So recently we did a personality profile which I'm pleased to say that I got two marks off a first for, but I can't post it as the interviewee wishes to remain anonymous, however what I can post is my travel writing piece on Whitby's Goth Weekend. It needs a little refinement and isn't my best work but considering it was my first time trying it I don't think I did bad. Here it is:
It is late November and still a hot topic of
conversation is the autumnal Whitby Goth Weekend where people dressed up in
various costumes and gothic attire for a weekend of music, shopping and
cultural convergence.
The Goth Weekend runs twice a year in spring and autumn and is widely known for
sending Whitby’s tourism sales through the roof. Held in Whitby’s Pavilion
visitors can attend live music concerts before shopping at the bizarre bazaar –
a market specialising in gothic clothing, trinkets and jewellery. Whitby isn’t
only known for its Goth Weekend for most of us it is known as a popular day out
on the coast, here’s why…
Upon your arrival at Whitby you will find yourself on the West Coast and as you
pass the Captain Cook statue and step through the whalebone arch you will feel
as if you have transcended into a whole new realm filled with magic and beauty.
As you walk down the steps you find yourself gazing across a silvered sea the
colour of which can only be described as duck egg blue. The traditional cry of
seagulls mark your destination as a seaside coast and the air is thick with the
smell of fresh air tinged with sea salt.
You drift along and slip into the back streets where several shops await you.
The Gothic shops are filled with leather and lace and are teeming with student
bracelets and exquisite pewter pendants set with a range of gems.
As you return to the promenade the tantalising combination of ice cream, baked
waffles and freshly battered fish and chips fills the air.
Children’s cries can be heard as they thrust penny after penny into the slot
machines with the hopes of winning a new toy. A large man is hollering over the
ruckus in an attempt to convince people to board one of the picturesque boats
for a tour past the cliffs. There’s a loud scream followed by bone chilling
music marking the Dracula experience, reminding every local and tourist alike
that this is the town which inspired Bram Stoker to write “Dracula.” You are
surrounded by excitement, joy and hustle and bustle.
You reach the large swing bridge and marvel as the entire structure splits in
half and moves allowing boats to pass through to the harbour.
A staircase draws your attention and you brave the long climb up to Whitby
Abbey, but it’s worth it because when you turn you are entranced by the sight
of traditional shops with their faded signs and people milling around carrying
sticks of rock, ice cream cones and polystyrene boxes of fish and chips.
You turn and stroll forward towards the elaborate structure of Whitby Abbey.
You drink in the sight of the hand crafted arches, the multi-tonal bricks and
the ornate detail then stop off at the visitors centre to learn about the
history of the monks who once inhabited the abbey.
As you descend back down the steps and continue across the cobbled paths you
find yourself in the true heart of Whitby surrounded by old-fashioned shops
flogging their wares it’s like you’ve stepped back through history.
You purchase a traditional lucky duck exclusive only to Whitby and admire the jewellery
set with jet mined from Whitby before drifting into a sweet shop and feeling
nostalgic as you struggle to decide between handmade fudge and pear drops.
You visit one of many gift shops and purchase a postcard and a fridge magnet to
remind you of your visit before heading off towards the beach.
The sand is not golden and the sea is not turquoise but there’s still a
distinct serenity. Smoke coloured waves ripple and churn and you smile as you
see fishermen yell excitedly as they cast their lines and reel in their latest
catch.
The beach is adorned with coloured towels, sunbathers hoping to top up their
tan and children building sandcastles. A row of brightly coloured beach huts
line the upper path in colours of red, blue, emerald and yellow and in the distance
you spy a lighthouse stretching proudly into the sky.
You amble along and reach the end of the beach then take the winding path back
up to where you started. It’s been a lovely day and you will be visiting again.
Additional Information:
The Magpie Café is one of the highest rated places to eat.
Whitby’s Goth Festival was on November the 2nd this year.
Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula.
There is a Gothic hotel in Whitby named Bats and Broomsticks.
The inscription on the statue of Captain James Cook reads “To strive, to seek,
to find and not to yield” in commemoration of the men who built Whitby’s ships
and those who travelled with him.
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