Newsletter

Hello, 

It's been a while. I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirits. Since I sent out my last email at the beginning of the year, the world has changed profoundly and so have our lives. The pandemic that has spread across the world, has caused many of us to look inwards as well as outwards and to reflect on our losses - for some of us, that may include the loss of our livelihoods, our routines, our connections and our exciting plans for the immediate future- for others the losses incurred have been far weightier, with many of us and those around us losing loved ones. To those people, I offer my heartfelt condolences.  

As a tour guide and a community worker, it's been a difficult time to navigate, to plan and to take action. I'm unsure of when I'll be able to run tours and events again, but in the meantime, like many of you, I'm doing what I can to stay positive and to adapt where I can. Read on for news and updates.

Living London stands against racism and inequality. The tragic killing of George Floyd has sparked global conversations and action against racism and injustice towards black people. Racism and racial inequalities are not just an ‘American problem’ but are endemic in the UK too. The nationwide solidarity shown in response to action from the Black Lives Matter movement highlights a growing awareness of the importance of standing together to challenge racism and social injustice in society.

Living London was initially created from a desire to deliver tours across London that were genuinely inclusive, promoted connection and understanding, celebrated diverse cultures and provided access to community spaces. We will continue to do everything we can to speak out against injustice, amplify voices and calls to nonviolent action and to share stories - in love, hope and solidarity. 

City of Refugees: in conversation

Join us from your home for an evening of sharing stories, cultures and culinary concepts, as part of Refugee Week 2020.

Saira Niazi, founder of Living London, will be joined in conversation by Tamer and Yusuf, two extraordinary Syrian refugees who will be sharing their journeys, and how they came to make London their home. We will be sharing footage of Tamer’s arduous journey, and hearing how Yusuf used his culinary skills to connect with other refugees.

You can join in the discussion live on Twitter - send your questions using the hashtag #cityofrefugees. 16th June, 6.30pm. For more information and to stream the event visit: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/city-refugees-conversation?id=262209

Hosted by the Museum of London as part of Refugee Week 2020

Earlier this year, I spent a few months in Lahore. During my time in the city, I began writing a book of personal essays on belonging. I'm super excited and overjoyed to announce that I have completed the book. It will hopefully be released at the end of summer. More details below. Above postcard design credit: Lisa Rahman 

On Belonging, Reflections of a Tour Guide  

Returning to Lahore after almost a decade, wandering guide and community worker Saira Niazi reflects on what it means to belong on both a personal and a universal level.

In a series of personal essays on topics including exploration, love, faith, transience, mental health and being a woman of colour, Niazi shares her strange and unlikely journey towards becoming a wandering guide. She draws upon the stories, experiences, and insights of the extraordinary people she has met along the way, from monks and mudlarks to storytellers and scientists, and celebrates the many different kinds of beautiful lives that exist. OUT SOON. 

Explore your Neighbourhood! 

Have you discovered any hidden outdoor gems or traversed new walking routes during lockdown? I would love to hear and share your wandering stories in the next newsletter! Please send your findings to info@livinglondon.org

Open to New Opportunities!

Owing to the pandemic, like many guides, I've lost a lot of work over the last few months. As a result, I'm looking to take on new commissions in areas of creative communications, community engagement, consultation and research! If you have a project that you'd like to discuss please get in touch at saira_niazi@hotmail.co.uk! You can see examples of my work on website: https://www.livinglondon.org/services 

Living London Recommends:

Podcast: The Low Season is a podcast about tour guides navigating a pandemic. We don't get up-close, but we do get personal with tour guides from all over the world; documenting their highs, lows, hopes and fears, as they face an uncertain future.
https://open.spotify.com/show/0VUEIpZ6oMOP9QV4KjAG6s

Book: Wanderland, Jini Reddy. Propelled by the memory and after years of dreaming about it, Jini Reddy dares to delve into the 'wanderlands' of Britain, heading off in search of the magical in the landscape. A London journalist with multicultural roots and a perennial outsider, she determinedly sets off on this unorthodox path. Serendipity and her inner compass guide her around the country in pursuit of the Other and a connection to Britain's captivating natural world. Where might this lead? And if you know what it is to be Othered yourself, how might this colour your experiences? And what if, in invoking the spirit of the land, 'it' decides to make its presence felt?

Articles:

Fighting the racism that killed George Floyd requires more than hashtags - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jun/02/white-people-racism-george-floyd?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other 
The Melancholy Charm of Lonely Travelling Places - https://www.theschooloflife.com/thebookoflife/the-charm-of-lonely-places/  
I flew to Greece and began solo IVF. Then the world shut down - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/may/16/i-flew-to-greece-and-began-solo-ivf-then-the-world-shut-down

Thank you 

Regarding cancelled tours and workshops over the last few months, I just want to say a massive thank you for your understanding and for your continued support. I hope to see you on a wandering tour in the not too distant future!

Thanks for reading,
Saira