Dear friend,Since I have been in this country, I can't help it - I am always comparing.
Women in this country take the freedom they have as granted. I now enjoy leaving home at 6pm without feeling any fear about what neighbours will think.
You know, in mathematics it is believed that the number of petals in any type of flower is a fibonacci sequence term. I investigated this with flowers when I came across it in my country.
Here I went to a flower show in Cardiff. There were many flowers I had never seen before.
Whilst I was focussing on the number of petals of a flower, one of the visitors was certainly intrigued by the scene.
He came very close to me and said "don't touch". He was joking of course, but he frightened me.
This fear came from having experienced twelve years of terror in Algeria.
In my country, I used to hide behind being labelled a 'divorcee'.
In this country I hide because I am an 'asylum seeker'.
Why do I have always to hide something?
Yours, Louisa
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Lynda Williams from Cardiff
As the sunflower raises it large shining head toward the direction of the sun, I say to you hold your head high, walk with confidence in these streets in the knowledge that there are many, many good people all about you. Be proud of your achievements and look at a small point in the future, and when you attain that goal set another. Please enjoy and embrace our country as your own, as did my Grandfather over 90 years ago, you have a lot to give this world, so walk with your head held high and a smile in your heart knowing that the majority of our people do care. Have a good life, come out of the shadows and into the sunlight. Best wishes.
sharon
hey i feel you..sometimes i think people in uk do take what the have for granted..i hope someday for will be free
Helen from Newport
Hi Louisa, I am sorry that you feel you have to hide and hope that soon you will feel free. You came to this country to feel safe and I am ashamed that we are making you feel as though you must hide. Be true to your heart and please be assured that there are some genuine nice people out there who wish to make you feel welcome!!! X
Lisa from Cardiff
Good luck to you Louisa, I am sorry for those people who make you feel like you have to hide, you have every right to be here! I try not to take the freedom we have here for granted as I aware how lucky we women are in this country. I hope you can settle and be happy in Cardiff or where ever you choose to live.
All the best. Lisa : )
Amie Lawes from the Rhondda
I love living in Wales, it's so free. I can do what I want, when I want and there's no shame in going out and having fun. If I had to hide myself away I would be mortified because I am not ashamed of my beauty.
Tin Hinen
Je te souhaite une vie épanouie et heureuse à Cardiff, que les mauvais jours ne soient que souvenirs.(I wish you an open and happy life in Cardiff, and that the bad days are no more than memories.)
Rae
I am touched by your postcard and best of luck to you-
As a fellow woman, I hope your mathematical and other talents will have the chance to shine.
Nick
Best of luck Louisa - I hope the feeling of 'having to hide' will soon be something in your past.
