Under House Arrest days 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454 and 455.

Sunday.

We got up around 8ish, I did get up around 4 am as I was too warm and thirsty. I went back to bed around 5 and then slept through until Kev got up. After breakfast we got the cases out and did the packing. It didn't take long as we aren't taking a great deal. Probably more than we need, as usual. This time we have to take masks, and I'm only taking one pair of boots ( which I'll be wearing) and my new sandals. Last time I took "in case" footwear and didn't wear them you always learn. Other than packing we had a chill-out day. I gave Willow lots of fuss. The only downside to going away is leaving her. Little love, although I know Charlotte will look after her. 

Monday.

Travel day.  Originally when we booked the coach it was due to leave Nottingham at 9.15 am We had an update a week ago saying that it wasn't going until 11.15 am It's no hassle and I let the hotel know we would be arriving later. It's only 5 mins walk from the bus station in any case so hardly a problem. 

We got into London to rain and it set in for the rest of the journey. We went to Heathrow and Gatwick airports both of which we have travelled from before, we couldn't recognise either as they have changed so much since our days of going long haul. 

Fascinating to see the planes most of which appeared to be grounded. 

We got into Brighton around 6.30 pm. Checked in and because it was the first night we booked for the hotel restaurant and bar. Which as it turned out was rather lovely. The service was exceptional and for saying we are at London by the Sea, reasonable. Much better than the hotel we stayed at last time.

Tuesday. 

Ah Tuesday will be forever known as two soups day! Nice old dear at breakfast reception, totally useless, but nice about it. I was expecting to wear my baked beans! In the end it was self serve thankfully. 

It started wet but brightened up later, mild and dry. We walked miles, I did 12414 steps! We found that shop I wanted, and we found Quadrophenia Alley  (the one in the film of the same name) I am sure if you've seen the movie you'll know the scene. 

We also found lots more of the street art that we found last time. 

We went for lunch at The Bright Helm and then headed to the pier, after sitting watching the sea, we went to Bar Revenge. We were pleased its one of the few to survive. I feel comfortable in there. I had a pitcher of cocktails and Kev had couple of pints of neck oil and a whiskey. 

Places showing the football were beginning to fill up as we walked back to the hotel. We decided that was the best place to watch it, and it was. My legs were starting to scream at me after all the walking. So, I rested up listening to my audible while Kev watched the match. 

I'm really enjoying this break, even more so than before, one because we know where some stuff is and can navigate to where we enjoyed before, two because there is a lot yet we want to do and explore. Three, we missed having a break last year, and I think we appreciate it more. And four, this hotel is so much better than that God awful Royal Albion. 

Hot and Sunday. Wednesday.

We got up and went for breakfast. Manuel from Faulty

Towers was in charge today. But he did sit us in the window. We set off and did the i360. We did it last time but it was cloudy. This time you could see for miles. Then we set off for the Marina  which is at least two miles down the beach.

We got a fair way down the concourse when Kev spotted the VER ( Volks electric railroad)  For a few pennies you can get on and travel to the Marina. It runs by the side of the beach and has been running since 1883.its the oldest running electric railway. 

We got to the Marina and past the huge Asda. The we headed to the West Quay. 

We found the Wetherspoons and had lunch. It was hot and you could see Kev getting a bit of a colour. Me it bypassed like " don't burn the goth" 

We eat then wandered back. Caught the train back and then sat on the pier. Kev wanted to come back to the hotel and we both dropped off. When we woke up, we got changed and headed to Bar Revenge for Happy Hour. 5-8pm.

I had cocktail pitchers (2) to myself hic... 

Thursday. 

Got up and Manuel was again serving breakfast. He greeted us with a cheery Gooda Mornink...Ow are you today? 

As soon as we had eaten off we trotted to get the bus to Eastborne. It took just over an hour. Beautiful weather again. We remembered the sun cream because you know how I said it had gone round me? No, it hadn't.  I have a nice pink nose and my arms are a glorious shade of red. Not sore thank god. We spotted the ruins of the hotel that burned down last year.  The Claremont. It's a bloody shame they couldn't save it. A grade two listed facade gone for good.

So we walked to Eastbourne Pier and sat for a good while watching the sea, and people and just chilling in the heat. We bought a sun hat for Kev as he forgot to pack his cricket hat. We walked up to Beachy Head almost, then went for fish and chips. We strolled back through the town after an ice cream break and then got the bus back to Brighton. 

I did 12125 steps today which is good going for me. But I can actually tell.  So I've had a paddle to cool my feet down and I think a chill out evening is planned in the hotel bar. Not far to stagger. 

Friday. 

Woke up to drizzle. But still warm, I have a few blisters from yesterday on my feet, so it will temper what we get up today. But I have got blister plasters and theyll help. 

We saw "two soups" as we left the breakfast room, and she asked us if we had enjoyed our stay. Lovely old dear, as we said. In fact the whole staff are very friendly and you don't usually hear that for down south... We find some of the guests a bit bloody rude more than the staff if we are honest. One woman this morning was a right frosty knickered bat. She gave me the once over, and you could see her lip curl. I just smiled and waved. It might be my Frankenstein leggings, my skull t-shirt or my day of dead doc martens. I couldn't really give a fetid dingoes kidneys... I wear what I like for me, bonus points if I upset someone in the process. We booked tickets for Sealife aquarium and set off to sit on the Pier until our slot was due. I love watching the sea. And today it was pounding. I really enjoyed our Sealife slot. There were a few screaming kids that I wanted to feed to the sharks. I don't get why parents allow them to scream like banshees, with a half hearted shush or apathetic stop it. If I made a row when I was out I got a withering look from my Dad which would shut wolves up howling. Although, later we saw a woman completely lose it with her daughter, who was being an ungrateful little git. She pinned her up against the wall of one the kiosks. She shouted at her and let her go, but the kid was unrepentant and petulant. It's a good job I haven't got kids because I'd have slapped her through to next week. 

We had lunch in the Havester opposite the Pier, and by the time we came out the sun had broken through and it was nice enough to sit on the beach. Which we did until late afternoon. Watching the sea, and people, go by. 

For our last night we went to the Sunset bar on the pier. Our hotel was a karaoke hell so we swiftly made it onto a busy prom. It was lovely to hear the Youngsters in Club Smooch singing and enjoying themselves as we had at their age. All the lads singing "it's coming home, it's coming home" and all the girls singing "no it ain't"  bless... 

We had prosecco and beer we

watched the sunset. Bought churros and dip and walked back to a quiet hotel. What a beautiful end to a long awaited holiday. 

Saturday.

We woke up to another gorgeous day. The day of us travelling back to Nottingham. Had breakfast, then packed. Chilled out for bit then left the hotel and went and sat on the pier with a coffee fit the last time before heading to the bus station. It's been an amazing week. With the weather not doing what it said on the tin. If we went by the forecast we wouldn't have come. But apart from a bit of drizzle on Tuesday, and first thing yesterday it's been glorious, sorry those who kept saying it was given as terrible. And we have the colour to prove it.