Brighton #3 - part 3

The women's lifestyle show.

I had serious doubts about buying a ticket for this event when I saw it advertised over a month ago.

It just happened to be taking place on the next available date I had, on my birthday weekend, and it seemed like some kind of serendipity. I needed to go and didn't know why!

The more I thought about it, the more idiotic an idea it seemed.

It was a show for women. There were to be presentations about women's issues, women's products being sold and demonstrated, and the vast majority of attendants were going to be women.

I am not a woman. Or ever likely to be one. What on earth am I thinking? They'll spot me for what I am and kick me out!

I probably wouldn't be interested in anything, and leave after 5 minutes. But I kept revisiting the page, and finally bought my ticket a week or so ago, and here I was, being met by two ladies at the door, smiling, handing me my programme as I took my coat off in the warm hotel, inviting me to take part in the raffle, which was very pink and had lots of interesting bath products as prizes, so I obliged.

Draping my coat over my arm, I went into the large conference room in which four rows of stalls were laid out with all manner of products and leaflets.

I was immediately greeted by a lady who looked stunning. I couldn't help but admire her perfect makeup - so natural, it was only the slight shine that gave it away that she was wearing makeup.

She took me over to her stand, the Sussex Makeup Academy, and described a little of what they did, and showed me her arsenal of brushes, while explaining roughly how she got the effect.

A model took her place on a chair in front of the stall, and Heather went into her presentation and a crowd quickly gathered around.

The presentation was "How to create a smoky eye", and it was delivered with a wonderful attention to detail, while demonstrating the effects on the model.

I thought it was wonderful - worth the admission alone, and stored as many tips as I could for my evening makeup.

Once the presentation was over, I browsed the other stands, but none gripped my attention - I felt I'd had the best for now, so I tucked my programme into my pocket, put my coat back on, and ventured back into the rain and howling gales. Seriously, the gusts were over 100mph, I later read on the forecasts.

Once among the buildings in the city centre, the wind stopped being an issue, so I did a little window shopping - and went into one or two shops.

I went into New Look, as I've had great luck with their shoes, and started examining the boots. They were a great price, so I decided to buy some, if there were any in my size.

The assistant was dearly apologetic, and said that I could order some online - and my face must've shown my disappointment, although she wouldn't have known that my disappointment was because I couldn't break my duck of not having bought any ladies clothes in a store!

I thanked her and said that I understood, and went for a coffee.

I needed the restroom, so went to the ladies to find a woman having problems with the door. I asked if she minded me having a go before giving it a good heave and opening itvfor her.

In her gratitude, she gestured me to go in first, which kinda blew my mind a bit. I'm so used to just standing by and assuming the lady goes first that it's baked in - plus I felt she had first dibs, both on account of her actual gender, and that she'd been waiting longer - but she insisted, which was absolutely lovely.

Rather than go back to the show, I went into a couple more shops, but no assistant came to this 6'4" lady-like person. So I decided to go for lunch.

I'd decided in advance to go to Terre a Terre, a Vegetarian restaurant near the sea front. It had great reviews, and I was prepared for the fact that it wouldn't be cheap!

I checked my reflection in shop windows as I once more fought the wind - my outfit looked really good - I was delighted with the colour co-ordination and complementary textures of the garments, and the shape of my wig topped it off nicely, flattering my big male face somewhat.

My walk became freer and more relaxed. I swung my hips a little  just for the feeling of the material against my tights. I put my shoulders back a bit, and enjoyed the feeling of the weight of my forms bouncing slightly.

I laughed a couple of times and, when I got to the door of my destination, said "Hello Laura!" softly.

The service was very friendly and helpful, if a little slow, and the food was amazing - I'd recommend this place for a special meal out. I would also recommend other specific places I've eaten in Brighton - all vegetarian!

Now it was time to check into my hotel, change outfits and dab on a little makeup for some afternoon delights!

Thank you so much for staying with me - I am enjoying reliving every moment! I could diary every second, it seems. For someone who suffers regularly from memory issues, I am amazed at how much I recall of this fairly ordinary day (apart from the storm and being in Brighton, fully dressed for the day!).

Love Laura