Today we took a train and went to Eastbourne on the south coast. Eastbourne has the highest cliffs on the English Channel. They are also known for having the highest suicide rate. They say people come from all over the world to commit suicide here.
The train ride down was relatively uneventful. Much of the time there were trees on either side of the train. We did watch the changing landscape as we went south. In some places, there seemed to be family farms, and in others it looked like untamed land. There were many small villages that we passed on the way. It was impressive to see how many of the houses had solar panels on the roof. We even passed a few tall buildings, whose roofs were slanted towards the sun and had solar panels.
Closer to the coast, we started to see cliffs in the distance.
We arrived at Eastbourne and started to walk towards the information office, but instead decided to take a taxi to Biring Gap and Beachy Head where the cliffs and the eight sisters are.
The cliffs are amazing. Tall ragged cliffs and a beach of stones.
Looking out over the English Channel, you can almost imagine that you see the coast of France. The cliffs are deteriorating and are very unstable. We were warned not to go to the edge and they could give way anytime. It is particularly bad following a rain, apparently.
We wandered the beach for awhile, although the footing was very unstable with all the rocks on what felt like a spongy underpinning. Later, Matthew and Bob climbed the cliff while I soaked up some sun.
After taking a taxi back to town, we walked down the pier, which is very ornate with lots of "gold". We were told the same person that owned the pier also owned three hotels there, and you can tell which one by the gold. We stopped for some traditional fish and chips served in paper and with little wooden utensils. We ate on the pier, overlooking the channel, listening to the waves lapping on shore.
By then, it was close to the time for our return train, so we took a taxi back to the train station. We watched as they added an additional four cars to the train before we got on. Already, the coaches were full and got fuller as we headed to London. I think the previous day strike, and the fact that it was a Sunday and people were returning to London from the weekend might have explained how busy it was - definitely standing room only.
Arriving back at Victoria Station, we said goodnight to Matthew and headed back to our hotel, satisfied and content.
Hotel: Resident Inn Victoria
Weather: Sunny and warm -high 18c
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