Hello my fellow @steemians! Currently, the G7 Summit is being held in Cornwall - my home county where I was born and spent most of my life. At the moment, some of the most powerful world leaders - from the United States (President Joe Biden), Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom (Boris Johnson - the host), as well as other guests and leaders; European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, European Council Charles Michel, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, are discussing global and social issues and what they can do to protect the environment. Yesterday, members of the British Royal Family (Queen Elizabeth II, Charles - the Prince of Wales, Camillia - the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - William and Kate) arrived and joined the delegates, guests and leaders in Cornwall.

Because I'm Cornish and I'm very familiar with the county/region, I thought I would create a humorous Top Ten List of the rules and advice the G7 leaders should follow while in Cornwall. It's not to be taken seriously, it just gives you an insight into and an understanding of the life, humour and the different aspects of Cornwall that define it and its identity. 😎:

So, an explanation of the above points are needed if you are not from the region, only local or Cornish people fully understand them all.

Point no. 1: Cornish people are very proud of their local dish: the Cornish Pasty. It's made of beef, onion, potato and swede and covered in pastry. So, of course, if you are visiting Cornwall, you must try an authentic, traditional, hand-made pasty - FROM CORNWALL (not outside of the region or in England 😊). That's what the locals feel and believe. It's the equivalent of visiting England and trying the national dish: Fish and Chips.

Point no. 2: Ginsters, is the biggest selling pasty maker in the UK, located in Cornwall and mass-produces pasties, sausage rolls, sandwiches, pasta bowls and other snacks to supermarkets, service and petrol stations and other food outlets across the UK. However, for the Cornish people, they are the bane of the traditional Cornish Pasty...in other words, non-locals think that when they are eating a Ginsters, it's what a real traditional Cornish pasty is like. However, for the locals, it is not...they tend to avoid them at all costs and Ginsters is the brunt of many a joke among Cornish people. Try a handmade one made with love, care and attention instead.🤣

Point no. 3: There's this tradition and rivalry between Cornwall and Devon (the neighbouring county) with what should be put on scones (a small cake or baked item) first - jam or cream! 🍪 Scones can be eaten as part of a cream tea, a national traditional in the UK. Across the border, in Devon, they put the cream on first, followed by jam. However, in Cornwall, they do this in the other order - jam, then cream on top. It became quite a internet hit and sensation in recent years, as famous people waded in and became involved in this debate. It became known as The Great Scone Debate. So, basically, it's just some friendly rivalry and difference between regions, but for some people, it's much more serious and this rule should be followed at all costs.

Point no. 4: Some proud Cornish people born-and-bred in the Duchy (another name for Cornwall), like to be known or identify themselves as being Cornish, not English. It's the same as people from Wales and Scotland, they like to be known or be called Welsh and Scottish, calling them English might cause offence. 😞

Point no. 5: Usually when people visit Cornwall, they might not be aware of and used to the narrow country lanes and the unwritten courtesy and rules when you meet oncoming vehicles and other road users. The visitor may just sit and stare at the driver in front of them, waiting for them to reverse, as there may only be enough room for one vehicle to pass. But this may involve long pauses, waiting for one of the drivers to back up and reverse right up the country lane. However, if you can pull in, or if you have just passed a passing place, a small dip or area in the road where you can stop and allow the other driver to pass, then please do this - it is appreciated!

Point no. 6: There's a certain ingrained stereotype when some people meet Cornish people, or someone from the countryside, or from the Westcountry, especially a farmer and/or someone with a strong Cornish or regional accent, you may think that they don't know about the world, or they might not understand everything you say, because they are perceived as a yokel, or a country bumpkin or idiot. This is not usually the case.

There is a slower pace of life in the region and some locals may speak slower because that's how they speak or maybe they are not in so much of a rush. I know the accent is not the most smooth or intellectually-sounding one, but if visitors decide to talk down and be condescending to the locals, be prepared to receive the wrong information and directions. Also respect and take care of the land, property, fields, farm animals etc and please take your litter home. You may only be visiting the region for a short time, but the locals will have to pick up the pieces and mess after you have gone.

Point no. 7: The weather is changeable in the region, summer can turn into autumn, or there may be torrential rain or a cloudburst, hails or high winds. Cornwall is, surrounded by coast, so it is affected by the coastal dangers and weather conditions. Be prepared, stock up, wear and take suitable clothes and a change of clothes and/or waterproofs.

You may loose your umbrella as it might get turned inside-out or blown away because of the heavy coastal gusts. It can become dangerous and treacherous, especially near the coast, or on high ground, such as the moors. The term "mizzle" has been coined by the locals - a combination of misty weather, usually from the coast - and drizzle, light rain, which may disrupt your plans and your enjoyment. Get used to it, it's part of living in Cornwall. Very heavy rain or a downpour can be described as "pissing down"! 🌫️ 🌧️

Point no. 8: You may think that the local seagulls are cute and need feeding because they are begging for food, like your pet dog and you may sympathetically want to feed them a chip or piece of your pasty. However - be prepared for the rest of your meal to be eaten or taken away by the flock of gulls that will descend upon you!

It doesn't matter if you have small children or babies, they will swoop down and take what you have in your hands, whether it be open or wrapped. People have received injuries and children have had their ice creams stolen right out of their hands. Be prepared for crying children and stolen food if you decide to feed them. A couple of seagulls are fine, but once they have received a titbit from you, they will call their mates and twenty may descent from the skies and roofs and take what you have left in your hands! They have become very predatory and opportunistic.

The final point: "Have a bleddy 'ansum time!". The Cornish has many slang words and phrases, this is a popular one. Bleddy = bloody and 'ansum = handsome (spelt/pronounced differently because of the accent) which means: "Have a great time!"