I realise I haven't posted for ages now, so this is an attempt to get back on to some kind of a regular schedule. As most of you know, I've been back in England for a short spell which rather got in the way of blogging. Previous to that, I hadn't really been up to much of interest to write about anyway, work had, as always, completely taken over my life.
Going back to England this time was a little odder than the previous two. I first left for Guatemala a little over three years ago now, and have only spent 13 weeks in Blighty since then. I think it was this time when things felt strangest. It's difficult to pin down exactly what it was, but the sense of being an outsider was definitely more palpable.
I didn't really take any photos, nor do anything particularly remarkable (this is not to say it wasn't a really enjoyable trip; it was), so instead of a blow-by-blow account of what I did, the following is a list of stuff I thought about whilst I was back:
- One should not judge the overall mood and state of the country based on a drizzly wander around Tunbridge Wells on January 3rd. I spent a while convinced that both the economy and the populace was on the verge of suicide. This turned out not to be the case, for the populace at least.
- Once they get it down, Tooting & Mitcham FC play some decent stuff. Disappointing paucity of sweary old men in the crowd though.
- Yeah, London is expensive, and most stuff I can accept, but not being able to find a bottle of water for less than a quid made me slightly irate.
- The spread of Sharp's Doom Bar since I last visited is very pleasing. Think it might be my favourite widely available ale, though obviously I am still genetically disposed to order Harveys.
- Korea needs pie shops, and decent sandwich shops, bad. Gregg's would actually be a good start.
- I miss Korea a lot more when I'm alone. Had to fight a creepy urge to befriend Asian students in Leicester University library, and got a bit weepy when I discovered Chocopie and Gochujang in the World Foods section of the campus shop.
- Leicester University library is amazing. If I'd had one like that for my undergraduate degree I might (though unlikely) have spent a bit more time in there. Props.
Apart from that, I'd just like to say thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable trip. I will likely be back in summer as well, provided the Olympics don't mean all of the flight tickets have been bought already. As ever, you are all most positively encouraged to visit at any time.
Will write more as soon as possible.
A
