ILET has taken me to London, UK

Coming back to London has been like getting back to a place you've lived before. You know the place, the streets, the buildings, ... You get around with a sense of belonging, finding your way around as if you had not left. The first time I visited London was in 2003, for the Summer Institute at the Institute of Education (IoE), University of London. We were here for two weeks or so and just got a glimpse of the city. But that was enough for it to become part of me, so much I can walk around the places I've been without getting lost. This is a lot to say, especially when I always get lost, because I have a very bad sense of direction.

One thing I wanted to do when coming back to London was to take a picture of Gandhi’s statue. I first saw it the last day I was in London in 2003, and did not had my camera with me at the moment. There was no time left to come back and had to leave without this precious picture.

Gandhi’s statue is close to the IoE, in a small square (park), surrounded by flowers, green grass, big trees, and a very peaceful environment. As the many other little squares (parks) around the city of London, they give people a chance to escape from the noise and the busy streets. Some of the squares are fenced, secluded from the apartment buildings, stores, hotels, and educational institutions (including the University of London). Once inside, you are surrounded by tall green bushes. You then walk over small paths that take you to the statues and benches, so you can read and relax, talk to a friend, or just sit there and keep to yourself. It is like being transported to a magical place of serenity.

I was lucky enough to have a friend to share with me the experience of visiting this little square. She even took a picture of Gandhi and we talked a little about why people still remember him.