Sunday, July 14, 2013

Brighton Mini-Break: Pebble Beach, Chinese Snacks and an American Diner

Brighton

On a day as glorious as today with 31 degrees in London all you can do is run off to the seaside and so we went on a trip to Brighton.

A difficult train ride

I was surprised by how cheap the tickets were, only £14 return for two people from London Bridge with First Capital Connect. I should have been suspicious at the time, but instead I was in for a big surprise. Luckily the tickets were open and not tied into any train times as we missed the train we originally planned on taking due to the joy that is construction in London, i.e. no Northern line and chaos at London Bridge Station.

When we got on to the platform, the train was so packed, there was absolutely no chance of getting on. So we had to wait for the third train and somehow managed to squeeze our way into the farthest carriage.

Food in brighton




Anyway, all was forgotten when we finally arrived in Brighton. Anyway, all was forgotten when we finally arrived in Brighton. On our tourist-filled way down the main road we chanced upon a Chinese supermarket selling snacks, so strategically placed we had no choice but to go in and buy some tasty treats. That’s what I call intelligent marketing.



As our stomachs were grumbling we decided to have lunch in JB's American Diner. The steak was delicious and the portion was huge. My potato skins with cheese and bacon starter was so filling I could not even finish the whole portion. And I was introduced to “American champagne”, a mix of Southern Comfort and Mountain Dew and my newest poison. Great, if slightly heavy lunch. And the decoration was so themed with images of all big stars of the 50s, you were waiting for Elvis Presley to walk through that door in his Blue Suede Shoes.


Brighton Pebble Beach

The beach was a very interesting experience. Crammed with tourists, we managed to find a quieter spot after walking along the shore for about 15 minutes. Since people generally fear the cold-water there was loads of room to swim as well.



Since this is a pebble beach, not a sand beach, the experience was also different from my usual trips to the sea. The great thing was that you did not end up with sand in your bag, your shoes and many other unpleasant places it is almost impossible to get out of. On the other hand, if you are not well prepared with flip-flops getting in and out of the water is a most painful act.

The water itself is freezing and the current strong, so it is probably best to go for a swim right when you get there before you start to heat up through the sun. Otherwise the temperature difference carries a serious heart-attack risk. If you can get in the water, it will be worth it, swimming against the strong current is not only a good work-out but comes with the feeling of utter freedom, that swimming in the sea always gives me. When you get out you can simply lie on a towel and get dried off by the sun.



If you don't want to swim, there are many entertainment options including roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. Or you can just go for a walk along the beach and escape the heat of London city, which is around 5 degrees hotter than Brighton. Only one hour away it is the perfect day trip, however I personally find it a little too touristy and will probably try a more secluded location next time I want some seaside swimming.