store looked ‘too healthy and green’ (smiling).

Market day was a bevy of colors, scents, people of various ethnicities, fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats and fish, household items, and much more. The market vendors were advertising their products to the people passing by, hoping for potential sales. I always bought bananas, apples, peaches, broccoli, carrots (not all on one occasion) from a very friendly, always smiling elder British couple. I walked around the market, looking at the various items. I saw some good quality blankets, warm sweaters and pants, shoes, and luggage bags at low prices. There were many Jamaicans around too. Their accents related much! There was also three occasions when I saw people who resembled some of my comrades in Belize.

I spent an entire morning wandering around the area, enjoying my day off! I went into Primark too to look for good deals on clothing. The entire first floor of the building had clothing for males — business suits, cardigans, winter coats, shoes, tennis, t-shirts, sleeve less shirts, jeans of all types, dress pants, short pants, socks, underwear, and other gadgets for men. I bought a few dress shirts, dress pants, and fitted/skinny jeans (the colors were fantastic). After nearly an hour in Primark, I went over the street to Poundland. I bought spam (I love spam sandwiches), spaghetti (in tin), salt crackers, and toilet paper.

I walked down the street and came all the way around the mall, and went to the train station. In 3 minutes, I boarded the DLR back to Cutty Sark Greenwich. I went to my room, dropped off my stuffs, and laid down. I was tired. I fell asleep. I guess the cold temperature made me somnolent, especially since I haven’t had a hot drink.

I went to sleep for like 3 hours. I woke up around 6pm. I showered again, and went for a night stroll along the banks of the River Thames. I sat on a bench, and enjoyed the view and busy, crazy night life in London. Huge crowds of people were all around. I saw couples holding each other, talking, laughing, walking to a pub or restaurant. I enjoyed watching the night sky and the skyscrapers across the Thames in Canary Wharf. There were always beautifully lighted. I saw a crowd of youth gathered around. I was positive they were smoking marijuana, and talking non-sense. I could feel the whip of cold night breeze on my face. I was excited to be on the frontline, relaxing, and immersing in good times.

I went home around 10pm.

I’m quite exhausted for tonight. I will continue my journey in a next edition of Letter from Kenrick Mark.

Sincerely yours,

Kenrick Mark