Level B2 General English

Lesson 50

Home And Hometowns
家と故郷

I grew up in a small town in the south of Wales. The town sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, hills, forests and fields. I finally left home when I went to university and I never returned to live in my hometown. As I grew up, my hometown seemed to grow smaller and smaller, even though nothing really changed.

I moved to a new city that was bigger, more exciting and more interesting. Of course I visited my hometown to see my relatives and friends. Each time I went back I would notice a new shop or two, and other shops that had closed down. But the town hardly changed at all, it seemed frozen in time. But in one way I was happy because the town was surrounded by beautiful forests where I loved to go walking. And now every time I visit, I walk in the forests.

Many of my school friends stayed in the town and I still visit them there. It seemed a little strange to me and I often wonder why some people leave and others stay. Who knows? Maybe some day I’ll go back to live there.