Since paddling turned out to be quite disappointing to Wilson, I think today's visit to Dreamland might have put things right.
We all had a good time on the rides and playing sideshow games like Hook-A-Duck, then Nërp came across a Giant Robot being assembled by a team of workmen with cranes!
He tried to engage the robot's head in small-talk, but (possibly because the head was not yet connected to its body) it was pretty much a one-sided conversation – more of a monologue really – in which Nërp tried to introduce himself and tell the oversized android about his niece Jīqìrén…
Last night Wilson asked me whether I thought his body was 'Beach Ready' as he'd like to go paddling!
P A D D L I N G !
'What, in the sea?' I asked in amazement.
'Of course in the sea!' he replied, scathingly. 'We're at the seaside – where else would I go paddling?'
Given his legendary dislike of water, I never thought I would hear him utter these words.
Following on from Nërp's unexpected revelation that he has a niece, I don't know how many more shocks I can take...
So obviously, we headed down to the beach today to indulge Wilson's wish – he disappeared into a shelter for a short time, while Byron ran into the sea and started splashing about and shouting in excitement.
Eventually Wilson emerged… wearing an enormous pair of rubber Waders!
Shuffling a little distance into the water, he stood looking around before emerging a few minutes later declaring that he couldn't see what all the fuss was about.
Nërp asked whether he could borrow his Waders so he could try paddling himself without risking getting salt water into his internal electronics or joints – Wilson said he could keep them, as he didn't expect to need them again.
At least now we know what was in that last-minute Amazon package…
Despite its unprepossessing exterior, The Shell Grotto proved very interesting.
Its origins are shrouded in mystery, as it was already very old when it was discovered in 1837 – which just adds to the fascination.
There are around 20m of underground winding passages, the walls and ceiling being clad in some 4½ million shells (which Wilson thought was 'a bit creepy')!
The passages eventually lead to a room where a famous séance was held in the 1930s (which Wilson thought was 'a bit spooky').
However, he was full of admiration for the Shell Grotto Gift Shop, buying a few mementos of our visit to display in his little Museum.
Nërp declared that the Grotto was 'fascinating, if bizarre' and that his niece Jīqìrén would love to see it.
We were all stunned by this, as no-one knew that Nërp had any relatives…
Once back at the hotel we went to the dining room, and over dinner we planned a timetable for our stay in Margate – there's a lot to do here, and we might have trouble fitting everything in!
Wilson is (obviously) very keen to spend some time at Dreamland, a large yet traditional theme park (which I'm sure Byron would enjoy too) but Margate has many other interesting attractions on offer.
The main reason for our trip, though, is to visit The Turner Contemporary Gallery, and I've promised Byron that he can spend as much time there as he needs to see everything – he won't be rushed round it or hustled – although I did tell him I'd like our visit to be on our final day here.
He said that would be perfect as it would give him plenty of time to reflect on what he'd seen in the Gallery during the drive home.
Then we retired to our room and the boys chose their beds.
Looks like I shall be sleeping on the couch…
As it happens it was lucky we didn't leave on Monday as Wilson had wanted, because just before we departed a package from Amazon arrived addressed to him.
He grabbed it and stuffed it secretively into his already-bulging suitcase, declining to discuss what this new purchase might be…
However, we're here now!
What with all the comfort stops and refreshment stops (and quite a long stop while Nërp recharged) we arrived quite late, so once we'd booked into our hotel we all went for a stroll along the prom…
