Brighton Beach, England

Yesterday, Sunday, was one of the most chillax days of the trip so far. JT, Josue and myself took about an hour train ride from London to the southern coast of England to a highly popular, yet relaxed pebble beach known as Brighton. This place is literally stuck in the 1950s. Imagine the Coney Island feel, or beach images from the movie 'Jaws', and that gives you a sense of the people and atmosphere.

Unlike most American beaches, Brighton is a vast trek of fist to fingernail-sized rocks. The simple sounds made by the small round stones control the entire vibe in my opinion. Footsteps of other beach-goers can be heard vividly, and when the waves roll in, then gradually recede, a quiet, peaceful noise is made - kind of like a rain stick. Also, Fish-n-Chip venders were all over the place and it was hard to find any other sort of meal. I guess that has to do with being a coastal city with tons of access to Cod.















Brighton Pier, apparently quite famous, is one big carnival. There are various games for both kids and adults alike, as well as a few small roller-coasters and even a haunted house. Seagulls, rather than humans, are the dominant force along the wooden boardwalk. They are quite hostile at times and signs are posted all over warning of the possibility of aerial attack. Quite funny, actually.

The town is a maze of old alleyways with small, quaint shops and diners. The place is obviously quite old and it seems as if the people living there have tried to keep it that way. Other than a few retail outlets and a modern movie theater, the antiquity of Brighton has absolutely been preserved. Since we'll be leaving in just a few days, the best part was spending some time out of the busy, smoggy city with our friend Josue. He has been our #1 pal and guide during our stay and will be greatly missed.