Letter from Kenrick Mark (68th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

It was Monday already! This was the final week of classes. However, we didn’t have to attend our Monday class. Professor Kristen sent us about five academic papers and links to articles via our online portal. She explained that we should read and understand them, and if we have questions, we can email her, and she will respond. Honestly, I was never able to read all the required papers and supplementary readings. Sometimes I got tired, or bored, or confused, and I would stop. I chose to take a walk, have snacks, or take a quick trip (via the train) to a different part of London (to explore new areas, or to treat myself -purchasing food). I would leave my entire school bag, its contents, and my laptop in the university library. I developed trust in my university and the library too, that I wasn’t scared to lose my belongings. I noticed that many students leave their stuffs too and go outside the library for a break — to smoke, to talk, to have a snack or just for fresh air!

I had apple and cinnamon oatmeal, with milk for breakfast. I did double batches sometimes. These were very healthy, and super tasty! Oatmeal has been my all time favorite since childhood! My family always had oatmeal, cornflakes, and custard in our cupboard. We ate them any time of the day. Once, as a kid, I was having cornflakes for dinner. I was sitting in a back area at home, and a lady from the USA, Nancy (I believe she worked in archeology) told me she was quite surprised at my choice: having cornflakes for dinner. She told me that it was normally eaten as a breakfast dish in the USA. This was probably the year 2000. I also found custard and rice pudding at Sainsbury in Greenwich. I purchased them a few times. I really loved it; however, it made me ‘visit’ the bathroom every hour. I believe I wasted too much toilet paper (smile).

I showered and went to library. I always took a bag of snacks to enjoy during my hourly breaks. I met a few of my classmates at library in the afternoon. They were doing research and readings too. I was thankful for compassionate classmates. We cared for each other. I spent my entire day understanding the academic papers and articles Professor Kristen assigned us. While studying, I spoke to a few school mates. We shared information about our academics, and life in London. Some were from Africa, Europe and even, South America.

I packed up my bag, and went home around 6pm.

I went for dinner at Nandos. Oh ,how I loved the grilled chicken with Peri-Peri sauce (medium for me), French fries and coleslaw! Sometimes, I had curry rice, mash potatoes, or peas. I always went for their signature Mango juice. Dinner was an affair at Nandos! From walking in — the warm greetings from the staff, to ordering, and finding a table, to eating, I loved it all! I usually sat on the sides: there were high stools, and a shelf like board, which you can dine on, and of course, enjoy the view of passers-by, any activity outside and the magnificent views of the Cutty Sark ship!

I observed that many Indians lived around. I noticed many passing by in the evenings: Indian elders, Indian families, and young Indians too — around my age. I loved the fact that they wore their traditional attires. Oh, how I wished we had ours to wear in Belize!

I went home an hour later. I took a stroll around, enjoying the cold, whipping breeze.

I finished up some of my foundation’s work in the night.

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

Sincerely yours,

Kenrick Mark