My London Interview
| Arvind Devalia |
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Where are you originally from?
 I was born in Kenya at 11.45pm on 19th March, which makes me a Pisces only just. Another 15 minutes and I would have been an Aries. To those who know a bit about astrology, this makes me a “cusp” which probably explains my mixed-up personality.
When did you first arrive in London?
On 28th April, 1974 - almost 30 years ago. We spent a night at Heathrow airport whilst our freight was rescued from a warehouse, where all our worldly belongings had been sent a month before. We must have been quite a sight – five dark skinny children, starry eyed and in summer clothes walking around Heathrow on a cold dark night. The night before, Leeds United had become the English football champions. How times have changed – quite possibly by 28th April 2004, Leeds Football Club will have been relegated and gone bust at the same time for good measure.
Why did you come to London?
 We had a choice – stay in Kenya and starve in the sunshine, my father having been denied a work permit. Or come to London and starve in the cold instead. We chose London – though not yet starving it feels mostly cold here. 30 years later my parents still talk about the sunny days back “home”.
Where do you live and why?
I live in St Johns Wood, in reputedly one of the nicest roads in London. I chose to live there because it is so near Regents Park, which is my spiritual home. Also, operating a coaching practice from such a location helps my business. I feel very lucky to be living where I do.
What’s your occupation and where do you work?
I am a Life Coach. This is more than just an occupation – I feel it is a calling. It is all about helping people make the best of their life in every way possible. I am committed to living a life of contribution, connection and celebration. I believe that life is meant to be fun, simple and a joy. You can learn more about what I do at www.nirvanacoaching.com. In order to be able to reach as wide an audience as possible, I have just published my first book – “Get a Life”.
What was you first impression of London?
Glitzy, loud and full of razzmataz. And that was just the inside of Oxford Circus tube station, which is how I first arrived in the West End. Now I just love the variety, zest and sheer raw energy of the place. I could not live anywhere else in the world (except perhaps in India or on a Caribbean beach).
What was your first memorable London experience, e.g. an interesting faux pas or a good day out?
 Many years ago, I drove through Trafalgar Square with my sun-roof open. A pigeon managed to poo poo on my head through the tiny opening. Earlier that day I had been knocked out of a squash tournament in the first round, despite being the favourite to win and the pigeon simply added insult to injury. I wish it could have just stuck to defacing Nelson’s column. I kind of feel avenged by the recent banning of pigeons from the square.
Do you have a favourite pub/restaurant/club?
I am very particular about where I eat out since I follow a strict vegetarian diet and am almost teetotal (the odd glass of champagne is okay). I also avoid smoky noisy pubs, and this seems to exclude most London pubs. I do however like the sheer variety and oozing energy of the restaurants on Upper Street Islington on a Friday evening.
My favourite restaurant for a late Sunday brunch or even just for a quick break drinking herbal tea is Richoux in St Johns Wood. I now avoid Indian restaurants since I feel I can cook almost as well as most of them. In fact the best place in town for wholesome, vegetarian and healthy food is my kitchen in St Johns Wood. Bookings are now being taken.
What are your favourite shops?
Health food shops such as Fresh & Wild. The best organic food is to be found here. Bit pricey, but then again my body is my temple. I also recently visited the food hall in Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly. If you haven’t already done so, then I highly recommend a visit to this gastronomic delight.
What’s your favourite London landmark/place of interest e.g. building/park/museum?
 The “secret” garden in Regents Park is for me heaven on earth. It was built around 1830 and is full of glorious alcoves originally designed for meditation and quiet contemplation. It is so secret most people don’t even know it is there.
What was the last play/movie/musical you saw and did you enjoy it?
It was Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake performed by The Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet Company in January this year. I saw the performance with a very special friend and it has been the highlight of my year so far – simply magical. On such evenings, you feel time comes to a standstill and you don’t want the show to end. The memory of that night will linger always.
How often do you go home?
London is home and since I work mainly from home, I am already home. My ancestral home is India and I go there every two years, the next trip planned for March 2004. I am heavily involved with a charity school in South India and you can find more details at www.nirvanatrust.com. I am always looking for volunteers to go out and help in anyway possible at the school, so if anyone is interested please contact me asap. I once had a two minute-conversation at a tube station with a girl from New Zealand, and she went out to the school for 10 months!
Do you know many compatriots here?
About nine million. Every Londoner is my compatriot. I am first and foremost a citizen of the world. I love people regardless of their colour, culture or creed.
Tube or Bus?
 Neither – I walk as much as I can. Otherwise the car. One day in the summer, I plan to check out one of the new rickshaws which seem to be taking over the West End. Covent Garden sometimes feels like Mumbai – all we need now are some stray cows and goats.
Soho or Covent Garden?
Covent Garden is my favourite place in central London – the boutiques, eateries and entertainers. On a breezy summer evening, nothing can beat being in the Plaza. As for Soho, the best and probably only good thing about it is the Fresh & Wild health food store.
North London or South London
 North London definitely. South of the river is great for culture – go as far as the Royal Festival Hall and no further. I feel that the friendliest and most down-to-earth Londoners are to be found in the East.
What do you miss most when you are out of London?
I miss the variety of things to do and see. When I visit my folks in Coventry, 100 miles from London, I can’t wait to get back. Everywhere else seems so quiet and laid back. I also love the people here. Despite what others say, I find Londoners in general very friendly, and of course trendy and upbeat.
What would make living in London more pleasant for you?
Even less traffic in central London. The congestion charge has made such a difference already. And fewer roadworks. Every road in the capital seems to be having work done at the moment.
What has been your favourite Euronet event?
 The one held at my home in November 2003 – “Healthy Living”. 15 Euronet members got a chance to review their life styles and eating habits and they took away some positive life changing actions. I shall be holding another one soon – look out for details. You can see details of the last one, click here.
What advice would you give to a new London settler?
Enjoy the city and don’t waste a moment. London is truly one of the best cities in the world. There is so much to do and there are so many interesting things happening to suit all budgets. Get “Time Out” every week. Make some new friends as soon as you can and ask around for interesting events. And of course, join Euronet. And if you are short of friends and activities, you can always contact me as I am a top networker and always aware of umpteen exciting things going on. Contact me at arvind@nirvanacoaching.com. |
