DreamingAloud

...and lots of that in Leigh. It’s nicer than Southend – a little less chavtastic, more traditional and historical. It’s actually a nice place to live near, if you can cope with the proximity of everywhere else in Essex.

The only thing I really enjoy about Southend is the nostalgia – and that’s all for the people, not the place. It’s nifty knowing that the pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, but it keeps burning down! Peter Pan’s – a very small theme park – is mildly cool, but you have to avoid any ride that might actually be good since it’s got a high chance of breaking down on you. The Kursaal is okay – bowling’s good, arcade’s good – but the sheer number of chavs about make everything on the seafront pretty bracing. Just don’t get me started on the boy racers…

It’s just like everywhere else in the South of England, except you can’t really escape the coast. The only thing worth doing is going to Cowes and seeing boxes of Wight milk. From Cowes.

Well, I thought it was funny.

I only spent two days here, but I absolutely loved it. Stayed at the Mayfair – fantastic hotel, exceptionally polite and accommodating staff, hot tubs on balconies – and thought Johnny Rockets, a retro burger bar, was an awesome find. Coco Walk is nifty for some casual shopping and a fantastic venue for a calm – even romantic – night out.

I thought Miami was awesome. Everyone there seemed so laid back – it felt like a real holiday, like responsibilities didn’t matter. Even though I was there over Christmas, I was happy in jeans and a t-shirt the whole time (though nights get nippy!). I’d love to go back and spend more time exploring the different areas.

I’ve lived in Reading for two and a half years now as a University student. It’s pretty awesome – lots of nightlife to suit almost everyone and if you need more, London’s nearby; restuarants a-plenty to suit most tastes and budgets; two malls in town; two cinemas, one large, modern and in town… and the Uni’s pretty good too. :)