Brighton was an education ! The Royal Pavillion was our first port of call - as the first rain of our UK stint had caught us. The Royal Pavillion was the summer palace of George IV and he was rather alternative - like Louis the Sun King of France and Ludwig of Bayern, the Bavarian King. As a result the Royal Pavillion is a really quirky palace with over-the-top decorations, that can only be marvelled at. The external structure was inspired by mystical India and the internal decor was Chinese. It has all been lovingly restored and refitted, with the original furniture. Amazing to see and quite out of the ordinary.
When we exites the Pavillion, the sun was out, so we took the opportunity to walk through the Lanes (shopping alleys with really quaint shops and restaurants) down to the promanade and the Brighton Pier. We were transported back to a previous age, with masses pf people enjoying the entertainment on the pier. People watching in this environment enters a totally different level...I had to be careful not to stare and let my jaw drop totally. Clint struggled to keep from photographing several of the people, although I am sure that they would have been too happy to pose for the camera. The weird hairstyles with partially shaved heads and dayglo haircolour and all over colourful tattoos...even over the face...just so much to marvel at. The children enjoying themselves in the surf next to the Pier on the rocky beach and in the pea-soup that is called "the sea", can also just be marvelled at. They were definitely enjoying themselves. It was interesting to see, that deckchairs are available free of charge on the Pier, so that the patrons can catch the few escaping sunrays. This, in a country where parking charges can bankrupt you (easily R55 for 3 hours) and needing the toilet is an expensive exercise at times (R15).
As we headed back up the lanes to get back to our car, we stopped in for a great cup of coffee, chai latte and wraps , when the heavens opened. Amazing to see how well kitted the locals are. Looks like they all have fold-up wellies, rainjackets and brollies tucked up in their small handbags, like Mary Poppins ! Had we had the patience, or foresight of the locals, to just wait for another 10 minutes, we would not have been drenched. But then ...we do need to use those rainjackets that we have been dragging around Europe for the last 2 months.

Signs seen on our travels through Kent :
Imagine life with just the good bits.

Winchelsea Church - 13th century church :
The church is a hospital for sinners
Not a club for saints.

The next morning, after another fantastic breakfast ( this BnB is definitely first class and HIGHLY recommended ) we set off for our next stop - Cornwell.