Circa 2018 peppered with a 1980s aesthetic....
i headed to Regiate on Weds with the express purpose of spending the entire afternoon in the pub drinking, which is basically my all-time favourite activity.
I arranged with a couple of ex-colleagues to gatecrash their end of term do at the college I used to work at, I haven't been back to that affair since 2018 when I left, seven long years ago.
Incidentally that was also my relatively early days on Hive and I wrote all about why I was quitting teaching back then, I would link to it but Google can't find it, I think Google hates Hive.
Anyways, it felt a bit dirty leaving home at 10.00 a.m. to drive and get booked into my hotel for a 14.30 start.
It was a great day, lots of people to catch up with, very similar vibe to what I remember a few years back, many old faces, obviously lots new too, that's just teaching for you.
I spent a small fortune, just buying drinks, but that's OK, and managed to stagger home via some fish and chips by 21.30 - Yes seven hours of drinking is enough these days!
The hotel....
I got a cheap one - only £60 a night in Reigate, but you get what you pay for - it's 2KM out of town and up a busy road, the trick is to walk away from town for 100 metres then hit the trails which takes you the back route into town - it adds on 1.5KM to the direct road route which is off the M25 but it's at least 5 times more pleasant, probably more like 10 times more pleasant.
But you can't avoid a 1.5KM uphill slog en route back!
But then again if you like getting your steps in it's fine.
The hotel is a bit grotty, but well within my skank tolerance levels.
I took a wander into town earlier today, got a couple of pasties for lunch and dinner, I am such a class act, and of course a coffee.
The route into town: nice view!
I had planned to do some work today but it's already 17.00 after lolling about with a hangover most of the day!
Final thoughts....
I bloody love daytime drinking, but you need a proper event to not feel too guilty about it, you can't do it that often, and you have to rule out the day after for recovery!