Hello CafeTalk community!

There is a common saying that "living in the city is where everything is." For a long time, I understood exactly what that meant—the constant energy, the convenient shopping, the fast-paced lifestyle.

Actually, I grew up in the countryside as a kid. But when you are younger, you don’t always appreciate what you have. You tend to move faster to get what you don’t have, which for me, was the excitement of city life. As you get a little older, you start to realize that what you had in the beginning is exactly what you need. Returning to the country isn't just about living; it’s about connection, learning to breathe again, and enjoying the beauty of "nothing."

?? The Cost of City "Everything"

In the city, we are conditioned to think we have to pay for everything. You pay for a gym membership, you pay just to walk around a track, and you buy the latest running shoes, walking shoes, or tennis shoes. You find yourself constantly wanting the best of everything, buying the newest gadgets, and trying to keep up. It is fast, exciting, but it can disconnect you from what matters.

?? The Free Things in Life

In the countryside, I’ve realized that nature is the ultimate free gift, and I am no longer passionate about buying the latest things—I am passionate about what we already have.

Now, my days are filled with simple, profound pleasures:

• The Sounds of Nature: Sitting in my garden listening to the gentle noise of the crickets and the rustling trees.
• The Wildlife: Watching wild rabbits bouncing around the garden, or seeing little birds fly over the pool, dipping down to get cool and gather water.
• A Different Pace: Trading expensive gym gear for a pair of Wellington boots to go walking with my dog.

People often ask about the wildlife, like the snakes that live out here. I’ve learned that they aren’t poisonous! All it takes is a little education on how not to bother them, and they will simply scurry away if you leave them be.

?? Close Enough, Far Enough

My home is just a 7-minute drive or a 45-minute walk from the nearest town. I am close enough to what I need, but far enough away that I cannot hear the cars, the people, or the noise.

Life in the countryside gives your soul and your heart a nourishing temptation to live. It allows your brain to slow down, and it truly allows you to reconnect with reality.

?? Let's Chat!

Did you grow up in the city or the countryside? Have your feelings about where you want to live changed as you've gotten older?

In our next lesson, let's practice using descriptive English vocabulary to talk about nature, discuss how you like to unwind, or share stories about the wildlife in your area.

See you in class!