I remember the first time I arrived at Heathrow airport feeling sooo excited to be in Europe. When i first stepped outside, it was chilly because it was Autumn. For someone who only know sun and rain, it was pretty cold for me. I remembered turning on to maximum level on the portable heater my foster family gave. There's already like the usual house heater but ... im just not used to the weather. Bare with me.
It was so different than my own country.
I've never known how autumn feels like and never imagine someday I would walk on streets that I saw in movies or read in novels. I was mesmerized by every minute I spend there. I saw the payphone booth on the side of the street and took a photo of it! Yes, I am THAT excited!
I only saw white people as foreigners in my country. I never imagine being THE foreigner in their country. I know i sound kinda silly but trust me, as 15-year-old girl who filled with prince charming fantasy and interests since i watched harry potter, it was dream come true. A checked from my endless list of what i wanted to do.
I was in Ramsgate, in Kent. During my trip, I saw the cathedral and went inside it. I never when inside any church back home because at that time, i never knew we are allowed in as non-christian. The architecture and design were amazing! Then, i did visits a castle (Dover Castle if not mistaken). I always thought there would only be one or two castles in a country. Boyyy, i was so wrong. There's tons of castle but not all of them are available to public or as significant to some historic castles.
People in Ramsgate were so friendly, they call others 'love' and said ' have a nice day!' to others. You never see that at home.
Everything was perfect! Although kinda hard to find halal food during those days, I survived just fine. Not to mention the toilet, LOL. We surely have a big gap in culture and way of living.
Fast forward to 2018 where i actually discover the subway and other public transportations. It was because i was traveling with my family. We visited around London only that time and it was Spring if im not mistaken. Honestly, I don't mind living in London. We visited the famous places where tourists always go. I was 19 so my excitement was not like before. I already had some expectations. I did enjoy walking around the city. I definitely love how the time difference, it was only 6pm but got dark real fast! You just never feel that living in Malaysia where day and night hours never changed.
If only the currency was not that far, I would really enjoy spending.
You see the spots you only saw in western movies but now, you are living it! At least there's a halal kfc we could find in London.
The sun was hot but the air was cold. What greater time to travel if not during those days.
I don't mind being the 'foreigner' in England. I wish I could go back and discover more places!
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