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Published: August 6th 2007
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We stared at the departure board, waiting. Waiting a bit more and waiting yet again. We weren't the only ones - a hundred pair of eyes stared up at the board - all waiting. We were waiting for the platform number to be displayed for our train down to Lancing, East along the Southern Coast from Brighton. Finally a platform number materialised. The throng of the crowd moved simulatanously towards the designated train. However, confusion abound - the train was to split into two further down the tracks. It wasn't clear which section was which and mumbles rose up above the bobbing heads but no clarification was evident.
Mike figured out which carriage would be ours and we climbed aboard and found seats. Settling in we listened as people hopped on muttering as to whether it was the right train or not. Eventually everyone figured it out and we slowly pulled away from Victoria. The train chugged and jolted down the tracks, finally resting at Hayward's Heath. Here the two trains were split and after a short stop we were soon rolling on our way again. Our stop was Lancing on the coast. We clunked our bags from the carriage
Seafront shops
Shops under the arches down by the beach. and pulled them along the rail tracks to get to the other side. Then we made our way to Alan's house. He wasn't home yet, but it wasn't long until I heard his key in the lock. In he came and of course I was all excited to tell him our news. He had a huge grin, he already knew. The weekend before, whilst in Scotland, Mike had asked him if it would be okay to pop the question. Alan was chuffed for us both and I spent the next hour phoning Scotland to let everyone know the brilliant news.
That evening we went to Shoreham-by-Sea for drinks with Trev, Charlie, Kat, Dave and Alan. That jet lag though, I was tired - probably walking around London for the past few days and the heedy excitement of being newly engaged added to the mix. It was great to get a good night's sleep though.
After a lie in the next day, we caught a train into Brighton. Brighton is a very popular seaside resort. The ancient settlement of Brighthelmston emerged as an important health resort during the 18th century. It became a popular destination for day-trippers in 1841
Canvases
In one of the little seafront shops. when rail connected it to other towns.
We strolled down from the station and went to 'The Lanes' which were once the heart of the fishing town Brighthemston. Today they are part of the historic centre of Brighton. A maze of small winding alleys and streets, they are filled with shops, passageways and restaurants. We looked around and after much deliberation found a cafe for a spot of soup to warm our clogs and a nice glass of wine to redden our cheeks. Then it was down to the shore front. The beach is not a sandy one but made up of an assortment of pebbles. Brighton Pier with it's shops and amusements streches out into the English Channel. Further along the sad, derelict sight of the Old West Pier touches the water's edge. The road is up high from the beach and under the road restaurants, nightclubs and shops run alongside the pebbles on the shore.
The wind was brisk, so we didn't linger for long and made our way back up towards the station. En-route we passed the Royal Pavillion. A former royal residence, built in the early 19th century as a seaside retreat for Prince
Hanging
Mike outside a club down by the sea on Brighton's shore front. Regent. It's architecture is Indian-Gothic with turrets and domes. We strolled through the gardens and out into The North Laines. The streets here have a funky, eclectic mix of shops. Although Mike was getting tired by this point, I still managed to squeeze into a couple of shops and with the money Alan gave me for my Birthday bought a snazzy new pair of shoes.
We caught a train back to Alan's and that evening went back into Shoreham. This time visitng the famous Green Jacket. The Green Jacket was our second home for a few years whilst we lived in Shoreham. Alan used to share a house with our good friends Karl and Jenni and I visited the Green Jacket with them even before I actually moved to Shoreham. It's not quite the same these days, we're all older and the old gang is no longer there - a lot quieter now! We enjoyed a wee tipple and then made our way over to the Milan, an Indian restaurant that I used to love going to for their chicken gorchi. I think the chef has changed though as it wasn't quite the same as it used to be,
Picture window
The window of a restaurant in Brighton's Lanes. still yummy though. After filling our bellies with grub it was back to the pub for a night cap before heading home to bed.
The next day Mike went off with Trev for a day of golfing. Alan was off out to play football and he dropped me off in Shoreham. I was off to visit my good friend Sarah and her four girls. They came out to visit Vancouver in 2002 and it was great to see them again after so long. The girls have sure grown. The oldest, April is now a beautiful young lady. Second oldest Alexa has changed from a young scamp into a more refined older scamp. Next one, Imogen who was just a toddler the last time is now quick witted and full of life. The baby of the lot, Grace, is no longer a baby - now she's a wee cutie. I had a lovely afternoon catching up with them all. Eventually Sarah moved me on as they all had errands to run. I'm happy to announce that Sarah has recently announced her engagement - another happy bride to be.
I gave Charlie a quick call and soon a mini zoomed
past and drew to a halt and Charlie's head popped out the window. I jumped in and went for a visit at her and Trev's house. Charlie was eager to show me all the renovations that they've been doing. We then sat and chatted and waited for the arrival of Mike and Trev from their golf game. Then it was over to Alan's where we all enjoyed a haggis, whisky, wine and beer night.
The next day we went back up to London with Alan to visit Michelle, his good friend. Alan and Michelle went out together when I was about 15. They have kept in touch over the years and still have a great frienship. Michelle and her beau Jason had just recently had a wee girl named Bonnie Jo, we we went to have a hug. What a little cutie she is to. I spent a lovely hour just sitting with her in my arms. Just adorable. We also had a lovely time drinking champagne - celebrating the arrival of Bonnie and our lovely engagement. Jason is an actor in London's West End whilst Michelle is in charge of wardrobe at one of the show's. Michelle put
Haggis, neeps and tatties
Doesn't it look good - don't screw your noses up, it's good Scottish grub!!! on a video of Jason in the show "Jerry" - obviously one about the famous tv show, Jerry. Eventually we had to move on and say goodbye to Michelle, Jason and Bonnie - it was great to see them.
We drove back down to Shoreham, this time taking the scenic route through Royal Turnbridge Wells. Back at the house we had a visit from Trev and Charlie who came to say goodbye as the next day we were flying off to Rome. We had a great stay down on the South Coast - always a good time.
So until the next blog, take care and lots of love xxx
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anne field
non-member comment
congratulations
Hi mIke and charlotte: I have now read all of your blogs and enjoyed them immensely. Congratulations to you both. I wonder if Chris knows. Maybe just something he didn't think needed sharing with mother! All the best and please say hi to your Mom for me Mike.