The peacefulness of the first snow, the quiet of a small English Market town awakening to the first snow of the season. A Christmas tree covered in real snow. Something that I from the Southern Hemisphere could only imagine until experienced.
A near frozen river, with the reflection of winter. It can only be described in the immortal words of Darryl Kerrigan from the dish. “How’s the Serenity!!”
In a landscape like this it is impossible in my view to be stressed. The serene peace and tranquility of the land around you gives a sense of inner peace that I have not found anywhere else I have visited or lived.
The reflective beauty of the architecture and country on the slow moving river, makes you forget how cold it actually is. You are in a bubble of peace that makes you forget the world around you.
Of course you have to be dressed right, it is after all Minus 3. However, the quiet of the snow falling and the muffled silence it gives is only broken by the occasional train beating its way across the snow covered countryside of Yorkshire England. I found I didn’t even notice the short days and the long nights. It just seemed normal. We were there for just over two weeks, from London to Edinburgh, rain, snow, sleet, sunshine (minimal) and the feeling of calm remained because there was always a scene like this to make you realize that no matter what has happened in our lives, the sun will always come up on the East and go down in the West.
Of course, if you want warmth, there is always a small Pacific Island. Choose one, but stay away from the tourist belt, get out with the locals, and you will soon find that our problems are 1st World problems and mean diddly squat really.
I remember being on a VFT from Paris to London on our first trip in 2016. We were under the English Channel doing approximately 250 km/h and a lady seated 3 seats behind us summoned the Attendant and asked why there was little to no internet service. We were under the English Channel… I almost said something, but my good lady advised against such a statement. Probably just as well. But once again 1st World Problem…
The only other place that will take me to serenity. Put me on any Golf Course anywhere and I will be calm and forget all the issues that the world may confront me with.
The birds singing, the wind in the trees, other golfers swearing at wayward shots. All the time forgetting that we created the wayward shot. We talk about mindfulness, calming places, somewhere to escape and regroup. Welcome to mine…. The only time I am not happy is when there is snow on it. Back to Para 1.
I am told that my desire to return to England and Scotland (maybe permanently) is due to the holiday euphoria that I experienced. However, of all the places I have visited, particularly in the last 2 years, the calmness I have experienced is second to none. Even taking nearly 2 hours to clear customs at Heathrow didn’t bother me.
I will be back and I will go back in Winter if I have to. It feels natural to be in the UK at Winter, just like all the TV shows we watch. It feels nostalgic but right.
Travel the world guys, it’s small now and accessible. Find your Winter in UK place.
Yooungy
Youngy's Yak 