The End of the Pier
Photo © Rob Jones
A brisk walk round from the town to the pier in Bangor, and then home over the top past the university.
I have a soft spot for Bangor Pier. Good memories of childhood visits, and most notably ending up in one of the kiosks on the pier which sold milkshakes. Banana milkshake was always my favourite. There’s a photo somewhere in a box in a cupboard so who knows when I am likely to see it again, but it shows a six year old me tucking into a banana milkshake not far off as big as my head. I was never drawn to the alternatives of chocolate or strawberry. They just didn’t do it for me. Endless sunny days.
My memories of going to the seaside are actually far greater than the actual amount of time spent on holiday. As busy GPs my parents didn’t have a lot of time off. Maybe a week at Easter, and certainly the first two weeks of August. But the memories are strong … and mainly food related:
Two trips to Ireland, two years running, and wholesome meals of mash, pie or roasts.
A revelatory visit to Tenby where I saw ‘curly butter’ for the first time.
Photo © Rob Jones
Numerous visits to North Wales … milkshakes on the pier, chips from the chip shop, best bacon for breakfast …
There was an incident involving a trout, being locked out of the house, and taking refuge in the outside loo. Draw a veil over that one.
Candy floss at Barry Island or Llandudno.
Picnics on Black Rock Sands.
Happy days
I counted two (open) places on the pier for beverages - one of whom AMM knows is a devoted listener - and the cafe at the end of the pier itself.
I thought that was quite heartening. It’s a chilly January day after all.
R
