A poor foreign student survival in Manchester and London

~my email about short time survival in Manchester and London, summer 2008

Manchester
Generally after end of college term the Manchester areas around schools appear bit quieter. This situation also reveals true feelings of Brits. On other day I was sitting on bus and wore my jacket in which Ferrari and Vodafone logos marked over chest and back parts. A middle aged man, who looked a former sportsman, stood front of me and began saying something. As his accent sounds nonsense and tension, I pretended to ignore him looking over window. He said out loud, "What you are wearing is a show off. Those companies are exploiting your country. But you are advertising them. Look me. I have nothing in my shirt". He made me nervous. I defended myself saying, "my clothes are none of your business", agreeing inside with what he said. But, I felt mad for that he attached me only. Later I thought it is typical feelings for British as many foreigners work and study in Britain. But, he was not aware of how hard I worked to come in his country. Though it was in a few minutes discussion on bus, it really left me thoughtful impression about British people. Indeed I know there are lot better British friends for me in this country.
Gradually weather came so bad in Manchester . We, I and my flat-mates, had to turn on heating to warm up our house. It poured showers all day and continued days. Cold and rainy. Good condition for me to decide moving to other places. So I visited Liverpool and Preston . These cities looked much like Manchester with similar buildings and people. Compared to sunny and beautiful Budapest, these English cities look ugly and cold. Then I started going out for clubs. Not to mention details, all seemed hell expensive and not so interesting. Uneasy situations in Northwest of Britain made me to think about moving to different cities. As unemployed foreigner, it may all be the same. Suddenly London came in my mind and also I had to try my tourist visa application to U.S embassy in London in later July. So I made a decision to challenge myself in London.

London
Two weeks have already passed in London since when I moved here. First I stayed with a Mongolian friend whom I met online. I am thankful for his generosity offering me his small room for a few days. During the day, I sought flats actively and we went out in evenings. London club scenes were so entertaining that they actually kicked out the stress of total chaos.
London flats rated too expensive. A flat in zone 1 or 2 cost about 150pound per week plus a month deposit. Zone 3 or further areas also cost the similar rent, but these zones are too far to reach the city centre which includes metro stations. Targeting in zone 1, 2, I laboriously dig Gumtree.com for three days in row. The utmost limitation was my budget which allowed 70pounds per week for a month. My option definitely falls in roomshare. The cheapest offer was 50pounds per week, I went to see it. For this, a room is shared by 4 people with 2 layer bunks and a toilet is for 10 people. Another roomshare was to share a room with another person, a toilet with 8, and rent would be 90 pounds plus I had to travel both tubes and buses. All these unacceptable offers even made me to think back moving to Manchester . But I remained for my luck. Gladly my old friend phoned me up for a flatshare, he suddenly moved to London as well for God's sake and knew that I was talking of this a month ago. I happily accepted his offer so we took rent of a room in the Southern London area called Southwark. Although it falls in zone 2, it involves tube ride till Elephant and Castle station then four stops of bus. We pay 140 pounds per week for a room, which costs me 70pounds per week. We have four other flatmates. Two guys rent a room in upstairs, although none of us seen them for two weeks and only heard footsteps at night. A guy from Congo resides in a room in upstairs. A beautiful Nigerian girl lives a door next to us. She said she is an artist, but we suspect something different. She only walks out for work at night with excessive perfumes and dress of tiny skirt. Just downstairs of us does a African –Continental restaurant which begin its service in the evenings and lots of people emerge and talk out loud all night. We are sort of annoyed their too loud noise and movements everyday.
My new home is not far from a main street, which roughly looks like Third and Fourth district of Ulaanbaatar. Many 'cheap' shops and kiosks of key copying, hair dressers etc line along a main road. It gets very busy during the day and bit dirtier than other parts of London. I barely meet English people in this street. I know Internet cafes together with Kebab shops are owned by Turkish, shops are mostly by Indians or Chinese, Library workers speak with Russian accent, and us, Mongolians. It is apparently low quality of living, but is equally questionable to that in Ulaanbaatar .
Financially I can support myself for two more weeks then I am broke, but I hope I can find a shit job in two weeks before reporting a failure notice:). I started looking for waiter or kitchen staff positions, walking around handing my CV, no success came at the moment. Every places tells that they are full and not interested in student. But, I know even no English speakers find jobs in this bloody city, so I ask where the heck jobs hide?:)
As a result of job searching, I walked and travelled around London bit longer than my visits before, more and more I discover this city amazing! I was astonished at Hyde and Kensington parks in London . These parks were created with massive wealth and amazing structure! What great areas to enjoy sunny weekends! Central streets are crowded with tourists and really confuse me all the time. So far, I am unable to tell you that I know London . It will take me months to get to know whereabouts in London. Still I am hopeful for good things here!
In fact, this city often scares me. Everyday, the news report crime committed stabbing and shooting. I often witness mortal combat of crazy people at my bus stops. I am literally lost in my mind. I came here thinking all opportunities; however, reality only sucks money out of my pocket. Day by day I realize damn metro and buses cots about 10 pounds in a day and the longer I walk the more I get hungry and thirsty which in turn cost me for drinks and food. Should I give up or should I keep chasing pavements even it leads to nowhere? I decisively remain here for a bit longer than a month, then I might say happy news or unsound decision to return home.

Energy Saving Trust

While hunting jobs, much interesting news unfolded for my inspiration of energy saving.

An advertised role at Energy Saving Trust seemed very suitable for me. I generated my CV and wrote my covering letter, then I sent them silently wishing my luck. Fortunately I was invited for stages of interviews. First I made presentation and questioned. Success shined on me so that I was invited for the second interview for which I produced a report.

Utmost I came to know more about Energy Saving Trust, UK non=profit for reducing carbons in UK. Their activities are all simply designed to help communities and people to reduce their carbons. Loads of useful information and advice are posted online. Even their help-lines are staffed with enthusiastic experts.

This website becomes my favourite online stop for practical advice.

London crime

Ever since I moved in London, daily news reports a series of crime in London. Stabbing lead the headlines and gun shot followed.

I thought it was not that scary to think about crime because it happens in every city. Lately London situation scares me.

Around 9pm on 6th of August, I was at home with my new mate and we heard a sounds of shooting. Opposite the road, in front of Costcutters, people look panic and scream for help. It was so shocking to see the panic people, but the moment felt frozen.

An innocent teenage boy was killed by gang members as policy suspects such.

Now my street looks dangerous and some appear more suspicious to me. Winning over my fears, my motivation for adventure and challenge makes me remain in London for a certain time.

New Year and London

2008 looks like a good prospect. 2 is equal number and 0 is nothing:) 8 stands for warmth and calm for my interpretation. All means coming year will be warm and calm for my personal and professional life. I hope so.

On New Year's eve, I visited a Mongolian family in Manchester. Full of Mongolian food and nostalgic talking about Mongolia. Oyun sister cooked such a Mongolian way that I expected. I was glad for two Mugi for their company even when I lost my directions.

But, new day of new year started with long walk. No bus. We three walked 5 miles. It was good exercise. And, of course hours of talking. I got pump in my foot after that.

The first step I made for my 2008 was London trip. I applied my visa to Hungary and stayed a whole night for checking out London clubs. I was worth. Good music and mosaic of all different people. Dodgy Canadian, whiny Italian and happy Londen teens are of memorable experience.

I must assure I like London expect the cost of it.

Holiday Season+ Thanks

I planned to work on my assignments during my holiday season. Exams in row and papers are in due by days after these holidays.
I am realizing what I have set was not achievable :) I am just 1/3 of what I planned on 28th of December.
No, I am actually wrong trying to put myself out of a loving life. I have enjoyed far beyond my realization on these days. Good food, relax and just time with your friends - this is a holiday season. I even discovered my ability of cooking gooood.

Thanks Onon feeding and caring me like a King - I felt so bad when someone treated me soo well like that, indeed I loved it:)

Thanks Melissa vising us which allowed all fun girls and a honored man to discover amazing world of music in a 'gay village'!

Thanks all my friends coming over for my house and warming up rooms with your smile and good talk! All Thai, Mali, Chinese, Indian and Mongolian foods were all delicious.

Thanks Gary and Chris having me for Christmas dinner. I loved my present - Penguin Dictionary! Oh Christmas putting was very filling:)

Eid ul-Fitr in Manchester and cultural deviation

It is Eid ul Fitr today. In evenings, I was impressed with the dress and joy of Muslim families crowded on street. How beautiful outfits and all suit so well with them.

Late in the evenings, I had to take my friend Yanin home, she cooked amazing Thai food with combination with Indian dish from Neela. I happily took her home.

On street, it was full of people, but only two distinguishable groups; police and young Pakistani(I knew they were Pakistani as they screamed Pakistan! Pakistan and wore flags all over).

Youn men and few girls were apparently excited about Holiday. They pressed honks and played car musics out of loud and make loud noises all ways down Oxford and Wilmslow streets. Some formed in a groups and gathered around.

Many thought me as Chinese and greeted me "Ni Hua Ma" with strange ways. I smiled and passed all, feeling threatened.

At home, I talked about this holiday with Rohit- Indian. He knows all about culture and celebrations in India and associated countries around such as Pakistan and Bangladesh. According to him, how Eid celebrated was very different from what I had a quick taste of it.

So, I think this is one among examples of cultural deviation. Celebrating tradition is still big event in immigrant populations in UK, but it certainly changed the traditions way different, somehow wrongly than what it meant to be. It is now more of expression of cultural or national identity.

I hope peace should be carried on all transformation of any cultural celebrations at most.

Bad and Good services in UK

Public or private services in UK are something I call 'extreme learning experience'. I have two categories so far.

1-Bad
I spent two days(non-stop) trying to have just one answer for my question from British Telecom. All service operators had to transfer me to another and then to another. How inefficient service was it, wasting time and effort of customer!

I found great deals in Virgin train online and I had to go to their ticketing office as I didn't have my account online. But the ticketing officer lady insisted me to buy far more expensive a ticket than what I requested, claiming that there is no such route in Virgin train service. Why would they post it online then?!

2. Good
A visa officer man at Hungarian Embassy in London was the best service provider whom I ever met. He patiently listened my inquiries and responded with great regard and suggested helpful tips for applying visa. Although I was there for not achieving what I planned, I was happy enough to leave the embassy with a big smile. This is what I call a good service:)

London

Everytime I visit London, she smiles at me with sunshine! Yea, sun! That is rare moment in UK. Fortunately, London blesses me always.

Some may argue London is too big for that I can't make judgment from a first see. My friend Tamir had robbed in Victoria bus station last September.

At some moments, I believe some superficial ideas:) I start believing that London likes me.

Starting from the train stations, it hooks me up to the fast pace of running people and immense structure of London. I just have to follow it, so do the money:)