Kat's Ethio-Blog: Three B's: Brighton, Birthday and Bath, with B'day shining Brightest!

The UK trip allowed me to be there for Allison's birthday October 28th. We travelled back from London and arrived back in Southampton around 3, Oct 28th. It seemed fitting that this date also marked the beginning of half term at school so both Kat and Al were free from any teaching obligations. We browsed around Southampton, West Quay and then settled at an Italian restaurant for a late lunch. I had been in contact with Kat who was planning a surprise for Allison's birthday which would include a mini-scavenger hunt, dinner at their favourite Thai restaurant, presents, cake and candles. For those of you who know Allison you will appreciate how difficult it is to surprise her. Let's just say there were a few glitches, but nevertheless the outcome was a huge success as we ushered in Al's 24th year with laughs, wine, Thai, presents and cheese cake! This being Allison's 3rd B'Day Dinner, all in all, she had had 3 days of birthday cheer.

Waiting for the B'day Girl

Your favourite eating spot, Schweet Girl.

Surprise!

Come on in.

A little red dress! Perfect.

Make a wish!

So the week before B'Day Al and I explored the sights and happenings of Brighton. UK has a patent on quaint cities and Brighton is no exception. I can well imagine that Brighton in the summer must be a really happening spot, but even in the fall it is busy and a pleasure to explore. The Brighton Pier is huge and house everything from a small amusement park, a games arcade, including slot machines, an aquarium, places to eat , souvenir shops and complimentary deck chairs to sit along the pier to enjoy the view. It was so windy that day that there were no brave souls lounging on the pier. There are many shops to tempt you, including a interesting section called The Lanes. Main street has an array of bigger name stores, yet they blend so nicely in with the stone and elaborate architecture that defines so much of the UK's appeal. We wondered into a pub where I had the first of many fish and chips meals I would enjoy during my three week stay.

View of the Pavilion

Street View

Check out the facade

Al: Nice backdrop

Al: EVEN more impressive backdrop

If there's a tree, Al will find it!

Who makes buildings like this?

Front of the Pavilion

It's fall, but check out the greenery of the walkway

Windy caution sign, but I'm still standing.!

No comment on some of the B&B's we stayed at....:)

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach with ferris wheel

Home of my 1st fish and chips. Yummie!

The Lanes

Narrow path, but shopping mecca nonetheless!

The day after B'day we went to Bath. If you're tired of seeing quaint, historical and amazing stone structures then STOP reading! The problem is that when you're in the UK, every town, city or parish offers you photo ops worth taking. I took close to 1000 pics, but rest assured I have applied some restraint in providing you with the Cole's Notes version of my UK adventure. I really don't want to be "that" person who says, "Hey, ready to see my vacation slides?"

Bath is considered one of the most picturesque cities in England. We travelled by train for 1.5 hr from Southampton to Bath. Upon arriving we signed up for a Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour. Well worth taking as the audio commentary is quite informative and if you push and elbow you can secure a front row seat on the upper level of the double decker bus. Kidding, but yeah, we sat front row. Did you know that Jane Austen lived in Bath? Okay, so maybe you need to be a Jane Austen fan to be amazed, but I was thrilled to snap a pic or 12 of the front door of the flat she use to live in. Call me a literary nerd!! The Bath Abbey was worth walking through. Stunning stain glass windows and woodwork and the ceiling was stunning in its intricacy. Al and I chose not to walk through the Roman Baths as we were in search of a stuffed rabbit Jelly Cat. (Yeah, don't ask) Adam, using my camera captured some nice pictures of the interior of the baths for me so you too can take a view. It was a great day and here are pics to prove it!