University E town is the closest I've ever been to living in a small town.* Normally, I find myself somewhere between scoffing at and terrified of living in a small town. But I have to point out a few cultural differences that I am finding quite pleasant.** I have no idea how much of this is due the the universal small town nature of things, and how much is cultural/geographical.
*Technically speaking, the town University E is in is smaller than the neighbouring town with good bus and train connections I'm living in.
**All opinions stated in this post subject to change as I actually get to know my neighborhood better.
- Blackberry bushes. Epsilon LOVES picking blackberries off the bushes and popping them in his mouth. (Then wiping his hands on his shorts, but that's a different matter.)
- Wildflower fields next to campus. I have a soft spot for wildflower fields, since one of my earliest memories is being chased out to play in the wildflowers in the undeveloped lot next to our house.
- Busdrivers who stop and chat while I find my change, and who wait while I struggle to get my toddler of the bus from the back. I think this is cultural, since I've noticed this, to a lesser degree in larger cities in this country as well.
- Clothes lines. Everyone has them, so no one looks at me like I'm bringing down my neighbor's property values buy hanging up my sweaters.
*Technically speaking, the town University E is in is smaller than the neighbouring town with good bus and train connections I'm living in.
**All opinions stated in this post subject to change as I actually get to know my neighborhood better.
It's kind of cute, and always brings a smile to my face when I see someone move from the city to the country. Mostly what people comment on is the bugs... or the difference in smells. I miss it.
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