After being away for three months, I have returned to my flat in central London. I had expected things to be a bit more dramatic, one of a kind to experience how it would feel to come back after such an extraordinary life-and-society-interrupting event as Covid-19. We are trained through media exposure, aren’t we?
Yet, all seems rather ordinary here in Kentish Town. This impression is only true when first arriving.
Yes, so people walk their dogs. Yes, you see folks running their errands and carrying their shopping bags. Yes, you see excitedly screaming kids on their bike. But when exploring the neighbourhood more closely, a vital part is missing.
There is no social life on the streets. Exploring Google Maps, all shops except food markets, bike shops and pharmacies are “temporarily closed”. What was once a vibrant neighbourhood is kind of dead. Where are all those noisy people who used to populate those pubs, bars and restaurants?
Have they gone back to their parents, moved to the countryside or are they just staying at home zooming to compensate for their usual lively evenings? I don’t know. I am puzzled.
I just got my plant back. The one and only plant I have had in my flat and survived with me for the last ten years. My lovely neighbours have taken care of it while I was away.
My first days back I have celebrated with a bike ride through central London. My sis joined. Here is the photo story. I do love London.
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