Arcadia England

Students studying in the UK have the opportunity to undertake a visit through HOST UK, where they stay with a British family for a weekend, giving them an insight into British culture that goes beyond what many experience. Dartmouth student Evan Jaffe took advantage of this opportunity, and shares his experience below.

I had an incredible weekend stay thanks to Arcadia and HOST! More importantly, I had a wonderful experience because of my incredible hosts, Victor and Liz. I got the opportunity to spend three days and two nights with them on their 2,000-acre farm in Dorset, which is on the South Coast. Not only did I connect with them and their adorable little dog Dory, I built relationships with their family members, friends, and other scattered community members. I can’t help but write out a full play-by-play as each moment was special in its own way, welcomed me into their world, and widened my smile.

When I got off of my three-hour train from London to Dorchester South, I knew I was looking for a “tall man without a beard.” I found Victor, we shook hands, he showed me his car, and… I accidentally went to the driver-side door! We shared a good laugh, I recounted how I had not yet been in a car in the UK, and he drove us off into the weekend. We talked about a great number of things, from how my time in London was going to his educational and professional path, and he excitedly pointed out various spots, from interesting architecture to well-visited shops. I quickly learned that Victor was incredibly bright and kind. When the drive turned more rural, he explained the Roman and agricultural history of the area. Many of the roads were only wide enough for one car to drive, and I was pleasantly surprised by everyone’s willingness to pull over and sometimes even back up so that cars coming in the other direction could pass. The fresh air from the cracked windows was lovely. When we got closer to his farm, he pulled into some of the workshops he owns. These spaces are rented out by community members which they call ‘makers.’ Victor eagerly introduced me to many of them—carpenters, painters, etc.—and they told me about their experiences and showed me some of their work. It was starting to get dark outside, so we hopped back in the car and kept driving toward the house.

Right before the house, we stopped at the most important, and arguably the most beautiful, workshop to meet Liz and Dory. Liz is an incredible artist, specializing in both prints and watercolor paintings, but she was very humble when I began complimenting her work. In our initial conversation, she proved herself to be compassionate and patient. Dory, on the other hand, is an impatient and friendly dog, who immediately rolled over for me to give her a belly rub when she saw me. We then all went back to the house together for some afternoon tea with cake. They have quite the assortment of loose-leaf tea they enjoy experimenting with, very tasty. I quickly fell in love with their teapot and cozy, and enjoyed it many times throughout the weekend. Victor and I then helped peel and chop potatoes and apples as Liz prepared a lovely meal of roasted chicken and potatoes, cabbage, gravy, and apple pie. While preparing, eating, and cleaning dinner, we talked for approximately four hours. I was captivated the entire time as we discussed everything from plans for the weekend, American and British culture, US and UK politics, religion, our families, and more! I even talked on the phone for a while with Victor’s sister, who was quite invested in the presidential election and invited me to stay with her for a weekend so I could see more of the UK. I sadly could not take her up on the offer. They set me up in a nice and cozy bedroom, and I got a great night’s sleep.

I woke up and realized what I missed in the dark the night before. The view from my room, and bathroom, was lovely. Green rolling hills, blue sky, a great escape from the busyness of London. We shared a quick breakfast and then drove into Bridport, a nearby town, for their popular Saturday Market. I explored all of the shops and stands, especially an old book store, and we went to a cafe where we sat and talked to a friendly young couple. We then drove towards West Bay to meet with another of Victor’s sisters at an art gallery she runs for an exhibition that day. There were so many impressive local artists displaying and selling their work. We then had lunch at the gallery with Victor’s brother-in-law and cousin. Next, we walked along the waterfront and saw some great cliffs as we talked about their memories of the area from their childhoods and since. We drove back to the house, and Victor and I took Dory for a long walk. We went up a large hill, walking past lots of Victor’s trees, which he told me all about. He is very interested in and dedicated to forestry and often plants trees. Dory continuously ran ahead and would then turn around to see if she was okay to keep going. As we neared the end of his property, he leashed her up, and she pulled us along some public land, scaring away sheep and cattle alike, even an intimidating bull. We got back to the house for some tea and dinner, and then I attempted to play a mandolin of theirs for a while. The music of the night continued as we went to a community center building for a folk music concert by a Canadian trio. They were really impressive and joyful! We got back to the house and enjoyed hot cocoa around their fireplace. Victor brought out his guitar, and we sang some songs as Dory fell asleep while I was petting her on the couch. I sadly said goodbye to Liz, who had an art exhibition to check out close to Bath the next morning. What a day!

On Sunday,  Victor was ringing bells for a Remembrance Day church service. I went with him and got to watch him and company ringing and then joined for the very pleasant service and sermon, meeting many of the members and the minister herself. We drove home and Victor introduced me to all 400 of their cows at the dairy. The farm really was quite impressive and beautiful. We then took Dory on another walk, exploring some new parts of the property for me, including some yurts that they rent out to vacationers. I packed up, said goodbye to Dory, and had Victor sign a book for me that was written about the house and farm back in 2015. I am excited to read it when the semester ends! We got lunch at a local pub, where everyone seemed to know each other and then went apple picking at a nearby farm with some of Victor’s friends to help them m cider. Victor then drove me back to the train station, where we bumped into more people he knew and hugged goodbye.

It truly was an incredible experience. While I did not take Victor’s sister up on staying with her for a weekend, the following weekend, I visited an old friend up in Newcastle. Coincidentally, Victor and Liz’s son Ed studies there, so I reached out to him, and we met up and chatted for nearly three hours. I really feel as if I became a part of their family in such a short time. I intend to keep in touch with them, and if I am ever back in the UK or them in the US, I will be sure to see them again! It was also lovely to get out of London, spend some quality time in nature (and with a dog), and learn about another part of the country. Thanks to Arcadia and HOST for helping me get there, Victor and Liz for hosting me, Dorset for welcoming me, and you for reading!