A Bit About Eastbourne...

So for those of you who don't know, Eastbourne is a smallish seaside town just south east of Brighton (which is a holiday destination, famous for it's carnival on the pier and rocky 'beach.') Eastbourne is a lot less touristy than Brighton (in other words, not as much going on) and there tends to be a rather large aging population (I have never seen so many walking frames and mobility scooters in all my life). However, despite this I actually feel quite a substantial amount of affection for this unassuming seaside gem. The town centre isn't particularly big but there still is everything one could want; A large Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer (my favourite store in the UK) and for clothes there's a Primark and even a Topshop! I also found myself wandering into a department store yesterday with very cheap leather handbags and swarms of elderly people. I suddenly felt like I was back in Asia, bargain hunting amongst the crowds....although thank goodness, this crowd wasn't quite as pushy!

And speaking of Asia, chinese culture has by no means been forgotten. In actual fact I was highly impressed with the number of chinese restaurants and even acupuncture and traditional medicine on the main drag leading to the beach. When I went into a store to buy some 'footsies' I swear the lady behind the counter was from Hong Kong...I was SO CLOSE to speaking some Cantonese but alas, nerves got the better of me. :( I must say though, it is refreshing to know that if I do get tired of the 'Englishness' of it all, I can easily escape into 'Mr Hau's Oriental Express' for some dim sum. Best of both worlds I reckon!

Another thing that I have noticed in Eastbourne is the incredible value for money. Perhaps I'm simply not used to being out of the 'Big Smoke' that is London (and let me tell you, you notice

just how polluted London is after you've been in the fresh sea air!) I actually passed a pub that serves traditional English roasts for only £2.99! Incredible.

I must say though, what I am enjoying most of all is the feeling of being back in Suburbia again. There is something so comforting about walking into an Arcade that has all the staple shops, but very little choice. There is a smell in there that is universal, whether you're in the UK, Australia or even Asia. It's difficult to put your finger on but when I'm in those arcades dodging the phone stores on my left, the cheap hair salons on my right and the mobility scooters that seem as though they are trying to run you down, I feel as though I am home.