Brighton

This autumn weather is gorgeous! The summer was just terrible and if I had known that this kind of weather was on its way I wouldn't have cared. In the past week the sunny days have out numbered the rainy ones. I think it is probably better this way because we can have beautiful weather without the uncomfortable heat. Because it has been so nice recently and I was so tired from the school, I went to bed kind of early Friday night. So I got up early this morning and decided to take a day trip. Everyone else I know was hung over or away somewhere so I went on my own. I have not been to Brighton that I can recall in my previous visits here and I thought it was a beautiful day for a trip to the sea. And indeed it was! I walked the town looking at the antiques and rummage stores, eating ice cream and reading a book by the sea. It was so good to get out of London for a while. I bought some Brighton rock candy and did all the tourist things. Well some of them anyways. Here it is in pictures...

When you exit the train station, you walk straight down to the sea. Brighton is one big hill so you can see the see all the way down the street.
This is the West Pier. It has burned a couple of times but it makes a nice silhouette. I like the stripy beach chairs as well. They are a kind of icon seaside item.The beach it lined with little stalls selling art and handicrafts. There are loads of cafes and chip stands as well.

The chip stands sell all manor of disgusting seafood. Loads of people enjoy it but I do not!

I went with the unadventurous fish and chip.
There was a kids play area with a merry-go-round. The whole place had the feel of a carnival.

The seagulls were quite a healthy size. A bunch of them landed on the beach close to the spot where I was sitting and it caused a bit of a panic. They are big and bold.
This is the Regent's Pavilion. It was built for the Prince Recent (later King George IV) in the 18th century. It was designed by English architect but is very Indian influenced. Apparently this was not the style at the time but reflected the Regent's interest in exoticism. I really like the idea of an Indian palace in Brighton. At dusk it was all light up as well but it was hard to get a decent picture of it then.And to go with the hold Indian theme there was a bunch of elephant topiarys on the grounds. I think it was something to do with elephant conservation efforts though.
Aren't baby elephants cute? Even if they are only shrubs...

I spent the bulk of the afternoon sitting on the stony beach reading a book beside the Brighton Pier. It is the one with the amusement park on it. I also had a good look around the rummage shops and bought myself a very old but still very usable trumpet in a vintage case. I love the look of it. It looks like an old tiny suit case. I finished off the day with a sandwich and got on the train back to London. There was a really nice sky to finish off the day. I was a great day and I hope I can go to the coast again before it gets to cold. Being by the sea is so refreshing. I didn't really mind going by myself either. Next time though I will plan a little further in advance and get a few others on board.