under another sun

 Another really cheerful day. Lorraine and I caught the train into Brighton, and did a spot of shopping. I bought sunglasses, as mine had given up the ghost -- or should I say shade -- a few days ago. Then after a spot of shopping, and witnessing the Police unsuccessfully chasing a sprinting villain  down the centre of North Street we mooched into The Ivy, where Lorraine had a voucher for a £100. We had a meal there, which was nice enough. Lorraine had a cocktail called a Passionate Spritz (apparently a bit like a Porn Star) and I had a fancy G&T and a decent meal. The Ivy, because it is expensive and snobby, attracts the idle rich. The staff were professional and pleasant however. Then into the old lanes where I bought Lorraine her long-promised eternity ring -- which was quite blingy and has pinky red rubies and little diamonds in it. We were able to get it resized and done within an hour or so. We did a bit more shopping and then dropped into The Cricketers where Lorrai...

The best night's sleep so far sleeping on the floor in a futon, under a huge snow white duvet. The colds that had plagued plagued Lorraine and I now officially in abeyance. Up at nine and off for an an unforgettable breakfast. Romy chose western style, and Toby, Lorraine and I opted for a Japanese, which was unforgettably delicious, with bowls of rice, soup, salmon and plates of dainties. Then back to our rooms to complete packing to move on to our next hotel a short distance away in Kanazawa. The ladies of the Ryokan could not have been more gracious. They helped us locate the new one, and the lady who had been looking after us led us down the street to our new hotel. Unfortunately this was the wrong hotel, so she secured us taxis on the street and instructed their drivers. This all conducted in her traditional kimono. Warm farewells. The new hotel where we will stay for the next two days is a just-opened business hotel called Hotel Trusty with impressive Christmas decorations...

Below in and around the Normura family house and garden. A samurai street, garden scenes and interiors. Bottom koi will be coy.