I've now sampled 4 hostels in & around London. The best is an hour from central London, but it's roomy, free Wifi & is inexpensive. Staff is good & guests are East Europeans, Africans & a few Brits here to work in east London. Great conversations.
Two guys from Estonia speak very good English; two from Nigeria - 1 great, the other annoying. He's always talking about "the west" in terms that are offensive. Nigerians culturally talk very loudly, what we'd call yelling. When he gets going, it's head for the hills!
Several interesting conversations w/ people from Australia, Sweden and Spain - a chance to practice my Spanish.
I'm convinved Americans should come to Europe & mingle. It's eye opening.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Chance Meetings
Busily reading on the DLR (Docklands Light Rail) I missed my stop & had to backtrack fortunately. While sitting waiting for train, I noticed wet spots. Guy next to me said he thought at first when I sneezed I got him. We both moved as source unknown.
As often is the case, I'm asked am I on holiday (vacation). I always say I'm here to visit British friends & do volunteer work with refugees. This always leads to questions. This particular person was very interested. He's a free lance photo journalist. He asked so many questions that the 1/2 hour ride flew by. We plan to meet to chat more next week.
I'm certainly glad I missed by stop!
As often is the case, I'm asked am I on holiday (vacation). I always say I'm here to visit British friends & do volunteer work with refugees. This always leads to questions. This particular person was very interested. He's a free lance photo journalist. He asked so many questions that the 1/2 hour ride flew by. We plan to meet to chat more next week.
I'm certainly glad I missed by stop!
Bowling in Finsbury
Danny, a wonderful British friend of mine & I accompanied three of the refugees to Finsbury Park to bowl. Emon from Ethiopia, Dean from Georgia and Abdulah from Iran*
Danny had not bowled in 20 years but earned 148 & cme in 1st. Dean, around 50, who has never bowled & has a totally unique delivery (ends of kneeling on one knee) got 3 strikes in a row. I have to say that it was the worst game I've every bowled. Not one strike or spare!
Afterward we all wenr out for chicken. It was good to see these fine men having fun; men who have literally nothing.
It was kind of Danny to help pay for the outing. A most gracious man.
Now I need to work on my delivery! Not to worry just one game is £5 per person about $ 7.45.
* names are changed to protect.
Danny had not bowled in 20 years but earned 148 & cme in 1st. Dean, around 50, who has never bowled & has a totally unique delivery (ends of kneeling on one knee) got 3 strikes in a row. I have to say that it was the worst game I've every bowled. Not one strike or spare!
Afterward we all wenr out for chicken. It was good to see these fine men having fun; men who have literally nothing.
It was kind of Danny to help pay for the outing. A most gracious man.
Now I need to work on my delivery! Not to worry just one game is £5 per person about $ 7.45.
* names are changed to protect.
It Takes All Kinds
After a long day. I stopped in a Weatherspoon's Pub near the hostel as they have inexpensive food & free wifi. As I approached the bar to order, a guy said to me "What the f.. are you doing here?" Followed by "Americans are stupid."
I pointed out that was a pretty bad intro as he didn't know me at all. When he persisted I simply ignored him & took a seat. The barman defended Americans pointing out that without us, England would be...
As I began to turn on my computer, the man at the table behind me said: " Why are you in London, it's boring."
Later a guy said to me: "Here's a map of the tube. Circle Woolwich (where I'm staying & the pub is located) and avoid it. Weird people here.
Twilight Zome anyone?
I pointed out that was a pretty bad intro as he didn't know me at all. When he persisted I simply ignored him & took a seat. The barman defended Americans pointing out that without us, England would be...
As I began to turn on my computer, the man at the table behind me said: " Why are you in London, it's boring."
Later a guy said to me: "Here's a map of the tube. Circle Woolwich (where I'm staying & the pub is located) and avoid it. Weird people here.
Twilight Zome anyone?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Stop Deportation Efforts in the U.K.
This week is devoted to the cause of stopping deportation. Individuals are often hjerded onto planes & sent back to repressive countries.
See www.noborderswales.org.uk/
Detention of children
Abuse of asylum seekers by private companies
www.stopdeportation.net Attended a meeting w/ this group - fine, ordinary, committed people.
See www.noborderswales.org.uk/
Detention of children
Abuse of asylum seekers by private companies
www.stopdeportation.net Attended a meeting w/ this group - fine, ordinary, committed people.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Four Africans & an ole American off to Ali Baba Kabob's
Clearly kabob, donner and other dishes are quite popular with my African & Asian friends here. PLUS, I'm convinced the refugees make sure they guide me to eateries that are good yet not costly.
Saturday, old and new friends headed off to Kinglands Road for dinner. It was a truly wonderful occasion. Some of the guys have moved on to other parts of London. Others are living at the CW House. It was like old home week seeing them catch up & laugh over many remembered events & stories. Good to see them laugh as if they had not a care in the world - only if.
Please pray for them - often to me living saints.
Saturday, old and new friends headed off to Kinglands Road for dinner. It was a truly wonderful occasion. Some of the guys have moved on to other parts of London. Others are living at the CW House. It was like old home week seeing them catch up & laugh over many remembered events & stories. Good to see them laugh as if they had not a care in the world - only if.
Please pray for them - often to me living saints.
Watching Kite Runner w/ Afghani Refugee friends
A rare opportunity. Two of the guys here in Oxford joined me for the movie, Kite Runner. Apparently most of the music is authentic except for the opening which is more Arabic than Afghani.
The treatment of the Hazara by Pashtun is apparently accurate. Sadly, even the rape of the boy is not uncommon.
We went out for Kabob. I was again struck how polite and insistent they are that the older person be considered. I must go first. "We're happy to watch whatever you would like to see."
Acknowledging the tradition and the inherent respect, with some gentle prodding, the guys are willing to state what they'd like to do.
Facebook is too is an important part of their lives.
The treatment of the Hazara by Pashtun is apparently accurate. Sadly, even the rape of the boy is not uncommon.
We went out for Kabob. I was again struck how polite and insistent they are that the older person be considered. I must go first. "We're happy to watch whatever you would like to see."
Acknowledging the tradition and the inherent respect, with some gentle prodding, the guys are willing to state what they'd like to do.
Facebook is too is an important part of their lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)