why, hello there.

August 18, 2008

I thought I’d say a few words about England since I’ve been here for awhile now. First of all, I consider this my first real visit. I went to London briefly as a tourist when I was in university, and got scolded by some Brits for standing somewhere I wasn’t supposed to near Buckingham Palace. Also my traveling buddy was badly harassed by the passport people at the airport for no real reason, so I wasn’t too fond of that visit to begin with.

The major thing I have noticed on this trip is that I prefer to visit with locals rather than see the sights. Some version of a combination of these things - being taken to local sights by local friends - is ideal. I’ve been hosted by a fantastic family and feel right at home eating meals around the dinner table and learning about why the English so love their gardens. Holmfirth where I am staying is a totally beautiful small town with quirky local highlights like a daytime soap opera about eccentric old people being filmed in town. The hills are gorgeous and make a wonderful little walk just at dusk when you can see the cows, residents, and patches of heather starting to peek through. Cheryl, my host ‘mom’ cooks great food and I had the best meal I’ve ever experienced in the British Isles the other day when she served Yorkshire Pudding and potatoes, followed by a good pudding (dessert cake of sorts).

I’m told my fake British accent is horrible and I should just say things the way I would say them… but it’s inevitable to find myself repeating words and phrases as people say them in a way that seems peculiar or charming to me — like the way they emphasize the syllables in the word ‘garage’ or ’schedule.’ People here actually say fortnight in daily conversation (it means 2 weeks) and measure their weight by stones (14 lbs).

Today I took the train into Manchester to meet up with beautiful Zoe. She’s one of those people you know you love the second you see them for the first time. Full of life and passion and heartfelt enthusiasm, I would look forward to one day hopefully shooting a wedding with Zoe! She took me on a tour of some posh stores, and we went up in this giant wheel to see the city from a great vantage point. Tomorrow, I am hoping to meet up with another wedding photographer friend called Rob.

Now that the wedding is over, I have been able to relax a bit. I had hoped to be more productive in the evenings with processing sessions and keeping up with my email, but I have to admit I am so tired and out of ‘business’ mode that I am finding it difficult. Once I am back in Boston it will be nonstop sessions and processing for the next two months. Can’t I just stay here and photograph the cows for a bit?

Posted in destination, personal, travel schedule