Cows and Islands
While otherwise distracted by a book I found in our common kitchen at work (yes, some of us have alternative library systems), I started to focus on the place names. By a rare juxtaposition of history and geography, the story was set in a place named for a breed of cow. Guernsey. Not Jersey, or Alderney, or Holstein, or others from the long list available on Wiki. And I thought to myself, how odd?
Islands are great places, and there is little chance for a cow from one place to meet a beau from another (modern technology excepted). But, how remarkable that cows symbolize lovely locales that must have other unique traits. I can tell a Jersey from a Holstein (thanks to relatives that were proud farming stock). Now I’m going to be forced (yes, forced) to call up Google Earth and see if I can spot some of the local bovine citizens.
Oh, the book is good, too. A war history, dealing with occupation of the Channel Islands. Who knew (other than those involved)? If you did a Rick Mercer and asked selected folk on a city street, how many even know where the Channel Islands are located, or how they came to be English territory in a French zone? In Canada, some of us know about St-Pierre & Miquelon. Followers of the daily news may be up to date on the Falklands/Malvinas. But are there many examples of odd flag plantings?
If I was ever to return to the university carrel on a full-time basis, I’d have to include this question in my course of study. Right next to cow breeds.
