CouchSlobs - A Monument To Human Idleness

Kingdom beach

Dear faithful readers, happy Stephen Fry Appreciation Monday!

We are back. And the trip to East Anglia was… erm.

Do forgive me, I’m still exceptionally tired (it was more of an active holiday and when you try to cram in as much as possible into 72 hours, no wonder one feels knackered) so if the words allude me do bare with me, even when I’m at my normal self I am only half as eloquent as Mr. Fry. I’ll do my best.

I think it is something in the water. Honestly. Because even though I have lived in England before, never ever in my life was I love bombed to such an extent by strangers. I know Mr. Fry has been waxing lyrical about East Anglia, but as much as I admire the man I did not really know what to expect. But what has happened was that a snarky cow landed and after 3 days of so much kindness even my heart thawed a little. No wonder I am still in shock. But I will give you some random examples, just to see and judge for yourself what we have been exposed to.

• The lovely man who went well out of his way to show us where exactly is the riverside walk in Norwich. We did not even ask for help, we were just standing around the street in that classic tourist stance - with a map discussing which way it is exactly and not having a clue. The man asked us if we needed help and took a long detour down the hill and up the hill to show us the way.

• The landlady of Adam and Eve pub, who made us sample the beers before ordering a pint because a) we were obviously foreign (even without a map) and could not make our selection and b) as she put it there is no point in a pint if you don’t have the taste for the beer (lesson learned, I might have enjoyed it a bit too much)

• The delightful driver of the Wells-next-the-sea bus who gave us directions to the Kingdom beach wisely omitting how long does it actually take to get there. I think he knew I would not have made it otherwise. For anyone visiting Wells-next-the-sea a) dress up warm and bring your wellis and b)be prepared for wind and sands. Lots and lots and lots of it. Everywhere.
  But when you do get there, it is well worth it (see the snaps)

• The great lady at the chip shop in Wells who gave us extra large portions of chips, it was much appreciated I needed the carbs that day.

• The lovely lads at the Wig and Pen who took us for a night out, I am still a bit unsure where it was exactly we went, but even though it was unplanned it was hilarious and fun. They kept saying something about it is a once a month thing. Anyhow if Mr. Fry saw me bopping up and down he would break out in hives but when I’m happy I dance. So Nathan my dear cheers, it was much appreciated and I am still keeping my fingers crossed your visa goes through. If it doesn’t, the offer stands.

• Now this one is a shocker. Monika and I were standing in the toilets at the club (as females do, we are physically incapable of going to the toilet on our own) and there was a line (as there usually is). The girl in front of us saw there was no toilet paper in the stalls and took a bundle out of the paper towel dispenser and gave it to each of us. If you are a female reading this, I do not have to explain how considerate that is.

• Everyone and I mean everyone calls you love or darling. Its been a day and I already miss it. And let me not forget everyone says thank you and sorry. Even the person who bumps you in the street.

I could go on and on. And I don’t know about you but where I come from that is not exactly the everyday norm. I can understand a bit better now why Mr. Fry is waxing lyrical about East Anglia. Like Mr. Fry is it exceptionally lovely.

Cow tower

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