It appears Brighton has become the place to visit over the summer. Repeatedly, I would see that friends of mine were off to visit or in Brighton. The seaside city, located on the south coast, has always been, I imagine, a popular place for people of my age. Not least because of its famous and welcome history of diversity, the sense of inbuilt rebellion and, let's be honest, the opportunities for partying. I'd visited with my family three years previously, but had to view the occasion as a business trip because of my upcoming GCSE mock exams. So it was therefore a pleasure to explore the town completely free from the constraints and stresses of exams and work. It shone a new light on the place, allowed me to wholly appreciate the city for its intrinsic beauty and variety.
Clearly, the shops and other businesses rely on tourism. The place was heaving upon our arrival, presumably because it was Bank Holiday Monday. People logically want to use the long weekend to get away with their families, explore somewhere new without needing to take annual leave. This works to the advantage of Brighton based businesses. On the path down to the sea, there were independent coffee shops galore. By the promenade, every sort of souvenir had become available to retain the memories of the holiday. On the pier itself, theme-park rides, arcade games and a pleasurable restaurant meant that nobody was left unamused or bored. My favourite part of Brighton has to be the sea itself; the natural world left (mostly) untouched by humans. While I have refrained from swimming in the open water, due to my lack of athletic expertise, sitting on the pebble beach, gazing out to the sea, is nothing but a joy. I took myself down to the beach early one morning for a spot of reading in the sun. I was entranced by that natural body of water, stretching as far as my eyes could see. The mist in the air helped to create a sense of pure intrigue and hope. D. H. Lawrence often wrote about being entranced by the ocean's freedom and beauty. From my tiny spot in that joyous seaside town, I saw precisely what he was talking about. ****************************************************************************************************************** Despite residing for the majority of our trip in Brighton, we did spend a considerable amount of time elsewhere. It became more like a tour of East Sussex. And nothing wrong with that. For if individuals in the future ask whether I have visited certain towns, I can now answer in the affirmative. One of those included the quaint Lewes. Located within the South Downs, it is an enchanting town full of beautiful architecture. Before the main high street, there are a multitude of ascetically pleasing houses that display plaques to famous individuals associated with the town. One included, to my excitement, Thomas Paine, the British-born American activist, who helped achieve American Independence. To think he lived in such a small, hidden away town that we were now standing in was quite the treat. The other journey took us to Bexhill-on-Sea to meet some extended family. Bexhill, as its name denotes, is located right by the sea. The contrast to Brighton was stark, evident for all to see. The beach couldn't have been quieter - not barren, mind - but far calmer, which allowed a far more serene relationship with nature. The highlight of our trip was definitely visiting the De La Warr Pavilion, a modernist building home to fantastic artwork. Its history is an inspiring one. Opened by the socialist 9th Earl and Mayor of Bexhill in 1934, it was committed to universalist principles of education, health and culture for all. Despite going into disrepair after the Second World War, it subsequently re-opened in 2005 and remains free of charge (apart from theatre productions). I couldn't be in more agreement with the principle that culture - art, music, radio, TV, film, theatre - should be open to all, regardless of social class, ****************************************************************************************************************** The official parliamentary silly season has finished and the unofficial season of madness has begun. Though, let's be honest, politics has been mad ever since June 2016. Even the most ardent Brexiteers can agree with me on this. Since referendum day, everything has been turned upside down. Nobody has any idea what is going to happen. The Whitehall establishment pretend they know what is going on but in reality have no clue at all. MPs face the eternal dilemma of whether to fully represent the views of their constituents or prioritise their own personal views before facing re-election. Politics has gone topsy-turvy. Everything is in complete chaos. And that is how many of those who voted out like it. So many of the dispatches about Brexit could have been written two to three years ago, for legally nothing has changed. We remain in the European Union, stuck in a state of intransigence as October 31st looms closer. The most notable development is the Prime Minister's decision to suspend Parliament for over a month between September 12th and October 14th. While, in reality, only a few parliamentary days of debate will be lost due to the conference recess, this really matters in the Brexit process. We legally leave the EU at the end of October, with or without an agreement. It is therefore vital that MPs have ample time to scrutinise, debate and vote on any Brexit legislation that looks set to affect the nation, positively or negatively, for decades to come. The prorogation row also displays the issue with prerogative powers. Formerly powers that belonged to the monarchy, it gives the Prime Minister of the day an unprecedented level of power simply for being in the job. One of those powers includes the suspension of Parliament, allowing the government to evade scrutiny by MPs - who represent the public - for a considerable period of time. Indeed, it strengthens the case for a proper codified constitution, which would clearly set out the respective powers of the executive and legislature and the relationship between them. That way, the Prime Minister's powers would derive from a written document rather than powers that once belonged to an absolutist monarchy. ****************************************************************************************************************** The trials, tribulations and joy of officially being an adult continue. This has been most notably evident for me through the amount of emails that require a response. I can see why life admin takes up a considerable amount of people's time (no wonder celebrities have a PA!). While I do my best to respond as soon as I see the email, resisting the temptations of twitter can be most tricky. I understand their importance though. People have important information to convey and, instead of going through my parents, I am now the prime receiver of information. The volume of emailing has especially increased since I fully confirmed my place at university next month. The process involves enrolment, signing forms, confirming information and checking I am ready and raring to go in September. Of course, this requires responsibility. But I still recognise the necessity of having fun, relaxing and appreciating the virtues of life. It is because of hard work that life can and must be enjoyed. I stated on my accommodation application form that one of my key hobbies is watching TV boxsets. That looks set to continue this autumn, however many essays I've got to do. On ITV, Martin Freeman stars in 'A Confession', a classic detective drama. For the BBC, it's Holliday Granger (of 'Strike' fame) in 'The Capture', based on new technology and the affect on people's lives. And for that part of me that can't help but love period dramas, 'Sanditon' on ITV should keep me amused. Roll on September! ****************************************************************************************************************** Readers of my previous blogs will recall that running has become one of my key hobbies. Obviously, by running, I mean jogging at the pace of an elderly overweight man. It is a tough form of exercise for someone who has never been a fitness natural, but I have attempted to maintain this daily jog. While holidays elsewhere can prevent this, I am still feeling motivated to run, for the sense of satisfaction following the completion of each run can be matched by little else. The art of running is a perfect balance between our internal and external lives. Internally, our heart can't stop pumping, our body can't stop sweating, aching or moving from foot to foot. It is telling us to stop. Yet the external connection with the world, as our trainers touch the ground, our noses breath in vital air, our eyes admire the views and surroundings, keeps us going. That perseverance and dedication is nothing to be ashamed about. I am no natural greenie. I don't have an allotment, hold little interest in plants (despite recognising their importance) and believe the primary purpose of animals is to benefit of humans. Extinction Rebellion and I certainly wouldn't be natural allies. Yet exercise has allowed me to reconnect with the natural world as I attempt to improve my own fitness. My appreciation for the fresh air, cool water and vacant sky has never been stronger. This is especially the case when I conclude an intensive run. This is gradually extending to other parts of my life. While I will never know all the scientific names of plants, I derive much pleasure from watering them. A future aspiration of mine is to begin doing yoga as a form of relaxation and, yes, meditation in this busy world. I recall reading the benefits of the natural world, the great outdoors, on an individual's mental health. Indeed, I believe it is the core thesis of the journalist Isabel Hardman's upcoming book. I may sound like a cringey hippy, but perhaps if we devoted a chunk of time to connect with the natural world, both individuals, and society as a whole, would be in a better place.
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