flat hunt - same flat
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understandinguncertainty.org was produced by the Winton programme for the public understanding of risk based in the Statistical Laboratory in the University of Cambridge. The aim was to help improve the way that uncertainty and risk are discussed in society, and show how probability and statistics can be both useful and entertaining.
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About 17 years ago, I lived in a great 3-bedroom apartment with my erstwhile partner and small child. When we split up I was really upset (amongst other things!) at having to leave behind the flat where we lived. I even considered buying out my partner and taking in a lodger so I wouldn't have to move. It was just perfect in terms of layout, location, light, quiet, privacy... I ended up having to move into a much smaller two-bedroom.
Finally, seven years ago, I was in a position to look for a three-bedroom apartment for myself and my son. I had narrowed my search down to an area measuring about one square kilometer in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro (where I had continued to live since my separation) - an area chockablock with apartment buildings. I ended up seeing 12 flats that fitted my criteria, but all were wrong in one way or another - facing a busy road, bad layout, kitchen too small, etc. Then I was shown my 13th flat and, to my utter disbelief, it was in the very same building I had lived in with my partner. But not only that: it was in the same column - i.e., three floors above the very flat I had so loved - so even better than the original, with more light. (N.B. The building only has four floors!) Of course, I immediately put in an offer and a year later (after completely gutting and renovating it) I moved in. Happy coincidence?
Date submitted:Mon, 16 Apr 2018 01:27:24 +0000Coincidence ID:9981
