I Wish More Indians Lived In Carlisle

@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
September 1, 2011 1:56pm CST
As you know the UK is a diverse nation. This was evident when the T20 Cricket Match between England v India was broadcast from Old Trafford, Manchester yesterday..and very entertaining it was too. It was lovely seeing everyone integrated, having a great time. Obviously, the English can't "enjoy" themselves without booze but at least it was all light-hearted and fun. Here in Carlisle we don't really have an Indian community as such. They do exist but it's predominantly white here, with a few Eastern Europeans. There are some Muslims but I've no idea which nation they originate from. When I worked in Preston I came across practically every nationality in the office. One lady (I'm ashamed to say I can't remember her name) was very sweet. She looked no older than 20. Her workmates just kept giving her more work to do and I could tell she was stressed. One morning I went to see her with a file I made up for her and gave her an ethnic bracelet with a bell on it, designed to go round the ankle. She was ecstatic about this as it was obvious it was the type of bracelet she really liked! I was so pleased to see her smile again. A few weeks later I was coming up the stairs at Preston Railway Station and she was struggling (down) with a huge case full of files, ready to take to a court in Blackburn, I think. She was sweating buckets and I could tell she wasn't well. I felt guilty about not having the time to help her out but she did ask me a favour. I had to give her boss a message that, after she'd been to Blackburn she was going home as she wasn't well and she was "going to bed." I was quite relieved about this as, like I say, she was clearly unwell. Anyway, I passed the message on to her boss and she looked at me as if I was making it up. I explained that I'd just seen her and that she looked very poorly but she just gave me a smug grin. Obviously, I didn't tell my Indian friend this when she came back to work the following day. Anyway, she left eventually and I missed her when she'd gone. She was so nice, like all Indians seem to be. This is why I wish there were more I could meet here in Carlisle. We could swap recipes but please don't do that here lol.
3 responses
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
2 Sep 11
I have met a few Indians here as I have visited Hare Krishna Temples for their amazing vegetarian food in the past and they have all been amazingly happy and friendly people. We also have a local Indian restaurant that we used to go to quite often as the service was exceptional there and the staff treated us like old friends each time we visited. I am sure that they are not all this way and in their own country it might be different story with so many people desperate to survive. But I feel that most would be pretty nice. I have quite a few close friends who have visited India and all say that it is an amazing place.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 11
Oh well, I can dream I suppose. Nothing wrong with that.
• China
2 Sep 11
I am very moved by your story.It seems to me that You are so kind-hearted .At least you have respect for human rights and are without racial discrimination.We all live in Global village,I see no reason why some people regard one nationality as superior to another.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 11
Thanks my friend.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
1 Sep 11
We are very fortunate in the UK in that we have a huge diversity of narionalities and cultures. Most are based in the big cities of course. But I am sure that even in Carlisle (I'll give you a wave as I drive past on the motorway next week) you will find an ethnic society that would be keen to welcome your friendship.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Sep 11
I'd feel a bit of an idiot though as I'd be the only white face in there, I'm sure. If I see you I shall wave too.