O I do like to be beside the seaside!

Glorious sunshine yesterday so we headed down to Portsmouth -- a 30-minute drive away and new to both of us. It's a mixed city, to say the least. There's a huge new outlet shopping mall near the harbour -- fine if you're happy to still spend 45 quid on a Paul Smith t-shirt followed by lunch at Nando's, slightly overwhelming if you're not. We did find Aspex, a rather sweet little art gallery with cafe and shop near the waterfront. We then headed over to Old Portsmouth -- the cathedral, a few naval fortifications -- and the real highlight of the day, Southsea. Southsea is the alternative, scruffy, student heart of the city. Albert Road is the main drag, with all manner of vintage shops, ethnic food stores, and fun bars and restaurants. It's a bit like Stoke Newington, only with fewer police helicopters and only a third of the price when it comes to housing (and shopping). We're pottered along, bought lots of spices that I can't get in Sainsbury's, had a good meal in Cape Verde, and then headed home. Fresh air, the sea, good food. We shall definitely go back.