Day Trip

So I've been wishing I could get to the mountain house - just needing a quick escape from the city. This week was kinda rough at work, and I've been more stressed lately. So last night before heading out for the evening, my friend Carolyn and I were drinking wine (we started this last friday, went and got a couple bottles of wine, instead of beer, from the shop across the street) and de-stressing. I mentioned I wanted to take a day trip somewhere to just get out of the city, and she jumped on board with the idea and we looked at a couple websites, then just picked a town off the map - Southend by the sea - and made a plan! We met at the train station at 11pm and headed off on an hour journey. It was a gorgeous day, walked along the beach - although this is a very different concept than NC beaches. More like walking on a promenade (road) next to a string of arcades, fish and chips stands, and kiddie roads. Anyway, we did that, ate fish and chips, went to an art gallery, played mini-golf, and then started walking down to where the "Big Beach Bang" was to be. That turned out to be 5.5 miles! But we had on comfy shoes and stopped for tea halfway, and fortunately had lots to talk about. Turned out to be a bit of a bust, so we took the train back, found a pub for a couple drinks and waited for the fireworks to start. Then headed back to the train station, grabbed Subway on the way, and rode home content. Tired, but happy. :) All in all it was a great way to spend a day out of London!


I really love how easy it is to go anywhere I want to go. 11.50 GBP and I'm on the beach, with different scenery, salty air, and a fun excursion begins. It really helps me not miss having a car - I can do the equivalent of what I would with a car, and have the added benefit of reading, playing cards, or talking without having to worry about focusing on the road. Only option I don't have is driving to the mountains or to see my family. The mountains...I will have to find a solution. Maybe I'll meet someone with a home, or try Wales...just need some place I know I can escape to!