Letter from Kenrick Mark (46th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

I was so tired after a grand day of fun and study on Saturday. I slept well. Actually, I woke up late on Sunday morning — around 830am. It was already mid November — the 15th. Reasonably, it was a near two months living in London, England. I showered and had breakfast. I truly enjoyed the Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal.

I went out for a morning wander. It was around 9am, and the streets were abuzz with activities — huge crowds of tourists and British locals were in every corner, the shops and restaurants were open for business, children were playing (there were games at the Cutty Sark area), and there were delicious smells of meat cooking, and bread toasting, and fresh pancakes from the food trucks at the Cutty Sark area. Honestly, I never tried food from the food trucks. There were always burgers, hot dogs, rice meals, seafood, crepes and pancakes, and other European street food. While they looked enticing, I never made progress to actually purchase anything (and, of course, throughout the year long tenure I was in London). I believe I wasn’t won over enough (I was a Public Relations major after all). Colorful streamers festooned the area too! They added a touch of party to the weekend!!!

I ventured down to our University, and there were many elders, and parents and kids too, exploring the historic area, taking ‘selfies’ and group photos. There were tourists on boats too, passing by on the River Thames. I was delighted to see everyone having a marvelous morning! I ended up at Alacosta Coffee. They had a full house too. All I saw were British men and women (mostly elderly couples) having coffee and breakfast or coffee and cake around sleek, mini tables. Alacosta Coffee had an unforgettable, lovely ambience. The resplendent glow of the candy red painted walls echoed a refined ‘Asian’ welcome and a unalloyed relationship of coffee, breakfast and brunch dishes in South West London. I had my regular Coffee Mocha, and a plate of amazing treats — almond biscotti, chocolate peanut butter cake, and a pineapple muffin. I was prepared for the biscotti this time, to challenge the very crisp, and tasty cookie! The Asian lady and I spoke a bit, while I was enjoying my treats. I told her that the greater Greenwich area was always busy on weekends. She was busy herself, as few customers walked in and ordered food and coffee to go. I am positive that many people who visited Alacosta Coffee tell their friends, and the word goes out of all the excellent food, and that amazing hospitability. They surely don’t need a Public Relations Manager (smiling).

I enjoyed my morning at Alacosta Coffee. I also had to do a Western Union transaction, so I walked over (a few stores down) to the Nepal guy store. He was very busy too, so I decided to check back later. There was a bus stop near his shop, and many people who travel stop in to buy snacks, phone credit, and drinks. One afternoon, when I was strolling around that area, I notice many school children, stop at his store for drinks, and purchase chicken meals, at a little cafe nearby. I remembered going to primary school, and purchasing chips and ideals at the shops, while walking home.

I walked back to my apartment. The markets were full of activity too, electrifying. I saw people eating the many street foods being sold in the market — empanadas, pies, rice dishes, noodles, et al. I purchase from an Indian booth once, but I took it home and ate.

I relaxed for a while in my room. I communicated with my family in Belize, and a few comrades. We spoke about my journey in London, and of course, any updates on events in Belize. Around 3pm, I headed over to the library. I went upstairs to the first floor, at my usual spot near the PR books section. There was always a couple computer stations opened. I opened my portal and emails, and began reading the essentials for classes for the upcoming week. I read various articles on the e-library and completed a few assignments. I always took mini-breaks, to ease any tension. There were many times when I ‘hit the wall’, and couldn’t continue. I would just walk away from the station, go for an elevator ride (free taxi), looked at the natural becoming view outside, walk around the book shelves (in search of something interesting), or have a scrumptious snack.

I was also near half way my critical analysis paper for my Monday class, which was due November end.

I spent an entire afternoon and evening pursuing my readings. I went home around 10pm. I enjoyed the very cold nights now. People were still on the streets, laughing, hugging, talking.

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

Sincerely yours,

Kenrick Mark