Diversity and Amy

 I have been worrying for weeks about going to Brighton with mum and the girls. At one point I thought with Amy being so ill I would have to cancel it. But that would not be fare on Sophie, she has been so good through all of this and just helping where she can. Sophie loves her sister and I know if I said we could not go she would have excepted it, but I also knew how much it meant to her and after all maybe it would be good for Amy? So we went, three days and two nights in Brighton, staying at the Holiday in on the sea front, it has disabled parking at the hotel so no looking for unicorns (sorry I mean parking). I did phone the hotel and they reserved a space for us which was one less thing to worry about.

Driving down on Good Friday, I thought the traffic would be horrendous as the news are always saying it's one of the worst days to travel on, but we did fine and arrived by lunch time. Nice lunch in the hotel and Amy was doing OK. She even managed to walk across the road and down to the beach (it was pretty chilly though) had an ice cream and a walk on the pebble beach, by then I could see Amy had had enough and so we went back. 

The room was not one at the front overlooking the sea (I guess I messed that up) but we did have a big room with plenty of space to move around and room for Amy's chair. Amy was upset when she found it was not a room at the front but I talked her round in the end. Helped in part by two Seagulls outside our window, I think guest must be feeding them as they stayed in the area all the time and... yes, we fed them! 

I was very pleased that Amy stayed with us for dinner and we went next door to one of the best Chinese restaurants we have ever been to. The food is wonderful and having been going there for 15 plus years the always give us a warm welcome.  By the time dinner was over Amy was flagging and she was asleep almost before she got into bed. 

Saturday was the day of the show, Amy seemed OK if a little 'away with the fairies'. We had meet and greet tickets and it was only a short walk from the hotel. We did use the wheelchair and I was very pleased we did as Amy was in and out all the time.

When it was our turn for us to see the guys, I could see they were a little surprised to see Amy in a wheelchair, I did give the a rough outline of what was going on and I did get a little upset (this annoyed me). The guys as always were amazing and so kind with Amy, she did know who they were and was very happy to see them even though she was very 'out there'. Sophie was over the moon to see the guys and had a load of cuddles (as did we all). Then Ashley said to go back to the merchandise stand (I had brought Amy a bear before going in) and get whatever we wanted!!!!!

 

 

 

The show was wonderful although Amy struggled at times and we did get some tears. Then at the end of the show when they were doing all the bowing and stuff Ashley pointed Amy out and asked everyone to wish Amy better, and everyone cheered. Amy had never felt so special as this happened just as she was having a clear moment.

By the time we got back to the hotel she was exhausted (as was I, I did not realise how stressed out I was). After a nap she said she was well enough for dinner so we went back to China Garden for dinner....we like there food.

Once back at the hotel Amy was chatting away as always to the invisible people but was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Sophie was fine and had a few games of cards with nanny.

Then on Sunday we packed up slowly after breakfast and made our way home. Brilliant drive, makes such a difference only a few lorries around as almost everything is closed on Easter Sunday.

Princess Naughty Knickers

Ken Photo Shoot

Mini break

 Those that know me know that any sort of away from home time ends up with some sort of story (normally a near disaster) and this time was no different.
The 9th was Sophie's birthday so we went to the beach (Brighton) for a few days. Oh, and I hurt my back doing some ironing so was a little delicate (as in I could not lift anything and it was fun getting in and out of the car).
Wednesday morning we set of by car journey was a little longer than normal but not to bad. It's been raining since last June with just the odd day with no rain but Wednesday the weather was perfect. Once we arrived we parked up outside of the hotel we always stay at (they have two disabled bays and I managed to snag one).
Then we went for a lovely walk along the sea front.

 

 We had a lovely view from our hotel

 Being a corner room not only the sea but up into town as well. It's interesting how much variety there is, from new builds to awful 70s/80s to some building 100s of years old.

Back at the hotel we had a lovely room with a sea view and in the evening went for a great Chinese meal. All in all a good day.
The 9th (Sophie's birthday)we awoke to a couple of messages pushed under our door
1. Sorry for the inconvenience but no breakfast today!!!!
2. Please ignore the first message breakfast is back on.
OK, almost had a fit but all is well so of the breakfast we go. Apparently the chief did not turn up but they then found another one.
After breakfast we walked along the sea front to the pier.

 

 Not far from the hotel we could see a group of people dancing to Brazilian music, my girls love music so had to join in. 

 

We have been visiting Brighton for 15 years and have never been on the Pier. Lovely slow walk looking in all the mini shops at some wonderful art and crafts.

Yes, the seagull was listening to the music

Pier was a little boring but at least we can say we did it. Then off to an early dinner (or late lunch) and back to the hotel by taxi. I was sitting in the front and mum was directly behind me, as she went to get out her foot for caught but I managed to catch her. Not sure what happened but it fixed my back!
Later we decided we needed something sweet, so went down to the new hotel restaurant. WOW, the deserts were lovely. A little pricey but well, it was Sophie's birthday.
After all that we were pretty tired so it was back to the room. I wanted to take some sunset photos so went out on the balcony. Looking the other way I noticed a guy abseiling down from the i360 (a bubble thing that goes up and down with a viewing area inside it's 162 meters high) and watch some TV in bed.

Now to the fun bit....
It was just before 4am and I got up for the loo (mum had woken me when she went) so we were both still awake when.... the fire alarm went off!
I ran to the door to see what was going on but no signs of fire or smoke. None the less the alarm was still going so I said we needed to leave. So putting on some knickers and flip flogs (I had a nightie on) I got my jacket and bag. We have a rule the Sophie looks after Nan and Amy looks after me. Now the hallway had other people all half asleep trying to think what way was out. We were on the four floor and of course you can't use the lift. Found the stairs and down we go out into the lobby the the not so cold night air. 

 Now remember I said I had my car parked out front so we had somewhere to wait and if it was a fire I could move the car away. After a few minutes two fire engines turn up and after about an hour we could go back in. 

 Oh, and Amy had come out with nothing on her feet so the hotel gave her some slippers.
Was there a fire? Not quite, a freezer in the basement had over heated. In a home this would have tripped the electrics and it would just be flip the switch and find out what had blown. I guess in a hotel it flips the fire alarm?

Back in the room we all tried to go back to sleep. Unfortunately Amy has a fire phobia and had nightmares. Then at breakfast she was sick so I had to take her back to the room. She went back to bed after we had talked about what had happened and just as she was going to sleep they tested the alarm. She was terrified and took some time to calm back down.

After we had calmed Amy and finished packing we went for another walk on the beach then lunch back at the hotel (very nice)

We thought the worst bit would be the drive home with so many road works and the motorway being closed in part later in the evening. We had extra stops as Sophie gets travel sick and can only do just over an hour before feeling ill and that with medication and wrist bands.

But we had a pretty good drive home, so all's well and I have another story to tell!