First Typing Lessons

A Memory of Redhill.

As a 16 year old, I was a boarder from Cartagena de Indias, Colombia at Saint Joseph's Convent, 122 Ladbroke Road. With me there were around 25 girls ranging from the ages of 4 to 17 years old and at least from 10 different countries from around the world. As far as Kenya, the Sood sisters, from Hong Kong the Leung and Ho sisters. I would call it a small NATO. In my first year at St Joseph's I was in 4th form.
At the Technical Institute the boarders used to take some of the subjects taught there. One of the preferred lessons were typing lessons. On Saturdays and some evenings, we would take typing lessons. I remember walking to the Institute with my friends Christine Ngobi and Jackie Lemaitre. I do not remember the address of the Institute or if it was within walking distance from St Joseph's.
A few days ago and looking at old Redhill pictures, where I spent two years, I found this beautiful picture of the Redhill Technical Institute. What caught my attention about this picture were the stairs. When I saw the photo, I said to myself, I have been here! Those steps... and then all the memories came back. Going up those stairs then entering a class room, and my first ever typing machine. What is this! I said to myself, how do I even start to learn how to remember where each letter is. But I loved going to the Technical Institute 60 years after the building was made.
Sadly in 1967 Christine Ngobi lost her father who was a Secretary in Uganda, if I am not mistaken, when Idi Amin was in power. Christine lost contact with her family for some time. Christine moved to London and began to work at a Hospital. As it was customary in those days, the boarders were always accompanied to go places. And it was me who went with her all the way to London, by train, then the underground, and into the Hospital. I do not remember the name of it. By the time I went back to the Convent it was already 8pm. I never heard from Christine ever again.
With Jackie Lemaitre who is my best friend since we were 4, we still see each other, and talk on the phone constantly. Jackie lives in Cartagena de Indias and I moved to the States in Indianapolis. At present we are sharing memories of Redhill, looking at all these beautiful photos, and also of the history of Redhill. We are fascinated walking through Memory Lane. (By the way Sir Paul MacCartney will be in Colombia for the first time ever on April 19, 2012.)
I spent a lovely time living in Redhill as a student, meeting people, making friends and travelling in England and in Europe. I was a very privileged child, I am very thankful of my father who loved all of his eight children very much, and who gave us the best of educations. My father being in the Colombian Navy had traveled some. His recommendation when I went to say good bye to him were: The food there is completely different from ours. Learn to like the new flavors! Visit all museums and art galleries! And above all, learn new languages! I learned English, Italian and some French!