The coldness of the English

Wednesday, 20th of April 2016

It is nearly a month since I have first arrived in London but I do feel as I have not yet started my real life here, it is almost like being in a state of limbo.

London seems to take twice as long as Lisbon to make things happen, to get matters of significant importance straight and solved, as if to purposely delay the new life foreigners and strangers to the english culture have come to seek. It is not easy at all to begin and have a brand new start in this lands.

It turns out that everyone is quite suspicious of an outsider. My landlord would only allow me to move into my new apartment after the money was present in his bank account, despite the proof of our transfer; the Vodafone store would only allow me to take a router home if I presented a physical evidence that I own a debit carb from an english bank (which can take a long time to arrive to your home) and everyone seems extremely interested on what is my source of income, how much money I make per month (as if they doubt my ability to pay for their services and products), if I have anyone who can talk on my behalf and where was my previous address or even how long I have stayed there before moving.

It is a constant interrogation as if I am to give proof of my own character and soul. I am not yet accepted as a member of a functioning society, despite the fact that people on tour buses no longer approach me as if I am a simple tourist, and therefore, coldness is what I have come to face daily on my tasks and path. The only true sign of warmth is the sun that has been shining all week long.

From a girl standing strong,

Mariana Fidalgo