Thursday 18 August 2016

London - What I did!

This blog is so late but this is what I got up to in London a few weeks ago!


THE TATE MODERN




















Staying so close to the Tate Modern I thought it would be a crime not to pop in even though I've never been a huge fan of modern art. I decided to go and visit the Georgia O'Keefe exhibition because I'd heard a lot of good things about it and I didn't have a clue where else to start. Georgia O'Keffe was an American artist originally from Wisconsin and the exhibition celebrates the centenary of her work. I was taken aback by the vastness of the collection and the variety of themes that she explored, from her earlier  abstract charcoal drawings to the use of watercolours depicting the plains of Texas, oilpaintincgs of New York city and finally her most renowned paintings of cow skulls in the landscapes of the South West. If like me you have no pervious knowledge of art I’d definitely recommend buying an audio guide which made the visit even more enjoyable as I was able to get a better understanding of the inspiration behind the paintings.


I enjoyed my afternoon so much I went back to the Tate later in the week but without prior knowledge of which exhibits to go and see I was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of works at the Tate. Luckily there is a great display to get you started call the Start Display which features some of the “best loved artworks in the Tate collection” including works by Matisse and Kandinsky. I’m definitely planning to spend another afternoon in the Tate next time I’m in London even if that’s just to justify spending all my money the the Tate Modern shops! 

BENEFIT BOAT

Seeing the big pink boat on the bank of a the Thames honestly made me giggle, partly because of it's pinkness and partly out of nerves. I let myself be intimidated.  Was I cool enough to walk on this boat? Would everyone stare because I obviously didn't belong? There was no need for me to worry! The staff were smiley and helpful and within ten minutes I was sat at the bar in with exotic looking cocktail in my hand. 

 The main reason I was on the boat was to see Desiree Birch perform stand up comedy as part of the Funny Women Festival 2016 - Edinburgh Fringe Previews. I’d never seen any stand up comedy before (except for on television) and I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I have to say, I was laughing out loud for the whole hour! Between the small intimate room and Desiree’ s chatty friendly style I felt like I was just listening to an older hilarious friend impart her knowledge on everything from body image to sex in your thirties. I even had a chance to chat with Desiree later in the night and she was just as bubbly and animated then as she was on stage an hour earlier. I had a great night and I really hope to get the opportunity to see Desiree Birch in action again soon!


MORNING RUN





















I’ve only ever really gone running in Cardiff, so I made an extra effort to pack my trainers and running gear and vowed to go running at least one morning in London. I wasn’t looking at my time or distance but just wanted the experience of running in such a crowded city! I actually managed to go out twice which I’m quite proud of. The first time I ran from the Tate over London Bridge and back around which was certainly an experience as I dodged businessmen and women hurrying to work - a world away from the Taff’s trail in Cardiff! The second time I decided just to run in the other direction towards Westminster Bridge which was a much nicer run as it was basically straight and the wide pedestrianised banks made zipping in and out of commuters a little easier! Next time I think I’ll try running in a park such as Hyde Park to avoid being trampled! 


What do you like to get up to in London? 

2 comments:

  1. The pink boat looks seriously amazing and it would be a dream to go and see Kandinsky's work *sigh* I always get drawn in by the little shops too haha! My favourite place is Regents Park, it's so romantic and beautiful, I love the rose garden! :D xx

    elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara | (lets follow each other on bloglovin or instagram)

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    1. Haha I had a really great time! I've never been to Reagents Park - I'll definitely make an effort to go next time I'm in London!

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