One of the opportunities for 38minutes and the whole ‘ning-based’ network is the shortening of these distances – isn’t that what the internet is all about (apparently it’s not just about porn and advertising).
When I look at a map, I like to draw a line circle from where I am to around 75 miles…
and I find myself wondering what is across the Irish Sea, what new counties and towns exist over here and is it simply the cost of the ferry which stops us working together more? I’m looking to look and learn, eastwards over towards Glasgow – what are my cousins over there doing?
Over the last twelve months I have been in Scotland twice – both times passing through – past the towns which, to me are simply legends of my heritage (apparently my family is from Annan) and having no real concept of the life and people who toil and live there. Even Glasgow, not much further from me than Dublin, is seemingly distant due to the tyranny of around 26 miles of sea.
So where should I ask? Here? What’s going on in Lochaber and Skye, in the Western Isles, Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway?
I think there is a lot in Dundee you could be interested in. Lots of game development, two universities with good computing departments, nice big hill.
Aye, people in Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh are not hard to find (especially on 38minutes), but it’s our nearest neighbours I’m interested in!
Why 75 miles in particular?
It’s not just the sea distance (and the attendant costs) that inhibits travel to Scotland. Stranraer/Portpatrick are not exactly the hub of the universe (quality B&Bs notwithstanding), and there’s an awful lot of not-much between there and the next reasonably-sized towns. It’s a pretty but bloody long drive riddled with average-speed cameras before you get to anywhere of note. And the train’s even slower. By contrast, it’s so easy to drive/ride to Dublin for the day, not to mention Craigavon, Newry, Dundalk, Drogheda…