Categories: uncategorized
Date: 20 May 2006 18:43:51
I had the day off today and decided to stay in the area, and go exploring slightly further a field. I caught a bus from A, where I'm staying, to B. At B I got off the big bus I was on and (by 2 seconds) made a connecting second, smaller bus, which took me to C. When I got to C, I explored the small village, and set off walking to D. I had 4 hours before I needed to catch a bus at D, and there were a variety of routes I could take depending on the weather, time and my leg (which hasn't been particularly liking the ward work). The weather was pretty reasonable which was good - it was very, very windy, but hardly any rain and a few sunny patches. Some of the views were absolutely breathtaking. I made it to D in plenty of time (without any major problems with my leg) and explored D a little before catching a bus up to E. This journey was over an hour, but was definately worth it - the minibus is specially designed for use of hikers and winds its way round country lanes and tiny villages. When I arrived in E, I had an hour to explore it and do a bit of touristy shopping (found fabulous, organic, homemade icecream and chocolates!!) , before catching another bus back to A. Overall I was quite impressed I managed to arrange, navigate and successfully carry out the days exploring. It was perfect because I saw an amazing amount of the surrounding area, have time for a ramble and at the same time, not push my leg too much. And I didn't get lost!!!!
What has also struck me whiles I've been here, particularily today when I've been getting out and about more, is the country life. The way that everybody seems to know everybody else. And the way local, small shops are so friendly, welcoming and will do anything for their customers. For example, in D I desperately needed cash, otherwise I'd struggle to continue with my adventures. There was a post office/general store there, which I went into to ask if there was any way I could get cash out. The post office part of the shop was closed, but they were perfectly willing to open it all up again, just for me. Earlier in the week, I went into a local, organic farm shop and asked if she sold Geobars (they did Green and Blacks chocolate, so I thought she might do). She said no, but if I gave her some details she could order them in for me!!! And the bus drivers today were perfectly happy to take their customers to wherever they needed to get off, within the villages. For a long time on one of the buses, I was the only passenger on the bus - I was there, winding through the countryside and Show of Hand's Country Life came into my head. It seemed quite apt.