KEYWORDS: N/A (Visuals-based post)
SUMMARY: N/A
NOTE: Audio-recording to be considered.
Like London, Acton is old. Though, these days, it's referred to as an "up & coming" neighbourhood, which suggests youthfulness. (It seems that descriptor helps realtors sell houses.) Due west of Central London, it's home to over 60 000 residents. On a recent trip to England, I stayed with friends in their charming Acton home (not pictured). When out & about in the neighbourhood, I couldn't help but take photographs of what and who I saw. Acton, in many ways, is a microcosm of modern-day England. For the reflective urban dweller, that's enough to make her think, stop and click.
The Photographs (my interpretation included):
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(#2) The graffiti pictured above was found on an exterior wall that ran along the sidewalk to separate private homes from pedestrians. It would be noticeable to anyone standing at the bus stop adjacent to the wall. On that March day, I was waiting at that particular bus stop -- and took a photograph. Somaliland, according to BBC News, is a self-declared independent territory.
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(#5) Sam, a local nail salon owner, pictured above (permission granted for publication), reassured me that Acton was a safe neighbourhood, including for women. Keep in mind that Sam lives elsewhere in Greater London.
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(#7) "I Love Acton". Amongst community housing, this sign - this gesture - shows that Acton is more than a neighbourhood, it's home.
'ACTON' in the news:
(1) The Telegraph (UK): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/9831912/I-feel-like-a-stranger-where-I-live.html
(2) IB Times (UK Edition): http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/abdul-hadi-arwani-imams-death-shocks-acton-muslim-community-1495453
(3) Street Art News (UK): http://www.streetartnews.net/2014/11/stik-paints-big-mother-tallest-mural-in.html
UPCOMING! PART 2: SILICON FEN - ENGLAND'S 'SILICON VALLEY' - SETS HIGH AMBITIONS
