My dotage/slide into semi-retirement will, I'm sure, take on many facets. I could, quite easily, spend all my time jumping on and off trains armed with nothing more than my quick wit and repartee (or, alternatively, camera, egg sandwiches and a copy of the Good Beer Guide). Photographing obscure brutalist supermarkets/launderettes/phone boxes/general urban decay in whichever town I pitch up at followed by a trip to the local museum, and finally rounding things off in a local tavern with a flagon of frothing ale would, to some, be a very unexciting way to occupy your days: a bit like Last of the Summer Wine but without the tin bath rolling down the hill. Hang on a minute - rewind to that bit about could. Who am I kidding? That's precisely how I see my dotage. In fact, it's kind of what I do now anyway. I was in Lichfield yesterday where I discovered Lichfield Cathedral. I didn't even know Lichfield had a cathedral. And a mighty fine specimen it is too. Seeking solace in these magnificent buildings is not the sort of thing my peers put on their bucket lists. And thank the fucking Lord for that. Which is precisely why I shall seek them out - all 97* of them - on future excursions. Amen to that.
* In the UK (there are a further forty odd in the Republic of Ireland).
★
St. Chad (634-672)
That sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, John.
I have a couple of like-minded friends who occasionally join me on such forays. I can see, a little bit further down the track, we'll be taking turns at playing Compo & Clegg.
DeleteI think that's a fine way to spend your time: avoiding the masses.
ReplyDeleteI commend it to the House.
DeleteSounds like a great plan. I love visiting similar buildings and checking off a list. Scottish Castles for us.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed this reflection on how you’re spending your semi-retirement there’s something peaceful about wandering and discovering new places. Sometimes I wish academic life had that same pace. When I’m swamped with course work and deadlines I definitely wish I had more breathing room or someone who could at least help me get through the tough parts of studying. Brands like do my exam for me get mentioned a lot these days and honestly I get why students feel overwhelmed.
ReplyDelete