I dream about you sometimes. The dreams are always pale, disjointed, and not at all like the reality but they make me happy nonetheless.
It's been five years since my visit. I think of you often and how soon I can return.
I love your history. I want to study it.
I love your literature. I want to study that too. Especially John Ronald, James, Jo, Jane, and Jack. And some Will and okay, maybe a little Geoffrey. Just a little. Uncle Geoff, you may be a distant relation, but your stories are weird.
Is it completely mental for me to say that I miss your cities and countrysides, England? That I think back on your twisting, maze-like streets, your ancient hills, and your cute-as-a-button bed and breakfasts with longing comparable to homesickness?
I can't pick one favorite place. I loved it all. York was so wonderful, I had to use it in a story. Lacock was absolute enchantment. I wish I would have walked around that place more. And I'm still kicking myself that I went all the way to Oxford and forgot to ask where John Ronald used to work. Really!? At least I got to go to The Eagle and Child where he and Jack and their other mates got to hang out.
Next time I come, England, I want to go to more castles. Like Alnwick Castle. And pass through York again. I'd love to ride the train and visit other historic sites in London. I want a picture by the statue of Peter Pan. I want to talk to more of your people, visit your LDS temples and churches, see and feel and breathe in every moment.
And I'd love to fight the temptation to do a spirited impression of Robin Hood in the movie Men in Tights when he arrived on your shores: kneeling on the ground, arms outstretched, exclaiming "Home! Home! England!" then bending down and kissing the ground.
But that would be undignified.
Give my regards to William and Kate.
Love,
Ames
8 comments:
It sounds fabulous! I would love to visit someday. My brother just moved from Lankenheath (military). So mad I didn't visit while he was there!
Jealous.
That's all I really have to say. I love that you got to go see so many amazing things, and I hope you get to go back someday too. Maybe I'll go with you next time when we're both published, and we'll have lunch at the Bird and Baby :-)
'twould be fun.
you don't like Chaucer? wow,
Never said I didn't like Chaucer. Just that some of his stories were weird. You can't deny that.
I disagree, I'm in the middle of spending a week in each tale from the Canterbury Tales. where i read each tale every day for a week, some times more. (I've kinda been stuck on the wife of bath for a while now.) now I haven't read much out side of the Canterbury tales so maybe you mean one of his other stories. but then I like medieval literature.
I say you're both right. I've never read any of them though... except I think the knight's tale... but I don't remember it...
Hi Ames, what a beautifully written post. I left England too many decades ago, and only now, when I return after all these years, am I starting to see the appeal and charm. So glad you enjoyed my homeland - I sincerely hope you get to visit again soon
Steve
PS having just read your comments regarding comments (cant believe that's a real sentence) - I'm off to shave my legs.
It would be hard not to speak in an English accent, although they would spot me as a fake in no time!!
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