London is huge! I never realized how big the place is (previously I had spent all my time in the town of Cambridge). Takes forever to get from one side of London to the next and quite a bit of logistical effort to meet up with friends – who inevitably are scattered in all four corners. Seems to me that London is a not really an “English” city anymore but actually a city state, consisting of every flavour of community, ethnicity, and religion.

I was astounded by all the Hijabs in the street, for example. My understanding is that such headscarves are worn for the sake of Modesty (Haya) to draw focus away from physical appearance and toward a person’s character, intellect, and actions. But it was hard not to notice the stunners under those scarves especially given the obvious millions spent on Chanel eyeliner, Dior mascara, and Armani lip gloss.