We have lived in London for over 6 years. Tottenham, Dalston, Upper and Lower Clapton have all been home. Somehow, up until now, living in the city has been satisfying, stimulating and imminently survivable. Despite the fact that we’ve moved 4 times in the 6 years, that I’ve moved studio 3 times (twice having been moved on due to the ongoing development blitz that is East London), that jobs have come and gone, that we have lived submerged in the noise and swirling grime of the city, we have enjoyed our time here. Until very recently.
A combination of problems with neighbours, noise, rent prices (not to mention the seeming impossibility of getting a mortgage for a decent flat or house in this area) has finally made us aware of the impact life in the city is having on us. We’d talked idly about moving to the country for years, as is our duty being Londoners. Suddenly, it occured to us that this flippant fantasy could be a reality! After all, we run a design agency focusing on web – we can do our work from anywhere, and we already work with international clients. They wouldn’t even know the difference. And we could actually afford to live somewhere with a garden!!! This was beginning to sound rather desirable.
So in a moment of spontaneous life-changing-decision-making, we resolved to simply leave. Of course, there are many stories out there of failed escapes such as the one we’re planning. To be fair, it might be a disaster, and we may be back in town a few months down the line with collective tail between our legs. But we’re going to give it a try, and we will use this blog to document the process. Please check back when you can for updates on our progress.
yes! sounds good.
you could even have a little pet pig in the country. they are smart, funny and cute.
comment by martha — January 26, 2010 @ 6:35 pm
ha! I would get a pig as an alternative to a dog. If I wanted a dog. But I’m not currently receiving pet-style creatures into my life. However, Emily talks about getting a cat with some regularity.
Also, I would worry about the whole country thing not working out, and then a pig is your friend… Well you can’t take it to live in the city, can you?
comment by north — January 26, 2010 @ 6:51 pm
Oh we could bring the pigs back to London and keep them in the garden like this family in Notting Hill do. Cute they might be, but according to these people they can be ‘very destructive’.
comment by emily — January 27, 2010 @ 10:38 am
cats can be destructive too. we’ve lost at least half a dozen glasses/bowls/plates since we adopted our cat Lorenzo (aka big L.) 2 months ago. plus, we’ve had many close calls… catching big L hanging off the big screen tv, hanging off the back of my monitor and laptop (he hates screens and wants to destroy them – they are in competition with him for our time and attention). plus, he’s almost ‘destroyed’ my best friend’s little toy poodle by almost killing him. so, i don’t know. kitties aren’t just cute. pigs just have a bad rep.
comment by martha — January 27, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
btw: i’m thinking just a wee micro pig friend. and here’s the best of both worlds:
http://www.outsidethebox.co.uk/blog/image.axd?picture=2009%2fmicro-pigs1.jpg
comment by martha — January 27, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
Oh yes. I stumbled upon those wee piggies when I was trying to find my earlier pigs-in-the-city article. “micro pigs” eh? I’m not so sure I want one of them running around at home. And how will it feel when I’m frying up slices of it’s cousin’s arse for a sarnie?
re destructive kitty behaviour – crikey.. we have been warned!
comment by emily — January 27, 2010 @ 11:48 pm