Brighton: 8 April 2007

Finally I can cross out Brighton from my must-go list. Exactly twenty years ago, my family and I visited the same spot. The seawater (or is it English Channel water?) is still as ice-cold as I could remember. They still sell creamy vanilla icecreams in cones. The fun rides are still there, although the fares must have gone up thrice as much.

There were so many people or visitors. May be it was because of the Easter break. Everyone wanted a free therapeutic foot massage available along the pebbly beach. The only problem was, one had to face a sea of people sunbathing along the way.

The remains of West Pier

And sadly, we saw what must have been the West Pier. The pier was destroyed by fire in 2003. However there are plans to erect a new landmark in its place. Plans were already approved by the City council. The construction will start this summer and it should open next summer 2008.

Uncle De, the natural born navigator (or cyborg?) led us the way to Brighton seafront. The only person we trust to be our 'tourist-guide' in the UK. We headed straight to a fish and chips shop immediately after parking our car. Babah bought a regular fish and chips, scampi and chips and some drinks for us.

While waiting for the food, Sarah helped Emyr to a drink of mineral water. Sarah is always fussing over Emyr and especially Safiya.

Right after lunch, we tried to find an 'empty' spot on the pebbly beach. There were just too many people, that it was quite impossible not to choose a spot that blocked someone else's view. The children had fun throwing stones into the sea. The weather was hotter than the day we were at Legoland. You may well imagine that the weather was sizzling hot but thanks to the sea-breeze that at least soothened the burning sensations on our skin.

Emyr was very brave. He stood by the sea and let the tide cover his feet (or shoes!).

Emyr and Safiya removed their shoes and changed into proper outfits to begin the foot reflexology therapy.

Sarah had a brief dip in the water, and decided that it was too cold for her tiny feet. I made Amar touched the seawater too, when suddenly a gush of current came to us and got him scared.

When we were about to leave, Amar started to play with the pebbles with his sister.


Even when everyone else started to make a move, he was still sitting there refusing to budge.

We made our way to Brighton Pier (another pier that is still standing) just to go on a carousel. The ride was £3 per person per ride on the pier! Crazy price! And it was only £1.50 by the seaside (in the photo above)!

Auntie De bought us waffle on a stick coated with drizzles of chocolate sauce. Babah introduced candyfloss (or cotton candy) to the kids, who later got themselves sticky all over their face, fingers and hair!

And I bought some Brighton rock candies just to complete the sugar intake for the day (reasoning not valid!)

After Brighton Pier, we went straight back home. Auntie De and family to Essex. And us to Coventry. Took us around three hours on the road. Alhamdulillah the kids slept along the way, Amar woke up when we were almost at the end of the journey.

For those who would like to do more in Brighton, there are a lot more to do and see. There are, Sea Life Centre, the historic clock tower and we missed Brighton Pavilion; notably the top in the list for the most scenic and best heritage site in the UK. We only passed by the Pavilion because we were short on time. It was definitely majestic and unique. Please visit the place for me!