Last Saturday I took a day trip out to Seaford, a small-ish town to the east of Brighton. It takes half an hour on the train to get there. The weather that day was: cloudless blue sky, just very warm, seriously, not a cloud in sight. I was very warm the whole time and, having forgotten sunscreen, I was a bit concerned that I’d get tanned. (I really don’t like getting tanned).
Seaford’s nice, just quite calm, maybe with the exception of the main shopping streets which can get quite busy, probably more so at the weekend. There was also a bi-weekly street market where I chatted to some woman who was selling handmade soap. We had a good chat about how mass-produced soap strips you of the “good stuff” while natural soap leaves the “good stuff” on your skin, keeping it healthier and moisturised. At least that’s what she said. I honestly don’t know, I’m certainly not an authority on skincare or cosmetic chemistry.
After hanging out at the beach for a while I made the great decision to visit Seaford Museum. Entry’s only £2.50 (or less if you’re concessions) and there is a HUGE AMOUNT of stuff to see in the basement. It’s all old stuff, like cameras, TVs, radios, typing machines, computers, vinyl players, washing machines, sewing machines… one of my favourite items on display were a Canadian “ice box” (like a fridge) from the late 19th century, I think, and the “bathing machine”. The bathing machine was a wooden cart that you would reel down the beach and into the sea and then you’d bathe in there. The purpose was that no one could see you bathing. Of course now it’s not in use, otherwise the swimsuit industry would be dead (why would you care to buy the cutest swimsuit if no one can see you? would you wear one at all?).
I also really enjoyed looking at the old music equipment, and playing with the slate boards that kids used in school in the 19th century. You can simply use a slate pen to write on the slate board and then use your finger to write everything off. Suddenly that scene with Anne and Gilbert where she slams the slate over his head makes sense.
Now, I thought that the little “timelines” for things like washing machines and toasters were probably a bit euro-, if not British-centric. They must be. Aren’t they? Don’t you think?
I also finally managed to find a mug that I’d like to keep with myself this year. It’s clear glass and it was £1 in a nice Oxfam shop in the Seaford high street. The lady that worked there was very talkative. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t have bought it. She also wrapped the mug in brown paper which I appreciated – it meant I’d carry it home safely.
The beach is just as rocky in Seaford as it is in Brighton. Some people were swimming in the sea. It made me jealous.
Oh, and yeah, I did see the Seven Sisters. You might get some photos later.
kotersey 