Brighton!

From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe, and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions must be made. Illness, family bonds, and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in the life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

Brighton!

9/11/2018

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On Thursday I went to Brighton with my old gay mate Nathan. I have been enjoying a week off work, my first since starting my job at Tesco four months ago, so have been catching up with friends and relaxing. Getting Nathan to do anything or turning up somewhere on time can be challenging. As an individual he is probably the most unreliable person I have ever known, but I love him all the more for it. He is one of the closest people in my life today and I always enjoy his company.

The last time I went to Brighton was about eight years ago, when Darrell's family from Croatia stayed with us in the UK. The weather then was appalling, yesterday it was gloriously sunny, despite the high winds battering Brighton Pier. I have always loved the 'city by the sea,' having wanted to live there myself. Darrell and I planed to move there many years ago, but with property prices rising, we just couldn't afford the costs involved. Never say never as they say; with mine and Darrell's life currently turned upside down, we really have no idea where we will be tomorrow, let alone six months down the line!

The drive from Portsmouth to Brighton is always a bit of a nightmare if I am honest. I have never been a person who enjoys travelling anyway, especially when you are being driven by someone at break neck speed; needless to say, I was glad when I finally got there.

We arrived at the sea front at 2.30pm and made our way straight to the pier. There wasn't a lot of daylight hours left and I wanted to take as many photo's as I could, as per usual. I do take an obsessive amount of photographs, but they are the only things I really cherish these days; they cost me nothing and keep me amused, so I'm not going to stop anytime soon.

We sat and had a couple of drinks, briefly chatting about the old days, as we always do, chuckling about various circumstances we used to find ourselves in and remembering some very colourful times. Nathan and I met each other during a period of upheaval and quickly became close. We both have a similar sense of humour and a mutual dislike for some rather dubious characters, who used to pop in and out of our life from time to time. Also we would famously egg each other on, wind one another up and get in some very strange scrapes, all of which brought us closer together!

After spending an hour at the pier we decided to take a late lunch at Pizza Express, the only time I will ever contemplate eating a pizza. I have never been a fan of the Italian delicacy, but always enjoy eating it in my favourite Italian high street restaurant. Having been to Italy on five separate occasions, the dishes at Pizza Express are the closest authentic tasting pizza you can buy at a reasonable price.

After lunch we spent an hour walking around the Lanes of Brighton, something I have never done before. The shops, cafes and restaurants are absolutely out of this World; this is how the British High Street used to be. The bright lights, eclectic mix of art and objet d'art all serve to make this a very special place; I was happy to just browse and pass the time of day. Window shopping was the only pastime on my list. I no longer have anywhere to put things and no matter how much I appreciated the many items on display, I was also able to walk away, no longer a hoarder, just an admirer!

The Christmas lights were up already in Brighton and although not yet switched on, you can see just how fantastic they will look. As I glanced around at everything, I couldn't help feeling how I wished Darrell and I had moved to this beautiful seaside town. Life for us may well have been different there and if I have a regret in life it is not going here back in the 1990s.

Finally before we left for home, it was a quick trip to the Brighton Pavillion, built in 1787 for the Prince Regent, later King George IV. This stunning piece of architecture never fails to disappoint, situated in the heart of Brighton; it was the perfect way to end our day out in this most diverse quintesssential English coastal resort.

I will certainly be coming back to Brighton as soon as I have the time, I thoroughly enjoyed my day out. Gran Alacant was our Spanish home by the sea, very different to the South Coast here in the UK, but what they both have in common is a sense of freedom and beauty you can only experience when you live by water. As a child I grew up near the sea side town of Lee-on-the-Solent and Hillhead and have always lived along or near to the coast and probably always will. They call Brighton, London by the sea and rightly so. The busy streets echo those of soho and I for one felt very much at home. If you ever get the chance, visit this soulful place. For me, well this is still a dream to aspire to; this time next year, I'll be a millionaire and still wont be able to afford it!