Ok. We're here.

Hi Friends.

For the fam reading - sorry for the delayed update. We've been at the pub. There were wireless issues etc. but I'd like to be clear; the real reason is that we, and mostly Brock, have been at the pub. In fact, as I type this Brock is drunkingly slurring 'tell them I've been to six - no seven SEVEN pubs.' Yeah... it's day three folks.

The last two nights have come and gone quickly but were amazing fun. My family, Katie and Richard (and adorable pup penny) were phenomenal hosts in their old cottage home. We went on walks in fields to play fetch with Penny and into small towns to drink at local pubs. My fav so far was definitely the legion in Elstead with low ceilings, flagstone floors and cheap (CHEAP!!!!) drinks. And did I mention... little miss Penelope joined us on all journeys. Thai food. Pubs. She was there. I wish Tonka could go to pubs! I think he would love it.

On one of our walks with Penny she introduced me to some horse friends of hers. I swear, the little blonde one wears more eyeliner than I do. Way too cute.

Today we arrived in Brighton after a quick drive. Yeah that's right. A drive. As in I DROVE THERE!!! Richard and I picked up the rental car yesterday and to my dismay they gave us a massive upgrade. I begged for a downgrade so I could have a smaller car but that was all they had. It is huge and so difficult to maneuver. Richard gave me some quick lessons yesterday while patiently and calmly directing me to drive on the left side and stops hitting the curb. I couldn't sleep last night because I was so scared that I would drive us off a cliff, on the wrong side of the road no less. But it was totally smooth sailing. I'll have to take a picture of me beside the beast so you can understand its size.

I will have to post more about Brighton later on but here's a quickie:

We found a hat shop and both have new headgear. Brock's hat makes him look like Captain Highliner and has requested to be called the following names:

1. Ginger Highliner

2. Brock the Highliner

3. Captain Ginger

4. Captain Brock Highliner

Then Brock found the Great Eastern Pub (#6!) which he had researched and we had a vegetarian Sunday Roast. Ab Fab. We of course had to stop at the first of three Brighton record stores another pub and then a charming greaser on the way home from too many drinks called 'Extreme Flame' for (disgusting!) veggie burgers. 

Now we're lying in our separate twin beds (I do think Brighton might just be the world capital for romance) and watching British telly (after I drunkenly demanded the night manager fix it!). Our hotel room is pumping the heat and the windows are wide open in an attempt to combat the lack of temperature control.

On to Nanny's on Tuesday. Word on the street is, she's joined us in the 21st century and has gone wireless. 

xoxo.

Berlin part two!!!

I am writing this on the train to Hamburg. There is no internet, obviously, so it will be posted... at some point.

Berlin was beautiful but I left, and I think Brock would agree, feeling like I need more time there. It is so much like home but still so different. Our time was outstanding. Despite the mass amounts of rain.

Here are some balconies that are no more. 

The city redid the building to accommodate artists' studios. 

Look! We still like each other!!!

We cooked most of our meals but still enjoyed some more exceptional veggie food. A restaurant called Yellow Sunshine in the sketchy Parkdale-esque part of Berlin served amazing veggie curry-wurst and a veggie bacon cheese burger like I had never had before. Yummo.

We also did the required viewing of the Berlin wall during a soaking wet trip to the East Side Gallery. It had all been redone in 2009 so everything was different from when I was there last. Some of it had been moved around to accommodate new buildings like the O2 arena. It will be interesting to see how they continue to develop the land around the wall or whether Berlin will slowly begin to tear down what remains. 

On a voyage to one veggie restaurant, we passed a really cool shopping district that reminded me of a more developed Ossington Ave. in Toronto. There was an amazing hat store and I could’ve easily maxed out my credit card purchasing anything that would fit my head but I remained sensible and tried to leave with just what I could carry. When the shop keeper saw me trying to decided between two hats he offered me a deal to take both. I was basically forced to. You would’ve done the same.

I am now the proud new owner of a classic Stetson in green (I know, I know - a little silly buying an American hat all the way in Berlin but sssshhh) and a velour... chapeau. hahha. I have no idea what the shape is called but it is certainly a lady hat. Very versatile too. I could wear it to a funeral or a fall wedding!

On Brock’s command we also visited several record stores which weren’t the death of me. I will leave it to him to discuss in further detail. Sad to say I am not coming home with any Patsy Cline or Loretta Lynn LP’s. 

Now I’m going to nap.

xoxo

Oh yeah, we also both fell in love with Otto Dix. You weren't allowed to take pictures but I sneaked this one and I strongly recommend you also become big fans.

pps. Dru, this one is for you. 

It was just as good as you always said it would be.