My favorite neighborhood was eaten up….so I got coffee ☕️

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the story of the coolest little town in the world and how it melted away, then how I dealt with that, plus some footage from its current incarnation. 😝

second half of podcast with Vincent coming tomorrow! Yay!


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It sounds like the town was popular then corporations saw that and wanted a piece of it. Things change with the advance of technology too, I suppose. The younger generation wants the latest things, while us older people aren't so keen on change.

Even with my generation things were changing. In the UK pubs were communal hubs, but in my late 20s, early 30s only the ones that turned to serving food as well were surviving. Lots of Weatherspoons sprung up and "trendy wine bars" were became a bit of a joke, as in everything was turned into one.

It's a strange concept that we now have to actively create community where it used to be spontaneous.

I’ve seen it happen to so many neighborhoods.

I think it’s the former more than the later, although it often feels like the later is to blame. It’s just that those corporations have done a really good job at dominating young peoples attention.

I find a lot of cool new cultures arising in the countries which never really had a chance to develop lots of subcultures before. I saw it firsthand in China, some of the younger artists and communities are awesome.

I try to be open minded about new stuff. I just ask the question, is it an honest expression or is it trying to be something. Does it have passion or is it all a show?

Usually the pinoneers are the ones I respect even when it's a tiny thing that no one knows. The ones who come after that are also great. But the ones who come just to make money off it or the ones who follow the herd, not interested.

Natural community formation is probably often not helped by the fact we have so much government interference. Everything needs to have liability insurances, permits applied for, etc. We're at a point where we don't even know what we're allowed to do and when we inquire about it the costs to be allowed to do it are prohibitive. Pioneers now need to be brave enough to face those obstacle courses.

Totally agree. The thing that hurt the most about that town is how all the street performers disappeared. It's still something you can get away with but there's only a 30% chance of not being stopped so it's really killed the vibe. It's funny cause there are no residential buildings within 5 minutes of the station.

I totally agree but at the same time I think the communities we work to build can be stronger than the ones that form by accident.

If we keep pushing through I think things will get better even if it doesn't look like it sometimes.

I like that positive outlook. I'll keep that in mind

You were captivated by the music that was playing from the outset. It was amazing to watch you blow a whistle to the music. Thank you for doing this, sir @selfhelp4trolls.

Lol you don't have to pretend to read my posts or watch my videos man.  I like that you are trying to build up the Ghana community, so just be real. If you don't read it you don't have to comment :-P But I appreciate your work at hive.

Sorry about that, sir. I read practically every post of yours that I visit. That was something I noticed when watching this video, especially from the beginning. In the beginning, there is music playing in the background, and I saw you nodding, which led me to believe you were blowing a whistle as well. But, sir, thank you for your response and support as well.

Well thanks. Sometimes the comments sound unrelated.

Anyways, I just discovered a musician I like is from Ghana. Do you know Alostmen?

Oh yeah.. That's a group managed by one popular musician called Wanluv Kobulor. They do a native song by the Frafra ethnic group in Ghana. Oh so thats their instrumental l heard. Thanks for the clarification sir.

Gentrification Blues: Preserving Community in a Changing Neighborhood

In this reflective monologue, the speaker shares their experiences with the gentrification of a beloved neighborhood that was once a vibrant hub of underground culture and community. The speaker fondly recalls a time when this area was a thriving artistic enclave, filled with small local shops, street musicians, and a strong sense of camaraderie among residents.

However, the speaker laments how this neighborhood has transformed over the years, with the arrival of large corporate chains and the displacement of the independent businesses and creative community that once defined the area. The speaker describes how the neighborhood has lost its unique character, becoming more homogenized and catering to tourists rather than the local population. The once-bustling streets and casual interactions between neighbors have been replaced by a more impersonal, transactional atmosphere.

Grappling with these changes, the speaker decides to take a proactive approach to dealing with their "gentrification blues." They resolve to focus on personal growth and improvement, whether through physical, mental, or emotional means, as a way to cope with the loss of the neighborhood they once knew and loved. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with the few remaining community members, such as a long-time friend who runs a local shop.

Ultimately, the speaker recognizes that while the neighborhood may never return to its former glory, there are still opportunities to find pockets of community and meaning, even in the face of widespread redevelopment. The speaker's reflections suggest a resilience and adaptability in the face of change, as they seek to redefine their relationship with the evolving urban landscape.