Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY: SOUTHEND

'Ello. I'm visiting my British relatives, and thought you might like to come along.

A Little Background: My Mom's family comes from England.

Her Mum was a Londoner; her Dad a Liverpudlian (that's what inhabitants of Liverpool are called).

I'm staying with my cousin Suzanne in London (photos of her cute cottage coming soon, I promise)-- but today, we're taking a tour of Southend on Sea.

The name Southend is short for the South end of Prittlewell.

Although this seaside town has been a popular "bathing town" since the 18th century, it's not really on the sea!

It's on the Thames estuary, but there's no reason to nitpick.

Southend has everything you'd want in a seaside town.

There's quaint Victorian architecture...

Amusement arcades...

Rides...

A cliff lift to take you up to the main part of town...

Waterside cabanas...

More cabanas...
And seafood restaurants...

My cousin Suzanne's favorite fish house was closed, and we had to try somewhere else. It was very good. Her Mum Rita (my mom's first cousin) is in the white shirt.
Suzanne's partner Richard ordered cockles.
This tasty British bi-valve comes in a tiny scallop shell.
Southend also has a mile-long pier and a train that carries you out to the end.

There were telescopes at the end of the pier for viewing Kent and several fisherman.
Facing back to town provided a great view of the picturesque town.A storm appeared to be brewing, so we didn't dally too long as we had one more seaside town to visit. Onward to Old Leigh next post.

I'm still having trouble with Mr. Linky, but I'm working on it.

7 comments:

Jane said...

How very cool! Thanks so much for sharing your travels with us. It's the next best thing to being there.
Smiles,
Jane (artfully graced)

NeereAnDear said...

Hi Barbara,

What an adventure it must have been to travel to England!

Looks like loads of fun...

But not too sure about those cockles? what are they? Did you try one? Did you like it?

I think I might stick with fish and chips... LOL

Welcome back ... glad you had a good time

HUGS
JO

Elyse said...

hi barbara,

how fun to come along via this blog post!

will you be visiting cath kidston?

safe travels

xo
elyse

Barbara Jacksier said...

Cockles taste like brinier clams. Not bad at all. I ordered the fish and chips and it was fabulous. So was the Sticky Toffee Pudding!

Kathryn Bechen said...

What a fun trip; thanks for sharing! Kathryn :)

Alison Gibbs said...

Hi Barbara what a wonderful place to visit, so much to see and do. Thanks for taking us along
Alison

carrie leber said...

love these photos! so colorful and gorgeous and such a nice change from the cold gray here on the east coast.