General impressions

In this text you will find common impressions about the English communities I´ve visited.

It´s almost impossible to be able to visit all the places you are interested in, so the final selection consist of places which answer you, they welcome volunteers, the dates are good and the journey makes sense. Finally, my six destinations were located in the South, all of them had web site and we were in contact by e-mail. Apart from the book Eurotopia, I used www.diggersanddreamers.org.uk (full directory of British communities).

The initial impression was a bigger integration into the society than in other visited territories. For example, it was the first time a bus left me at the entry of the final destination (this happened in Redfield, Canon Frome Court and Old Hall), just like it was possible to arrive by public transport to all of them (except the 20 minutes walking in Steward Woodland). These places, therefore, are accesible and not isolated (almost all had neighbours). The most of their members had a part time job outside their living place. Likewise, in the six places there are events along the year for non-residents (courses, workshops, recreational activities, birthdays, open doors days..., and welcoming volunteers, of course). In short, I hadn´t the sensation of being in or with “fringe” places or people, but in places with characteristics in minority in relation to the society, without being out of it.

Organic food is another common characteristic. Almost all I ate these 12 weeks was organic. It was also common to see fair trade products, specially tea and coffee. The cleaning products were ecologic too.

It wasn´t allowed to smoke inside the common spaces.

The norm about sleeping was a duvet in each bed (see photos), so I only had to use my sleeping bag at the last destination.

There were fire and/or gas detection systems, specially inside big and old houses.

The timetables were about three work hours at morning (9-12 or 10-13h. with rest-tea time), the light meal or lunch, other three work hours at afternoon (14-17h.) and the main meal or dinner/supper at 17-18h.

Sábado, 27 de enero de 2007
Por: s_d_xira | Englands | Comentarios (0) | Referencias (0) | 30 Lecturas