A shot of village England from the train as we passed at high speed today. A shot a second or so earlier would have given a slightly better view, however the big houses, the church, and the green represent the usual English village that tourists love. Whether the pub remains open or whether actually living there is good is another matter. The TV programmes often show folks looking for a small, quiet village to retire to. They talk of community spirit, a local friendly pubs, and give the impression they can fit in anywhere. Maybe so but do the villagers take to them I wonder? Some folks live forty years in a village and are still reckoned as outsiders by those born there. I suspect if you have money and do not upset the routine you may be alright, but it could be too cosy for some. Occasionally incomers are known to demand the church bell stops ringing as they came to the country for quiet, some even demand local chickens or cattle in fields are removed. That is not how to endear oneself to the locals. One or two houses are available however £6-900,000 would be required for the bigger ones, good luck!
While up town being browbeaten and nagged by Helen (Is there a school women attend where they learn to bully males?) concerning job searching, I noticed the river was deep, fast flowing and as you can see a bit murky. This reflects the rainfall over the past month. I noticed from the train the river had flooded in many places, on occasion filling ready made holes and flood basins, yet we know the rain is insufficient to find its way deep into the earth, to fill reservoirs or aid farmland in the long run. Personally I think we have had enough, but I do not posses a garden, a crop nor a vast need for water. The hosepipe ban continues but some would say there are still too many mains pipes leaking that water companies are too busy counting their profits to notice. They may have a point.
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5 comments:
It looks very peaceful and placid, and specially at this time of year. Yes, I have been noticing lately in the countryside how MANY pubs are closing, ones I have been familiar with for years. A real pity.
What kind of job are you seeking? In the summer I always feel as if I would like to work outside, although I admit lately I have been sincerely glad I don't. I think more rain is due tomorrow.
Looks like a scene from the Vicar of Dibley
Small towns in America are much like your villages - always wary of the outsiders. My stepdad has lived in the same small southern town for over 30 years now (not counting the 10+ he lived in Atlanta) - and he's STILL considered to be a no-account Yankee, having been born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Actually, he IS a no-account yankee, come to think of it :)
xxx
It was reported on a national evening newscast (not on a sports channel) over here that around 300 gazillion people around the globe stopped everything to watch Man City play Man U yesterday afternoon. The "end" is a lot closer than I think--isn't it?
By the way, the lovely and talented Ms. Red Dirt Girl is right on about most small towns down south being so clannish. For everyone who wasn't born and raised there will always be referred to as being so and so from so and so, and even if you were born and raised there, you will always be referred to as being the son or daughter of so and so from so and so by those whose families have been there longer.
Jenny, it does indeed look peaceful. Possibly because the pub is closed....
Mametz, That does it no good at all!
RDG, Small town America, mostly related.....?
Jerry, Yes the hype for that game was of US standards! I fell asleep at half time!
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