YALS 2009 literary competition winners
C2
Letter
By Ana Videnović, Oxford School
Dear Sir/Madam,
Having returned from the Boulgem Shire I would like to point out some enlightening features of my holiday to you. In fact my visit was an unintentional result of bad organisation provided by local travel agency. Initially, I was supposed to lodge in a neighbouring area where there was no room to spare.
As I arrived, I could not fail to notice that despite the few miles distance there was a world of difference between the Shire and the destination I had previously chosen for my holiday. The place looked quite untamed and restful. Along with the idiosyncratic castles and narrow lanes it tickled my imagination and made me set my heart on wandering around to catch a glimpse of the absorbing landscape I was not familiar with.
Being under a spell cast by the surronding I missed to become aware of how ahead of its time the area was. It appeared perfectly unspoilt by modern technology. However, if you looked carefully you would be astonished by the fact there were highly sophisticated yet flawlessly camouflaged indispensable devices and appliances. Intending to sell it to tourists who search for both history 'in the flesh' and comfort its creators must have made great effort to succeed in such an ambitious project. Behind the scene, everything that could be controlled was well-ordered. Admirable work indeed.
Besides the vivid scenery and watchable moving pictures of simulated hospitable village life what I found particularly engrossing was the idea of tourist guides disguised as ordinary people willing to let you gather yourself roboustly at the back of their coach glazing at outstanding view, while they would amuzingly roar about local highlights.
All in all, such a destination is worth seeing. My recommendation is to be more innovative in order not to let the novelty wear off. For now, it serves its purpose by turning the clock back for centuries with response to necessities of modern life, cuddling you and telling a fairytale of long passed times.
Yours faithfully,
Ana Videnovic