London Through The Eyes Of An Outsider

Downtown London

Whenever I mentioned to my friends that I was going to Canada for college there were mixed emotions that came through: some happy, some sad, some couldn’t care less. When I replied “London” when asked which part of Canada, 99% were stumped. “London? In Canada? You’re joking right?” was the usual monotonous reply. Things said and done, it’s almost a month since I left home. It’s almost a month that I have been living on my own, independent. And I must say it’s been one heck of an experience.

                London, Ontario is unlike London, England. Why you ask? It’s a simple answer but one that needs to be experienced properly. London, Ontario is a small little city with a population of a little under half a million, situated midway between Detroit (in the American state of Michigan) and the city of Toronto. Yet, this city is home to two major educational institutions in Ontario: Fanshawe College and the University of Western Ontario. Now, as I’ve already mentioned, I’ve been here just about a month and yet I’ve already set foot on places like Covent Garden, Highbury and Oxford Avenue, Trafalgar Street and so on. The early settlers here sure did love their old dainty city of London. Interestingly enough, I read somewhere that it was intended that London, Ontario be made the capital of Canada but the Queen thought otherwise. Probably it was a wise decision, for if it were the capital, it’d be a lot noisier.

                It’s been homely, to say the least. The place I’m staying, the college and the new people I’m meeting on a regular basis. They all make the extra effort that the only International student in the Broadcast Journalism program feels at home. It’s quite flattering I tell you. (If you’re one of these people reading this, it’s the only reason why I haven’t mentioned the possibility of me taking advantage of it someday!) Interestingly enough, this small city plays gracious host to some of the biggest events in Canada – a WWE show (which interests me not), a TIESTO concert, a Kings of Leon concert, Avril Lavigne, Colbie Calliat and more hockey than I ever could have imagined. I can see some of you preparing to wring my neck and that is the risk I am willing to take. It’s a beautiful place, London, and it’s where I am for at least the next two years.

Photo Credits: http://beloveserve.com/?category_name=uncategorized&paged=2