In Canada and the US we are very accustomed to neat and tidy homes surrounded by manicured grounds. This also true in parts of Europe, but in the southern areas a different norm prevails. Stucco patches drop off buildings, there is a gentle dilapidation, evidence of wear and tear of the elements. That of course is one of the attractions of inner-city neighborhoods like the west side compared to, say, Barrhaven. There is more variety here, some buildings decay (some gently, some violently). It is common to discover an unmowed “lawn”. There is a brief bit of European shabby chic right now on Somerset, where Kelly’s funeral home is getting a refit. Shabby, and kinda neat.