We’re done working and doing things for the time being but our big journey doesn’t start until the end of the year. So what to do with all this spare free time?

We couldn’t think of any better way to spend it than going on holiday, took the overnight ferry from Hoek van Holland to Harwich yesterday and drove south to Brighton today. Things to do in Brighton: go for a walk on the beach and visit the galleries at the promenade, visit the Royal Pavilion, stroll through the North Lane, have a tea in one of the cosy bohemian cafés and browse through the cool boutiques, and at the end of the day watch the sun go down behind the ruins of the West Pier. Of course we also had a look at the famous Brighton Pier – british seaside amusements at its best (or worst): Tacky and corny, typical fairground rides, candy floss and gambling opportunities like one armed bandits, tipping point type games, Kentucky Derby and so on. It’s such a shame, the Victorian building looks quite nice from the outside. One thing I learned: Minions (the yellow, slightly stupid figures from “Despicable Me”) are obviously a popular prize these days.