If you ever go to England, do me a favor: Do not go to London for several days and say “I’ve seen England.” No, you will only have succeeded in being “to” England and in “seeing London.” To see London and claim to have seen England is akin to saying that a European traveler, after spending a few days in Manhattan, has seen the United States. While the analogy breaks down on size, the point is still clear. A country and its culture is far more than the mental snapshots we get in a large, tourist-centric city.
If you ever go to England, go beyond the large cities (yes, there are more large cities besides London) and venture out into the more idyllic countryside… into the villages and hamlets… to the tidal beaches and coves… to the thatched-roof houses, or the stony crofts littered through the hillsides.
- Catch the canals, cottages, castles, and cathedrals of the countryside.
- Wonder at the waves, woodlands, windmills, and wheatfields.
- See the shires, shops, sheep, and sylvan settings.
In the midst of all of this lies a tiny town called Newbury. It was my home for a brief time and remains on my places where I would most love to live again. It is home to the Chedzeys, Texels, Campbells, McConkeys, and many other wonderful families and people. It is a town that still has an open-air market on Thursdays and Saturdays. The mayor stands outside the town hall on occasions to meet the public. On the evening air, you can smell the bonfires set for Guy Fawkes. The racetrack is legendary. And the precious remains of Donnington Castle still look over this Thames Valley gem from atop its hill… horses grazing lazily below. (http://www.follytowers.com/donnington.html)
Donnington Castle
If you ever go to England, do me a favor: Stop in and see Newbury. Walk through the park or along the canal. Stop in one of the pastry shops and try a Cornish Pasty. And if you see any of my frineds, tell them hello for me.
See for Yourself: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/webcam.aspx
