Brighton Beach Memoirs

We’ve wanted to get to Brighton for some time now. Last summer it was so rainy we never made it, but one sunny afternoon we packed up the Doodle and headed for the beach. Slightly more than an hour later, we were navigating our way through the rocks (not sure what the allure of rock beaches are) towards the water.

Brighton was a popular health resort town in the 18th century, but today it is sort of like what I imagine Coney Island to be like, but having never been, I can’t say for sure. It’s famous for its fish and chips, amusement rides out on an old wooden pier and is considered the “gay capitol of Briton”. There are quite a few shops and restaurants, we had lunch at The Eagle which I would recommend.

A must see should you find yourself there, is the Royal Pavilion. This spectacular structure was the weekend home of George IV and is full of amazing chinoiserie including lots of chandeliers featuring dragons and snakes. They wouldn’t let me take any photos inside, but you can look at the their web site – doesn’t really do it justice. While my favorite castle exterior is in Sintra, Portugal, this is my favorite castle/palace interior.

The highlight of the day was definitely watching the joy on Morgan’s face as she bounded through the water to catch various sticks. I think it brought her back to her puppyhood memories at Seaside. I am pretty sure she would chased that oar until she drown from exhaustion.

Morgan sunbathing

Wimbledon

A friend of mine from business school just started a job with the USTA and he was able to get some Centre Court tickets for the Gentleman's Quarterfinals. Saw Nadal play a Brit (Andy Murray) and Federer with only one rain delay. Overall it's a great event. Very English. A lot more people are wandering the grounds than I would have thought so it was actually quite crowded trying to walk around during the rain delay. The Centre Court crowd was kinda annoying - over eager to laugh at anything that gets yelled out from the crowd. The squirrel-like movements of the ball boys and girls was quite humorous - it's hard to see on TV, but watch them next time. Anyway, some photos.

Got my strawberries and cream.

Champ-to-be Venus looking bored during the rain delay.

Next year the retractable roof...

Roger dominating.

Big week for Spain.

The non-grandstand courts are pretty sweet - could step over a 3 foot wall and onto the court.

Another Celeb Sighting

Yes, this one is decidedly B list and maybe even further down the alphabet in the US - I am not sure how big she is there these days (I think she and her hubby had a show on MTV at one point).

Anyway, we saw Jordan (aka Katie Price) on her way back from a photo shoot on the beach in Brighton. She is basically the English equivalent of Pam Anderson. I must say, she looked great - jet black hair and crazy neon green and orange knee high stockings. She had a robe on (much to Greg's disappointment), but if I see any photos form the shoot, I will post them.

For anyone who doesn't know her, her is a shot of her with her husband Peter Andre