Page 90 iStudy Guide 2019/20
P. 90
90
iStudy
2019/20
CULTURE
TRAVEL & EXPLORATION
Because of the constant rain, a usual conversation
starter like ‘the weather is great today’ doesn’t quite
cut it in the UK. However, you can always try sparking
a conversation about Shakespeare, Harry Potter or the
Queen, both the band and the monarch, depending
on who you’re with. And in fact, I found that English
people, contrary to popular beliefs, are quite chatty.
It might be just my luck, but every time I sit next to
somebody on public transport, they turn out to be
rather engaging companions.
A stereotype that has proven to be true however is
that English people are incredibly polite. Thanks to
a very particular teacher I once had, I already had the
habit of saying please, thank you and excuse me at the
beginning and at the end of every sentence, which can
be perplexing for many Bulgarians. That being said,
I was still surprised when a cash operator asked ‘Have
you found everything you were looking for today?’ at
checkout. For what purpose, I still do not know as my
answer has always been affirmative, but it is nice when
people acknowledge you in a polite way. For that,
England has no rivals.
Situated almost in the middle of the country, Birmingham
is a great starting point for many trips. England is in fact
rich in places to visit, and the convenience of transport
choices makes it possible to travel anywhere within
the UK in just one weekend. There is so much more to
England than London, which despite being one of the
most famous and beautiful cities in the world, is still a
city. The quintessentially British charm is actually best
captured in the little nooks and corners of the country.
A must on your travel list should be the Lake District.
Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
region encompasses quite a few lakes, guarded by
mighty hills, which are mirrored in the crystal-clear
waters. Having inspired Wordsworth’s poetry many a
time, the Lake District brings peace and tranquillity to
all of its visitors and stands on par with Italy’s Lake Como
in terms of beauty.
And if you want to visit a slightly more urban setting
after a hectic week in university, Oxford and Cambridge
are a great choice. The small towns are lively and
authentic with multiple tiny cafes, bustling with
tourists, locals and sleep-deprived students. Be sure to
visit Cambridge’s King’s College and Oxford’s Bodleian
Library. Harry Potter fans will surely recognise some
of the iconic sites the movies were shot at, and the
deep history and need for knowledge that are
synonymous with the two cities are sure to stimulate
any overworked student.
I can also guarantee you that not everything in England
is about bad weather. Bristol is one of the warmest and
sunniest cities of England and, being situated on seven
hills reminds me very much of Lisbon, while at the same
time alluding to the vibrancy of Naples with its colourful
buildings. If even that is not enough, just off the coast of
Cornwall are the Scilly Isles, bringing the tropical warm
currents of the Caribbean through the Gulf Stream.
Image credit: nat.kanok / Shutterstock.com
Image credit: chettarin / Shutterstock.com
THE LAKE DISTRICT BRINGS
PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY
TO ALL OF ITS VISITORS
AND STANDS ON PAR WITH
ITALY’S LAKE COMO IN
TERMS OF BEAUTY.
iStudy
2019/20
CULTURE
TRAVEL & EXPLORATION
Because of the constant rain, a usual conversation
starter like ‘the weather is great today’ doesn’t quite
cut it in the UK. However, you can always try sparking
a conversation about Shakespeare, Harry Potter or the
Queen, both the band and the monarch, depending
on who you’re with. And in fact, I found that English
people, contrary to popular beliefs, are quite chatty.
It might be just my luck, but every time I sit next to
somebody on public transport, they turn out to be
rather engaging companions.
A stereotype that has proven to be true however is
that English people are incredibly polite. Thanks to
a very particular teacher I once had, I already had the
habit of saying please, thank you and excuse me at the
beginning and at the end of every sentence, which can
be perplexing for many Bulgarians. That being said,
I was still surprised when a cash operator asked ‘Have
you found everything you were looking for today?’ at
checkout. For what purpose, I still do not know as my
answer has always been affirmative, but it is nice when
people acknowledge you in a polite way. For that,
England has no rivals.
Situated almost in the middle of the country, Birmingham
is a great starting point for many trips. England is in fact
rich in places to visit, and the convenience of transport
choices makes it possible to travel anywhere within
the UK in just one weekend. There is so much more to
England than London, which despite being one of the
most famous and beautiful cities in the world, is still a
city. The quintessentially British charm is actually best
captured in the little nooks and corners of the country.
A must on your travel list should be the Lake District.
Recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
region encompasses quite a few lakes, guarded by
mighty hills, which are mirrored in the crystal-clear
waters. Having inspired Wordsworth’s poetry many a
time, the Lake District brings peace and tranquillity to
all of its visitors and stands on par with Italy’s Lake Como
in terms of beauty.
And if you want to visit a slightly more urban setting
after a hectic week in university, Oxford and Cambridge
are a great choice. The small towns are lively and
authentic with multiple tiny cafes, bustling with
tourists, locals and sleep-deprived students. Be sure to
visit Cambridge’s King’s College and Oxford’s Bodleian
Library. Harry Potter fans will surely recognise some
of the iconic sites the movies were shot at, and the
deep history and need for knowledge that are
synonymous with the two cities are sure to stimulate
any overworked student.
I can also guarantee you that not everything in England
is about bad weather. Bristol is one of the warmest and
sunniest cities of England and, being situated on seven
hills reminds me very much of Lisbon, while at the same
time alluding to the vibrancy of Naples with its colourful
buildings. If even that is not enough, just off the coast of
Cornwall are the Scilly Isles, bringing the tropical warm
currents of the Caribbean through the Gulf Stream.
Image credit: nat.kanok / Shutterstock.com
Image credit: chettarin / Shutterstock.com
THE LAKE DISTRICT BRINGS
PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY
TO ALL OF ITS VISITORS
AND STANDS ON PAR WITH
ITALY’S LAKE COMO IN
TERMS OF BEAUTY.
