The English Breakfast

The other day, I was watching a documentary about World War - 1. although, many things were known and some unknown. I am not the one who is interested in numbers, it was a great loss for the world. Almost an entire generation was wiped out. I am not here to discuss about the losses but to make sense of somethings which keep on lingering on my mind.

When they speak about the English food, they always say it is bland - no taste, whatsoever - except baked potatoes and roasted meat. This is noticed not only amongst the rich but also for the poor.

Ironically, that is one of the ways they managed for survival during their World War days. Government rationed the food, so that everyone gets to eat. Another reason being, all sea routes were blocked by German U-boats, import was becoming difficult and so was food. The good thing is both rich and poor did participate to face the situation as one!!! (Or it seems to be!!!!)

So, is it good to assume that the bland English food is an outcome of Great Leadership during those times?

On the contrary, this kind of rationing was not undertaken any other region of Europe. They cherished their food but in the end had to switch from meat to tulips and lost lot of farms, farmers and farmlands.

If I am wrong in my conclusions, then the other school of thought goes to the situation during those times. England has a colony in almost every corner of the world. they might have definitely bought some good cuisines / specialties back from these colonies. It is difficult to change but impossible to resist to the food for a long time.

So, again is it right to assume that they went back to their original feed habits? And this time everyone was treated equal - rich and poor????

Comments are welcome...

Helping randomly

I do not know what happened and how it happened and I am still wondering what happened.

While I was walking back to home for lunch, I saw a young couple a few meters ahead of me. A thought went through my mind that they seem to be normal couple just talking with each other.

When I was near enough, the guy approached me and asked whether I speak English. I thought they might have lost some path or looking for some directions and replied "Yes". In a polite but in a bit apologetic manner he asked particularly for 3€. I was taken back and glanced at the girl, most of her head was covered with the hood of her blue jacket but her eyes also said that she is sad and apologetic but helpless.

I asked a couple of questions and the guy answered with confidence as if sensing that I am ready to help. Then I asked "why do they need the money for". "To eat something - we lost our money". With the way they were speaking and their eyes seemed honest. My conscious mind was (and still) suspicious.

I had this split second to make a decision, whether to help them or not.A thought just came to my mind - I must help them but not entirely. My intentions are pure and to help someone, someone whose proximity is comforting and have answered initial questions of conscious mind. If they are honest and in need - I will achieve  what my intention was. If they are dishonest, I might not have achieved what I wanted but at least in my heart, I know my intentions are pure and will not feel bad for not helping the needy.

When I gave them 2€ their eyes were lit and said "thank you" as if someone has given them bread.

I still have lot of questions in my mind
- should I have given them more money?
- should I have taken them to a restaurant and paid for their lunch?
- there are lot of options - should I have done this or that!!!

I also ask myself, will I help any other couple next time? What if I meet the same couple again in the evening asking for more money?

Don't know answers for many thoughts yet but it a BLINK moment in my life and I will lets say - forget it and move forward as I would like to maintain this a silent "act of kindness" in my bag of memories.