Sunday 23rd July 2023
A soggy day again but we were undeterred. I wanted to see inside the Art Deco Midland Hotel on the shorefront plus finish off the bits around the pier. We set out around 11am as we'd chatted a long time before getting ready.
The pavements were full of puddles and I really don't like getting my feet wet. I know it sounds crazy but it's thanks to the Johannesburg weather snobbery, that I mentioned yesterday. I would never dream of voluntarily stepping out for a walk in this weather in SA. And of course, I hear my comedic hero, Billy Connolly say 'no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes..' But I don't have waterproof shoes nor wellington boots which would be ideal. So I tip toed through the sidewalk, aggravating the inflammation in my foot but the hotel wasn't too far so my heart was happy.
The hotel's history is interesting. It was built in 1933 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) designed by architect Oliver Hill. I learned today about Streamline Moderne style of art deco and I must say it's a little disappointing compared to other art deco styles. Perhaps I should describe it as boring, haha. But there's obviously a methodology that I don't appreciate, but I did like the interior.
The hotel was used as a clinic during the second world War and in 1998 it closed down. It sat derelict and declined until it was saved and refurbished and opened in 2008.
Inside, the modern interiors seem to hint at the art deco style. There's a lounge/bar that definitely felt like I'd stepped back in time, but my friend thought it all lacked soul. However my curiosity was satisfied, although a night in one of the rooms would be much appreciated, haha.
Right now though, my 'hotel' is busy flirting with me as the sun is breaking through the dense cloud and spilling light into my friend's living room. She'd told me about the amazing sunsets but this is the first one I've seen. Just in time too, because I leave tomorrow for my sister's place back in Hartlepool. I'm a lucky girl.
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