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Tuesday, 17 December 2013

A German love letter to Cornwall


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

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