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First Impressions of the UK
(by Yousuf; arrived in March 2001)

"I arrived from Bangladesh in March 2001 with my family. When I landed in London the first thing that got me was the extremely cold weather. The traffic was a hundred times better then Bangladesh. In Bangladesh it is quite chaotic where cars, rickshaws and people all on the same road, going at once. The buildings were better, it was quite a clean environment where everyone looked well off. The shopping centre was different, so was the schools. What I disliked about coming was leaving my relatives and as well as my parents behind. My father is old and won't be able to cope with the weather. There are also some racist people around calling me names and stuff, but most of the people are friendly. Overall it has been a great move and a great experience for me."

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First Impressions of the UK
(by Lothifa Begum, arrived September 2001; through a translator)

" I didn't like it here because it was so different and it was my first time abroad. I was scared because people at home said people would treat us differently, but it has been alright because so many people are being friendly and nice to me. The houses are different, the rooms look much smaller in Bangladesh. The surrounding areas are nicer in Bangladesh because when you go out you see bright coloured flowers everywhere. London is similar to Dhaka - roads, cars, buildings but different to the villages."

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