Living in the wild west
Sophie Lombardi
We live in a land far, far away, where you are more likely to catch a mackerel than an Uber and the term ‘bird’ or ‘my lover’ is used indiscriminately between friends or strangers. Thats right, we live on the far west coast of Cornwall, where jam always comes first on a scone or you’re out. This is pretty much the first time we have lived away from the city, apart from a brief spell in remote northern Australia. At times we have stuck out like very sore thumbs: my husband had never previously owned wellies and my precocious children were raised on babycinnos and brioche. Amazingly we have lived happily in Cornwall for five years and I have a feeling we’ll be here for many more to come.
Just in-case you’re someone (like my former self) who is wondering how on earth we can live 98 miles from a Pret chicken sandwich, living remotely has its perks. Peoples’ lives are less tightly geared, the pace is slower and generally folks have more time for each other. Obviously there are some downsides to this more relaxed lifestyle: a common cavalier attitude towards work (three days wait for a tradie) and the lack of anonymity makes quick supermarket trips lengthy and naughty sick days less fun (everyone knows everyone). However, I like to chat and it makes me happy that the postman and fishmonger know my name. The signs on London news-stands that read “Do Not Ask For Directions'“ literally make me weep.
We are lucky to have lots of green spaces in our UK cities, however nothing compares to the wide open spaces available to you when you live more remotely. I feel incredibly lucky that I can go out everyday, blow away the cobwebs and get a good dose of nature. Obviously there are a lot less people around which might ultimately mean ‘less potential friends with things in common’ and at times I have found living here very lonely and it has taken me a while to find my people.
Although they are completely oblivious, our children are experiencing a pretty idyllic childhood down here in Cornwall. They spend a lot of time flinging themselves into the sea and eating pasties on the harbour wall (obviously they would rather be on an PS4 or watching Mr Beast on YouTube). I often worry that their world down here is very small; there is not much diversity in evidence and they are experiencing a little snippet of reality, albeit a rather lovely one.
Strangely the things I actually miss aren’t shops, Uber-eats or charcoal activated macchiatos; but my friends and family. It’s a long, old slog down the A303 which is perhaps what makes Cornwall so special and unique. Don’t rule out the possibility of living remotely, it may just be the breath of fresh air that you need and Next Day Delivery is a game changer,
Have a great week.
Sophie xx
