Lately, I’ve been feeling bogged down with assignment work, so I haven’t really been traveling anywhere. However, I did have the opportunity to explore my local area of Bognor Regis. Last Wednesday, my year had what was titled our ‘Enquiry Day.’ We were sent out into Bognor at various stations with the idea to explore the village and decide if Bognor Regis was ‘just another seaside town.’ My group and I had a ton of fun throughout the day, despite some giant mud puddles and temporary bouts of feeling lost. We started the day bright and early at Butlins, a kind of vacation destination for British folk. There, we learned about the history of Butlins and were given our group assignments.

My group and I first hit the streets of Bognor. We had to map one street of the town, bearing in mind what elements were thought were necessary and which we thought were not. Slightly neglecting this task, my group and I just walked down the main street to Poundland (the British equivalent of a dollar store) and bought ourselves some lovely breakfast cheese sticks.

After that, my group and I explored the local Catholic Church, which neither my group nor I even knew existed. It was here I began to wish that the American education system placed more of an emphasis on religious education. In my classes thus far in England, I have learned more about various religions and beliefs than I have in all my years in the American education. Given the immense amounts of religious persecution taking place in today’s society, I think it would be most beneficial to teach about differing religions to combat ignorance and promote an environment of tolerance.

Next, my group visited Hotham Park, home of the friendly squirrels, fat pigeons and many, many well-behaved dogs (albeit leash-less). First, we had to walk around the park, which resulted in me completely coating my sneakers in a nice layer of mud (should’ve worn my wellies!), but then we were sent off to find historical places throughout Bognor. This prompted my group and I to visit the pier, which I found out used to have a pavilion attached the end. Buuuuut, the pavilion broke off and sunk into the sea in 1965…and, to be honest, it’s looking like the rest of the pier may not be too far behind. Many pieces of wood appeared to have rotted, and some pieces aren’t even nailed down on one end. To give you an idea of its age, here’s a picture of a warning sign:

My group finished our enquiry day with a trip to the Bognor Museum: another place I didn’t even know existed beforehand. However, I really loved it there. It was exceedingly interesting to learn about the town I am living in and what its place has been throughout history.

So, is Bognor Regis just another seaside town? I really can’t say. All I can say is this: no matter how run down it might be, Bognor Regis is still the place that first welcomed me to England. Bognor Regis is still the place where I’ve met all my friends abroad.  Bognor Regis is still the place that I’m learning to love.  And Bognor Regis is, dare I say it, the place I now call home.

– Emily .xx

Location: Bognor Regis, United Kingdom