No culture is backwards. I have overheard people and been near to friends and family members as various cultures, people groups and nations have been referred to in such a way, most affectionately of course. Backwards? My dad, a retired middle school English Teacher in Victoria, BC would often mention to his classes when the timing was right, \u2018we are all different but, the same.\u2019 We are all different but, the same. More so or not so much in London?<\/p>\n
We can learn sweet things from one another even in the beauty of our contrasts, our differences. Perhaps there can be a holy curiosity in this exploration; we may find little glimpses of God in those hidden places that looked fearfully different from a distance. Slow and steady can be the way sometimes toward an easier, less forced revelation or understanding. Baby steps, if jumping in is daunting.<\/p>\n
Dock jumping is a part of our culture in the Pacific Northwest (not actually, I\u2019d just like to see it that way for the sake of this post and because I think it\u2019s fun and vvv-v-vvery cool and I think it\u2019d be neat if in a book like CultureShock! London, it was mentioned as a thing that defined the culture on Vancouver Island). Dock-jumping in later spring, the first jump of the year requires the most courage in my opinion. On the dock, before the jump a self-pep talk with some back and forth pacing can help the courage to spark. Once that step is taking off the side, it\u2019s quick. No slowing gravity. On most docks, if a slower entry or if more information is desired before the leap, there\u2019s a ladder down to the water (depending on the tide and to add to the experience, it could be covered in sea life). Culture shock! How do we prepare ourselves and how do we respond to it? It may take a bit of getting used to the water once we\u2019re in. Not so much in London?<\/p>\n
I hope to encounter the different \u2018Types\u2019 of people that Hargraves mentions. Honestly, I hope to run into the street and meet some of the \u2018Punk\u2019 community most of all. I\u2019m curious about style and conversation and whether or not there\u2019s room to include someone like me for some time. I\u2019m looking forward to ordering a \u2018pint of lager\u2019. I wonder if I could give a go to the English accent while I work it out, without sounding in any way awkward. Milk on the doorstep in glass jugs? That would be a treat to see and worth a couple snaps with a little extra artistic flare. In a conversation on football, a switch from the hardness of current politics, to see spirits lifted and passion adjusted to something else. And, to consider the question, how are we the same like this? To find appreciation in the difference and to find the connection, it\u2019s there somewhere and worth the pursuit. Walls can be up to our differences yet, if we are willing to wait and see the walls can disappear and there\u2019s beauty to learn from and even, to find connection to on the other side.<\/p>\n
Culture changes us. Even, in the way of remembering who we are and where we came from. Travelling about can help with this recollection. If we are willing to engage with culture in a such a way as to learn and perceive and grow, we may even find ourselves adventuring way back in time and space as we engage with our somewhat sameness all over the place, even to an original One(ness) that we can perceive our corporate \u2018coming from\u2019. Beyond the characteristic \u2018stiff lip\u2019 when the change isn\u2019t quite there at the till and the kind eyes of help, the unzip of a money pouch and a few pence passed along to satisfy the difference. There\u2019s something original in this kind of loving care, what lies beyond the walls.<\/p>\n
So, here\u2019s to Rock Cakes at elevenses! To say that out loud feels so different, not backwards though perhaps a little-to-the-side-of-the-road. Maybe in Rock Cakes an original feeling of first places will arise within.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an excitement building in me for the upcoming visit to England! It\u2019s all kinds of surreal to be honest. Studying and travelling and, the nerves that are triggering a tad at the thought of meeting new people. Catching a glimpse of the English culture at this time of slight unrest too. Brexit, I have only just learned is the joining together of the two words, ‘Britain’ and ‘exit’. I have heard of the discord and I\u2019m curious to see how the people are rallying together and passionate together; on sides, standing for and by different beliefs in the way \u2018things\u2019 could be.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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