Today, as I perused the various stores of Taunton, I found myself inexorably lured (and ever so slightly pushed) towards a display Xbox 360 upon which a version of Tomb Raider: Legend was left running. I couldn't resist and, as I mentioned before, I was ever so slightly pushed by Eruntane. She seemed, uncharacteristically to be encouraging me towards something which I said I would and indeed should not do this month. Admittedly I think she just knows how much I love this series and saw an opportunity for me to enjoy it for free. For that I am grateful, however, five minutes (well about two) in front of this game, playing the final part of a section I have already experienced several times over (on a demo) and only going far enough beyond this to see a single cutscene, was enough to leave me feeling tormented for the next half hour. It didn't help that the version I played, on Microsoft's afformentioned shiny (literally) new next-gen console, was, visually, one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Seriously, I was impressed by the PS2 version's visuals, the lush landscape, with realistic looking vegatation, water effects and ruin, but once you add the texture and lighting power of the Xbox360 it takes on a level of detail and realism which is just beyond anything I've experienced so far. It was enough to leave me feeling that I needed a console upgrade. Those of you who concerned for my bank balance need not fear yet, however; there are hardly any other games out for MS's little demon box I care for, so I won't be drawn to the dark side just yet and my balance shall rejoice in it's, er, balancedness.
I have been informed, after making the obvious Taunton pun, that I must explain that the origin of the Taun part of the town's name comes from the name of its river, the Tone. Sound changes occured. Deal with it.
Aside from visting the town centre, we also ventured into the local hills, the Quantocks, and enjoyed a brief and bracing (it was windy) walk around them. I'm not the greatest fan of truly open coutnryside, I tend to be more fond of valleys and forests than hilltops and moors, but it was great to be out in the fresh air having my ability to judge the horizon well and truly messed up. Also there were wild ponies, not something I've experienced before. One of them stared at us in such a fascinating manner that I could have stood there all day staring back and exchanging the sort of prfound non-information that one does with wild animals. Wonderful.
The afternoon was ended with Cream Tea in what I am told is greatest teahouse for such things in England. I can well agree. A scone with cream and jam, accompanied by a nice cup of coffee after commun(icat)ing with nature was better than I could have ever imagined, and the experience was made even more pleasant by good conversation and one of the most adorable little dogs in creation (obligatorily named Pip or Pippin or some-such) who decided to become my friend in a surprisingly touching manner just before we left. He was quite the host.
The evening was spent at Church. I'm not the biggest fan of the way Anglican's do things. This is not to say that I think they are doing things the wrong way, just the wrong way for me. I am well aware that the Anglican methods work fantastically for many people, Eruntane included, but I just have trouble getting past the formalities to the belief. This is most probably a failing of mine. I can struggle, quite often, with the really simple things about faith. When it comes to communion, as it did this evening, I have to really prepare myself and let myself think about why it is we do it, what makes it important and making sure I udnertsand, as I believe I should, that it is just as symbol, an act of rememberance. When I am led with litanies and replies I find myself swept up in a chorus of voices and I struggle to remember what my own voice is and how I really feel about it. That only distances me from the experience rather than focuses me as I have heard others claim. Still it was good to experince it again and to have some fellowship of one kind or another with other Christians at a time of year that I, as a member of a non-christian family, have often neglected.
Tomorrow there is more such drama. I'll explain when we get there.
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