On the London eye

                                                       Classic Big Bed Photo...Almost Perfect

                                                 Hanging out with Mom (thats right Mom...HANGING OUT!)            

                                                                     Stef and Mom

                                                                   On the Brighton Pier

Tower Bridge! My Favorite Site

                                      Pretty Much Sums Up the Day                       

                                                                            London Eye

On the London Eye

Gorgous View From the London Eye

                                                         Mom Walking Like a Londoner

                                                          London Eye at Night

                                                                      Big Ben at Night



                                  


                                                       The Guards....Wizard of Oz...Right?!

                                        Our Favorite Chap...You Can tell Mom LOVES Him!


                                        

                                                                        At Komedia

                                                                       Lion and Lobster

Mom Trying to Embrassing Me!!

The long overdue countdown to Jan 29 was finally over. I have 6 days off of work and an alarm at 5am to get ready for the visit of a lifetime! I am going to Gatwick to pick up my mom!

Typical me, I did not want to be late. Her flight gets in at 8am and its a half hour train ride to Gatwick from Brighton. I booked my tickets weeks ago and got up at 5am so I could leave by 6am. Do the math....I was there by 645am. Maybe a tad excessive but Id rather be stupid early then a little late. I made a glittery sign that read MOM with hearts. You know, just to make sure she could pick me out in the crowd. I stood in front of the white doors and waited.

830am rolls around and there she is. I lost it. Balled like a baby. I know its only been five months since Ive seen her, but thats five months to long. After I pulled myself together, we went and got a good ol english breakfast at the Wetheringspoon. Back bacon, fried eggs, sausage, backed beans and mushrooms. It was amazing to have my mom sitting across from me and catching up. Much better then skyping indeed.

She had a good flight, with two meals and a bit of sleep....overall not as bad as she had expected. Then we headed back to Brighton. The train ride was lovely. The sun was up and you could see the english countryside...which was nice because I hadnt seen it yet. I do love taking the trains, I think Mom liked it too.

We walked home from the train station along the seafront. Mom LOVED the seafront. Just sunshine (which was lovely, cause that is not typical for Brighton) and crisp ocean air. It is truly a beautiful sight, one Im glad my Mom appreciated.

Sunday was spent relaxing, (Mom having a power nap) and chating with the girls. The girls was excited to see her, especially stef who also cried like a baby....there is nothing like having a Mom in the house. That night we decided to take Mom to our favorite pub the Lion and Lobster. It a classic British pub, the sterotyped ones that you automatically think of.

We got a table by the fireplace and sat down for some ale. She loved it. Also commented that my Dad would be in his glory. She got the fish and chips....however....very disappointing. Which is sad for that is what Britian is known for. Dont worry, we had more fish and chips in the week which measured up to the hype. It was a lovely dinner spent with the girls...however, due to the flight and jet lag....she was falling asleep at the table. Had to take Mommy home! All for the best, she would need her rest for there was a fun filled week ahead of us.

Monday morning we spent planning out the week. We were both well rested and raring to go. Mom liked the flat, although she said it looks much different then the pictures...but isnt that always the case. We deicded to go to London on Tuesday stay over night till Wed. We got a cheap hotel, we could have done it in a day trip but after a long day in London its well worth the hotel for the night.

Monday we spent the day walking around Brighton. We walked along the seafront down in the boardwalk. You would not believe the activity going on....and in Jan no less. There was a flea market, people playing basketball and beach volleyball, boys doing rollar skate tricks, kids playing in the playground....we even saw people surfing! It wasnt frezzing cold, but def cold. And still the beach is a hub of activity. We both commented that we can not imagine what the summer must look like! But we can see why people say there is no place like Brighton in summer.

We casually made our way to the Brighton Pier. Its really like any other seafront pier but still lovely in its own right. We got some nice chips and walked along the pier. However, you HAVE to be careful of the seagulls. There are HUGE, over fed and vicious. They just glare at your food and swoop down in hopes of getting some. Its honestly...terrifying.

It was so nice to show Mom where I live. Walk along the seafront chatting and just enjoying each others company. It always a great time to complain and moan and vent about every little thing. Lets face, Mom are the best for that....especially because they are usually always on your side.

After lunch I took her into the lanes. She said it reminded her of Old Quebec, with the narrow alleyways and cobble roads. I think her favorite part was all the jewerly shops down the one lane with window sill jewerly! Its always fun to dream.

That night we went to Little Bay where Christie works. Not only does it have fantastic food, in the month of Jan its half off. Also, when you live with your server....you get AMAZING service. Not that Christie gives crappy service...but just put a bit more TLC because it was us. After wine and a delicious meal we walked home. Tomm was London. And it would prove to be a bit of a daunting trip.

The alarm at 5 am is never a good start to the day. Then when the coffee maker sparks and breaks down it makes it even worse. On top of the that, the hair was not working out....by 6am is was proving to be a difficult day. We got to the train station and paid alot for tickets to london. But we were going to London and I was with my mom so thats all that really matters.

Whilst waiting for the train, we got coffee and a breakie sandwich and waiting for the train. As we were sitting, my mom screaches and jumps up. Right beside her was this huge seagull trying to get at her food. I go to shoo it away and I kick over the entire coffee. Wow, it really is going to be one of those days.

We finally get on the train, and its packed....no where to sit for the next hour. By the time we got to London, you can imagine we were a tad disheartned. We had booked a bus hop on hop off tour for the day. When we FINALLY figured out where the stop was for them to pick us up, we were ready to put the morning behind us and go on with the day.

Go to pay.....Moms credit card is gone. At this point we both wanted to break down and cry. She must have dropped it some how in the train station. First time shes ever lost a credit card, thank god for the back up card! Anyways, so the next hour was spent cancelling it. Not great.

On top of everything, we dressed warm....not warm enough. Wet cold soaks into your bones....its impossible to get warm. Especially because buildings in the UK are drafted and not meant to be heated. Ive never been so cold in my life!

Fortunatly, our day improved. Once we were finally settled on the bus, it was lovely. London is a lovely city, and the history is pretty fasinating. We got off at Big Ben and spent some time there. We must have passed by Big Ben at least 10 times in the day....but now we have Big Ben from every angle. Next, after some food and a well deserved pint of beer....we went to the London Eye. We were both pretty tickled about this!

Of course to get to the London Eye we had to get on a different bus route. Here we were in Trafalgar Square going from one pick up point to the other trying to catch the bus! We looked ridiculous and it was frustrating! Finally, we got on the right one and headed to the stop.

First you get this 4D video of London, with the smells, 3D vision and wind being blown in your face...it was pretty cool. Then you go outside to Q for the London Eye. There is security and because we had a carry on suitcase they scanned it. The guy inquired about the manicure scissor, after the morning we had I thought they would just go ahead and arrest us....thankfully he let us through!

So the London Eye is constantly going, so you literally just have to get into the glass encased box as it slowly goes by. The thing had a bench and was glass all around. It is just on the Thames River so you get an amazing view of the city. IT was a really gorgous view. Def helped to improve the day.

After, we went the river cruise that was included in the tour. By this time it was getting dark so we got to see the city all lit up. It was fun to be cruising down the river towards the tower bridge....the tower bridge was by far my favorite sight. It looks amazing.

As you can imagine, we were pretty tired by this point, so we decided to get a quick bite and head on to the hotel. Of course, while trying to find a place to eat we got side tracked by a souviner shop. There was a wall full of various toques and winter hats. 30 min later and we were in fits of laughter trying on all the hats...even considering buying some gaudy ones to wear. Soon, the owner comes over and starts picking up the hats..."You've tried them all on! You make a mess! You want to buy one...here buy this one...just pick one!" Well time to go! To much fun.

Taking the tube in London isnt so bad, but I truly dont miss taking the tube every day like I did in NYC. Its exhausting...especially after a long day.

When we got off at the stop we started heading the wrong way....we just gave up and found a cab. We found out later that it was literally around the cornor from the subway stop. Duh! But the bed was comfy and clean! Tomm we would be prepared for it all!!!

The next day we were well rested and ready for a full day. We even bought the tacky london sweatshirts to bundle up for the cold. Dont worry, this time we didnt try on every single sweat shirt. Today, we were going to see the Queen! There was a walking tour for the changing of the guards.

Our tour guide was the most amazing typical older British man I have ever met. Mom and I were instantly in love with the chap. This man, probably in his late 60's was clearly a history teacher in his day. Not only was he incredibly knowledgable he was clever and funny. He would pick on the crowd...making shots at where they are from and what little we all knew about the history behind Buckingham Palace. He definatly gets a kick out of his job.

Mom especially loved being picked on. He would ask a question, to which we did not know....then make a snarky comment that we should know how to speak french...we are from Canada after all! IT was HIRALROUS!! And when he would walk...he would WALK. We were throughly entertained by the guy.

So while we were walking towards the palace learning about the history...we made a stop at Windsor house. We got to see the guards gettting ready for their trip to the Palace, then when they started marching with the 20 piece band leading....we got to march along side them! An american beside us made the commet "They remind me of the guards from Wizard of OZ!" He was spot on....it was excatly like that.

However...after a quick photo shoot we started heading away from the Palace....we were losing faith in our tour guide! Why dont we get to see the actual changing!? But alas, he did not disappoint. He took us to the smaller entrance where we got a private show! It was to neat!! Funny as well, I cant imagine standing in the position all day. Unfortunatly the Queen was away.....How Rude! We came all the way from Canada!

Next was another beer an sandwich in the pub and off to our next stop. Jack the Ripper walking tour! Lo and behold ....whose the guide! Our favortie Chap from the changing of the guards tour! Me and mom were like a bunch of groupies....all giggly and at the front...both hoping he remebered us from earlier...whispering to the others how great he is! It was amazing how much we loved this guy!!

The Jack the Ripper tour was amazing! We got to go down all the alleys where the victums were found, and the pubs he used to hang out in. It was amazing and eery!!!! Plus the dramatics of the tour were awesome. He would leave you in suspense and act out the murders and dramatically walk away. He was even MORE amazing on this tour!

Next stop was Harrolds. The famous department store. Remeber, we didnt excatly look our best. Obviously it was an impressive store filled with things we could never afford. However, Moms rant about the place sums it up perfectly.

" Look at those little twats working here staring us down like were not good enough to be here. I make more money in a month then they do in a year!"

Hahahahaha, pertencious it was. Screw Harrolds, Macys in NYC you could at least affford a pair of shoes.

This day was alot more enjoyable...we truly had a delightful time. However, on the train ride back to Brighton we both decided that other then the sights....its really just another annoying big city. So glad us girls decided to move to Brighton. Still, amazing visit but I was happy to be coming back to Brighton.

The next day we went shopping. I love shopping with my mom, other then the shoe stores. Mom LOVES shoe stores....I hate shoe stores...I wear one pair of shoes until they literally fall offf my feet then bite the bullet and buy the first shoes I find in my size. But if momma's happy then Im happy. Stef came along and we got mom a new outfit. She was a hottie in this outfit!! As much as she hated it, dressing mom up is FUN!

We even got to go for lunch with all the girls! Mom was definatly getting her girl time in for sure.

That night we went to Komedia for their stand up comedy show. Before, me, Stef and Trisha took mom to Giraffe were I worked. It was nice for her to be able to see where I work and the people I work with. They treated us like gold and we got a great discount. I think she really enjoyed the place. Little did I know, but mom was looking to set me up this night. She even commented and tried talking me into my co worker who works on the bar!! "Well hes a handsome guy! Why aren't you with him!!" Good thing I dont get embrassed easily.

We got to Komedia and the place was pretty packed. Me and mom always have a great time people watching and commenting on people and their possible situation. Comedy shows are great for the by the way! Many couples, friends, family....to much fun. There was a line up of 6 people. Some were laugh off your chair hiralrous and some were OK. Either way to much fun. Although...we also had a couple of jugs of beer.

By this point we were ready to hit the hay. So me Stef and mom went to the Lion and Lobster. By this point, we were all having WAY to much fun. Then Mom spots some cute boys and calls them over to join us. Before I know it....Mom has set me and stef up with the boys! Shes quite the matchmarker. So we spent the night chatting and making some new friends. As mom said later.....its the most fun shes had in along time! It def was a night for the books!

Friday was the last day. I could tear up now thinking about it. We decided to spend the day strolling around town and casually shoping. We went for lunch and coffee and got to see all of Brighton. It was my favorite day...just having Mom all to myself. It was what I needed, My Mom. The woman who knows excatly what to say...even if I dont want to hear it. A sounding board for my problems and full of the advice I need. My greatest supporter. The one person who truly wants the best for me and loves me no matter what. She really helps me to put my life in perspective and reassure me in my life path.

Ok, Ok, enough sappy sappy. Y'all get it..I love my mom!

Anyways, after a relaxing day. You can tell she really loved Brighton. I even heard her mention coming back in summer!! Fingers Crossed. Shes impressed in Brighton, and her approval means everything.

The next day I got up early and took her to Gatwick. The week flew by and it was FULL of tears at the airport. No worries, April I will see her again AND MY DAD!!!!! So I shouldnt be to sad. Still painful to see her go. Either way, it was an amazing week. I truly loved having her here!