On the second weekend in April, the Archaeologist and I sallied forth in our mobile home to stay in Brighton. Originally, this had been in aid of the Marathon but sadly, the Archaeologist wasn't fit enough to do it....so, we pottered about doing other things instead and, on the day of the event took notes (me, especially - in readiness for next year...) and generally joined in as spectators.
There were a huge number of runners and they streamed past us for ages. Once the leaders had begun their journey back along the promenade, with those following on going 'outwards', it was almost impossible to get across the road.
The organisers had a lot of clearing up to do...
...and the winner ran the course in around 2 hours. He was a farmer from Kenya and had superb technique: long strides and relaxed, upright posture..
There was loads of fruit and refreshments for those who finished.
Earlier in the day, the green, baggage lorries trundled past....loads of them.
Before and after this event, we explored the town...The weather was lovely for most of the time we were there, except for the cold wind.
On the first morning, we decided to take the Volks Electric Railway from the Marina in to the town. However, when we got there....
...which was disappointing, so we walked.
A sit down on the big wheel was called for and we got some splendid views..
...and I couldn't help but admire some rather beautiful flats.
During the weekend, we wandered the Lanes, ate good food and visited the Royal Pavilion.
(Image from http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion/)
It is an amazing building in which there are no photos allowed. Although it looks Indian in origin on the exterior, inside it looks Oriental. The reason for this is suggested as being the fact that few people had been out East in those days (1700s) and had limited experience of what Eastern culture consisted of, so they just did what they thought related to that part of the world. No expense was spared though. At one point the building was used to house wounded Indian Army officers, who presumably, felt at least a little bit at home, especially when outside in the gardens.
The royal stables have now become the Museum and Art Gallery.
The balcony of the restaurant provides a pleasant vantage point for viewing the gardens in front of the Pavilion.
It is rather difficult to discern but there was a guy making huge bubbles and lots of children running to catch them.
Because the weather had been so beautiful we opted to stay a further night but unfortunately, the sea fret moved in..
....so different from the day we arrived!
Before we left the caravan site, I just had to get a picture of something I had never seen before: an Airstream motorhome. It is possible to see increasing numbers of this make of caravan over here these days, but I have never seen a motorhome before.
I think it was quite elderly as it wasn't exactly in the first flush of youth.
More travels next time....
