It was fun showing a couple of Yanks round my world. We only had two and a half days but packed a lot in. John was puzzled as to why it’s called the Peak District when he’d only seen a few low hills, so we ended up leaving the White Peak and heading for the Dark Peak and Mam Tor, and climbing to the top. I think he was convinced (or was he just being polite?)
Bakewell Pudding was not appreciated, on account of the almond essence (almondine.) That’s fine. I didn’t make it – I just thought they should sample it as a local delicacy.
The “cute villages” were a big hit, though, with ours being given a 5star rating by Friday afternoon (woo-hoo!) when the sun was warm and Karen walked down to the dairy with a basket full of empty milk bottles.
And she loved cycling up the Monsal Trail – we made it to the end. If you haven’t done it yet, add it to your own to-do list. You can hire a bike from Hassop Station, and you can buy a copy of a Bakewell Love Story at the bookshop there. It’s called BUT I TOLD YOU LAST YEAR THAT I LOVED YOU.
Lastly, the ubiquitous dry stone walls were a source of fascination…
OK, I admit it: this photo above is not of Derbyshire, it’s Wensleydale. But it’s limestone country, it’s the Pennines, and I’m going to take Karen and John there next time they come. The Yorkshire Dales are even lovelier than the Peak District (and Karen – the villages are cuter.)
What fantastic countryside, Sue ... almost as nice as Devon, har, har! Only joking, and you certainly had marvellous weather!
ReplyDeleteI detest the word "cute" with a passion that it doesn't even deserve. A whole country of many zillions of people uses this word ad nauseam! I think "cool" (and not meant for things just removed from the fridge, or the winter weather) ranks a close second for my disdain! And what a shame your pals didn't enjoy wonderful Bakewell pudding/tart. Almond flavour is delicious.
Margaret P
The trouble with the pudding was that it was almond essence rather than ground almonds. I myself was disappointed with that particular specimen. It wasn't as nice as the last one I ate. They certainly enjoyed my plum crumble which I made with ground almonds. As for the words, Margaret, there was a certain amount of irony in the use of the word "cute" and even if this was not the case, I think it's fun. Karen spotted the fact that people in this country overuse the word "brilliant" in a sense that does not mean sparkling or shining. I delight in our differences.
ReplyDeleteI say 'Hurrah' for the differences, what a dull world it would be if we all were the same, we have constant conversations about the differences in speech, customs and food between the English and Americans. I find it completely fascinating....I think the quote that sums it up is from a Bill Bryson book, which says that the difference between Americans and English is that Americans think 100 years is a long time , while the English think 100 miles is a long way ........love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great quote, Jean. I like it a lot. And in 8 dyas I shall be over there. Yay!
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