Letter from Kenrick Mark (7th Edition)

Letter from Kenrick Mark

Dear Esteemed Readers,

I was looking forward to this day. I walked outside my student halls to the bright yellow sun beaming all over. Children were playing in a very small park — running, laughing, talking. There was a primary school at the right of Cutty Sark Halls. Every day I can hear the kids playing, and sometimes I can see them if I walked over to Waitrose to purchase food or simply to enjoy an afternoon on the official ‘Waitrose’ outdoor parlor watching the water boats and ferries passing by, the occasional splash of the river water, the planes flying off and listening to the chit-chatter of the neighborhood, while enjoying delicious mini cakes and iced coffee from Waitrose. The school children next door reminded me of my days at Big Falls RC School.

There was quite a mysterious building across the street — a little bookstore, which I never got to explore. Surprisingly, the store closed a month after I arrived. There was also a big ongoing project in front of the Cutty Sark Halls. I watched on a daily basis as workmen carefully surrounded the building with support frames and thick (plastic?) material to avoid any stray metals, objects or dust hitting passers-by and automobiles. This was construction safety for the community. I must applaud this! We don’t see this step being adhered to in Belize, well, in the Toledo district, at least.

So, I strolled down the road, ensuring that I keep going straight (no left or right turns — I didn’t want to get lost). As I walked past the primary school, I saw a huge mural on the walls of the nearby residential community. The top section was labeled ‘El Salvador’ and it was a benevolent hand painted picture of Latino people and culture. I loved it! I continued down the road (the A200) watching the beautiful residential areas, well kept lawns and gardens, and skyscrapers. I also saw the McMillian Student Village, another Student Hall (which I would have had to stay at if I had logged in 15 minutes later when I was applying for university accommodations in early 2015). It is noteworthy to mention that when I logged in to select my room at Cutty Sark Halls, there was only three left. I believe most of the students were Europeans/Asians and they logged in earlier (due to time difference). This village was very huge, and I did knew a few students who stayed here. They even had their own (in village) Sainsbury store. There was a gym (in one of the nearby skyscrapers too). To the right, there was Tesco. I might have been to Tesco about three times. I always preferred Sainsbury, Mark & Spencer and Waitrose, and the Indian/Arabs stores (for convenience/food shopping).

I continued going down the road. I was in the Deptford Area, still on the A200. I even noticed a Methodist Church mission selling used clothing and souvenirs. I thought first of going in, but I changed my mind. I also passed by some Asian restaurants and a KFC outlet. However, I didn’t fancy those types of food. As I continued, I passed many more schools, a buzz with children (during breaks), many residential areas (I noticed ladies were hanging out clothing on lines), many historical buildings (quite the medieval type) and many banks (I was glad to have had a TBS banking office down stairs my Hall, and I found their services to be excellent). My walking tour ended in Surrey Quays, a little past the train station. I was so tired. I loved the new sceneries, and all the ‘First World’ country culture this far. I saw a huge line of stores and welcoming cafes with charming menus on the roadside (right in Surrey Quays). I was hungry too! Actually (on my travel journey down to Surrey), I saw a McDonalds outlet and was thinking of their super delicious Chicken Sandwich, crispy fries, and that decadent chocolate shake. However, I decided to wait. I thought there might be several cafes/restaurants with menu options as I walk along. I scanned the environments around this high street and most of the cafes had older British men and women on the outside having brunch. I didn’t want to walk in (being the only ‘bush’ brown skinned Indian guy in the crowd).

I was tired and sweating (to an extent). I took off my summer jacket. I slowly walked back to Cutty Sark Halls, looking to see any new sightings I might have missed. I was dragging my feet. I saw a huge car wash business place and a mechanic shop. I noticed mostly dark skinned men working. They looked like they enjoyed what they were doing.

When I reached back at Cutty Sark Halls, I was hungry! I went over to a little restaurant owned by a elderly Turkish couple. I looked at the menu. I’ve actually been here before. I had fish and chips and peas. I don’t really like fish but this dinner was highly recommended when I was doing my research about Great Britain. Today, I tried the beef and potatoes and greens. The beef was bland but tasted fine. The old Turkish guy was very hospitable and talked with me whenever I stopped in. This reminded me of how my parents welcomes and speaks with customers at our restaurant in Belize. I loved the vintage ambience and decor of the restaurant too. I noticed that the Greenwich area was quite a buzz with people — tourists, those who lived around, some familiar faces from school, and people who were travelling to/from work. This inspired me to continue touring around for the afternoon.

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

Sincerely yours,

Kenrick Mark