Beside the Seaside

I'm sitting on the terrace of the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno watching a plump, bespectacled lady in co-ordinating turquoise polyester, fitting comfortably within Llandudno's transient demographic she is chain smoking her 4th cigarette in this batch and its 9.15 am.  She seems to be struggling for breath in between bouts of coughing but is pressing on regardless.  This does not look like a pleasurable or glamorous activity.  Across the road a smattering of visitors promenade between the Orms some dressed for the weather, others for the date. 

Being in Llandudno is a bit like being outside yourself for a break.  It's just so unlike any of the places I frequently visit.  An attractive town caught in a time zone it always reminds me of Sunday School outings of the mid 1960's.

I've been here for 2 nights and will be escaping back to the 21st century later this morning.  I'm breakfasting alone looking out over the prom and enjoying a cup of tea.  It's a little strong so I looked into the pot (see left) 5 teabags!  

Wales has its highlights too.  Supertemps treated Di, Mark, Stacy and I to a lovely lunch at Osborne House.  The restaurant was charming and the food very good.  It is a B&B with very much hotel prices for accommodation but the restaurant prices seemed very reasonable.

And although the service and cleanliness of the local Weatherspoon is much the same as all of their branches the Llandudno one is worth a visit to see how they have converted an old theatre - it's amazing and completely wasted on a Weatherspoon.  Go in the stage door and keep going out the other side to another venue for a drink but do go in.