London Rushing
Today I moved from East to West attending lectures, meetings and picking up parcels. I do love these days, although they can be stressful. London rushing.
‘Whether it be something weird or wonderful, travelling around London is always something that equitably stresses and excites me.’
I’m not sure whether it was finding out that I’d spent 62,652 minutes listening to music on Spotify.
That’s 1044 hours.
Around about 43 days worth.
Or if it was the hectic schedule I had to keep to, but I was quite hyped.
Despite my earlier than desired waking up time, I had an exciting day planned.
I had to travel East for university then shoot across West to attend a meeting and pick up a parcel.
There is something specific I’d like to touch on during this account.
London is foreign.
I’ll get into why that statement rings true.
And why it’s significant.
First, I arrived at university earlier to be in good time for the GIS lecture.
My former manager, Tom, came in to give a presentation to the class.
He told the class about the project I worked on during my time at CACI.
He explained the developments and I was fascinated.
Something I started now is expanding not only in the country it started but to other countries too.
I was a bit sad that I wasn’t able to continue the work.
Returning to university doing equally as exciting projects just not that one.
While I always knew my time at CACI was temporary; I felt especially nostalgic when I saw a fully-formed system.
After the lecture my lecturer, Tom and I had a drink at university.
It was mildly awkward because it would’ve been nice to catch up with Tom.
But alas, Tom hinted to some exciting stuff that he was going to keep me in the loop about.
That was a good surprise in the morning.
After grabbing a lunch that would be eaten sporadically across the day, I headed to my GIS lab.
I had found out my first assignment grade earlier that day, and to my surprise I did well.
As the clock struck 2pm, I rushed out and headed for UCL’s campus.
Specifically the nearby Senate House.
I was asked to see on a responsible procurement group as a student representative.
I was wonderfully surprised that I had a tremendous voice.
To pitch in and to share my thoughts.
I’m grateful that Jim (previous Geography student at QMUL) recommended me to the committee.
I hope I can help towards making a credible difference.
It is also my first seat at a practical table.
Not just a scribe.
It is incredibly welcome, as I think my expertise would be able to add something meaningful.
After the meeting, I rushed off again.
During this time, I’d like to highlight the ‘London is foreign’ point.
Transportation seems to host a plethora of conversations.
Whether on the phone or in person.
On two trips taken on the DLR recently, my whole carriage that was in conversation spoke in another language.
Where they were in person, there were more than two people there.
It just highlights how many people speak a foreign language.
While my statement of London being foreign might be obvious.
The scale of the languages spoken is only understood when you’re in a space where you can physically count.
It astonishes me.
It’s amazing and mind-blowing.
Back to today.
I made a trip down to Knightsbridge and onto the RGS ahead of a trip to Bexley Grammar School next Tuesday.
Afterwards I went home.
I’m that kid who walks up the escalators.
Pushes past people if they’re being slow.
Arrogant London traveller.
It’s usually the most efficient, granted the most tiring.
I love days like today.
London rushing
I’m gathering some feedback on this engagement project.
The last blog is fast approaching and I know it’ll be a reflective one.
I know people read this blog, so if you want to participate in some anonymous (if you like) feedback and thoughts follow this link below.