Memories:

Down and out in London

by Dr. D. P. Atukorale

I went to UK on a Colombo Plan Fellowship to do cardiology in Manchester in October 1971. As the Sri Lankan Government faced severe financial problems at the time (during the 1970 to 1977 era) maximum foreign exchange granted to those travelling to UK had been reduced to pounds 2 per person.

This was my first experience in flying and I really enjoyed my trip in spite of the fact that the BOAC airhostesses were very rude to dark skinned passengers.

During the flight, as I was feeling very thirsty, and as I had been given the impression by the airline staff, that I don't have to pay for soft drinks, I requested for a glass of orange juice.

I was shocked to receive the orange juice and also a bill for 30 pence which I had to pay from the 2 Sterling pounds foreign exchange received in Colombo.

Now I was left with only 1 pound and 70 pence for me to tide over during the next four days (as I left Sri Lanka on a Friday, reached Heathrow on Friday evening and the British Council which is to pay my Fellowship allowance opens only on Monday morning at 9 a.m.)At Heathrow airport, I got into an airport bus which took me to a hotel.

I had to face another shock here when I got down from the bus; I had to pay another 40 pence as my bus-fare. Now for the next three days I was left with only 1 pound and 30 pence for my meals and travelling.

I had to stay in a five star hotel on Friday evening. As the hotel looked very posh, I was feeling very happy. As I was feeling very hungry after the long flight, I inquired from the hotel reception whether I have to pay for my meals.

A lady at the reception told me that nothing was free in that hotel and even for a cup of coffee I had to pay money.

I was severely depressed and was wondering how I could tide over for the next three days with 1 pound and 30 pence. As I was very hungry I visited the coffee shop and found that the cheapest meal (fried potatoes) cost 40 pence.

I gave up eating chips and was walking up and down the road when I saw a person selling apples. I bought two apples which cost me 10 pence and went to my room and ate the apples and drank some tap water. That was my first dinner in UK. All this time I was cursing our Sri Lankan government for restricting our foreign exchange to 2 pound per person for four days.

I tried my best to have a small nap, but could not sleep as I had been used to having a heavy rice and curry dinner before sleeping. Anyway, I happened to close my eyes as I was very tired after the long flight when someone knocked at my hotel room door.

When I opened the door, a very good doctor friend of mine entered my room. I told him my financial difficulties as Sri Lankan foreign exchange department released only 2 pounds for 4 days expenditure.

He gave me a loan of 5 pounds and invited me to come and stay in his doctor's quarters. I was very happy and relieved and he drove me to his hospital quarters and fed me with delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry prepared by him.

I stayed with my friend till next Monday and enjoyed his kind hospitality. On Saturday and Sunday he took me to the town and I saw the beautiful yellow autumn leaves and teenage girls riding horses.

On Monday morning, I went to London office of the British Council and the staff there, were very courteous. I was advised what to do and what not to do in London. I received my warm clothing allowance and my October fellowship allowance of 72 Euro.

I was advised to see "Burton Tailors" where they sold suits and overcoats at very economic prices to foreigners.

I returned to my doctor friend's quarters and promptly paid the loan of 5 pounds and profusely thanked him for the invaluable help rendered to me and left for Manchester next morning by railway.

By the time I reached Manchester, the staff at Manchester British Council office had booked a room in a postgraduate hostel where I stayed for the next two years.