British Expat Forum

He could travel with you, you know.

Oh, you don't mean that kind of fag...

You're safe enough for the time being. He's gone to bed at a sensible time - unlike me. But you better watch out tomorrow.

I'm curious to know who this fag is that Kay knows the bedtime-keeping habits of. There are only a couple I can think of that we know, and they never go to bed at a sensible time.

I misunderstood and for some reason thought that Paul was making a joke about you, Dave. Never mind.

Going back to the subject. How about a book your groceries online in advance type of thing? I don't mean that you'd be doing all their shopping for them - just a starter pack of say, milk, eggs, bread, bacon, etc.

You could have a list of basic items you'll supply and the prices and they enter the quantities. Then the groceries are there waiting for them when they arrive.

You two let your minds wander as much as you please...



Yes, this is a possibility. Or, as I have done when staying at a place in the past, they could just do their entire shop online at Tesco and arrange for a delivery time that will suit them. Or... they could just wander 3 minutes into town and browse the shelves themselves.

OK, I forgot there's WiFi. But what if they don't have a computer with them?

Besides, it's nice to arrive somewhere and have some of the basics already there for you. Then you can have a cup of tea and a bacon sarnie rather than having to go straight out to the shops.

***

What other books would you include in the property? I know we've already spoken about cookbooks, but what else (other than local interest)?

Short stories (easy to dip into), an autobiography or biography or two, etc, etc. I love it when there's a bookcase or even a shelf of interesting things to read.

Perhaps something like Cherry by Sara Wheeler might appeal to the rugged outdoor types. We wrote about it yonks ago on a BE newsletter:
http://britishexpat.com/newsletter/newsletter-2008/15-october-2008/

I hadn't planned on supplying a computer or anything like that. I guess we could give info on local cybercafes.



Indeed, point taken. It's a case of weighing up whether doing the shopping for them (on what is the busiest day as far as the business is concerned - ie. cleaning/changeover day) is worth it. I can see the attraction from the guests' point of view, for sure.



Local interest wise, there's likely to be:



and some more practical books relating to the town, with current info, and similar books for the wider area (Lake District and Yorkshire Dales). Wainwright did some classic walking books which have stood the test of time.

Maybe some literary classics from the likes of Wordsworth, some Beatrix Potter books, etc. - all of which would have local significance.

Novel-wise, I don't have much clue... will have to think about that. Tarka the Otter, perhaps? (see below) Swallows and Amazons?

Non-fiction wise I thought one or two pertinent books such as...



(An otter holt has been built at the base of the building)

I like the idea of the place having books where some thought has been given, rather than us just clearing out our own bookcase of some random, unwanted stuff.

I don't blame you for not wanting to supply computers. That would most likely be a nightmare!

How about a book to identify birds?

Otters sound good too.

http://britishexpat.com/expat-uk/clarks-caledonia/ring-of-bright-otters/

Novels:

Something by Terry Pratchett, if they're not fans already they can discover his brilliance and if they are already fans they enjoy can reading or dipping into it again. Going Postal would get my vote. Good fun and light reading.

Most of our novels are being stored for us elsewhere so it's not as easy as simply looking along our bookcases.

Rohinton Mistry's Such a Fine Balance is excellent, but probably wouldn't appeal to someone who had no interest in India.

As you say, you might be better to stick with classics.