From TEDM in Bournemouth, UK

My hometown is a modern development lying between the old, historic towns of Poole and Christchurch in the middle of the south coast of England. This is the “Riviera” of the UK, enjoying the best of British weather and cooled by a sea breeze. Countering this is the fragrance of the forest growing to the North West and the rolling farmland of Dorset. Both of these put visitors to sleep until they grow accustomed to the air.

Originally a place of retirement and convalescence for the sick, it is now a haven for foreign students eager to learn English. It is a tourist resort and a centre for commerce. Though a new and expanding town, it is surrounded by history. You can shop in big department stores and drink coffee in the centre of Bournemouth, then be in Corfe Castle, or walking in the forest among the wild horses an hour later!

The beaches win prizes for their cleanliness and safety. On hot days in the summer they are crowded with people enjoying the sun. Unlike Chinese people, westerners like to sun-bathe and get beautifully brown! If they get too hot they dive into the cold sea and play in the waves. Perhaps they prefer to walk in the solitude and peace of the New Forest, which was only named “New” in the 10th century because it was a new hunting ground for royalty! Many people own boats; some small dinghies, but others have huge boats moored on the rivers Stour and Avon. They anchor off the beaches and some people enjoy fishing.

As a tourist resort Bournemouth has cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and casinos. A long, narrow park follows the Bourne stream as it bisects the centre of Bournemouth in its route to the sea.

[Photo by TEDM]

[Photo by TEDM]

[Photo by TEDM]

[Photo by TEDM]