Brighton, UK, in pictures.

Last Saturday, my brother and I decided to hop a train to Brighton (about an hour away from London, UK). The closer we got to the coastal city, the sunnier it became. Needless to say, we were very glad we picked that day.
When we got to Brighton train station, we were directed out, which my brother and I found strange; it made us wonder what was going on. We found out soon enough: gay pride! That also explained why the train was packed with gays and lesbians *facepalm*

We checked out a little stretch of beach to kill time before the parade started. My brother was looking for gems, and I was snapping some pics - including the one above.

My brother and I had fun watching the parade, people (and their pets) and enjoyed the sunshine, too. It was a short parade, but a nice one. When it was over, I noticed I was hungry (I had a small breakfast). Arnold knew of a place and we walked to it: my brother is currently dating a (Dutch) girl and took her to Brighton for a few days before I came over. It was obvious he was familiar with the surroundings, so I totally trusted on him to show me all the good places. I like the fact that Brighton is small and compact, and everything is within walking distance.
My brother took me to a little health food place (he said he spotted body builders who went to the place for their (proteine) shakes). Lunch was fresh and delicious!

My brother knew of a place where they have pedis with fishes, so I decided that was our next stop. It was an interesting experience! I'm glad my brother warned me to not take my feet out the tank once the little fish start nibbling away: it tickles. I opted for a 20-minute-pedi (time flew by!), after which our feet got a quick shower, and we were given some citrus smelling lotion to rub into them. I can't remember my feet being so smooth ever - like a baby's bum.

After walking around the narrow streets, my brother took me to a little place called "Naked" for some delicious tea. It's one of those places that locals know of, but tourists walk by. I had excellent rose tea with a slice of freshly baked slice of apple walnut pie. My brother had some kind of tea emperors in the olden days used to drink - with a bag of crisps. Then it was off for more exploring.

Kemp Town (a little neighborhood) aka Camp Town started to the right of that building. No surprise, eh?
My brother and I actually found an Indonesian restaurant! I'm not sure why it's called "Shop seven" - "Resto seven" would have made more sense to me. I liked the little bilingual sign that said they were closed (tutup - open is "buka").

You know how time flies when you're having fun. That Saturday flew by like a little breeze! Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. I mentioned a place called Terre a Terre before flying out to London, UK, and he said he had several meals there (it's his favorite restaurant in Brighton - and now it's mine, too) so it wouldn't be a problem to take me there for a bite.
He recommended the tapas, which we shared. The food was absolutely delicious! As was the cocktails: I had a Salty Dog, my brother had a Raspberry Kir.

Texas in concert at "Bospop" (July 8, 2011)

Several days after watching The Trews play an excellent show at Alderney Landing I was on my way to Europe: a Scottish band called Texas were scheduled to play the first day of a Dutch classic rock festival called Bospop. I’m not sure why it’s called Bospop; “bos” is Dutch for forest, but the festival site was in the middle of a meadow. By the way: I saw a guy sporting a Trews T-shirt, but I didn't get the chance to find out whether he's Canadian or not.


Still jetlagged, I met a couple of friends at the entrance of the festival site. It was sunny and I was looking forward to spending time with them, catching up and enjoying the music. Among the better known bands playing that day were The Faces, Foreigner and Journey. I have to admit I didn’t care enough to check them out all the bands. I was there to see Texas: it’s been several years since I last seen them in concert (the first time I saw them live was some time in the early 90s as Bryan Adams’s opening act).
The band played the smaller stage (in a huge tent) between Journey and closing act Joe Cocker (both on the main stage), and I didn’t have any problems with skipping Journey in favour of getting a spot at the front row - or as close as I could get - at the Texas gig. (In case you were wondering: I managed to get a spot in the second/third row throughout the concert.)
I could tell by eavesdropping on conversations most of the people in the front rows were fans. What I liked about the festival is the fact that people who had (never) heard of the band had the opportunity to check them out. 



 



Texas did not disappoint: even though their set was short (they weren’t headlining) they made sure to play their biggest hits, and gave it their all while doing so.
Guitarist Ally McErlaine, who suffered a brain aneurysm a few years ago and recovered, has been on the band’s current tour: Bospop was one of their dates on their schedule. It was great to see him back. This was their setlist that night:  


I Don't Want A Lover
Everyday Now
In Demand (yes, that’s professor Snape dancing)
Black Eyed Boy
Halo
In Our Lifetime
When We Are Together
Summer Son
The Conversation (a new song)
Say What You Want
Inner Smile
Suspicious Minds (yes, an Elvis cover)


Before I knew it their show was over, and Joe Cocker was about to start on the main stage. I knew that high of having enjoyed a good show was going to wear off soon, and then my jetlag will hit me even harder, so I decided to go home. I can’t wait for their new album, and a new tour.