Brighton, England

    

  

Though we were only in Brighton for one day, I seriously could have stayed there for a lot longer than that.  Though I love the traditional English feeling of Cambridge, Brighton offers a totally different feeling.  While Cambridge is prim, proper, and picturesque, Brighton is colourful, hip, and bohemian.  If I could define them as people, Cambridge would be a studious scholar (though they do enjoy kicking back in a good old English pub), and Brighton would be the charismatic art student who goes along in life to a slightly different rhythm than the rest of the crowd.  

Arriving at the Brighton train station, we could already hear the seagulls down at the waterfront.  The sun was shining and I couldn't wait to get down to the seafront and take it all in.  Something about the sound of the waves, even in cold and windy January, makes me feel happy.  The city itself is just as happy.  Buildings are painted in bright colours, art seems to be oozing from the walls of small shops and cafes, and the local vibe throughout the Brighton lanes offers a feeling of adventure and creativity.  Some highlights and recommendations I have of our one (but full) day in Brighton are:

1.  The Lanes (especially the North Laines)

Nestled in the centre of the city are narrow shopping streets that are just begging you to get lost in.  The North laines I found especially intriguing as they had an array of vintage and second hand shops.  

2: Snoopers Paradise

Snoopers paradise is exactly what it sounds like.  It is a paradise for people who love to snoop.  This kind of snooping involves old trinkets, clothing, furniture.... it's the definition of "bits and bobs" of used and vintage items.  One can snoop for hours on end in this paradise, and come out with something uniquely unordinary.  Who knows what you'll end up with, but guaranteed it'll be something unique.  We had our fun snooping around and our favourite find were these lovely pair of goggles.  

3: Independent Cafes and coffee shops

There is no shortage of cute little coffee shops in this city.  We went to a small coffee shop called "Little Bird" where I enjoyed a delicious ham and cheese croissant and later we checked out "The Hen" where we split a piece of chocolate beetroot cake.  Yum in my tum!  Also, if you're vegan or gluten free, no need to worry, Brighton caters to all different crowds.

4: Seafood by the seashore

Fish and chips is almost a must when you're at the beach.  There are tons of small vendors lining the beach and you'll most likely be lured in by the smell of the crispy battered fish and malt vinegar.  We however, ended up buying a mixed assortment of shellfish down at the beach that we ate right there looking out at the sea.  Though it was borderline too "fishy tasting" for my liking, I felt that we could not have had a much better taste of the sea.

5: The Brighton Pier

After your fish and chips, take a walk down the Brighton Pier.  As you pass by arcades, fun rides, small restaurants, you'll have to remind yourself that this was all built above the water.  So cool.  You don't have to buy anything or spend any money to take a walk down to the end and take it all in.

6:  Watch the sunset near the burnt down West Pier

The remnants of another pier on the west side of the beach still stand, and for us it was the perfect spot to watch the sunset from.  We continued walking west and walked past Brightons long row of colourful beach sheds.  So fun.