The move has also brought me to a place of residence I share with five people from all over the world.
Whenever we do discuss different facets of each others' lives (especially in the kitchen during meal times), the concept of diversity always enters my mind. How Filipinos, Poles, Brits, Italians, and Indians view a lot of things is very unique. One thing the group tends to agree on, however, is the fact that the world would be a better place sans prejudice. Prejudice is something I have not personally experienced since moving to Europe a year ago. I haven't been in the middle of anything of the sort. Maybe London truly is an "open" city. Maybe I've just been lucky. Maybe I've done well with steering clear of negative elements. Whatever the case may be, I always find it fascinating that here in London, it is so commonplace to see people, often from absolutely diverse backgrounds, being able to exist harmoniously, to the extent that the expression "I understand" truly does take on a whole new meaning.
I can only hope that when I return to the Philippines, or, whatever place I end up in in the coming years, provides a similar semblance of openness to diversity. It's somewhat wishful thinking, for sure, but hey, it's free to dream.
MC
Whenever we do discuss different facets of each others' lives (especially in the kitchen during meal times), the concept of diversity always enters my mind. How Filipinos, Poles, Brits, Italians, and Indians view a lot of things is very unique. One thing the group tends to agree on, however, is the fact that the world would be a better place sans prejudice. Prejudice is something I have not personally experienced since moving to Europe a year ago. I haven't been in the middle of anything of the sort. Maybe London truly is an "open" city. Maybe I've just been lucky. Maybe I've done well with steering clear of negative elements. Whatever the case may be, I always find it fascinating that here in London, it is so commonplace to see people, often from absolutely diverse backgrounds, being able to exist harmoniously, to the extent that the expression "I understand" truly does take on a whole new meaning.
I can only hope that when I return to the Philippines, or, whatever place I end up in in the coming years, provides a similar semblance of openness to diversity. It's somewhat wishful thinking, for sure, but hey, it's free to dream.
MC
