A happy Monday

Aimee and Princess Lakshmi hit Brighton today, popping into the Twitten. Lively ladies both, and I had a splendid day with them. A brief tour of places of interest: looking at famous graffiti by Banksy, Madhatters, threading through the Laines, Pavilion, etc. which Aimee really enjoyed. Then sitting under a parasol in the hot sun near the doughnut sculpture on the seafront drinking cold beer and picking at antipasti, and having a protracted gossip about romances and jobs and other good stuff while looking over at the pier.

From there off to the Cricketers where we were joined by Romy, who is Aimee's cousin. Romy has just graduated with a degree in anthropology and, interestingly, spent much of her studenthood living in a treehouse.

Returned to the Twitten, to rendezvous with Aimee's taxi which was taking her to the airport and back to Dubai, where she is currently the second or third most important person, and doing some very high profile work to do with the oil industry. The taxi driver didn't seem to understand this fact, and was annoying and late. Fond farewells then to Aimee, and Romy.

Lakkers and I went off for tapas, followed by gin and tonics, before she caught a late train home. Lakshmi may have to return to Dubai herself soon as her job has ended, and she doesn't have another one lined up, which would be a shame.

Home, and feeling rather well refreshed. Got a text from Sprinkles who had heard that Brighton Pier had burnt down, luckily it wasn't us, instead it was the one at Weston Super Mare - which heartbreakingly had just been refurbished. But when those piers go up, they really burn.

Spoke to Lorraine and decisively headed for beddy-byes. You certainly don't need rocking to sleep when Lakshmi and Aimee are in town.

Below Lakshmi and Aimee at the seaside. And a shot by Lakshmi of their humble and rather warmish guide sporting my hat.