Princess Naughty Knickers

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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!