New World, Old Names

Dear Reader,

Do you prefer New England or old, European England? How about Scotland, are you more attached to the one in the UK or Nova Scotia in Canada? I always thought it was kind of strange that New England and Nova Scotia were named as such. Although I understand the historical significance around the names, I still think it’s interesting that we have kept the British names for these places centuries later.

I live in Boston (a very New England city) and I have traveled to England (London and Oxford specifically) as well as Scotland and Nova Scotia. Although I feel that the European namesakes are incredibly different than their American counterparts, I believe that there are a few outward similarities between the regions.

New and Old England

Weeks ago, when my boyfriend and I were walking through Harvard Square, he remarked that Boston is a very European city. I immediately thought that this was preposterous, because the Boston that came to my mind was a very familiar, very American one. However, today, when I was walking through a cold and rainy Harvard Square, I started thinking about the remark that Boston was comparatively European. It’s kind of true. The weather certainly compares at times, but so does locations like Harvard Square. Old buildings, the metro system, public parks, and an abundance of pedestrians and cafes is certainly European.

I have a picture challenge for you. Are the following pictures of New England or Old England?? Answers at the bottom.

Nova Scotia or Scotland

Two summers ago, I went on a road trip up to Nova Scotia. In the middle of August, the weather was beautiful on the lake. The nature was breathtaking, along the Cabot Trail one can drive along the coast as well as hike through the woods to the peaks overlooking the ocean. Parts of Nova Scotia are too beautiful for words. This past summer, I was able to visit Scotland. Scotland is also beautiful, but in a different way. Scotland has large cities; the population of Edinburgh and Glasgow combined surpasses that of the whole province of Nova Scotia (just under 1million). There is too much to say about Scotland and Nova Scotia, so instead of writing, I will proceed directly to the picture challenge. Which is Nova Scotia, and which is Scotland? Answers at the bottom.

All in all, England/Scotland and New England/ Nova Scotia are more like each other than they are like their namesakes. This isn’t really a surprise, but it can be fun to compare. If you ever get the opportunity to travel to any of these destinations, Dear Reader,… I would recommend Scotland (other blog posts on Scotland here and here), but all are worth a visit!

Love,

Raven

Answers: 1. Oxford, England, 2. Cambridge, MA, 3. Cambridge, MA, 4. Oxford, England, 5. Oxford, England, 6. Oban, Scotland, 7. Baddeck, Nova Scotia, 8. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, 9. Edinburgh, Scotland, 10. Oban Scotland