Sidmouth, a small charming town in eastern Devon became my unexpected summer Sancturary. Where I was fortunate to move in with my boyfriend’s kind family for the summer after quitting working in the ocean fairly suddenly in hope for a slower pace of life. And a slower pace of life is certainly what I got, swapping Mediterranean views for cozy cups of tea. It’s funny how these decisions like ending your career, making choices between money or mental health can lead you into new beginnings and later recognising the choice you made was the right one. Ed got the call from Glastonbury festival that I quit being a stewardess on a super yacht and a week later (with a pit stop in Barcelona for some solo soul-searching that quickly turned into a tonsillitis-induced quarantine and a cancelled flight) I found myself in his parents home in Devon. Both mine and Ed’s jobs ended around the same time so we made the decision that this summer would be sacred, a season of rest and recharge before a 6 month long backpacking trip through South America. Until then it’s cream teas and coastal walks.
Im sure in winter the small town could become a ghost town, but being here in summer feels like a love story novel of people finding love on the promenade. The same promenade that has saxophonists performing to passers by, that looks out at cold water swimmers and sea glass collectors on the beach and holds Morris Dancers for its annual Folk Festival. During the Folk Festival the town truly comes alive with people from all over joining together. We worked at a pub pulling pints at the outside bar with live music, falling into the rhythm of small town summer life. I also picked up a few shifts at ‘The Marine’, a little restaurant on the seafront serving fresh seafood and cocktails, I really created a little life for the 3 on and off months I have lived here.
Our usual days consist of waking in our lovely bedroom in Ed’s parents home, having a cup of tea on the decking and listening to the birds. Followed by perhaps a game of pickle ball which I have miraculously improved at, or even a game of bowls. I know I said I’m unemployed, not retired at 25, but while Ed goes and plays golf and I perfect my cinnamon roll recipes, it’s hard to tell the difference. We have had beach swims (I earlier stated cold water swimmers, because even in august the water here is too cold for me), long dog walks and hikes filling our days in nature.
With Dartmoor National Park being a short drive away we have skinny dipped in the Dart River while walking around Spitchwick, a beautiful part of Dartmoor. We have camped in Cornwall and taken small day trips to other nearby towns like Totnes, known to be the hippy town of Devon. Another amazing spot is The Pig Hotel at Combe, around 20 minutes away with wood-fire pizzas in an old orangery and a huge garden with fresh produce, I felt like a fairy roaming the gardens and is a must if you find yourself down here.
Growing up, I had only experienced Devon when I was younger on camping holidays. This summer is the longest time I have been home in the past 4 years, and with that my love for the UK has grown. When I left England in 2021 I told myself I would never truly return and always saw myself living in a far away country. But coming back, I have fresh eyes to see the beauty of this country and the people, a country I could now see myself always living in. Home.
I told myself while I’m here I would learn to bake, slow down in life, be more present, and get fit. So I joined the local women weights class where me and the over 50’s would workout together. I then joined the gym with classes and a swimming pool, weather its core conditioning, pilates or going for a swim at the local pool, I know this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now and that money and a career isn’t everything. Right now I needed dozens of charity shops to mooch in, nice coffee shops for a morning matcha and quality family time with my partner. We have spent evenings with family making pizzas on the beach, drinking wine with BBQ’S and being fed more than well. I am so grateful for this family to allow me into their home and look after me so well and in this I have created an additional family.
Two months have passed in Sidmouth and we have one more to go before boarding a one way fight to Argentina. We will be heading north through eight countries of South America, visiting Rio for carnival, working on wine farms and language exchange homestays. I promise after that I will start a new job, but for now I am fulfilled by both a sense of home and adventure.
So if it feels like you are town between success or sanity, let this be a sign to choose space to breathe. And the rest will become clearer.
Bevs Backpacking📍 