Consider me a weeb but I like Japan, it has some truly beautiful nature and cuisines to try across the country.
Yes, there is a bit of that anime or gaming side to it, they’ve birthed many favourite nostalgic franchises of mine like Crash Bandicoot or Pokemon.
I also really like their architecture with their traditional houses and castles, the whole thing just seems really peaceful and tranquil given it it is a “quiet and polite” country.
Their country might be set in their ways but that is what I think makes the country special, keeping its traditions, beliefs and culture for many, many years.
My bro likes Spain because of their food and hot sunny weather 😎
What about you? What country do you like and why?
Probably the UK, mainly due to the history. You’ve got archaeology going back to the bronze age and before, well-preserved ruins from throughout the medieval era, and a very well-documented pre-modern history record.
They had a fairly unique path through global history, from the darkness of the colonial and imperial era, to being the bastion against Napoleon and then European fascism, to the seat of the voluntary and cooperative Commonwealth nations today. They’re one of the best examples of just how much a society can evolve, and are still one of a handful of European nations where the far right is struggling the most to gain a foothold. I admire that greatly.
Oh, and I never did quite grow out of my longbows-are-cool phase. And ships. Ships are cool too. And British humour is entertaining. And they like to insert a random letter U here and there for no discernable reason.
Just because you said medieval ruins, I’m much more impressed with the medieval buildings that aren’t ruins. Definitely worth looking into some of these less well know places if you ever plan a trip, or just want to look up some cool pictures.
For US people, the thing thats most impressive, is that all of these were built before Christopher Columbus even started his voyage to the americas in 1492.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham - Established around 1189, makes it approximately 835 years old. The pub is partially built into the sandstone caves beneath Nottingham Castle. Still a great looking and fully functioning pub today, I want to go there.
Anne Hathaways Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire - Dates back to about 1463, which makes it around 560 years old. A very British medieval farmhouse and the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife.
Stokesay Castle, Shropshire - Was built in the late 13th century, around 1291, which makes it over 730 years old. It’s one of the best preserved fortified manor houses in England.
Monnow Bridge, Monmouth, Wales - Was built in the late 13th century, around 1272-1297, making it about 725 years old. It’s the only remaining fortified river bridge in Britain with its gate tower intact.
St. Ives Bridge, Cambridgeshire - Built in the 1400s, making it around 600 years old. The bridge has a full chapel in the middle.