I know y'all were wondering, desperately, what I decided to write my paper on. So I decided to post it here.
As the assistant of the director of brand and marketing communications for an international corporation I had the opportunity to assist my boss in creating a travel plan that involved flying from Salt Lake City, Utah to Frankfurt, Germany to Salzburg, Austria, to Edinburgh, Ireland. While she and a few associates were in Europe, they wanted to use their weekend to explore and travel – and she assigned me the task of coming up with their itinerary. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I literally sat and planned all the fun things that they were going to do, knowing that I would not be enjoying their excursion to Vienna and Salzburg in Austria. Writing this paper feels like the same sort of delicious torture. As I have studied and explored, it has only increased my desire to travel and further broke my heart that I do not have the means in which to do so at this point of my life.
I fell in love with geography, the class, in seventh grade; but I had fallen in love with history, different cultures, and all things European long before that. Despite my passion for studying and reading about different times and places, I have never had the opportunity to leave the United States. And so, I am recommending to myself and anyone else in my position, the United Kingdom as our first excursion abroad. The United Kingdom, comprising of England, Scotland, Whales, and Northern Ireland, is a country that is rich with history, culture and “touristy attractions.” Also convenient is the fact that this particular country speaks English, so for our first trip overseas, we do not have to worry about a language barrier (we can save that for another time). From the times of the ancient Romans to that of Jane Austen, particular cities have been made popular destinations – made famous through timeless literature or famous battles. Aside from the fact that I am practically giddy each time I hear the Scottish lilt or British brogue, these areas appeal to all sorts of tourists.
There are several different types of tourism, and since I do not discriminate, and really wish to participate in anything and everything I possibly can, I have a hard time making any sort of set decision of what I would actually like to see. If one fancies adventure tourism, then Southwest England is the place to go. The Southwest has been designated for getting wet, going faster, getting high, and staying active.[1] Activities like kite surfing, Skid Pan, and Microlighting are all available for the adventure tourist. Another type of tourism available to the avid sportsman involves several different games that can be watched, if one is so inclined. England is known for Wimbledon; there is also a variety of football (soccer) teams in which to go watch. If you are lucky, perhaps your favorite team will be in a championship of sorts. If sports tourism really is your thing, then you should make it a point to see a rugby game or play some cricket. Throughout Scotland and England, agri-tourism has followed the trend of other European countries and begun to rise in popularity; and one can stay in an old farmhouse and enjoy the simple country life.
All of these things sound brilliant and entertaining; however, my interests lie in cultural and historical tourism. Since I have never been outside of the United States, it is hard for me to imagine beyond what I read in books and see on film of what the UK is really like. Unfortunately for my very own misconceptions, I often read books that are based in regency times or before. Despite my own delusions, there are places in the UK where I can go and enjoy the history of England and Scotland that cater particularly to those that want to dwell in the past.
As the capital of the county, as well as one of the founding cities in England, it makes sense to begin a trip to the UK in London. Officially founded by the Romans, London was used as a strategic city for defense and as a port city. It has not stopped growing in importance since. Of course there is Buckingham Palace, the Parliament buildings and Big Ben, Westminster Abby, Hyde Park, and Piccadilly Circus. Among all the sites that I have actually heard of, there is a lesser known attraction named the Geffrye Museum[2] which exhibits the changing style of the English domestic interior starting in the 1600s and working to the present day. It promises to be fascinating.
While there is certainly enough to keep a tourist entertained for weeks and weeks in London, it would be a shame to go all the way to the UK and not visit another location. The city of Bath[3] has long been a tourist destination, dating back to the times of the Romans. For 2000 years people have come to the city of Bath of to enjoy the mineral springs. Since the city has a longstanding tradition of tourism, there are always activities and festivals, like the Fringe Festival and the Bath International Music Festival; but more importantly to me, there is a longstanding history. The magnificent Jane Austen lived in Bath, and her residences have been transformed into a tourist site. \Bath claims that it has always been an extravagant city that celebrates the arts. It has produced great poets, architects, musicians and actors. There are a number of parks and gardens that should not be missed. There are so many things to do in Bath, that it is unlikely you will get to see everything in one visit (didn’t we say that about London as well?).
When most people think of vacation, their minds wander to that of sun, sand, and sea. The UK is not known incredibly for its long lasting, sunny days; however, Brighton[4] offers sand, of sorts, and the sea. Of course, Brighton does not really have sandy beaches that we have come to associate with the Caribbean or Mexico, but it does have beaches. It can not boast warm water, really, either. However, Brighton has a historic past and has developed into a city that is much like San Francisco, California, where the arts and the body are celebrated. Comedy clubs, theaters, music, films – they are all accessible to enhance and culture our trip to the UK. While there, we can focus on our mind, body, and spirit through yoga and maybe even a trapeze class at the Hangleton Community Centre. Regardless, it is sure to be an entertaining and relaxing atmosphere – which is what the beach is supposed to bring, after all.
I would be absolutely distraught if I went to the UK and did not see Scotland[5]. After having read a series of books by Diana Gabaldon, I have fallen in love with the country. Even before the books, I have always been a sucker for a Scottish accent. And, not to mention, my family tree actually hails from Scotland. Having said all of that, there is plenty to do in Scotland, even if you do not drink whisky; and whatever you choose to do, it is sure to be enlightening and magical. In Edinburgh[6], there is, of course, the castle and the Royal Mile. And since it is free, I should definitely love to spend some time in the Museum of Edinburgh. Scotland’s turbulent history left fortresses and castles all over the country, not just in Edinburgh. There are so many cultural distinctions among the Scots that can be seen through the Highland Games, which should not be missed if you want to hear bagpipes and see men in kilts. The countryside is absolutely breathtaking, and if we want to try a little Island tour, there is always the Shetland and Orkney Isles to visit. The Orkney’s boast a world famous Neolithic village that has been preserved, and the village happens to be older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
Throughout the world there are all sorts of historical places and places of exotic beauty and grandeur that should be seen. It may seem a bit strange to pick the United Kingdom as a number one destination choice when there are so many other places that should be considered. Since I am quite inexperienced with traveling to foreign countries, I have to rely on what I have read and seen through the media – and by doing so, I have come away quite enchanted with the once colonial power of my own country. The United Kingdom boasts so many different types of tourism that one could spend an entire year over there and never see it all. With four different nations living in one country, the diversity and cultures available to experience and study are boundless. The more I have researched the UK, the more I know that I should like to visit – the sooner the better.
No comments:
Post a Comment