Dear Cornwall,
we have known each other now for more than 7
years. First you were just an acquaintance whom I visited once or
twice a year for a few days then growing slowly to become a close
friend whom I am now privileged to call my home. You have not only
been the setting but have played an integral part in my life.
As most Germans will tell you, I have heard of you
first through a well known TV series based on the books of Rosamunde
Pilcher. I have to admit that on rainy Sunday evenings I have
indulged in the kitsch and far fetched love stories in which you
played the lead role with your breathtaking scenery of rolling hills,
rocket coastline and cute little harbour towns. I am relieved to say
though that you are much more than just a pretty face but have also
soul, heart and a sense of humour.
The first time I met you in person you surprised
me with...palm trees. Of all the things that you threw at me, it was
and will always be palm trees. Why, you might wonder because this is
not how I imagined England to be and not even Rosamunde, THE Cornish
spokesperson in Germany, let us on to your secret. Since then I have
come to expect the unexpected from you.
I expected mesmerising countryside, traditional
manor houses and lengthy coastal paths but not a vibrant art scene,
white sandy beaches with fantastic surf opportunities, a history of
mining which still characterises much of your landscape and of
course, my beloved palm trees. I also did not expect you to be so
funny and be able to put me back into my place. Only you can offer me
fibre optic broadband and at the same time make me run around the
village trying to find a signal for my mobile. Only you can offer me
a pristine, turquoise sea right in front of my door step which is
actually too cold to have a swim in without spending hours putting on
a wetsuit.
I love the fact that you stay true to yourself and
resist the need of changing too much. It reminds me of what life used
to be like many generations ago in Germany when small, tiny houses
with thatched roofs were as common as they are in Cornwall. When
roads were not made for big 4x4s but small and narrow like yours
which I find enchanting but frightening at the same time.
Of course there are also things about you that I
am only just starting to appreciate. Pasties for example are still a
challenge for my German taste buds. I still cannot get my head around
the fact that a stew is put into a flaky pastry. And when it comes to
filling the pastry with savoury on one side and stewed apples on the
other, I am completely lost. You might now wonder why I continue to
eat pasties if I am not even that keen on them? It's because of you.
I love receiving a pasty hot over the counter, holding it tightly
while looking for a nice spot to sit, unwrapping it and eating it
with you by my side.
If I had to describe you to people who have never
met you, I would say that they should underestimate you. I believe
that your ability to surprise me countless times, has made me fall in
love with you.
Dear Cornwall, thank you for keeping me on my toes
and allowing me to call you my home.
Yours
Christine
No comments:
Post a Comment