City Living

  • The look of a city is only the start of it

    The London we know of is made up of much of the subjective experience that we get of it. The rest is what we can see, and what others can tell us about what they know of. It’s known as the vibrancy of modern cities, and it makes people happier.

    A shot of an open carriage and two horses on Westminster Bridge, in central London.

    The fact is, though, that unhappiness can be a factor in some people’s experiences of it. This is shown in their reaction to current events and the people that populate it. It may not be a protest today, but it can be a comment that’s negative.

    The other point of modern life is that people talk about living it. This brings out opinions. It brings out perspectives. It brings out the views that we don’t all share. This livens up most places with discussions that make memorable moments.

  • Looking at life in London

    The life of most people in London is determined by what they’ve got to do. I’ve met people who’ve worked most days of the week. They sleep off the rest. Others have more time on their hands. They get involved in social scenes.

    It’s a normal life for people. They’ve got things to do. To make it happen they need to fulfil demands. It makes life possible there. The other reality is the events around them. They’re determined by others. It may be a criminal.

    London: Zones of concern

    The sectors affected are Finance, Politics, Security, and Tourism. These are often hotspots for trouble in London. It’s because of their influence, power, and scope. They’re linked up to the rest of the world. It makes for prime real estate for gangs, groups, and networks.

    It also takes being aware, decisive, and streetwise. It’s a part of the dramas unfolding in London every single day. It’s not always exciting. It’s a concern for law enforcement. It’s their job to help life to go on. After all, it needs to look the same tomorrow.

  • Is Khan’s London brand running thin?

    Sir Khan, the Mayor of London, has made a big thing of pumping it as a welcoming place. He regularly declares it open, despite its record breaking passenger stats. It’s a good time to be alive, in Mayoral terms, and don’t we all know it by now.

    However, his focus on minority issues lacks in proportion to the largest city in the UK. It has a population of over eight million people and yet Sir Khan makes sure 15-20% feel like it. His ‘community is unity’ brand is not making waves where it matters.

    The fact is Londoners like it when it’s their tradition, culture, or religion on show. The act of pulling in others to celebrate is becoming part of the fabric of it. An event like Loved and Wanted sounds like a party in Soho, not a day out for the family.

    The vastness of its enterprise expanding up says otherwise. There are more and more coming to work but also to eat, spend time, and play in its pubs, riverside eateries, and sky high restaurants. The local areas need more investment, not new moments.

  • London in June