Starting life on a farm, I enjoyed the years of living just outside my hometown of 427 people. Most of the residents, their ancestors, and their descendants had lived in this area since 1820s.
When my own small family moved to Ireland in 1985, our adventures took us through small villages with their own populations, much like those of my hometown, only theirs dated back to 15th century, or further.
These villages and my own hometown had many similarities, including a church, store, farmers market, and pub (no pub at my old town).
Another striking similarity was the presence of locals who were referred to asthe “village idiots”. My parents explained this was not an insult, but was the only way to describe this part of the populations.
But, after watching this episode of “Monty Python”, I learned how this came to be.
From YouTube, where Monty Python jewels reside
This relieves my mind, as I couldn't force myself to see people that way. My parents probably were not aware of this hidden training program.
P. S. I love Monty Python episodes, their unique sense of humor, and satire on the English society. I found this video, and decided to write around it. Hope no one is offended--that is certainly not my desire or intention.
European countries with such centuries of history have, by sheer time, amassed incredible buildings, structures, monuments, and fountains that shout to the visitor: “I have been here longer than you can imagine!"
A first time visitor to Switzerland suffers from camera overload: so many photo opportunities, that it is overwhelming to pick and choose.
As a returning tourist, I visited Switzerland by myself in July 2012 to see a newborn grandson. My photos naturally focused on him and his parents. Each day, I rode a bus through the city of Bern and viewed the city and surrounding areas differently every time.
I labeled this post "Shrines of Time".
These are stone watering troughs from old farmlands, gathered together for artistic appreciation.
An old English telephone booth without its glass, in which a plant had grown
A trail marker along the Aure River
A tree along the Aure River, and it is hanging on with its roots until the next snow-melt flood
Sometimes the smaller Shrines of Time speak the loudest. This is a Re-Post of April 23, 2013. We will be returning to Switzerland in three weeks to see a new grandson and visit with our McKinley family!
* number of the SPF in the sunblock lotion.
