I was in my third year studying philosophy and history of science and medicine, when as a class trip, our class of about 15 students went out to V&A museum to visit an exhibition about the history of photography. My memory about the visit itself is a bit hazy but what happened after remained clear as day. There were many visitors that evening, many more than usual. After our group broke up to go our separate ways, I lingered around for a bit, visiting the other exhibitions in the museum. Whilst exploring the other wing of the building, I realised that there was a special late exhibition on that day. A 1 day exhibition that filled the hallways with pop-up music stalls, hands-on experiences and art. I grabbed a flyer, not knowing what all the commotion and energy was about only to find out that the whole night was an ode to and a celebration of Tottenham. You see, Tottenham has gotten a bad rep for a long time for being where the riots of 2011 started. Since then, the suburb has gone through great efforts to reclaim their identity - as a hub of creativity, culture and diversity. There were light shows, hip hop music, graffiti art installations and fashion pieces that represented Tottenham and its people. And it was great!
After spending what felt like hours roaming the different rooms, I was sold. I thought this was something not to ignore - my serendipitous and unplanned visit to this event was a sure enough divine sign that told me that I am meant for Tottenham, and Tottenham is meant for me. This is it - we are going to look for an apartment there. There, and no where else.
When the time finally came for us to search for a new abode, the responsibility mainly laid on my shoulders. I lined up several house viewings, but what was within our budget didn't really appeal. Until we found the current apartment that is now our home. I first visited this home with my aunt, who has lived in London for almost her whole adult life - so she was the perfect person to advise me on house hunting in this city. When walking towards our viewing, we noticed that the house was located next to a river. One with houseboats! There were swans and ducks lazily swimming in cold winter. "This does not feel like we are in London anymore!" my aunt said. I agreed, this was very far removed from the hustle and bustle of central London.
We arrived at the house to be greeted by a Filipino family. A mom, a dad, a son and a grandmother. They were courteous and kind as they gave us a short tour around the small apartment of two bedrooms. Although small in size, after living in a studio with A for almost a year, the space this little apartment offered felt like a luxury.
"There are good schools in this area. And there is a bus stop just there and the tube station is only 7 minutes away by foot," sold the owner. "If we could live here, we would. But we need more space. Our son is growing."
The walls were painted in a tacky yellow and the kitchen and bathroom needed a cosmetic upheaval. But it was cosy, it was in a great location and I could see its huge potential. After so many disappointing house viewings, I was relieved. Here, I was able to picture my family living in this space, happy, comfortable and above all, safe. I knew that this was home.
Several weeks after the viewing, we were given the keys to the house, Alhamdulillah. As we took our first steps into the empty apartment, we saw a clean slate. This space could be whatever we want it to be and that felt exciting. And thus began the journey of making this apartment our home.
Story to be continued.
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