Speaking of amazing people

My stroll along Hadrian's Wall exposed me to so very many wonderful English people who live beyond the confines of London. In the north (Northumbria and Cumbria), the economy is struggling and some areas have yet to recover from the Mad Cow epidemic several years back. I am sure I have never had so many people thank me for contributing to the local economy. It was amazing.

At some B&Bs, the only guests were the people walking the path. From Wallsend to Bowness, everyone was so very welcoming. The world economic challenges last summer (as if the have ended!) resulted in very few Americans visiting the region. Over the course of 10 days, I only heard one American accent-- and he could have been Canadian!

For older Englishmen and women, who remember the blitz and the Americans during WWII, the welcome is almost over the top. "Love you Yanks" is oft heard. For the younger generation, there is more caution and concern, but always welcoming and pleasant. Our two nations have hundred of years of connections that bind us-- for good and bad. You only have to listen to some of the speeches by Winston Churchill to hear the most eloquent references to this friendship of nations.

A good reference if you are looking for an extraordinary movie about England and WWII-- Mrs. Miniver. You will love it. Greer Garson was a treasure.