Girlie trip to Brighton May 2011

This was my first trip to Brighton, and it won't be my last!!  So many people have told me over the years that I should go!  So finally I made it, met Catherine at London Bridge and we travelled together to Brighton where we met Ceri and Yaz, her beautiful guide dog!  Within five minutes of being all together Ceri was causing chaos with taxis!

Our hotel was right in the middle of the town, less than ten minutes walk to the Palace pier, and less than two minutes walk to the amazing Royal Pavilion.

Wednesday morning was pretty grey and damp, after a relaxed start to the day, with Yaz keeping me company (she slept in my room) we headed off for the Lanes and the shops.  Bumped into Patsy Palmer (Bianca from Eastenders) with her new baby!  After a few hours retail therapy we headed towards the sea...

The first thing we saw was the metal skeleton remains of the burnt out West Pier, the pier burned down in 2003, and now all that remains is this piece of the end of the pier out to sea, it is a sad sight, and has quite an atmosphere to it.  It has a beauty of it's own.

I know there are plans for a new vertical pier that will take people up high for views over Brighton, but I hope that the old pier will remain.

We walked along the front, past the Grand Hotel towards the Palace Pier, it was FREEZING, we had a brisk walk along the pier and I had a henna tattoo done, which I am really pleased with...

By the time we got back to our rooms, we were all cold and Yaz was exhausted, we left her to sleep while we went to get something to eat.  Yaz had a really good night and as soon as I was up, well you can see what happened below...

Our second day was totally different to the first day, hot, sunny and bright blue skies.  We started the day going back to the Palace pier, and had a more leisurely walk!  There were lots of people sunning themselves along the pier on their deckchairs.  Ceri and Catherine decided to go on the Waltzers, I got photographic and video evidence! 

We then headed to the Royal Pavilion, built for King George IV, as a holiday home, I'd always assumed it was along the seafront, but it is right in the middle of the town surrounded by busy roads and buildings.  Queen Victoria hated it, and sold it to Brighton council, saying it was too small and also she didn't like the 'commoners' being able to see them and being able to get so close!!!!  It is such a beautiful building and so elaborate, I think when they were designing it they were told 'Nothing is too much!!'



It was a great two days, great company, big laughs, aching legs and a bit of a tan!!  Brighton is a lovely place, and there is more to see!  Wonderful atmosphere and the people were all so lovely.  Can't wait to go back!