On Returning From Exile

I have just returned from about 5 days back home in the small town/large village of High Bentham in West Yorkshire. Bentham's biggest attraction is a giant stone in a field, which bears a depressing similarity to certain episodes of Father Ted at times.


I often come across those who grew up in cities and large towns who believe quite firmly in the rural idyll. On one level it is still true that the countryside is nice and quiet and full of green fields, but this is also the big problem! After a very short period of time it becomes unremittingly tedious for those of us who live there. The feeling of isolation and boredom becomes bone-numbing at times. Privatised public transport has little incentive to provide a decent service to rural based locals, the bus service to Bentham ends at about 5pm! 


There is one saving grace born of more recent times: broadband. And I say broadband rather than the 'internet' more generally because prior to broadband the internet was shit. Dialing up on even a 56k modem was a horrifically slow experience, and you could pretty much forget about most online games if you wanted to be competitive. It is true that outside of the main urban areas the quality and speed of broadband service is significantly poorer but its a damn sight better than nothing.


In just over 5 weeks time I will be returning there for an indefinite period. It will probably drive me mad, but until I can find work it will have to do. There is no chance of me finding work in Bentham, which, to be honest, I should be thankful for!