Authored by Monika Walia.

My journey of moving to Cornwall, UK, from Delhi, India, is a story I am very fond of sharing, and it embodies the sense of fun and adventure that many people have experienced joining the Centre.

I moved to the UK for my PhD in September 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, during strict rules on international travel and a 10-day quarantine period – I had to take three COVID tests before I was able to step out to explore my new home.

Relocating to the lovely seaside town of Penzance proved to be the solace I was seeking amidst global chaos. The first few months were tough, undoubtedly, but with time, I began to embrace the local culture.

I learned (the hard way!) how essential rain jackets and waterproof boots are, was baffled with nearly countless types of GWR train tickets, got stranded in the countryside when the rain was pouring, the bus broke down, and my phone died as well, and built my stamina to walk around the hilly landscape of Cornwall without panting (although I am still working on that).

My palate even began to relish the county’s pasties, although they were snatched away by circling seagulls on two occasions!

Monika on the South West Coast Path, in West Cornwall.

I had heard of Cornwall before I moved here, but I never imagined it would become my second home. This was made possible by all the wonderful people I met here and the people at the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, who made me feel welcome.

There’s something special about day-to-day life at the Centre. It’s not just the atrium talks or the seminars – though those are always inspiring. It’s the feeling you get being there. One moment you’re listening to a fascinating idea; the next, you’re chatting over coffee and cake or getting pulled into a puzzle that somehow turns into a group effort.

What I really appreciate about the Centre is how genuinely welcoming and diverse it feels. There’s a natural sense of collaboration in the air – it’s a place where people support one another, share their curiosity, and where even small, everyday interactions can lift your mood. Being part of this growing community is something I truly feel proud of.

After almost 5 years in Cornwall, I can honestly say that as much as I love my paranthas and chai, I am now equally passionate about my pasties (always stocked in the freezer), Sunday roasts, summer barbecues, and full-English breakfasts!

Slowly and bit by bit, with lots of love and support from my friends and colleagues, among the chaos, I feel as if I have found a spot for myself that has become home – even if the one thing that I have yet to fully embrace is getting into the sea! As much as I love admiring it from a distance on my coastal walks and dipping my toes in the shallow shore, I need to take it up a notch and embark upon some swimming lessons.

I am not only excited to see my professional growth as a postdoctoral research fellow but also for what else beautiful Cornwall holds for me.