So, it’s been a while since my last post. Let me try to sum up what is going on…
I found a lot more cool places in Brighton. I went to this organic market, Infinity Foods, and got some good vegan food. They have a café too that was closed when I got there but looks good. I was walking down the street from there and found a vegetarian fast food place! Granted, it is no Foodswings, but it’s not bad. The hotdog with caramelized red onions is fucking amazing. I also found a place open late that had decent falafel and a 5 pound all-you-can eat vegetarian Indian food buffet.
In that same area I stopped by this basement record store aptly called the “Punker Bunker” (the punks in Brighton really got their shit together when it comes to naming things. There’s also a piercing place in town called Punktured). It’s a really cool record store but all the records there are at least 9 pounds ($18) so it’s a bit pricey.
On a similar note I went to a hardcore show Friday at this place called the Engine Rooms. Well, there was only one hardcore band, but it was still pretty good. The headlining band was this folk/ska group from London, the King Blues, and was pretty good. I would have appreciated a little more folk and a little less ska, but that’s just me. The band I really wanted to see, Phinius Gage (melodic hardcore from Brighton), only played four songs because their van broke down and they showed up way late. Regardless, I felt at home hearing some solid hardcore. I’ve been feeling some culture shock and homesickness over the past 10 days or so, but when that first chord hits all those feelings go away.
On a sad note, I don’t think the Earthquake show is happening. It’s been TBA forever and the supporting band removed the date from their Myspace calendar. Oh well…I picked up a bunch of flyers for some other good shows coming up, so not all is lost.
The British do a lot of things well, but imitating American things is not one of them. I’ve found only one “Mexican” restaurant in Brighton, “El Taco,” and the burrito was definitely below par. I miss Chipotle, Cal Tor, Mariachi Loco, and every other place I have had amazing burritos in America. One thing the British do right: “poundstores.” They’re like dollar store in the States but all the products are much nicer and way more amazing.
I saw a brakeless track bike outside Arts D the other day. My faith in this University has been reestablished. The ride from campus into Brighton is only 5 miles, but the entire time going into town (towards the sea) is a headwind. It will let up for about 10 seconds only to come back twice as strong. Conversely, the ride back to campus is quite nice with a constant tailwind. The wind in this town is ridiculous. If you go down to the waterfront the headwind will almost stop you from walking and the tailwind will almost push you over. The weather in general is pretty absurd.
Arsenal is my favorite football (soccer) team in England. I saw an amazing match with them against Liverpool earlier this week in East Slope bar. Drinking a pint in an English bar watching football with English fans is an indescribable experience. I also paid 40 quid (slang for pounds) to become an Arsenal “Red Member” this week. That means if the season ticket holders don’t buy up all the tickets to a match then I have an opportunity to buy some. Hopefully I will be able to see one or two matches and this won’t be a giant waste of money.
I think that’s about all I have to say for now. Cheers.
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