Exploring a Little Town by the Sea -- Sara Seaman

On Friday I had a perfect day...not in London. Are you thrown off?

Now don't get me wrong, I am loving London. I am one of those crazy people who actually enjoys the hustle and bustle of a big city. I love the bright lights, endless options for dinner spots, countless tea and coffee shops, and all the different people and cultures who find themselves in a big city. London is particularly special because it has all of these things as well as lovely architecture. However, it is a bit gloomy sometimes with the cold, rain, and clouds...and sometimes the big city life is just too much. This week it seemed to be that way for most of us here from Tennessee - where the sun usually shines and one can always find a get-a-way spot. Those spots aren't so easily found in the center of London. So...we left the city and found a very large, and quite arguably the most beautiful, get-away spot. A little town by the sea called Hastings.

Eight of us got our tickets - very last minute - and took a two hour train ride out to what became my favorite day in the three weeks I've been here. As the train pulled up to our stop, the sun shone so brightly that all of us smiled as we saw the much needed sun. I had no idea where I was going when I got on the train...no really, I did not know the town's name, that it was by the sea, or what we would do when we got there. I just hopped on that train.

The ocean is my happy place, so you can imagine my joy and surprise when I caught my first glimpse of it. We walked in the direction of beach, and when we were close enough we all ran to the water's edge. (I ran a little too close because soon after my moment of pure joy I kind of soaked. Oops.)

After we ran around for a bit on the pebbly beach we found a lunch spot and then headed in a direction that would hopefully take us up the very large hill we spotted from the beach. We walked down little streets with brightly colored homes and the higher we got the more beautiful the view was when I turned around. Which I think I did about every three steps.

We got to what we thought would be the most beautiful spot and saw the whole town as it lined the ocean.

Then we walked a little higher and I really did see the most beautiful view I could ever see - the largest green space lined with little yellow flowers that looked out over the town and the ocean all under incredibly blue skies. (Quite a big contrast to the city.) After running and cartwheeling all over, we spent the next few hours simply exploring and enjoying each other's company.

It was such a joyful and full, refreshing day. London is wonderful and so much more than anyone could put into words. But so was Hastings. It was exactly what we all needed - a little sunshine, untouched land, salty air, the sound of the ocean, and no agenda. I have never been more happy to have no plan for a day...and let me tell you, I am a big planner.

I am not sure I have ever felt more free in my life. No matter where you live or where you go - take a day and go explore a place you don't know much about and see how it can surprise you. Because it will. And if you ever find yourself in England, take a day to get to know Hastings.

Cheers!

- Sara Seaman