Wednesday November 21st, 2007
Its odd. This country. I’ve studied its history, read its literature, taught students its plays, and it has always been romanticized in my mind. Films, both current and historic, picture England in a way that seems other-worldly to me:
Beautiful. Ancient. Deep. Romantic.
Nothing like my life in California. Nothing like driving to dance class or working out on the treadmill. Nothing like my normal me.
But walking down the streets of Canterbury today, (after having had my first and hopefully only stress breakdown of the week) I was struck with how normal and wonderful it is here. English people are nice and normal. Burger King and KFC are the same (except for a few diffrences here and there). School kids walk down the pedestrian streets after being let out of school looking for the candy shops. It seems the English are in awe and appreciation of their heritage just as I am, however their castles and cathedrals slide in between cooking shops and juice bars in the shopping districts.
And there are electronic keypads on doors hewn in the fourteenth century.
The gate to the courtyard of Canterbury Cathedral is literally adjacent to a Starbucks. From the Starbucks windows you can see the actually entryway to the impressive building. Its a little strange. 
England still is romantic and medieval and mysterious to my California mind, but now it also seems homey and comfortable and familiar. It still is a bit foreign to me (I am reminded when I see bags of frozen minced lamb and beef and kidney pies in the local supermarket), however I see England now in the faces of the girls who work at the coffee counters or behind the bread shop window. I can see it not just as a world I’ve created in my mind, but as it is.
That is really awesome. England is definately romantacized in my mind. I can’t wait to see it someday!
Canterbury Castle is such a treat. I am so enjoying your pictures and account of your trip. I have such fond memories from there.
Oh, and the main difference at KFC? Small chicken breasts. We though they had given us a thigh!
Fun! I’ve missed so much I had no idea you were away. So, when are you going to make the trip to Japan and experience all we have to offer?
It is comforting to have those things that are familiar when travelling but it does take away some of the dreamed up/romanticized view of other countries. I am enjoying learning about England through you!