On this day we drove to Gatwick airport very early – I barely got any sleep. I sketched this at 4:30 am while we waited for our flight to Montenegro. I never get used to the ideas that some Brits drink alcohol at airports even in the early mornings.
Mon-10-Aug-2026
On this day we went to Preston Park in Brighton to watch Nick Cave. This quick sketch was done while the supporting act (English Teacher) were playing. After this we moved into the crowd, watching the Flaming Lips (who were not so great live) and then the man himself. The crowds were huge and very packed – some people fainted (maybe from sitting in the sun from 1pm onwards and drinking). My wife had to move to the edge of the crowd to get some air (and see more). By the end of the concert my feet were aching and my throat was sore (from a cold coming on and cheering of course). But it was brilliant – what a performer.
Fri-31-Jul-2026
Here is a sketch done during a brief trip to the beach in Hove. I didn’t swim, but paddled…compared to the sea in the Philippines it was like standing in ice water. The day before this I spent a quiet day finishing half done sketches and also went to Jackson’s in Hove to indulge.
Fri-31-Jul-2026
After our long walk over the Downs we walked around Lewes seeing the castle, a church, down the Twittens (a “twitten” is an old Sussex word for a narrow path or alleyway running between walls or buildings and Lewes has a famous network of these Saxon pathways), through Southover Grange Gardens (set next to the 16th-century Southover Grange Manor House) where we had ice creams and then to Priory Park. This is a public park build around the remains of the 11th-century Priory of St. Pancras, mostly demolished in 1537, I believe by Henry VIII.
Wed-29-Jul-2026
On this day we did a long walk over Malling downs and through the nature reserve there, outside Lewes. It turned out to be one of the hottest days of the week. Not a cloud in the sky and two trees to shade under, one frequently used by a cow. We stopped at one of the first cafes we found when we got into town, with a nice space to cool down.
Wed-29-Jul-2026
On this day we made a trip to Bodiam Castle. I am sure I visited there as a child – we lived relatively nearby after all – but I have no recollection of going there. Bodiam is like a fairytale version of a castle – a perfect square with circular towers in each corner. The National Trust volunteers pointed out to us where the walls are covered in ancient graffiti with one carving saying “JCB 1691”!
Thu-22-May-2025