A ticket to London, please

London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom (UK). Its streets are full of places that tell its history as well as foreign people who now call the city their home. According to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, about half of the UK’s foreign-born population (51% in total) were either in London (38%) or the South East (14%). Loubna Turjuman had 19 years old when she flew from Guatemala, her natal city, to Miami, Florida. She lived there six years until she flew again to stay in London, the city she calls home for seven years.

Photo of the London parliament.

---

Why do you leave Guatemala?

Because of the opportunities to study, work and also to have life experiences in other parts of the world. I studied Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami and then I got my masters in London on Documentary Film. Since then I have not stopped touring the world with London as the center.

What do you miss of Guatemala?

Its nature, landscapes and weather. At the beginning, what I missed most was my family. It was the first time I moved alone. In Miami, I had my brother but in London, I had no one. The toughest thing was to leave my family and friends. It was hard for me to adapt to a life without having my family close, but not in other ways.

What did you like most about London when you just arrived?

Everything. Is a city that offers everything you want in terms of history, culture, art, food and more. It is a city where I have lived for 7 years but I still know new places within it.

In the beginning, did you had a comfort zone?

Yes and no.

I have always been a very social person but, before London, I had never lived in a city where I had no family. And that was the hardest thing, getting used to being alone.

Loubna in one of her trips.

---

London has given you something that Guatemala doesn't?

A lot, I become a very independent person. I feel happy and proud of the things that I have achieved. I have become stronger. And, as I mentioned before, I love that it is a city that one never knew. I also like very much that it is full of people from all over the world, which is something that I love. It opens your mind and also opens the door to distant worlds that you never thought of getting to know.

Do you feel totally comfortable in London? Do you plan to return to Guatemala one day?

I feel totally comfortable in London, I already have my friends and my own business. At the moment he did not plan to return to Guatemala but you never know with life.

Loubna may not return to Guatemala soon, but she left a piece of his heart in the country while she is taking over the world. Her family and the landscapes that loved her so much when they grow up are always waiting for your visit.