Thursday, 16 August 2007

beside the seaside


Everyone needs to get away now and then, if only for a day or so, and it doesn't really matter where to. I can usually judge how much I need to 'take time out' by how difficult it is, to physically and mentally, extricate myself from my tiny patch of the world.

This time - it felt like I would never achieve that magical moment of 'car all packed, kids in, ignition on' - there was just so much on the 'TO DO before I go away list' - but somehow it happened, and there we were, children and I, on our way to sunny Llandudno, leaving Henry at home, baling, wrapping and managing the menagerie.

All our family enjoy the seaside - must be something to do with living in the land-locked midlands, but we had never before, experienced Llandudno. Certainly not for the faint-hearted.

What a wondrous place of contrasts - resplendent victorian glory, urban sprawl, coastal charm, big and brash, curious and quaint, where stilettos and fag ends rub along with a la carte seafood and sports convertibles. Underground caverns and mountain top walks. Retail chic and tacky souvenir shops. You can stroll along a crowded Blackpool prom on one side, or a sandy beach with hardly a soul, stretching out on the other.
After four nights B&B and total immersion in Llandudno living, we were converted. It's an acquired taste Llandudno,(fabulous fish and chips by the way!) rather like ordering anchovies, capers and banana slices for your pizza topping - but once tasted, it becomes one of those 'must have again ' experiences, though probably not something you would want to face every day.

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