Oh dear, after years upon dreary years of slating South West London for being too um, bland, posh, white, middle class and boring etc. I may have to revise my opinion. I stayed the night there this week, wandered up the river, saw joggers, families, workers, walked to a nice pizza place and well, liked it a lot. The thing is, compared to East London it just seems to safe.
I've yet to see any scary street crime in South West London, although of course it happens. I think there are less alarming crack houses on residential streets - although again, it must happen. People on the whole seem prettier and un rushed, possibly because they are richer, and therefore have more time on their hands for prettification. Buses are not just for the poor, mothers, broke workers and pensioners - and they have the; 'how many minutes to the next bus signs.'
I loved the diversity in East London, and think it probably still beats the arse of South West London in that respect. Although there are more Kiwi's, Australian's and South African's (all richer) in South West London. In terms of diversity of sexuality I'm sure East London wins again, not seen a 'political' lesbian or one with a defined look as seen on the streets of Hackney/Stoke Newington and Clapton daily. Of course they are probably there, but in more expensive clothes... As for boys, well, suspect South West London and its lovely shops wins, not many gay male couples outside of 'loft land' in East London (Spitalfields, Old Street and the like).
And as for people like me...well who knows, all I can say is as I've got older I like to feel safe. Actually I don't want to be chased home from the tube, or encounter scary crack heads, or even worry about noisy neighbours.
Maybe, just maybe, diversity aside, and recognising extra green spaces in the South West I'd prefer it. Or maybe I'd go a little mad and vandalise phone boxes just for the hell of it. Blimey that is an admission for me though. (L - I know you will read this, gutted! Now you'll have to admit to liking Hastings).
2 comments:
"not seen a 'political' lesbian or one with a defined look as seen on the streets of Hackney/Stoke Newington and Clapton daily. Of course they are probably there, but in more expensive clothes"
Erm....not quite sure how to respond to this, as I identify with both the above stereotypes.
But maybe that's why I like Hastings/St. Leonards so much because I can just be who I am without feeling I have to conform to anyone else's ideas.
Trust me, Hastings is much better than South West, North East, South East or North West London ANYDAY.
Yes London IS diverse, but would you want to live and bring up your chldren there........?
I rest my case....... x
Exactly why this area is brilliant, but seriously there are several 'looks' amongst the twenty something lesbians of East London. Think designer type clothes, cool gadgets, good or less hair and um, well it is a sterotype after all!
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