Letter from Kenrick Mark (5th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

I laid down on a bare bed — no cover sheets, no blanket, no pillow. My window was opened 10% and I thought initially that it should have been kept that way. I tried closing it, but to no avail. I was scared to have broken something, and having to pay a fee later on. So, for the entire first week in London, my window was 10% open. It was until the first Saturday, that I realized my other flat mates’ windows were closed, and thus, I went to try and closed mine. It worked.

It was a cool, noisy, not too relaxing Sunday night, and my first night in London, England. As I laid down, I was not comfortable. I was thinking about home. I was thinking of being in this pale-yellow room near the River Thames. I was listening to the noise from the courtyard, and since I was on the second floor, I was prone to the student entertainers. I heard girls and guys talking loud. I heard some of them singing, then one of the girls brought out a music box, and started blasting pop music. I got up and peeped outside. I saw them having a merry time drinking beers and rum. Should I go join them? I doubt that. The first thought — will this be happening for the entire year? And if that answer is ‘yes’, then I wasn’t sure if I could concentrate on my academics — assignments, research, readings, et al. The entertainers and their impromptu party continued till the early morning hours. I was mad! Even though I tried sleeping, I couldn’t. Due to the time — difference, the entire night I was awake, and for the remainder of the week. So, my first night, I actually re-arranged my room, placing my wardrobe in front of my window, and shifted my bed around. I could remember going back on my computer to speak with comrades via social media, until I fell asleep at 5am London time. It was until Friday night, I adjusted, and went to sleep at 9pm. And coincidentally, the parties kept going each night until Thursday. I believe it was Thursday evening when we got an email from our Dean, clarifying Student Hall rules and banning all parties and loud noises in the courtyard. I was beaming with happiness when I saw that. The Dean stated that all social events must be held at private venues.

I woke at 11am to the noise of hammering, construction machines, and planes flying. I didn’t knew it was 11am though. I opened my eyes, and thought it was around 6am. I quickly went to shower, and got dressed. I strolled down stairs, exited the main building and went on a tour of the area. I visited the university’s campus, the Greenwich area, stopped in at shops and other businesses, and talked to a few people. I passed by a green colored cozy building with tons of people inside, adjacent our University’s Library. I looked at the menu and was very impressed. I hopped in and had a traditional English breakfast (that was about 1pm). I paid 12 pounds, and got a huge plate of sausage, bacon, roasted tomatoes, mushroom, bake beans, toast and egg and my favorite drink, a hot chocolate. I enjoyed this, minus the mushroom and beans. The waitress was very kind, and asked if I needed anything, and also mentioned of special events (to be hosted at the cafe) and student discounts for meals. I told her ‘thank you’ and promised to return. I never did. Honestly, I enjoyed the food, but the ambience was not my type. I always passed this cafe on the way to Sainsbury daily. I only looked through the glass windows, but I couldn’t go back. I still don’t know why. Perhaps it’s because I paid 12 pounds for a breakfast?

I wandered around visiting some bookstores, souvenir shops, and other places. I enjoyed my first stroll on the banks of the Thames River. The air was very cool, and blowing moderately. I watched the pigeons flying over and landing on the sidewalks. I watched people (I believe tourists) walking around enjoying the view — laughing, talking, pointing at historical pieces, buildings, the Cutty Sark. I couldn’t hear what they were saying but I had a feeling they were enjoying the afternoon. Rain began to drop lightly, then more heavier. I quickly walked back to my room, which was right across the street. My belly was full. I turned on my laptop and checked my emails and social media. Oh, I purchased the European charger in the afternoon, so I was set for my European operation (smiles). I watched the news, and a movie. I tried sleeping but to no avail. Again, the entertainers were having their impromptu party. I went online and ordered a few items for my bed and room. I fell asleep at 5am again.

I got up at 8am (I set my alarm) and took a shower. I headed downstairs to wait for the package I ordered online. The Argos delivery van circled around my street, and I quickly rushed out, and stopped it. The guy asked for my ID. I signed a digital form, and he gave me the package. Now, I had sheets, and a pillow, and blankets. I went back in my room, covered with my new blankets, and went to sleep. I was tired and lacking sleep. I slept until a loud siren started making ‘unnecessary, alarming, frightening’ noises. I jumped up! I thought, what was that?

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

Sincerely,

Kenrick Mark