Carlo Boffa has travelled a long way for his work experience stint with Thanet Extra. The journalism student was born in Turin, Italy, and moved to England three years ago. We asked him to share his first impressions of Margate.

"WHEN my lecturer told me a month ago that my work placement was in Margate, the only thing I knew was that on Google maps it seemed closer to France than to London.

"I first arrived here Tuesday, April 10; as I began walking along the pavement beside the beach and I had the impression that something was different.

"Born in Italy, I have spent my last three years in England between London and Medway, but to be honest I had not expected anything like what I found.

"To welcome me there was a picturesque view of a dozen ships on the horizon sailing the sea, which seemed to entwine with the sky above.

"It looked like one of Turner’s paintings had been turned into reality.
Due to its proximity to mainland Europe, Margate has an English town soul with a European vibe.

"I suddenly felt a bit closer to home; cafes with al fresco tables in little piazzas, benches next to tiny shops.

"Houses are typical British ones but surprisingly they have curved balconies, which I have never seen before in this country.

"I could picture myself going for a tea at the Harbour Cafe decades ago. My passion for coffee shops led me to the Cupcake Cafe in Market Place which reminds me of a doll’s house, very appealing and with friendly staff.

"People are generally friendly here and locals have been so helpful in giving me directions.

"Up the hill behind the Turner Contemporary there is Cliftonville, where my new desk can be found. There the scenario is totally different; there is still the vibrant atmosphere which can be found in Margate, but there is a sense of decadence.

"The lido and the strand have been left to their fate just like many other buildings along Northdown Road.

"I have been told that there are some projects to regenerate the area, and this makes me happy.

"Margate is unique for its variety of styles; a town which combines the present and past well; a town I am pleased to work in."