The first time I heard the terms “rural” and “urban” was during my primary school days. It was in one of these interesting subjects where most things, unlike other subjects, naturally stuck. My memory is not as fresh as a newly brewed wine, but I remember that my teacher taught us that one of the major differences between a rural area and an urban area is that the former is backward in terms of population, economic activity, infrastructure, and access to services, and many more. I wouldn't call myself a traveler, but in one way or the other, I've been to several places. And yes, I have been to quite a number of rural areas.
This image is mine.
I grew up in an urban area which had the basic things an urban area would have. Looking deeply, my environment could have pass off for being a rural area because it lacked some of the basic services. I would call it an “upgraded rural area or a mini-urban area. Nevertheless,we enjoyed so many social amenities. For example, the roads were not so good. Some of the areas had smooth pothole-free roads, while other areas had potholes as big as two football stadiums combined. We also enjoyed electricity. Arguably, reliable electricity was one of the things that really made us stand out as an urban area. Growing up, I enjoyed electricity so much that we almost had it every day. When it comes to access to services, like healthcare, education and entertainment, we enjoyed these things. There are big government hospitals and so many private ones, standard schools that represent us in external competitions, and fancy restaurants and play centers that serve as sources of entertainment. With this, it is evident that I grew up in an urban area and that I currently live in an urban area.
Well, the simple answer is no. I have never lived in a rural area. However, I have visited so many rural areas for certain activities. I grew up in a catholic church. Years ago, I was an active alter server. You see, an altar server is someone who assists the priests; go with them to places to make their job easier. At that time, my priest often visited areas where there were no churches. In simple words, rural areas. As someone who did not like going to far places, I always avoided following the priest to rural areas. But one day, I ran out of excuses and found myself in the priest's car, following him to a place where I'd never been before.
That place was out of this world. “Backwards and uncivilized” are the perfect terms to describe the environment. As soon as we arrived, the network on my phone went from 3g to “no signal.” and I wondered how people who lived there survived without the internet. The road there was so bad that the potholes almost swallowed our car. The inhabitants told us that there are hospitals. Meaning, that when they fall sick and cannot travel to urban areas where there are hospitals, they treat themselves with local herbs. As if that is not enough, there was no single school there- children spend all their lives assisting their parents on the farm. After that visit, something about me got drawn to following my priest to rural areas.
I know there are benefits attached to living in rural areas. However, in my opinion, the disadvantages of living in rural areas outweigh the advantages. So, urban areas all the way.
Thanks for reading.