Brighton Rock(s)

I have just got back from a fabulous three days staying down in Lancing, near Brighton, with my great friend Zoe, her partner Harry (Potter) and her sister Kate at their uncle Neil's place. Zoe has been over this way for just over 5 weeks now and I was lucky enough to get to see her before she heads back home to New Zealand on Tuesday.

Her uncle's house is in a great spot and overlooks the sea and Brighton is only a 15 minute train trip away. I'll admit that the walk to and from the train station was always a little bit nippy but it was something that had to be done. On our first full day together we went into Brighton and meet up with Hannah, Zoe's second cousin, and she kindly showed us some hot spots in the city. We had a quick tour of the South Lanes (boutique shops down little alley ways) and then went to find food. We were all very satisfied after our generous portions at JB's American Diner on the waterfront. We then went back to explore the North Lanes where I picked up a nice photo frame for my room but by this stage it was so cold outside we needed a warmer option. Warmer option = the mall. I then had my first Primark experience (cheap but trendy clothing store) and let's just say I came home with more bags than I left with in the morning. In saying that though I can't believe how reasonably priced clothes are here, it's fabulous!!!

Zoe and Zara by the clock tour in Brighton

Amazing cake shop

More amazing cakes from cake shop

JB's American Diner

We could have shared this meal between two!

Zara and Zoe in the lanes

A good day shopping :)

We were up a bit earlier the next day and caught the train to Brighton again, thankfully it wasn't as cold as the day before. In Brighton I tried my first ever pasty and was very impressed. We managed to make the 12.40pm screening of a new film, 'Gangsta Squad', and although it was pretty gruesome it was a very good watch. Sean Penn was a great gangsta! The rest of the afternoon was spent checking out the waterfront and the famous Brighton Pier. Zoe and Harry pointed out the old pier to me and told me how it got burnt down but how it has just been left there as a sort of attraction I guess. It did look pretty cool floating out in the sea. Unfortunately only one ride was operating on the pier and it wasn't the haunted house Zoe and I were hoping for so we made our way back home for a delicious curry and an eventful episode of Coronation Street ;)

Lancing Station

Harry and Kate warm on the train

Zara and Zoe with old pier in background

Jump for old pier

Jump for new pier

Waterfront antics

Lobster fun

Lobster eating mummy

Talented dancer on the waterfront

Harry planking at Brighton Pier

Zara trying to plank at Brighton Pier

Oh la la

Arcade on the pier

Coro game shot for Nana and Kenya

Bejeweled game shot for Simon

Sunset on the pier

I decided to catch a train back home to Reading a day early because there have been some pretty crazy snow warnings over this way and didn't want to risk getting snowed in. I had so much fun down in Lancing/Brighton and it was a little bit hard to say goodbye because now it's time for the hard stuff to begin... WORK!!! Today I'm going to walk down to school and chat with the Head Teacher (NZ equivalent of principal) to get a heads up for Monday and see what sorts of things I can do to prepare myself.

Wish me luck!

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