Let’s Go Out To The Beach.

On the 22nd of August. The wife came home from work. She had decided that we were going to the beach the next day. So tomorrow we are going to Southend.

I was okay with that idea, but she had to remember that I had an appointment with the hospital. When I came back, we could go. She was pleased.

23th August

I have been snoring, and the wife was having problems with it. So, during May. I had asked my doctor for a referral to a specialist. It’s now August, and I finally received a letter for an appointment for a sleep test and a telephone appointment in December. Awesome!

I had done one of these tests about ten years ago. And it was a lot of wires and tubes. That would cover your face, chest and finger. Now it is a watch and a finger grip:

I was diagnosed with a mild case of sleep apnea. Many years ago, I wasn’t sure if it was getting worse. So, I wanted it to get checked out.

During this time. I have been trying to improve myself, hoping I could help reduce the problem. But I also needed to know if there were other things I could be doing.

Basildon Hospital was my destination. I had got there just in time. I sat and waited for someone to see me. A nurse came and collected me and took me to an office. From there, I was asked a few personal questions and given a little blue bag with my device.

Returning home, I relaxed while the missus ummed and ahhed, whether or not we were still going out.

We’re Going Out

It was finally decided. I got my things together, and we left our humble abode.

It was bright outside, or it could be. I am just not used to seeing the Sun. So we headed to the station. And then we waited for the train.

I didn’t realise that Southend Central Station doesn’t take Osyter or debit cards. I scanned my debit card at Grays station. But I couldn’t use my card at Southend. But it didn’t matter. We were out and near the beach.

I popped to the bog when we arrived. Southend Central Station: You need to fix the lighting in the toilets. Fix, as in, I mean put some in. Sitting down, I had to use the light from my phone. Not cool.

It had been such a long time since I personally and the wife also that we had made this journey by train. My earliest memory would have been at school.

Arriving. I did my usual “Morning” photo. But instead, this time, it was an “Afternoon” photo.

Then we proceeded to take some more:

The Sun was really bright. We had problems seeing what was on our phone and camera screens to take these pictures.

After almost ten minutes of enjoying the view and walking to the lift, we headed to the ground level. And then went along the beachfront.

We, being idiots, didn’t bring any sunscreen or wear a hat. So, when possible, we headed for some shade. This was mainly in the amusement arcades.

It Didn’t Take Long.

After walking along the beachfront, we tried to go to the beach and stand by the water. But the wife wasn’t wearing the right shoes, and there were too many people. Well, that’s the wife’s excuse. I don’t think we were there that long. Maybe about half an hour when the wife decided she had had enough and wanted to go home.

I was feeling the heat myself and my reaction lenses. They were working overtime to keep up with the brightness. But that didn’t matter: Exercise, fresh air and mingling with the public. Nope, let’s go home.

As we strolled back along the seafront. We came across a slushy drinks seller.

We needed a cooling drink.

He had various prices. Large £2.99, extra large £4.99. Extra large and refill £7.99. It turns out that the £2.99 is the best offer. Although, the extra large came with a special cup. The cup is the same size as the large.

Yes, I know. You could have ended up with a new drinking cup. But I would have thrown it away. It wasn’t great.

After walking along and having several brain freezes. We slowly made our way back to the pier lift. And then we headed back to the high street. The surrounding buildings helped with deflecting most of the Sun. But didn’t stop it all.

The High Street

Walking along the high street, we came across what I didn’t realise until later: a franchised Olde sweet shop called Mr. Simms. We walked in and had a look around. These shops are great as they have a selection of American sweets and drinks. I like to pick up some cans of Vanilla Float Dr Pepper. Because as a result of them being nearly impossible to get hold of. Additionally, I also chose some Cherry flavour as well. The wife picked up a few sweets.

Continuing our journey, we walked a little further along. We finally ended up at the Southend branch of Cex. After some looking around the blu ray section, I came away with this bundle:

If you pop down to Southend, keep an eye out for the Elephants. They are everywhere. Little art pieces are scattered all over the area.

Although we didn’t stay long.

Overall, I believe we had a good time. Without a doubt, we want to have more days out like this. And now that we realise we have several beaches within, a total of a forty-five-minute train ride. We will endeavour to partake in more journeys away whenever that is possible. But until then, we will see what life gives us next…

But Wait. PS…

Because of the problems with the Sun, I decided to buy a couple of new hats. What do you think?