Reflections on Botswana and the State of London: A Comparitive Analysis
Peter Bleksley shares his reflections on a recent trip to Botswana, praising its cleanliness and sense of safety, which he contrasts with his return to a neglected London. He details unsightly conditions, homelessness, and graffiti in London transport, lamenting the lack of action by authorities, and expresses hope for improvement in his home country.
Peter Bleksley reflects on his recent trip to Botswana, where he experienced a secure and tidy environment, contrasting it sharply with his return to London. During his three-week visit, he noted the courteous behavior of locals, including shopkeepers and police, contributing to a feeling of safety and contentment. The streets were notably clean, devoid of litter, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and pleasant.
Upon returning to London, Mr. Bleksley encountered a starkly different scenario. His journey began with a morning train where he felt optimistic, but this quickly diminished as he navigated Charing Cross Station. He observed a homeless individual and unsightly debris, which made him reflective about the treatment of homelessness prior to events such as the 2012 Olympics.
As he proceeded to the underground, Mr. Bleksley noted the state of the station, littered with trash and populated by individuals in distress, exacerbated by the lack of investment in public infrastructure. This dissatisfaction only deepened when he boarded a Bakerloo Line train marred by graffiti, prompting him to record the situation in the hope of drawing attention from city officials.
His day continued with unfortunate encounters at Paddington Station and London Bridge, where he witnessed more signs of neglect, including unsanitary conditions and homelessness. Despite viewing homelessness as an ongoing issue, he contributed to a charity, hoping to make a difference amid systemic troubles.
Reflecting on his experiences in Botswana, Mr. Bleksley wishes for the same level of security and cleanliness in the UK. He acknowledges that Botswana faces its challenges, primarily economic, but believes that its societal issues are less chaotic compared to London. However, he cautions readers about potential political issues in Botswana while lamenting the current state of affairs in the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, Peter Bleksley highlights the stark contrast between his positive experiences in Botswana and the challenges he faced upon returning to London. Throughout his reflections, he underscores the importance of public cleanliness, safety, and the pressing issue of homelessness. Ultimately, he expresses a desire for improvements in the UK, challenging authorities to address these systemic problems.
Original Source: www.gbnews.com
