You know, there's reasons it's called 'Great.' While I'm mentioning my favorite places (like NYC), I figured, I might as well ramble about a place I have always dreamed of visiting, Great Britain. I guess this started when I was a Senior in high school. Now, in case I haven't stated enough, it should be known that I am an American Lit-o-phile, 100%. I love everything American writers write or wrote in the past, because I relate to it and I love The American Dream idea. But as a lover of all things literate, I have to acknowledge that Britain, being around for hundreds of years to our 400, certainly set the standard and helped make American Lit what it is.
I mean, the greatest writer of all time, who I affectionately call Will Shakespeare, did things with words and poetry that I can barely believe; he of course stands as the Ultimate Brit Writer in my mind. But he is certainly not alone. The Bronte sisters produced two of my favorite novels of all time. Wordsworth and Burns certainly wrote beautiful poems. Austen, Dickens, and countless others wrote timeless stories. When I read all of that in high school, I was immediately struck by a sense of awe at the sheer history that England holds, both for Literature and the other.
I'm a history buff too, and in the context of our worldwide culture, England stands out as a wealth of rich and interesting events. I just want to go to see it all. Plus, as an American, I feel that England is where I came from. Technically, my heritage is Scottish and German, but if it were not for England, NONE of us would have come over! I know Columbus sailed for Spain and such, and Spain certainly settled certain areas and has a huge influence here. But where I live, Virginia, the first colony, there's a sort of reverence and loyalty to England above all others. Maybe it's just me.
Plus, in any wartime situation, America and Britain stand united as Allies, always. I can hardly believe we ever fought. It angers me when films (hello, 'Patriot') portray the British as cold, heartless, arrogant people. I would make the argument that Americans can be more arrogant than anyone, because we're spoiled silly.
Two of my closest friends from college are complete Anglo-philes, and have been to England. Lucky! My friend Lynn, who I will visit soon, would probably live there permanently if she could. She reminds me that there's more than books to love about England-there's MUSIC!!! We love Brit pop and Brit rock, for sure. My oldest brother, who is a music junkie by definition, does not even support American music anymore; he says all of the good bands are in England and Ireland. And he's right! Even my American musical heroes, Tori Amos and Madonna, have defected to the land o' the Brits (they both live there-more reasons to go! haha).
And did I mention the accents? I am an accent-phile, myself, and die of joy whenever I hear British, Irish, or Australian accents. I especially like how they say my name! I worked with a British woman at my first job ever, and she cracked me up. I loved to hear her talk, about anything. The only ones I could not understand at all were Noel and Liam Gallagher from Oasis, who have thick Manchester accent. Subtitles, please! I'll watch any film with Minnie Driver just because I LOVE her accent. *Sigh*
I'm ALSO a Linguistics-phile, and love, love, love words, meanings behind words, the history of words and where they came from, and new words and colloquialisms from all over the world.
So there you have it. England would suit me!
Note to self: Check Expedia for deals and save, save, save for trip to England.
:)
Great British Terms
1) Wanker!
2) Bullocks!
3) Blimey!
4) Aces (winks, PJ)
5) God Save the Queen
haha
Have a great day!
6 comments:
Woohoo!! Blighty, as we English affectionately like to refer to home, is a great place to visit so yep come see us soon!
Right, let's have a look at this list of yours. Oh my, love it but I think bullocks has to be substituted for "Bollocks" as in "Never mind the - here's the Sex Pistols"
I use "Ace" a lot though, and it basically just means "great, superb, awesome" and I also use "Brilliant" a lot, which seem to amuse my Canadian cousins as (apparently) no one uses that word there (and they didn't know what a flannel was either).
I think you'd love it here and I can guarantee you'd love Stratford to bits, and marvel at Will's birthplace (in fact most people marvel at how something that old is still standing but it's an awesome little place and emphasis on the "little" there)
Anne Hathaway's cottage is amazing too, and if you've ever seen those chocolate boxes with little scenes of English country life on, you'll recognise her place instantly.
So much else to see though, ack I'll have to write a huge list.
Peej
x
:)
PJ: I misspelled 'Bollocks' there; but that is what I meant, like the Sex Pistols album. You must forgive Americans for changing spellings on you. ;)
I will make it there some day! Might have to sell myself to do it, but I will. ha JK
Mmmm. This post makes me want a pot of tea, scones, clotted cream, and cucumber watercress sandwiches! :) When you visit London, go to Westminster first. Before I went, I asked those who had gone where to go first and they all agreed. It was a perfect intro to the city and country! xoxo
PS Love the new photo - profile, wineglass, and all! Cheers!
Hey Thursday: Bean told me I needed to post that picture; she thinks it is a good one of me. I think there are only about 5 photos of me I actually like. I liked the fact that I look like a drunkard in the photo. haha
What Thurs said - Westminster is pretty much the epitome of Englishness, and very much one of the places in London that even when I visit it, has me awe struck. If you're a big fan of architecture, the hustle and bustle of London and the amazing beautiful contrasts between mad metropolist and languid riverside city, then Westminster is pretty much a spot-on destination.
I love London, and have lived there off and on but it's always when I live elsewhere that I end up having a better appreciation for it and missing it more. Typical, no?
Peej
x
Post a Comment