Brighton & Whitby

When it rains, it pours

That was precisely what was happening outside my window at around 9pm last night till the early hours of today (i.e. Sunday). Fortunately, the wet and thundery weather appears to have made its departure before I woke up this morning. Although it won't be long till it returns...

When will it stop?

As much as I appreciate the rain, it wouldn't be a "Sun"day if there was no sun.

There's no way we can control this inclement weather. But what we can do, or at least what I usually do, is to think back to all the good ol' days when the sun actually kept its promise.

Brighton

Lunchtime in Brighton

I'm sure the majority of you would have heard of this place. However, if you haven't, Brighton is essentially a large seaside town located in East Sussex. It's become a popular destination for those craving a day away from the hectic city life in Southern England or simply overseas tourists. 

The one thing that did sort of surprise me when I went was the lack of sand on the beach. Obviously, this didn't fit my existing schema of a white, sandy beach that I'd grown up to love whilst I was living in Australia. However, with a variety of other Georgian inspired attractions, vintage shops, plus funfair rides and games, I think these landmarks have clearly made up for what the beach itself lacked. Plus it wasn't that uncomfortable to sit on the beach (just make sure you bring a mat).

Amusement attractions at Brighton 

Sunset ferris wheel ride

Looking out towards Brighton pier

If I had to pinpoint a favourite moment of my visit, it would definitely have to be exploring the Royal Pavilion. It was simply an amazing building on the outside and the inside. Totally not what I would have expected from a seaside town.

Brighton's Royal Pavilion 

Whitby

When I was studying in North East England, people would often ask me how much sunlight we got each day. Their assumption was that the weather was probably horrid, dark and gray. However, my photos have often proven them wrong, especially the ones I took at my favourite UK seaside town: Whitby.

Out at sea

Strolling on Whitby's beach

From boating trips and a steam train adventures, to Captain Cook's memorial museum and confectionary shoppes, Whitby is definitely a place where you need to spend an entire day at (especially since this place ACTUALLY has sand!).

Whitby train station

All aboard the Whitby boating tour!

Chocolate!! 

Replica of Captain Cook's ship

Obviously I cannot guarantee that you'll definitely be graced by stunning weather. However, if you do happen to be blessed, I suggest walking around the entire town to explore every nook and cranny before you narrow down on what you want to see first.

Heading out to sea, Whitby lighthouse on the right

Looking up towards the Church of Saint Mary

Aside from its seaside attractions, Whitby is also home to the famous Whitby Abbey. Ever read about or at least heard of Dracula? That was the historic ruins that inspired Bram Stoker to write his thrilling but fascinating tale. It's definitely worth visiting, although you do have to walk up the famed 199 steps staircase in order to reach it. Was good exercise for me especially since I'd just had a really unhealthy but ever so delicious ice cream from one of the local stalls...

Heading towards Whitby Abbey

Enjoying the glorious sun

That was despite the fact that I decided to end the day off with a good old fashioned meal of beer-battered fish (minus the chips) before taking the 6pm train back to reality.

Yum!

Last photo at Whitby

Crunchy peanut butter & chopped chocolate cookies

Excuse my use of alliteration but I thought it was absolutely necessary to make this recipe sound extra special. I don’t normally bake in the morning; I tend to bake at the dead of night (just ask my mother if you don’t believe me). But last Sunday morning, I woke up craving to create something delicious. And since my jar of peanut butter had been staring at me from the bottom shelf of my kitchen cupboard for ages, I thought that it was definitely about time for it to be used in something other than just with toast and strawberry jelly.

So with that, I quickly pulled out my copy of The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook and flipped immediately to their “peanut butter cookie” recipe.

With a crack of an egg, a whirl & twirl from the kitchen aid, and a quick tanning in the oven, my house was soon filled with a delicious aroma of warm peanut butter mixed with dark chocolate, casually wafting above my freshly baked and golden brown cookies (a dozen of them to be exact because I’d halved the recipe). I personally think that the secret behind achieving cookie perfection was definitely not over baking them and actually sticking to the short, “10 minute in the oven” instruction the book stated. I know it doesn't sound very long but believe me, if you let them cool for a bit, you’ll get the ultimate soft and chewy treat that I for one, and many others would too, lust for. Plus the tiny bit of crunch from the peanut butter makes it irresistibly delectable.

And of course, don’t forget to serve them with cold milk; that’s the most important part.

Bibliography

Malouf, T (2009) The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook, London: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd.