A few experiences on a short visit (the first in a long time) to the home country over the holidays
Some people still talk loudly on their phones, and others still put their shoes on the seats, but every train I took was on time.
More dogs than ever, but less dog poo on the streets.
In quite expensive hotels, there’s soap and shampoo but no toothbrush or razor sets.
On escalators, people stand on the right, and those in a hurry pass on the left.
My taxi driver told me that Muslims in Kashmir take their shoes off in the house and sit on the floor as in Japan. He had been in the UK for 14 years and was glad to be here: if he worked hard, he could earn a good living. And as well as celebrate the Muslim holy days, his family enjoyed the secular traditions of Christmas and Easter. And he loved a full English breakfast (with beef sausages and halal bacon). The best of both worlds.
Before taking a taxi, I knew I needed a two-pound tip. I had five pounds. Earlier that day, I’d seen a Big Issue vendor in the high street. I’ve never bought a Big Issue (wanted to help, but what do I need a random magazine for), but did for the first time to get the change I needed. That night in the pub I found that it was a great magazine. Every article worth reading. The Big Issue, a packet of peanuts and several pints of bitter = an evening to remember.
--Julian
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