Years ago I lived in a house and never once met my neighbour – until I read the name tag on his backpack in a bus queue in Glasgow on the other side of the world. Only then did I introduce myself and have a chat.
I’ve lived in everything from a Japanese shoebox to a sprawling penthouse (ah no, not mine) but have resided in an apartment for most of my adult life.
There’s a particular way of life found within a block of flats.
There are social chats on the stairs, a quiet bond shared while pegging sheets on the line and the borrowing of milk or sugar.
I’ve helped No.4 when she locked her baby in her unit, No.3 saved me when I did my back and I now work with the great gal from No.1.
Many sunny afternoons are shared in the communal garden with lovely people – without a single phone call required or diary entry made.
There may be nights when a baby is screaming, the odd party keeps you awake or the stomping of heels on floorboards penetrates the brain. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. These are the sounds of life.
I cherish this form of living where space is respected, help is mere metres away and the joy of community is found amongst strangers…who often become friends.
Bondi Beach is fertile ground for block life and is one of the many reasons I choose to live here. I hope many of you enjoy this life too…
Yours in community culture…
x andy
