Rolling hills and endless green pastures – those images are easy to conjure when thinking of the idyllic country lifestyle. When lockdowns descended upon many countries across the world during the pandemic, social media seemed to be dominated by pictures of cottages and village life – people getting away from it all. So, why is living in the countryside becoming a modern fantasy – and are there benefits to considering a slower pace of life?

It makes sense that some people would want to give up the crowded and noisy city streets for the perceived tranquillity of the traditional country life – especially during an event like a pandemic. The lockdowns and extensive periods of working from home have given people time to think about what they want from life. But it’s not just about having a greener place to look at out your window.

There is more evidence that relates to the benefits of rural living. Villages aren’t normally subject to the stop-go traffic we see in city centres, the buses fighting with taxis for dominance, or metro systems with trains that scream from one station to the next. In short, there’s less air pollution in your country retreat – a thing which increases the chances of developing respiratory conditions or heart disease. You also get more opportunities to take long walks and see the sights, meaning you can get more exercise. Less noise, more walks and better air can also lead to less stress and an increased life expectancy, according to studies such as one conducted by the British government in 2012.

However, there are some things that need to be considered. Living far from the hustle and bustle of the city means that some people may feel isolated or even lonely. And as people get older, life far from doctors or public transport could become a bit of a challenge. So, if you’re considering a change of pace and moving to a picturesque village, there is a range of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.

词汇

表

rolling hills 绵延起伏的山丘
pastures 牧场草地
idyllic 田园风光的
cottage 乡村小屋
village 乡村
get away from it all 抛开烦恼去休息、放松
pace of life 生活节奏
tranquillity 宁静
rural 农村的，乡村的
air pollution 空气污染
retreat 退隐静养的地方
life expectancy 预期寿命
hustle and bustle 喧嚣繁忙
isolated 与世隔绝的
picturesque 风景如画的
take the plunge 冒然决定尝试

测验与

练习

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。

1. What seemed to dominate social media during the pandemic?

2. What gave people time to think about what they wanted from life?

3. What issues do villages not have that cities have?

4. What factors can increase your life expectancy?

5. What are some of the potential issues with moving to the country?

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. We’ve decided to _______ and move to the country.

pace of life                   

village                           

picturesque              

take the plunge

2. I live in a peaceful little _______ far from the city. 

take the plunge            

pace of life                    

village                      

picturesque

3. I used to hate the _______ so packed up and moved to a rural area.

isolated                        

hustle and bustle          

take the plunge         

picturesque

4. Your cottage is so beautiful – it’s _______.

picturesque                  

village                           

take the plunge         

pace of life  

5. The area that I live in is really quiet – it has a slower _______.

take the plunge            

village                           

pace of life                

picturesque

答案

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。 

1. Social media seemed to be dominated by pictures of cottages and village life.

2. The lockdowns and extensive periods of working from home.

3. Villages don’t normally have the stop-go traffic of city centres or air pollution.

4. Less noise, more walks and better air can also lead to less stress and an increased life expectancy.

5. Some people may feel isolated or even lonely – and as one gets older – life far from doctors or public transport could become a bit of a challenge.

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. take the plunge

2. village

3. hustle and bustle

4. picturesque

5. pace of life