All week in London, I had to defend the North. Londoners act like the entire northern part of the country is one giant inbred cousin, inexplicable and dull, and slightly embarrassing. You know what, though? I loved my trip up there, and not just for the spectacular company. I’m an urban snob, but I’m not immune to the charms of small, quiet towns. In fact, the older I get the more I think they’ve got it going on. (Assuming, of course, that one has the natural ability to create fun wherever one goes.) Lancashire overall was really quite beautiful, even in the rain, and Lancaster itself was a great little town, pedestrian-friendly medieval-style little burg with just enough modern touches to keep it from feeling too remote. Blackpool is sweet and trashy, just like I wanted it to be. Morecambe is a faded flower, still keeping itself moving along, even though the crowds have moved on. I had no trouble seeing why Paul stays up that way, despite the occasional drawbacks.
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Sure, small towns can have plenty of small minds, but cities don’t automatically shield you from those. Small towns can offer the luxury of being able to catch your breath and determine your own pace. If your satisfaction only comes from novelty or consumption (of stuff, of stimuli), then big cities are te way to go. If you can make that move toward producing a life instead of consuming one — a goal I like to think I keep closing in on as I get older — then why not do it with a little elbow room and a little bit less strain on your bank account?
Londoners sound alot like New Yorkers talking about southerners.
I agree with you! I noticed the very same snobbery when I was over many years ago. The north was absolutely lovely – the people, the landscape, and the beer was cheaper!
Dooooood, the north rocks! It’s as if the farther north you go the more friendly people get. You don’t need to be in the country to experience it either. Just go to Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. London, though the most fab place on earth, can be less than friendly. Unlike NYC which is the center of the universe but the people are oh so sweet. Example: Dan! NYC totally has the right to pick on the south. Being a northern girl and living in the south I can attest that “southern hospitality” is crock. It’s all just skin deep polite with no honest kindness.
I went to North once. It was closed.
…and I had such a lovely visit in London recently. Do you know that the toilet in Borders bookshop now has a special bin to put your used needles in? How delicious.