I've found that the places I most enjoy
traveling to are those with cultures very different from my own. Not
only did the town of Castle Acre offer the historic ruins of the priory,
but it gave us a look into what some peoples lives are like in rural
towns. Although Castle Acre had modern amenities like wifi in the local
bread and breakfast, and streets wide enough for cars to pass, because
of the nature of the small town, I felt like I was able to get a feel
for what it would have been like to live in a small English village in
centuries past.
After dinner one night, the student group decided to
stay in the pub and have a few drinks. We were able to engage with the
locals and ask them about their daily lives. Some of the young men were
farmers and lived a few miles away, but met with friends whenever they
got the chance at the town's only pub. The locals were friendly and
eager to entertain us in conversation. Not only this, but I felt as if I
could observe a difference in their mannerisms and ours. Because many
of the pub-goers were farmers, and lived in the rural area surrounding
the town, life for them was most likely slow paced and constant. A man
at the pub sat by himself with his dog just observing the ongoings of
the establishment. I gained a deeper appreciation for a simpler life,
one not plagued by smartphones, constant international news, and
intercity commutes.
Perhaps the most astounding feature of the priory
ruins were the tunnels that the Monks used to enter the chapel during
the night. Our tour guide told us that the Monks' services started at 2
a.m. This fact so startled me, that I asked for clarification. I
remember asking Olmert who would go to such a service in the middle of
the night. Olmert reminded me that the life of a Monk was committed to
service. Even as I am not a religious person myself, I found the kind of
selflessness that the Monks exhibited admirable. To deprive themselves
of sleep, food, and comfort so that they could better serve the purpose
they believed in is truly astonishing.
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| Castle Acre |
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