Brits always seem to go a bit mental when a little sunshine is thrown our way.  We grab our shorts and bikinis and pile onto the nearest beach, lapping up the rays we know will probably disappear all too soon.  This recent spot of nice weather has been no exception.

So, last weekend I took advantage of the high temperatures and sunny skies (although I heard it was raining in Glasgow – sorry Kitt!) I travelled down to Brighton to catch some rays and a bit of shopping.  I’ve always had a thing for British seaside resorts.  When I was little, my parents used to take me to Blackpool, Rhyl and Prestatyn.  They were wonderful.  The donkey rides, the smell of the sea air, the tacky little shops selling multicoloured buckets and shells.  There’s something about them that fills me with joy.

When I reached Brighton, its pebble beaches were totally packed with tanned and sunburnt bodies.  I really wanted to swim in the sea, but with a lack of appropriate attire, I opted for a sneaky ice cream by the shore instead. 

Then it was time for a bit of exploration.  I was especially taken the cute little food and tourist stands dotted along the coast.  Fresh shellfish and oysters right by the seaside – YUM!

Walking on, I was stuck by a group of guys playing volleyball behind a basketball court.  On a beach.  You know what I’m thinking?  Oh yes!  It was like Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 recreated JUST FOR ME, except the ladies were somewhat hairy and flat chested.  Every time I saw one hit the ball, I expected them to shout “Nice-u spike-u!” But they didn’t.  They didn’t even bother lying on the court in provocative poses.  How rubbish is that?  Videogames vs. Reality… No contest!

Before I left, I couldn’t resist a cheeky peek into Brighton’s Palace Pier for the arcades (although I personally hold a soft spot for the fire-ravaged but beautiful West Pier. Did you know I have a secret fancy for two penny machines?  After emptying out my purse, it wasn’t long before I spotted the rather bizarre “Silent Hill – The Arcade”, which looked an awful lot like House of the Dead.  I couldn’t help but think it was rather missing the point about what people enjoy about Silent Hill – the suspense and the fear from what you CAN’T see.  But hey, the two gamers I spotted playing it seemed to be enjoying themselves.

All too soon it was time for me to go home.  Apparently the weather is due to turn rubbish today, but it was nice to enjoy a bit of home grown fun whilst it lasted. Let’s just hope the heat spell wasn’t the entirety of our British summer, eh?