My life has become revision, and I need ways to make it more interesting. Therefore, I've decided to choose one of the more interesting (eg, creative writing) questions in the English Language paper, and write my answer as a blog post. 'Cause I can. Also 'cause I've found a question that contains stuff I've wanted to put into words for a while, so it works in various ways! :)
'Write a brief article for a website of your choice telling your readers about an interesting/unusual journey or travel experience you had, and explain why it was memorable'- AQA Jan 2011
The most interesting travel experience I've ever had was my recent trip to the Gambia; a working holiday which proved to be so much more. To be very honest, I could easily write about the whole trip, as it was all interesting and unusual. However, for today, I just want to explain a small part of it.
Firstly, I want you to imagine walking around where you live at around 10 or 11pm. Close your eyes, and take in all the sights and sounds. Make it as clear as possible. Keep that image in your head.
For me, when I imagine that, I walk down pavements lit by lamp-posts and car headlights. The air is full of car fumes after a busy day. The roads are still reasonably busy, and, despite the light, I feel relatively unsafe.
Things were completely different in Gambia.
On one evening, we dined with a family, and stayed at their house until quite late. The family and assorted friends then walked us back to the guest house we were based at, which was about twenty minutes away.
By this time, it was dark: electricity was being conserved, and lights were kept low, if not turned off. We had a couple of torches, but we barely needed them. With no light pollution, the sky was full of stars that remain unseen in the city. They lit our way, and, though not quite as effective as lamp-posts, the atmosphere was still a lot safer than where I live. There were a few people about, but they were all friendly; they had our best interests at heart, and joined our group just so they could be a part of our journey.
There were also no cars, and no pollution. The day had been hot, of course, but it was getting cooler, to a perfectly comfortable heat that enveloped us gently. The air was full of the quiet noise of chatter, as we discussed all sorts of things with our hosts and their friends and families. It was hospitable; welcoming. It wasn't advanced, or modern- for many people I know, it would have been utterly unthinkable. But for me, it was perfect.
I hope you've enjoyed reading about my experience; and, more than that, I hope it inspires you to go and seek your own experiences.