Totnes - UK's lil Bohemia!

Totnes is a scenic train journey away from Exeter. Refreshingly scenic. One passes the river Exe and then passes by the sea and in forty minutes of all this passing, one finds oneself at Totnes. The train station is small, the little town is small. But the ideas in Totnes are huge and influential, like its people.
Known for its artists, thinkers, organic farms, eco friendly houses, forward-looking people, revolutionary ideas : Totnes is one of its kind. The high street is devoid of primark and zara (though my heart flutters a little when I see them, it flutters better when I dont!) Instead there is a whole assortment of “alternative” clothing stores. The saturday market is filled with clothes, dvds, aisles, paints, paintbrushes, plants, collectibles, curiousities, jaggery, glassware and what not! Its like Aladdin's cave, just the brighter less-dinghy version of it. Dartington, just off Totnes hosts a number of lovely, green, beautiful self-sustainable houses.



Totnes is a pioneer. Its a place where “Transition” is very popular. In case you haven't heard of it, Totnes and many other parts of the world, are now preparing themselves for a world in the times of “peak oil” (ie, the point in time when the maximum rate of petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline). Based on a movement by Rob Hopkins, the Transition takes after the Permaculture ways. Basically, Totnes tries to build a sustainable, less oil dependent community. They talk of “food feet” (growing and using locally grown food). Totnes has its own currency, called 'Totnes Pounds' which can be used in its stores. All these are little steps towards building a self contained and self sustainable environment.
There's never a dull moment in Totnes. Its known for its vibrant theatre scene. If you're into music, the place has a large number of world music afficiandos. The cuisine at Totnes is remarkable : from Bangladeshi to Mexican with everything in between (and organic too!).
Gifted with picture postcard scenary, Totnes is breathtaking. Its close to dartmoor, all the combes, the coast and the metropolitans. But who wants to leave Bohemia? Not I!