A Texan in Wales
Sometimes the best changes are the ones you didn’t see coming. In the past three years, my family and I have had to adjust to more differences – socially, economically, culturally, even physically – than I believe I have experienced in my entire life. And thanks to the beautiful city and people of Swansea, Wales, it has been a really delightful experience.
Rhossili beach, The Gower peninsula South Wales
Recently, I really sat and pondered the changes I’ve experienced over the past three years. I certainly feel my quality of life has improved enormously, but why? What were the big differences between a lifetime in Texas and a new existence in the UK? One huge adjustment is the housing
arrangements. In Texas, we’re known for our huge sprawling houses spread over huge sprawling lots. Privacy in your own home and property is kind of a big deal – dog and firearm deterrents aren’t uncom- mon. Here, in Wales, I’m in the land of neighbours with whom you share a wall. Homes are lined up close enough to shake hands with the person in the upstairs win- dow next door, and my new property has – horror of horrors – a public right of way running up my drive! But the real upside
4 FOCUS The Magazine March/April 2020
to this is that I’ve really come to know my neighbours. And they’re lovely! Te Welsh people are so warm and friendly, it’s like I never left Texas. It’s a regular occurrence to learn someone’s life story while waiting in a queue at the grocery store. As an added bonus, it seems they find my American ac- cent is a real treat - not something I’ve ex- perienced anywhere else. And I find the Welsh accent – not to mention the Welsh language – delightful to hear. And if the accent is a treat to hear, the
singing must be heard to be believed. When we first attended the local church I thought I knew what congregational singing should sound like. Well, nothing had prepared me for the experience of a Welsh congregation. Not only was every voice around me naturally tuneful and melodic, it seemed they all knew their
parts in intricate harmonies! It’s enough to make me not want to raise my own voice, but the enthusiasm is contagious. Tere is no judgment of my lack of skills, just ap- preciation of my participation. Looking after my garden is an entirely
different experience here in Wales. Te frequent rain means everything stays lush and green, even in the winter. And, sud- denly, working outside is not a life-threat- ening experience. No longer do I fear thrusting my hands into leaf debris or under a pile of rocks. No venomous snakes or spiders await me. No longer will a swarm of fire ants catch me unaware when I stop to breathe in an open field. When I pulled a clump of grass from my garden bed and a buzzing swarm arose, the lightening-quick response that found me yards away seemed foolish, as a gentle
www.focus-info.org
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
