some more musings

We have just enjoyed a week away in our little 'home from home' - a rather basic and ancient touring caravan, which, despite it's state of wear and tear, has everything we need. We spent our week in the little known Essex backwater of Jaywick, which was absolutely delightful and I would recommend it to everyone who wishes to gain a true impression of the real Essex. NOOOOOOOO! ~To quote Willy Wonka - strike that, reverse it. Sadly, despite being in one of the MOST picturesque parts of this country, with it's big open Constable skies and and quaint tidal ports, it's the biggest Sh*thole I have ever had the pleasure of spending time in. For anyone who is also unfortunate enough to book a week at one of the Jaywick holiday parks (which in themselves are perfectly presentable and very reasonably priced) PLEEEEASE don't be tempted to judge the entirety of Essex by the total lack of standards set by the inhabitants of Jaywick. For one point, I have never seen so much litter in my life. As a second point - I don't imagine the ghettos of Sao Paolo to have as many collapsing, wrecked, or run down shacks as Jaywick ... and these weren't beach huts - they were bungalows, many of them actually someone's home! So, in short, I wouldn't recommend Jaywick as a holiday destination.

Despite my critiscism of the locale, the week did redeem itself in that we were able to relax away from the pressures of home, work and school life and we spent time in the delightful little town of Brightlingsea and also a good day taking in the delights of Clacton pier.

I really value my community and do what i can to contribute to community life. I hold Essex in high esteem as its true identity is overlooked and it is often lampooned in the press and on TV for being little more than London-overspill. This is, for the large part, entirely incorrect. It really pains me when people have NO regard for the area or community in which they live and abuse all that they see around them, in the same way as the residents of Jaywick have done. After all, self-respect costs nothing.