Hi Nomadic,

Welcome to this little part of the interweb. Excellent questions.

I was living in Perth, Western Australia.

I came to SE23 because back in 1996 I heard on the grapevine, that stretched to Australia, that there were, as mrwandle wrote above, “…less antipodeans…” here.

I’m not against Australians but I’m not one to gather with them like in an Earl’s Court or Shepherd’s Bush sort of way.

Now, I like to think of myself as the only antipodean in the village.

Also, a mate of mine, who thinks the same, had been living in Nunhead during the early 1990’s and he highly recommended this whole neck of the woods as we both came from leafy and green spots in Oz and although the vegetation is different there was something familiar. Now with the parakeets flying over squawking everyday, I just need to close my eyes and I’m transported instantly to the Australian outback!

Yes, I’d most definitely choose SE23. SE23 is so leafy and green. 6 or 7 miles from London’s Glittering West End and I feel like I am living in the country side.

I often say I’m going to London when I mean the West End! It is only 30 minutes or so via Overground and Jube Tube.

Then when I return and step off the train at Platform 2 and walk up the hill I can hear birds and see squirrels and foxes. It’s like stepping into an animated Disney movie like Snow White sometimes. The sirens wailing around the South Circular do keep my Disney fantasy in check. Thank goodness.

I’d love The Capitol to be turned back into an old fashioned cinema playing upto the aspect of its early 20th Century aesthetic. I think it’d be a major tourist destination if it was done well.