Cornwall, day 9. A tale of two cities (or towns)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.

St Ives has something of a split personality; on the one hand there’s the town that faces onto the harbour, with all the boats and eating places and narrow streets full of people. And two types of people at that; those that know where they’re going and those that don’t. It’s not uncommon for this river of humankind to grind to a halt as people suddenly lose their bearings, their family - even their marbles.

And on the other hand, there’s the town that faces away from the harbour - and into the Atlantic Ocean. Rocky coves, hidden beaches and the beautiful sea. Up on the cliffs you can forget all about the town below and let your mind drift and think of all those people who have left this island of ours and headed out into the great unknown.