Today started out as any normal morning, I woke up, washed up, and went out to explore my neighborhood. But first thing before exploring, I called Anu, yes Anuradha Thakrar, who wrote me before I left for London saying she was in town in transit to the States. I tried calling her and left two messages in the course of the day. I also sent her an email with my address and said, if possible, come over after 7pm--the chances were slim that she would show up.
Most of my morning was spent discovering the Borough of Islington where I live. Johanna and I found a Woolworth’s and Borders up the street near the Angel tube. She bought her much needed towel and I reveled in the fact that there was a bookstore nearby—its equivalent to crack in my world.
By the time I came home from wandering around it was time to go to our orientation meeting at Bloomsbury Square with Anglo American Education Services—an organization that set up the housing and internships in London for George Mason University students. We finally met John Mann, our internship coordinator, who was a lovely old British man. He questioned some our American English vocabulary pointing out the oddity of the words “zip code” and “eggplant.” Ok, so it’s true zip codes have nothing to do with zippers on a jacket and eggplants aren’t shaped as eggs. I guess he has a point.
Three hours later, after Johanna constantly reminding of how hungry we both were since we skipped lunch, we finally went to eat with the group. At this Italian Restaurant we were at we chummied up with Matthew and Samantha--some other Anglo American students. Around 7pm I was still hanging out now at a pub with other Americans from our group. In the back of my mind I wondered if Anu ever saw my message or attempted to show up.
9pm--finally arrive home and find a note from Anu posted on the door...SHIT SHIT SHIT!!! I keep pinching myself not able to believe that she actually made it to my door. As I'm cursing loudly in my flat Anu shows her face laughing to the brim with amusement. We, of course, are ecstatic to see each other after 6 months.
10pm--Anu says she misses her bus back to the hotel so we decide she should sleep on my couch. We go downstairs and try the pay phone three times (not only do we not have internet we are still lacking phones in our flat). She is unable to reach her mom and prays she isn't freaking out. She does a couple of Sai Ram's in her mind hoping her mom will telepathically get the message.
Most of my morning was spent discovering the Borough of Islington where I live. Johanna and I found a Woolworth’s and Borders up the street near the Angel tube. She bought her much needed towel and I reveled in the fact that there was a bookstore nearby—its equivalent to crack in my world.
By the time I came home from wandering around it was time to go to our orientation meeting at Bloomsbury Square with Anglo American Education Services—an organization that set up the housing and internships in London for George Mason University students. We finally met John Mann, our internship coordinator, who was a lovely old British man. He questioned some our American English vocabulary pointing out the oddity of the words “zip code” and “eggplant.” Ok, so it’s true zip codes have nothing to do with zippers on a jacket and eggplants aren’t shaped as eggs. I guess he has a point.
Three hours later, after Johanna constantly reminding of how hungry we both were since we skipped lunch, we finally went to eat with the group. At this Italian Restaurant we were at we chummied up with Matthew and Samantha--some other Anglo American students. Around 7pm I was still hanging out now at a pub with other Americans from our group. In the back of my mind I wondered if Anu ever saw my message or attempted to show up.
9pm--finally arrive home and find a note from Anu posted on the door...SHIT SHIT SHIT!!! I keep pinching myself not able to believe that she actually made it to my door. As I'm cursing loudly in my flat Anu shows her face laughing to the brim with amusement. We, of course, are ecstatic to see each other after 6 months.
10pm--Anu says she misses her bus back to the hotel so we decide she should sleep on my couch. We go downstairs and try the pay phone three times (not only do we not have internet we are still lacking phones in our flat). She is unable to reach her mom and prays she isn't freaking out. She does a couple of Sai Ram's in her mind hoping her mom will telepathically get the message.
After our much needed catching up, I head off to bed as tomorrow is my first day of work. Anu sleeps on the couch in my bathrobe (no extra blankets available). Finally, I rest...
5am-the next day-A police cop is at our door. He buzzes the intercom and then heads upstairs. Johanna my flatmate opens the door and he exclaims "is Padma Thakrar here." At that point I run into the lounge where Anu is sleeping and yell "Oh My God, Anu, your mom called the police!!!"
The cops come inside and we tell them the situation...how we tried to call three times, how my mobile does not work and we have no phone connection b/c it is my first day here. They leave and Anu and I go back to sleep.
5:45am-Another set of cops arrive at our door. They come up and say that they are ready to take Anu back to the hotel. "Your mum is worried and crying her eyes out," says the one of them. Anu rushes back to get her things. The last I see of Anu, she standing in the lift being escorted by the British police.
word of the day: knackered as in "I'm quite knackered today because I only got four hours of sleep last night"
5am-the next day-A police cop is at our door. He buzzes the intercom and then heads upstairs. Johanna my flatmate opens the door and he exclaims "is Padma Thakrar here." At that point I run into the lounge where Anu is sleeping and yell "Oh My God, Anu, your mom called the police!!!"
The cops come inside and we tell them the situation...how we tried to call three times, how my mobile does not work and we have no phone connection b/c it is my first day here. They leave and Anu and I go back to sleep.
5:45am-Another set of cops arrive at our door. They come up and say that they are ready to take Anu back to the hotel. "Your mum is worried and crying her eyes out," says the one of them. Anu rushes back to get her things. The last I see of Anu, she standing in the lift being escorted by the British police.
word of the day: knackered as in "I'm quite knackered today because I only got four hours of sleep last night"
1 comment:
phonebooth torture...tut tut. Figures Anu would bring Drama your way.
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