Post-UK Take-away
I recently participated in the Bold Strokes Books UK Book Festival. Here's a little of what I saw and did.
The amount of history I’ve learned about the UK was eye-opening, though it will take me a long scan of the many pictures to remember bits of it. The anecdotal stuff is funny, and while I don’t want to bore you, I’m compelled to share some (in no particular order).
They have way too many coins. What they call roads, we call alleys. It took me three days to stop cringing at oncoming traffic. The top sheet is missing from bedding. (I wonder who stole them?) What’s up with the down comforters? Without the option of a sheet, it’s either freeze or sweat. Wash cloths are hard to come by. Food, even in restaurants, is inexpensive compared to the US. No less than five people told us the last three days of sunshine and warm temps was most likely their entire summer.
The country is very green. Daffodils and sheep should be national symbols. There’s a lot of castles. The cobblestone walks and roads will trip you when you are least prepared to take a tumble, although I guess you can’t really be prepared. I wasn’t. Butter on a sandwich is common. Not all fish and chips are equal. Stepping through doors that might appear at first questionable, lead to wonderful discoveries. Bangers and mash are good. Mushy peas not so much. Beans at breakfast is no way to start the day.
I’m getting too old to schlepp around a thirty-pound backpack. I pack too much. I was picked for a random second security screen (I’m grateful for the vigilance.) When I returned from said screening, I proudly announced “I passed.” My tolerance had improved. My stamina may be below the curve. I sleep worse when away than I do at home.
Kindness abounds, and the people are polite and welcoming. I’ve found a home away from home, not only in the UK, but in my chosen home in Bold Strokes Books. In turn, I’m eternally grateful Rad chose to welcome me. Thank you, Rad, for the vision and making it real for so many us. And to our faithful readers—I’m more than grateful you took a chance on me, and a joy to meet you. Every word of encouragement keeps us writing. Without you, we would not exist.
Until the next time…Renee
The amount of history I’ve learned about the UK was eye-opening, though it will take me a long scan of the many pictures to remember bits of it. The anecdotal stuff is funny, and while I don’t want to bore you, I’m compelled to share some (in no particular order).
They have way too many coins. What they call roads, we call alleys. It took me three days to stop cringing at oncoming traffic. The top sheet is missing from bedding. (I wonder who stole them?) What’s up with the down comforters? Without the option of a sheet, it’s either freeze or sweat. Wash cloths are hard to come by. Food, even in restaurants, is inexpensive compared to the US. No less than five people told us the last three days of sunshine and warm temps was most likely their entire summer.
The country is very green. Daffodils and sheep should be national symbols. There’s a lot of castles. The cobblestone walks and roads will trip you when you are least prepared to take a tumble, although I guess you can’t really be prepared. I wasn’t. Butter on a sandwich is common. Not all fish and chips are equal. Stepping through doors that might appear at first questionable, lead to wonderful discoveries. Bangers and mash are good. Mushy peas not so much. Beans at breakfast is no way to start the day.
I’m getting too old to schlepp around a thirty-pound backpack. I pack too much. I was picked for a random second security screen (I’m grateful for the vigilance.) When I returned from said screening, I proudly announced “I passed.” My tolerance had improved. My stamina may be below the curve. I sleep worse when away than I do at home.
Kindness abounds, and the people are polite and welcoming. I’ve found a home away from home, not only in the UK, but in my chosen home in Bold Strokes Books. In turn, I’m eternally grateful Rad chose to welcome me. Thank you, Rad, for the vision and making it real for so many us. And to our faithful readers—I’m more than grateful you took a chance on me, and a joy to meet you. Every word of encouragement keeps us writing. Without you, we would not exist.
Until the next time…Renee
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