Ok. First day of the month was a beautiful spring Sunday. I began by riding east, to Colombia Road Markets<http:></http:>. I was caught up in the hustle and bustle of the flower stalls, my senses assaulted by the scents and sights. I involved myself with the Unlikeness project <www.unlikeness.org>, deciding I liked the image and taking it with me. After lunch in a cute Italian cafe, I went on to Brick Lane Markets<http:></http:>, the home of Indie, in London's indie center, Shoreditch. It was seeew indie. Monday was a bank holiday (thank you Will and Kate) which I spent relaxing after the Royal Wedding excitement. In the evening, I treated myself to a showing of Hamlet at the Globe, standing in the yard. It truly was world class. </www.unlikeness.org>
The next weekend was in Finland, which I have already indulged you with.
I was lucky enough on the 11th to accompany year 8 on an excursion to Kew Gardens. It is an awesome place. I saw trees which were centuries old, a vine planted in 1716, a Wollemi pine, some breathtaking avenues of acacias... All in a days work really.
That weekend started with a lovely, long yoga class, working out the week. Saturday night was spent babysitting. Making some extra dosh. Sunday began with a breezy bike ride across Hyde Park to the Royal College of Music where they were playing all of Bach's Violin Sonatas and Cello Suites, and Pagannini's Caprices all day, for free! It absolutely blew my mind.
A highlight of the next week was the Visiting Music Teacher's(VMTs) of SHHS concert. I was helping organise and run the concert which took place at the beautiful St. John's, Downshire Hill, featuring the private music tutors who played some amazing music, from Schubert Piano Trios (MY FAVOURITE) to Rod's own Jazz guitar works. All up, we raised over £1200 for Cancer Research! Not a bad effort. On the Friday night, once dark had set in, Tessa and I made our way up to the Hampstead Observatory. They were open especially on this weekend to see Saturn. It was amazing! The rings were so clear. I almost thought they had got a sticky glow in the dark Saturn and just stuck it on the end of the tube or something! It definitely made me feel insignificant.
Saturday morning, Mum arrived in London! I made the journey to Heathrow to meet her. When we got back to my neck of the woods, I gave her a little tour around Swiss Cottage and Hampstead. After that, some Chinese chow and then bed. On Sunday I introduced mum to the wonders of Camden Market. We spent the morning perusing the stalls and then enjoyed a DELISH market lunch (Indian and Mexican) before continuing on to Oxford St for some more shopping. That evening was Compline, so mum was treated to a little Merbecke glory : )
On the Wednesday, mum and I went on a tour to Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge. Windsor Castle was amazing. The history contained within those walls is incredible. We saw the tombs of King Henry VIII, and the Queen Mother amongst others. We also saw the state apartments, which definitely live up to their reputation. Next stop was Stonehenge. I am not sure if it was bigger or smaller than I imagined. Mum and I came to the conclusion that it was bigger than we thought it was going to be (as in the size of the rocks) but they were closer together than we expected (so it was smaller in area). Our last destination was Bath. We first saw the Roman baths and museum before heading off to explore a little bit, ending up and wagamama for some noodley goodness. Then it was the bus home to London!
Half term break started on that Friday, which was our cue to head off to Malta! But that tale is for another time.
Basically I have been here for 5 months now. Holy Guacamole! But it is simply fantastic. I miss you all dearly, so please drop me a line when you get the chance!
