Bits of British memories on paper
British places I lived in
I see all places in England are good to live in, but that's just me! I have graphic images of places I lived in that seem to find little pigeon holes in my mind.
Every city, town or even a village has a different touch and feel, there is a distinct aroma, is it the fish and chips, Spring sunshine, damp cold, or better still, the smell of grass or green.
Despite, its hectic nature, I wouldn't mind living in London because of its variety of activity for there is a lot more than the Underground and its quaint Gothic, medieval and modern architecture, a modern metropolis of sorts with plenty of vivid contrasts.
But I think in the past I liked Brighton, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh although its not strictly part of England, but a conurbation with the UK slithering Juggernaut. They stick in one's mind long after the visits with subtle changes between decades making you feel there is a strong line of continuity as you continue to belong even if you are no longer in the place.
All these places have bits of memories to me like a word puzzle, ideas that flicker in my head with stereotyping places between beaches, city centers, run down houses and red light districts.
The towns are a bit different as well. I feel York is best, is it a town or city, I am not sure, but I like the cathedral and the intertwining nature of the place.
I particularly like the fact the university campus is in the middle of a great a park, a total panorama of green, now that would be a place to live in. Gosh, to wake up every morning and smell the scent of fresh air.
Eastbourne is nice, so is Hastings and Southampton and Exeter further to the west mellowing together in a uniformed self. There are lots and lots of beautiful and at times sleepy, no, snoring towns, its very difficult to choose from or name a few, but the roads, town squares, shops, and the by-the-river places stick in the mind.
And then there is the gorgeous villages, now it would be nice to live in one of those away from the busy life, and the stunting of the mind. I am a sucker for these, to live in a satisfactory ambiance is surely a pleasure few could afford.
Comments
AuthorThanks Jaye, yes, it is a valuable experience, particularly because I spent more than two decades there. Learning about the culture was quite valuable because it stretched from the Europe to the USA.
I've never physically been to England, but have vicariously enjoyed its splendors through many years of reading books written by British authors. In fact, I usually prefer novels (especially those in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre) with a U.K. setting over those set in the U.S.
So....while I've never actually seen many of the places you mention other than in photographs, I feel as though I have. In fact, sometimes when I read about a British city or town that I've read of before, I get a feeling of deja vu!
Enjoyed your hub, Marwan. Assuming Jordan is your native country, the time you spent as an expatriate in England gave you exposure to a different culture. Do you feel that experience made you more well-rounded as a person and more tolerant to other cultures? I would think so, and your writing seems to confirm my theory.
Voted Up and Interesting.
Jaye
I have never been to England but would love to see these places you mention. They sound really interesting.
I'm glad you like my country, however, I am amazed you put Southampton in your list. I went to university in the city and I would call it fairly ugly, in fact the area between Southampton and Portsmouth is very ugly.
They do make lists of the best areas to live in England and I'm proud to say that the area I grew up in is this year the best.
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