We're moving again next month, and while it's going to be challenging what with a baby and 'the situation', I can't wait. The place has a garden which while landscaped to the point of banality is at least pleasant, unlike previous gardens I've had access to as a private renter. These were all neglected for years by landlords - after all, why would you bother to make your rental property as comfortable or safe as you would expect for yourself?
Anyway, this will be my twelfth flat in sixteen years in London, and people ponder the reasons for the fragmentation of society and lack of community cohesion! It is, in part, due to the precariousness of private renting imo - you're never anywhere long enough to establish yourself in that community. That's why we need a massive increase in social housing provision. While it should certainly be allocated on a basis of need, it should be aspirational as it once was, and not seen as a last resort. I'm reminded of a quote from an East German regarding defectors: "We knew if it (the GDR society) was true socialism, they'd be climbing the wall in the other direction".
Having said that, even having a home at all means I'm relatively privileged, and I'm very aware of that.
Anyway here's the garden. It's small but will be hugely beneficial for my mental wellbeing (even if it's only for a year before we have to move again due to a rent increase or some other issue). For the time being I shall look forward to enjoying many beers out there, perhaps accompanied by birdsong or a vibrant Venus in the early evening.
Anyway, this will be my twelfth flat in sixteen years in London, and people ponder the reasons for the fragmentation of society and lack of community cohesion! It is, in part, due to the precariousness of private renting imo - you're never anywhere long enough to establish yourself in that community. That's why we need a massive increase in social housing provision. While it should certainly be allocated on a basis of need, it should be aspirational as it once was, and not seen as a last resort. I'm reminded of a quote from an East German regarding defectors: "We knew if it (the GDR society) was true socialism, they'd be climbing the wall in the other direction".
Having said that, even having a home at all means I'm relatively privileged, and I'm very aware of that.
Anyway here's the garden. It's small but will be hugely beneficial for my mental wellbeing (even if it's only for a year before we have to move again due to a rent increase or some other issue). For the time being I shall look forward to enjoying many beers out there, perhaps accompanied by birdsong or a vibrant Venus in the early evening.
I really should've waited for the references to clear before posting this, right?
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