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two friends, forty takes, one adventure across continents
December 26th by may
Hey Adri,
How’s Christmas going in Dubai?
Much as I love this crazy city, I thought I’d head out of London. The crowds have been overwhelming. It’s high street dodge-em: getting from one end of Oxford Street to another is the usual battle through human traffic, with the added bonus of shopping bags jabbing you in the sides as you walk by. What credit crunch?
Leaving London on a seven-hour train ride turned out to be one of those randomly good decisions. It’s a kick to my city loving cred, but Paignton is the sort of place that forces you into clichés. You find the place “charming” and “delightful” before you can stop yourself. But it is: quiet streets, friendly folks, the smell of the sea in every direction. Restaurants on the main street with names like ‘Talk of the Town’ and designated clubbing outlets for under 17s.
But beyond all that, I couldn’t pass up the chance: a few hundred grown-ups in Santa suits, tearing through the coast in 2°C weather? Hello, Christmas! I only wished I’d stayed on for Boxing Day. Apparently, it’s tradition around here for all the young people to gather at the pier for a group plunge into the sea. At dawn!
As far as traditions go, I guess hypothermia could be the more interesting alternative. In London? We’d probably be nursing hangovers or queueing up on the high streets for the Boxing Day sales.
Oh well. Hope you have a bright, happy Christmas, whatever you’re up to. I’ve had a fantastic time, but it’s back to the city soon. Can’t wait for the new year to come round – mad, busy weeks ahead, and a ton of London stories to tell.
In the meantime, I think I’ll grab me a drink and check out what bargains I can find at the shops.
Paignton, Devon, United Kingdom
Thanks:
Celine Lee and Kev Keegan (pics), Rabbit (music)
Posted in christmas, england, london, video.