Rory Welsh, Contributor
LOOKING at someone from the country and comparing them with someone from town, I've always been fascinated by the differences. However, it was not until two years ago on my cousin Nanko's visit to the city from rural Jamaica that my curiosity was fulfilled.
I was in a state of shock! He was quite glamorous.... for 10 to 20 years ago!
Observing Nanko and the reaction to his new environment, left me amazed. First he was quite reluctant to sleep on the bed, as to him it was too soft. Then after showing him the bathroom, he enquired as to why he had to stoop so low to wash his face!
And looking back, I now realise why it was so hard to understand when my country cousin spoke... he was afflicted by the 'twang thing'.
Unfortunately, because of my experience with my cousin, I was forced to a come to a hasty conclusion about country life. Little did I know that it was far from he truth, as on subsequent visits to the rural parts, I noticed that, in some respects, these people were not only keeping apace with city folks, but were ahead in some things.
It is hard to find a more caring, welcoming and honest set of people than country folk. Criminal activities outside of the cities are fewer and, of course, the physical beauty of the area is breathtaking. To quote from the famous song: "I never knew country life was so nice."
May advice is never to judge a book by its cover.
Rory Welsh is a student of the University of the West Indies and one of several teenagers whose opinions appear in this slot each week.
