On the train to the seaside

We decided to go out for a couple of hours today whilst the sky was blue and the sun was out.  It was flipping cold so don't be deceived by those warming rays of sun and it's much colder when your walking along a seafront!  We got the District Line Train from where we live to Upminster Train Station and we caught the c2c fast train to Southend Central.  We had the whole carriage to ourselves for two of the 7 stops

 and as you can see, quiet.  I do like the colour of the decor and if I could add a few crocheted blankets and cushions, it would look fabulous. If anyone is wondering about the cost of a train ticket...it was £18 for the two of us.

We walked through the town to our favourite cafe and had a big breakfast and right opposite is a  wool shop. I love the window display's in there and I wish I had taken a photo of it.  There were knitted and crocheted ponchos and some big cable knit throws...lovely.

We then walked down the hill to the seafront and here is a photo. Right opposite the sea is a busy road and there are a lot of 'arcade' shops.  I always go to the 'tuppeny roll' machine where you put in 2p's that fall onto a drawer that moves forward and then pushes another drawer for the 2p's to fall off and into your winning shelf. I know it sounds mindless but it brings back memories for me.   As a child this road seemed so long and at the very end is 'The Kurzal'.  Well it use to be an undercover arcade precinct kind of building but now it's still called 'The Kurzal' but is a flipping bowling alley with a tesco underneath.

To the right of the picture there really isn 't much too see other than the beach. Years ago there use to be little huts that sold candy floss, buckets and spades, kiss me quick hats etc but now there is just a doughnut shop that wants 80p for a hot doughnut..no way!!  When we came out of the arcade after spending just £2 of our well earned money we walked over the road to say hello to the sea.  Here's a view looking down to the left of us  

and it is so quiet.  It is packed at the height of summer and it is so noisy and that is why I am not a lover of the seaside.  I had a caravan years ago in Dovercourt and it was away from all that noise of arcades, music and loud groups of kids.  I won't ever forget those times......with my boys and enjoying the peace and quiet.

To the right of where we were standing you can see a small pier that you can get a speed boat ride but obviously not out of season.  Beyond that pier is the start of Southend Pier but you have seen photo's of that and the train on it.

We walked back after that and went to have a look around the shopping centre but not for long, it was absolutely packed.  Time to head back on the c2c to home.

I have got more photo's to show you of my christmas goodies and my latest projects but will save that for another day...hope you liked the photo's.  Here is my final one of Tipsy keeping warm on top of the radiator.