Today feels like my first day of summer. The weather is saying that it refuses to get any higher than 24 degrees and the wind is holding onto its arctic flow.
It feels like the first day of summer because now I have finished my internship and I'm ready for summer!
I'm ready to feel carefree and not knowing what my plans will be tomorrow. I'll spend my summer waking up around 10/11am, continuously scrolling Instagram (who else is bothered by the annoying time feed?), reading magazines in my garden and painting my toe nails to match the flowers, seeing friends and drinking fruity ciders, visiting remote seasides with my boyfriend and also... blogging!
I'll find a part-time job to fund my excursions. But generally I really want to make this summer relaxing. Not to fret over money or university or if I'm showing enough fun things on my Snapchat story. Because I know that hard work and determination will consume and dominate me during my final year at university.
So, let's get onto my afternoon at Mersea Island, Essex.
It was around this time last year I went for the first time. I had no idea that Essex retain many islands. Northey Island, Canvey Island and on the top of my list, Osea Island.
Mersea Island, located below Colchester is famous for fishing, especially the fresh and gigantic oysters, and boating. The main access to get to the island is via the causeway, and if this causeway is flooded during high tide, you're stranded. But that wouldn't be a problem because you wouldn't want to leave anyway.
It took us 40 minutes to drive to Mersea Island from Maldon. It felt like 15 minutes because it was such a chilled out ride, no traffic lights or congestion. Only fields and beautiful houses along the path.
I've become obsessed with little towns, maybe it's to do with the fact that I live in the biggest city in the UK, that any location with a few houses and shops bewilders me. I've become terribly compelled to them recently that I try to picture myself living in a remote area. Lately (definitely after working full-time in the hectic Oxford Circus) I've been searching for peace. There are so many beautiful towns in Essex YOU need to see!
Proud supporter of Wales making it to the semi-finals
After parking the car in the exact same place we did last year, without a second thought we went back to West Mersea Oyster Bar. The smell of the salty sea water, mixed with vinegar was my favourite aroma of the day.
Sorry if the gorgeous plate of traditional fish (cod) and chips with a side of mushy peas makes you hungry!
My boyfriend ordered the oysters, all for himself. I vowed that I won't try oysters again after my second attempt. I'm a fan of gross and unusual looking food. However oysters left me teary eyed and retching.
West Mersea Oyster Bar is THE spot for generous servings of fresh and hearty seafood. My boyfriend and I have awarded this place as the mecca for thick cut chips. Fluffy on the inside, with a crunchy fried coating.
It's not the prettiest beach you'll come across, but it has to be the calmest. A handful of people know about this pearl. It feels as if it's your private island. Beyond you can see Bradwell Power Station and bobbing boats.
Never ask a boy if they are good at skimming stones. Or else you'll be standing there for 20 minutes going 'ahh that was a good one!'
I tried to get a quick outfit post, however - the wind argued against it.
My second time was just as good as my first. I think I'd come back here on the hottest day of summer. With a cool cool beverage and a dish of chips. Sprawl out a blanket and close my eyes. It made me realise, I don't need to be on a Greek island or at a prettier seaside town. As long as I have the sea close to me, I feel happy.
