"My mom is from Southall--not sure what part of London that is--south??"
Southall's on the western edge of London, not near me. I used to go there a lot for business a few years ago. Large Indian/Pakistani population there now.
"Ham sandwichs on trains? They are a national joke here! Everyone hates them!
Well when I was a kid visting in the 70's I loved them. Guess I'm the only one. Maybe they are waiting for me to come back?!?"
It was in the 70's that they the joke thing started I think. TV comedians would compare things to British Rail sandwiches, "curling up at the edges" and suchlike. I think things have improved since then but I don't do trains so I wouldn't know.
Anyway, gotta run, breakfast time!
I've heard. The influx was just starting when my mom was a kid--1940's/50's. She remembers them scaring the heck out of her. Enjoy breakfast. Let us know what good food you are having.