Chutar o balde

Kick the bucket. This was a new Portuguese phrase I learnt today, although I can’t specifically recall how it came up as I didn’t suffer any bereavements during the day.

For breakfast, Giles and I sought out our favourite type of eating establishment: non-pretentious cafés serving fry-ups. This one, named Breakfast at Tiffany’s, was off the main drag after we’d trawled the famous Brighton Lanes. Our patience was rewarded with crispy hash browns and a sea of beans.

We were not rewarded by the gull who shat down Giles’ t-shirt and trousers as we strolled towards the pier. Even actors who have had successful careers can fall victim to costume mishaps. The gusty winds may not have helped, so it could have been an honest mistake on the part of the gull.

I really enjoy the vibe in Brighton. One of my earliest ever blips was at Brighton pier. The gulls are as menacing as ever, which was confirmed when we were divebombed whilst carrying doughnuts. We explored the pier and people-watched, including this woman sketching the funfair in action. Most of the rides were closed due to high winds, but the bar serving gin and tonic was open, which is what mattered.

In the evening we strolled to find food in Kemptown’s Gay Village, and had an Italian restaurant mostly to ourselves (until a disgruntled Scottish customer came in to complain about the takeaway service). After this we caught up on shenanigans from the Democratic National Convention in the US, with speeches by Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama and Joe Biden. We chewed on the doughnuts that had made it through the divebombing. It was a great day off and very relaxing.