Southampton seems quite an
international city! Not that you run into people of different nationalities all
the time (for some reason mainly Chinese) but a lot of programs and events are
available to make internationals feel welcomed and less home sick.
In the welcome package from my halls
of residence, I was given a flyer for an organization called Friends
International that had announcements of several events during the term to get
to know the English culture, history and most importantly people.
There was a culture course starting
this Friday which seemed quite serious and therefore interesting to me J It was to take place on the last weekend before lectures start and
thus seemed an opportunity not to be missed.
As the event was taking place at
someone’s house, I thought that I shouldn't go there empty handed as it’s the habit in Egypt. So I stopped in the way and picked a pack of apple pies which looked
delicious (and cheap...GBP 1 for 6 small pies!).
I reached the place easily, rang the
door and was warmly greeted by our host and his lovely granddaughter. The first puzzle though was to get off my shoes or
not! I’m personally used to taking off my shoes but I know people in the “West”
usually don’t, however when I stepped into the house some were wearing their
shoes and others not so I just asked our host who said “I’m putting my shoes on,
usually our Chinese guests take them off, so whatever you like” and I chose the
Chinese way J
The living room was very welcoming and
very well-arranged to accommodate a moderate number of people. When Richard,
our retired history teacher host, knew I’m Egyptian he showed my 3 glass
pyramids which he brought when he visited Egypt with Margaret his wife and
thankfully they had very good memories there!
Shortly after our very diverse group,
with a lot of people from China and others from Italy, Netherlands, Vietnam,
the USA, and Indonesia, chatted for a while I was surprised that dinner will be
served. I was expecting a proper cup of English tea and may be some
biscuits J
Before serving the dinner Margaret, who is
probably 70 years old, came to me and leaned on her knees to ask if I’d like
the vegetarian meal (she's probably made that guess as I’m wearing a hijab) and advised
that I stand at the beginning of the queue because others who might not be
vegetarian may find it nice and I end up with no dinner. I didn’t find it
strange that they prepared a vegetarian meal as it’s an “international” event
but I found it very thoughtful anyways.
Before eating, Richard very politely
said that they’re a Christian family and so they are used to saying prayers
before meals to thank God and ask for his blessings and called everyone to do
what suits them and made clear that they needn't share at all in this ritual.
Finally and after a nice variety of
traditional English desserts or puddings as they call them, Richard started
telling us about how England became a nation focusing on King Alfred, the
Great. It was a very amusing talk, with Richard’s sense of humor and funny
comments every now and then about the English people. The talk included how Christianity
was brought to England and it was obvious from Richard’s tone and words how
proud he’s of his religion.
The night concluded with announcements
about upcoming events by Friends International, including Christianity lessons
delivered every Wednesday evening in Highfield church during which a meal will
be served.
For the whole evening I couldn't resist the thought that they’re doing all this to invite people to Christianity and as someone who comes from a society deeply believing in conspiracy theory I
thought of how free meals and tours are all part of it….well that was a joke!
They've shown respect to everyone present regardless of who they are,
where they come from and what faith they have. Even if this is meant to invite people into
Christianity, because they believe it’s the right way to
God, I find that they’re entitled to and whoever is listening should always think for herself and decide what makes sense for her and what doesn't!
In the end they say it out loud on
their website “We are a Christian
charity, and offer our services to international students of any faith or none”
and this touched on ground.
Next
time I’ll tell you more about Winchester and its ancient cathedral (BTW every
city whose name ends with “chester” means it was a Roman military base in the
past ;).
Know more about Friends International here http://www.fisuk.org/soton/
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