10 March 1999 Brighton, England

Brighton is on the south coast line, a very popular resort town. As Prince of Wales, George IV had architect John Nash transform a farmhouse into a lavish palace in 1822, the Royal Pavilion. The exterior appears Middle Eastern, a small Taj Mahal.

the Royal Pavillion

The interior is oriental. The building from outside is a marvelous masterpiece, totally unique. The inside, to me, extremely gaudy. Queen Victoria didn't like the palace so she sold it to the town in 1850. Most of the furniture has been returned back to the pavilion. Queen Victoria had placed the items in storage, and Queen Elizabeth has given the items back to the people of Brighton on permanent loan.

Brighton Pier

As you walk along the shore, there is a pier (Palace Pier) which has children's rides, games, and food. It was a nice sunny day as I walked along the shoreline in search of the palace. People with their kids were playing on the beach and sitting there and enjoying the sun and watching the waves. There is also a Sea Life Center near the pier. When you get off at the train station, head for the ocean. Go left as you hit the beach and stop at the Pier. Turn to your left and you will see a small park or area of grass.

Beyond this point, you will see the onion shaped tops of the pavilion. It is not easy to find and the street signs DON'T HELP!!