At Christmas time I took a walk through Oxford Street to hunt for presents.

It looked impressive, even for someone who doesn’t like that kind of thing.

Everywhere was lit up, Christmas trees abound.

The people were also happier than usual – particularly for London. Excited children were chattering away – telling their parents exactly what they wanted for the big day.

Potential consumerism and capitalism narrative aside, everything looked perfect.

If an alien had landed on Oxford Street at that point in time, they’d have thought we were a happy bunch who made everything look pretty.

But, then, as I rounded a corner I was hit by an overpowering stench – there was a problem with the sewers and, let me tell you, it smelt rancid.

There’s something about the sudden smell of the sewers that reminds you how real life is. And how, no matter how much we dress everything up, we’re all just human and the world isn’t perfect.

And, I think it’s important to smell it from time to time, just to remember that we’re in a bubble and that we need to keep our feet on the ground.

Sorry for such a shit post..(couldn’t resist)