On the Saturday we went gorge walking, which was fantastic fun - I impressed myself by jumping of several ledges I thought I wouldn't. Our reward was a pizza night and a top up of booze.
[full slideshow]
A great weekend had. Now roll on the wedding!
Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts
Monday, 23 May 2011
Nick's stag do....
....The weekend was spent at Far Moor End cottage, near Ennerdale in the Lake District with twelve guys and Nick, the stag. The rolling hills provided a stunning backdrop to our accommodation, as we dined al fresco on the Friday evening with a BBQ.
On the Saturday we went gorge walking, which was fantastic fun - I impressed myself by jumping of several ledges I thought I wouldn't. Our reward was a pizza night and a top up of booze.
[full slideshow]
A great weekend had. Now roll on the wedding!
On the Saturday we went gorge walking, which was fantastic fun - I impressed myself by jumping of several ledges I thought I wouldn't. Our reward was a pizza night and a top up of booze.
[full slideshow]
A great weekend had. Now roll on the wedding!
Friday, 6 May 2011
Bank Holiday Monday in Edinburgh....
....Kelly and I stayed on after the wedding, in a little B&B near the park, with the intention of another day in Edinburgh. We paid an early visit to the family in the reception of their hotel, which included a long overdue second meeting with nephew Jude.
We left them behind for a walk around this beautiful City, (one that Kelly had never visited before), on a gloriously sunny day.
Taking in the familiar, (tourist), sites like the Castle and independent shops in the Grassmarket area, we had a lovely day.
We need to come back again soon and make a more thorough visit of it!
We left them behind for a walk around this beautiful City, (one that Kelly had never visited before), on a gloriously sunny day.
Taking in the familiar, (tourist), sites like the Castle and independent shops in the Grassmarket area, we had a lovely day.
We need to come back again soon and make a more thorough visit of it!
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Morag & Julie Civil Partnership....
....Day three of the long weekend, and a third wedding. This time the Civil Partnership of our cousin Morag, to Julie.
Both the service and reception were held at Our Dynamic Earth in Holyrood Park, with a ceilidh rounding off the proceedings. It was a really fantastic day - a unique one for many of us, as it was our first Civil Partnership - with Morag & Julie beaming throughout.
Both the service and reception were held at Our Dynamic Earth in Holyrood Park, with a ceilidh rounding off the proceedings. It was a really fantastic day - a unique one for many of us, as it was our first Civil Partnership - with Morag & Julie beaming throughout.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Polly & Craig wedding....
....Hot on the heels of the Royal Wedding, the next biggest event of the holiday weekend, was the marriage of friends Polly to Craig, at Islington Town Hall.
The service was simple, informal and if you ask Natalie, a bit of a tear jerker! After photo sessions in the beaming sun outside, we walked around to the Marquess Tavern, which was all ours for the reception.
Brief speeches were made, a hearty, tasty roast dinner served, then dancing in to the late evening. Brilliant. Congratulations to you both.
The service was simple, informal and if you ask Natalie, a bit of a tear jerker! After photo sessions in the beaming sun outside, we walked around to the Marquess Tavern, which was all ours for the reception.
Brief speeches were made, a hearty, tasty roast dinner served, then dancing in to the late evening. Brilliant. Congratulations to you both.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
A Modern and post modern Easter Sunday....
....Happy Easter. This morning we decided to go to some more galleries, after I curated a rather long list of things I would like to see. So, after Paul Graham yesterday, today was the turn of, first, Tate Modern. Then the National Portrait Galley.
'Miro' is the first retrospective of his work in the UK for nearly 50 years. I was excited to see his full oeuvre, up close for the first time.
The show was extensive, as you would expect and threw up some real treats.
Still Life With Old Shoe, 1937
Miro's use of colour, at times, was quite extraordinary - how else could the mundane subject of the above painting, become so appealing? And his use of almost graphic-like representations of objects, in particular animals, that are borne out of his surrealist ideals, are magnificent. Seeming still so contemporary.
Dog Barking At The Moon, 1926
Yet even without colour, Miro could produce striking imagery, at first glance humorous, but in fact often depicting the brutality of Fascist regimes and dictatorships of that time. Such success is shown emphatically in his Barcelona Series, where 50 lithographs sprawl along one wall.
Undoubtedly my favourite paintings of Miro's, (not that I knew it on arrival), are from his series, 'Constellations' undertaken in 1940. Here the subject matter is stretched to it's surreal extreme, but the colour and graphic symbols remain. As a group of images, they are incredible.
The second half of the show, (and indeed Miro's career), did not appeal to me as much. Imagery became sparse, with single lines or objects. Canvases were burned to bring in to question the orthodox nature of painting. But what that second half did do, is serve to highlight just how prolific and varied Miro's work was in his career. No stone had been left unturned, but it is his detail, colour and graphic representations that will stay with me above all. Great stuff.
Afterwards, Kelly and I had a hot crossed bun pit-stop, in the members room, (and balcony), which was a lovely, serene reprieve.
We picked up again, with the Gabriel Orozco show. A Mexican artist, whom I hadn't heard of, but left absolutely loving his work.
Orozco spans all mediums, but sculpture is his most prolific. Witty, clever, funny, intriguing are all words I would associate with his work. For example in, Horses Running Endlessly (1995), a chess board is created at four times it's intended size, with only Knights populating it, creating the possibility of an, 'infinite circular dance of pieces'.
La DS (1993)
Or, La DS (1993), where Citroen's iconic car has it's middle section removed and put back together again, creating a, 'static object, perfectly shaped for velocity'. In his photography too, Orozco charms - I had seen his project, Until You Find Another Yellow Schwalbe (1995), somewhere before and liked it. But never linked it back the artist.
In it, during a residency in Berlin, Orozco took his yellow 'Swallow' bike around the City, parking it next to and taking a photograph with any other same bike. Here, the photographs encircle you from each of the four walls in the main space, repeatedly making their presence felt. I love being 'introduced' to an artist, and this exhibition was certainly that - I enjoyed every minute and it was a great antidote to the grandeur and epic nature of the Miro show across the hall.
Not done with gallery-going just yet, Kel and I made our way to the National Portrait Gallery - where there were two shows of interest, Ida Kar and E.O Hoppe. Both were prolific and successful portrait photographers of their time, whilst Hoppe also used a point and shoot style of photo documentary, that has been copied ever since.
Bridget Riley, by Ida Kar (1963)
Tilly Losch, by E.O. Hoppe (1928)
Kar's portraiture, to me, seemed to be reputable for the often publicly known subject, above any real distinction in her image making. Hoppe, meanwhile, sees a Modernist feel run through his portraits and an elegant curation to his studio shots. Whilst I can appreciate the beauty of this work, it is not something I immediately love. However that is not the case with his more photo-journalistic work.
The Pearlies: Master Dennis Simmons, London (1922)
Borne out of a fascination of life in the decades in which the photos were taken, they hold an immediate interest, but also the nature in which Hoppe took so many of them - a Kodak Brownie, wrapped in a bag, with a ripped hole for the lens. This allowed him to capture a subject naturally, and unaware.
This is a much replicated style, particularly with the popularity of the Lomo camera in the last decade. Both were enjoyable shows and felt important in the history of photography as a genre.
With still only half the day gone, Kel and I popped our heads back out in to the sunlight and cycled across to West London for a BBQ with Chris & Karin and friends.
Robin, Tim & Kel prepping the plates
In a blisteringly warm afternoon sun, we ate and drank and the hosts even indulged us in a little Easter egg hunt in their garden.
Served
Hannah had baked and brought along a fantastic plum tart, that we all demolished for dessert.
We left about 7pm, cycled back across to East London, dropped off the bikes and met friends at the Talbot pub, in Dalston, (after a quick arrangement made earlier). Here we carried on the late Sunday drinking.
Gathered
We were even presented with left over Yorkshire puddings, which were gratefully received!
All in all an incredible and jam-packed day. What an Easter Sunday!!
'Miro' is the first retrospective of his work in the UK for nearly 50 years. I was excited to see his full oeuvre, up close for the first time.
The show was extensive, as you would expect and threw up some real treats.
Still Life With Old Shoe, 1937
Miro's use of colour, at times, was quite extraordinary - how else could the mundane subject of the above painting, become so appealing? And his use of almost graphic-like representations of objects, in particular animals, that are borne out of his surrealist ideals, are magnificent. Seeming still so contemporary.
Dog Barking At The Moon, 1926
Yet even without colour, Miro could produce striking imagery, at first glance humorous, but in fact often depicting the brutality of Fascist regimes and dictatorships of that time. Such success is shown emphatically in his Barcelona Series, where 50 lithographs sprawl along one wall.
Undoubtedly my favourite paintings of Miro's, (not that I knew it on arrival), are from his series, 'Constellations' undertaken in 1940. Here the subject matter is stretched to it's surreal extreme, but the colour and graphic symbols remain. As a group of images, they are incredible.
The second half of the show, (and indeed Miro's career), did not appeal to me as much. Imagery became sparse, with single lines or objects. Canvases were burned to bring in to question the orthodox nature of painting. But what that second half did do, is serve to highlight just how prolific and varied Miro's work was in his career. No stone had been left unturned, but it is his detail, colour and graphic representations that will stay with me above all. Great stuff.
Afterwards, Kelly and I had a hot crossed bun pit-stop, in the members room, (and balcony), which was a lovely, serene reprieve.
We picked up again, with the Gabriel Orozco show. A Mexican artist, whom I hadn't heard of, but left absolutely loving his work.
Orozco spans all mediums, but sculpture is his most prolific. Witty, clever, funny, intriguing are all words I would associate with his work. For example in, Horses Running Endlessly (1995), a chess board is created at four times it's intended size, with only Knights populating it, creating the possibility of an, 'infinite circular dance of pieces'.
La DS (1993)
Or, La DS (1993), where Citroen's iconic car has it's middle section removed and put back together again, creating a, 'static object, perfectly shaped for velocity'. In his photography too, Orozco charms - I had seen his project, Until You Find Another Yellow Schwalbe (1995), somewhere before and liked it. But never linked it back the artist.
In it, during a residency in Berlin, Orozco took his yellow 'Swallow' bike around the City, parking it next to and taking a photograph with any other same bike. Here, the photographs encircle you from each of the four walls in the main space, repeatedly making their presence felt. I love being 'introduced' to an artist, and this exhibition was certainly that - I enjoyed every minute and it was a great antidote to the grandeur and epic nature of the Miro show across the hall.
Not done with gallery-going just yet, Kel and I made our way to the National Portrait Gallery - where there were two shows of interest, Ida Kar and E.O Hoppe. Both were prolific and successful portrait photographers of their time, whilst Hoppe also used a point and shoot style of photo documentary, that has been copied ever since.
Bridget Riley, by Ida Kar (1963)
Tilly Losch, by E.O. Hoppe (1928)
Kar's portraiture, to me, seemed to be reputable for the often publicly known subject, above any real distinction in her image making. Hoppe, meanwhile, sees a Modernist feel run through his portraits and an elegant curation to his studio shots. Whilst I can appreciate the beauty of this work, it is not something I immediately love. However that is not the case with his more photo-journalistic work.
The Pearlies: Master Dennis Simmons, London (1922)
Borne out of a fascination of life in the decades in which the photos were taken, they hold an immediate interest, but also the nature in which Hoppe took so many of them - a Kodak Brownie, wrapped in a bag, with a ripped hole for the lens. This allowed him to capture a subject naturally, and unaware.
This is a much replicated style, particularly with the popularity of the Lomo camera in the last decade. Both were enjoyable shows and felt important in the history of photography as a genre.
With still only half the day gone, Kel and I popped our heads back out in to the sunlight and cycled across to West London for a BBQ with Chris & Karin and friends.
Robin, Tim & Kel prepping the plates
In a blisteringly warm afternoon sun, we ate and drank and the hosts even indulged us in a little Easter egg hunt in their garden.
Served
Hannah had baked and brought along a fantastic plum tart, that we all demolished for dessert.
We left about 7pm, cycled back across to East London, dropped off the bikes and met friends at the Talbot pub, in Dalston, (after a quick arrangement made earlier). Here we carried on the late Sunday drinking.
Gathered
We were even presented with left over Yorkshire puddings, which were gratefully received!
All in all an incredible and jam-packed day. What an Easter Sunday!!
Friday, 22 April 2011
Whitstable on a whim....
...Kelly threw up the suggestion of a day trip a little while ago. Then suddenly the Bank Holiday weekend was here. And suddenly Whitstable was our choice. We got up and on a train from Victoria that got us there by 11.30am and as the sun beat down, we made our way straight to the beach front and harbour. Almost immediately we were tucking in to oysters from Wee Willy Winkles, which were superb. Fish and chips, eaten on the pebbled shore, promptly followed.
We couldn't believe the weather, so stayed where we were for a while, before getting the customary ice cream for our walk to Whitstable Castle. Recently regenerated, the grounds looked exceptional.
We then walked along to the Tankerton edge of the coast and back, finishing in Whitstable town centre, at The Cheese Box for some fantastic cheese & wine.
We finished back on the beach front, at a bar, as the sun lowered in the sky. It was a wonderful day and we really liked the town, a lot. The return train journey flew by, before meeting up with Nick for a couple of nightcaps. Very merry, but very happy.
[Full slideshow]:
We couldn't believe the weather, so stayed where we were for a while, before getting the customary ice cream for our walk to Whitstable Castle. Recently regenerated, the grounds looked exceptional.
We then walked along to the Tankerton edge of the coast and back, finishing in Whitstable town centre, at The Cheese Box for some fantastic cheese & wine.
We finished back on the beach front, at a bar, as the sun lowered in the sky. It was a wonderful day and we really liked the town, a lot. The return train journey flew by, before meeting up with Nick for a couple of nightcaps. Very merry, but very happy.
[Full slideshow]:
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Houses, friends, food & birthdays....
....Today was a jam-packed day. I met Kel and her sister Jodie for breakfast at Venetia's on Chatsworth Road.
We all went for the granola which as great. As was the coffee.
The cafe was conveniently located exactly where we had some house viewings set up, so we got on and did that. They weren't right, but worth the effort in order to get to grips with what is on the market and at what price. In between the final viewing, we dropped in to see Bugs & Joce, (& Winston the cat), where they were preparing a BBQ for colleagues.
Bugs' lights up.
Inquisitive Winston
After the final house viewing, (still not right), we cycled over to Lynn & Richie's, where Lynn's joint label, (with Danny), A Minute Silence, was having a pre- season-launch gathering.
AMS
A relaxed affair, saw Danny at the helm of the BBQ and no hard sales pitch. (Not that the beautiful knitwear requires pushing).
After a brief pit stop, Kel and I gathered our respective 'selves before heading out for Simone's surprise 30th.
Simone
The girls' had reserved upstairs at the Cat & Mutton for the do, which was suitably filled to the brim. A great time was had.
We all went for the granola which as great. As was the coffee.
The cafe was conveniently located exactly where we had some house viewings set up, so we got on and did that. They weren't right, but worth the effort in order to get to grips with what is on the market and at what price. In between the final viewing, we dropped in to see Bugs & Joce, (& Winston the cat), where they were preparing a BBQ for colleagues.
Bugs' lights up.
Inquisitive Winston
After the final house viewing, (still not right), we cycled over to Lynn & Richie's, where Lynn's joint label, (with Danny), A Minute Silence, was having a pre- season-launch gathering.
AMS
A relaxed affair, saw Danny at the helm of the BBQ and no hard sales pitch. (Not that the beautiful knitwear requires pushing).
After a brief pit stop, Kel and I gathered our respective 'selves before heading out for Simone's surprise 30th.
Simone
The girls' had reserved upstairs at the Cat & Mutton for the do, which was suitably filled to the brim. A great time was had.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Joss, Cli, Rich & Lynn host BBQ....
....The awesome foursome had a BBQ yesterday in the ongoing awesome weather.
I reckon there was at least 30 people there, in their finest summer garms.
Clem skirts the issue of food with dad
Joss took the helm of the BBQ and looked every bit the part.
And the food was as diverse as it was tasty.
Whitebait
I reckon there was at least 30 people there, in their finest summer garms.
Clem skirts the issue of food with dad
Joss took the helm of the BBQ and looked every bit the part.
And the food was as diverse as it was tasty.
Whitebait
Thank you for a lovely afternoon.
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Saturday sun & Kev hits 30....
....The weather this April, to date, has been incredible. The sun shone again today, so I took advantage with a little visit to Hannah & Max.
Tending to the garden with Max & Hannah
Liam & I then joined others for a read of the papers and general lazing in Victoria Park.
Ice cream justice.
And to cap off a great day, friends gathered at the Edinboro' Castle to celebrate Kev's 30th.
Kev, Nick & Doug
A lovely day and I even managed to get a little burnt! (How very British of me).
Tending to the garden with Max & Hannah
Liam & I then joined others for a read of the papers and general lazing in Victoria Park.
Ice cream justice.
And to cap off a great day, friends gathered at the Edinboro' Castle to celebrate Kev's 30th.
Kev, Nick & Doug
A lovely day and I even managed to get a little burnt! (How very British of me).
Sunday, 30 January 2011
South America. Done....
....Kelly and I returned on Monday from our month long trip in South America. Just to remind you, we were given the opportunity after I won an award at work. In memory of Matt Elliott, a former employee of AMV who tragically died, the 'Radiator Award' is a 2 week travel bursary that, in his spirit, should be used for the 'adventure of a lifetime'. We extended our 2 weeks to a month and late last year booked the trip with Trailfinders, them helping us to work out the most suitable, productive route to take. So it transpired we were to visit Argentina, (Buenos Aires / Mendoza / Iguazu Falls), Brazil, (Rio) and Colombia, (Taganga / Sierra Nevada for the 'Lost City' trek / Cartagena).
This is, (as briefly as possible), how it all shaped up:
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We spent 5 days here, staying in the San Telmo district, with it's antiques shops and a market on Sundays. Our highlight was an empanada cooking class in the suburbs of the city. It was hosted by Teresita, at her lovely home and included a vast, meat laden barbeque with plenty of wine. We also saw in New Year whilst we were here, dining al fresco on Plaza Dorrego - a superb evening. We also enjoyed Recoleta cemetery and La Boca.
(New Year's Eve)
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
We spent 5 days here, staying in the San Telmo district, with it's antiques shops and a market on Sundays. Our highlight was an empanada cooking class in the suburbs of the city. It was hosted by Teresita, at her lovely home and included a vast, meat laden barbeque with plenty of wine. We also saw in New Year whilst we were here, dining al fresco on Plaza Dorrego - a superb evening. We also enjoyed Recoleta cemetery and La Boca.
(New Year's Eve)
Mendoza, Argentina.
We took an overnight bus, that was more akin to flying business class, to reach Mendoza. Here we completed a vineyard tour, in Chacras de Coria, by bicycle, spent a day horse trekking in the shadow of the Andes and ate our best steak, at Don Mario.
We took an overnight bus, that was more akin to flying business class, to reach Mendoza. Here we completed a vineyard tour, in Chacras de Coria, by bicycle, spent a day horse trekking in the shadow of the Andes and ate our best steak, at Don Mario.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina.
Perhaps the highlight of my whole trip, the falls blew me away. They can be witnessed from both Brazil and Argentina, which we did. In one day. The sheer volume of water and the noisy rage that ensues, is breath taking. Our accommodation here was also spectacular in its own, hidden, secretive way. A wonderful couple of days.
(Our accommodation & the falls)
Perhaps the highlight of my whole trip, the falls blew me away. They can be witnessed from both Brazil and Argentina, which we did. In one day. The sheer volume of water and the noisy rage that ensues, is breath taking. Our accommodation here was also spectacular in its own, hidden, secretive way. A wonderful couple of days.
(Our accommodation & the falls)
Rio, Brazil.
This, due to its brief nature, could almost be considered a token visit. Only 3 days. But boy was it worth it. We crammed in Corcovado, (statue of Christ), a Favela tour, Santa Teresa and time on Ipanema beach.
This, due to its brief nature, could almost be considered a token visit. Only 3 days. But boy was it worth it. We crammed in Corcovado, (statue of Christ), a Favela tour, Santa Teresa and time on Ipanema beach.
Taganga, Colombia.
We landed at Santa Marta, but our bags didn't. We moved on to Taganga where we had accommodation. 27 hours later, our bags were returned. Two hours after that, they were gone again: stolen, after our room was broken in to. One hour after that, they returned once more, after being gathered from the hillside behind our hostel, minus a few items. Drama. As a result of this, our time in Taganga wasn't as productive as we hoped, but still enjoyable.
We landed at Santa Marta, but our bags didn't. We moved on to Taganga where we had accommodation. 27 hours later, our bags were returned. Two hours after that, they were gone again: stolen, after our room was broken in to. One hour after that, they returned once more, after being gathered from the hillside behind our hostel, minus a few items. Drama. As a result of this, our time in Taganga wasn't as productive as we hoped, but still enjoyable.
Cuidad Perdida, (Lost City), trek, Sierra Nevada, Colombia.
An incredible five day trek, reaching the city on day three, then retracing our steps a day quicker on the return. The trek itself was a challenge, with some gruelling hills and ravine crossings, whilst the city exceeded all expectations in its scale, history and beauty. We were treated exceptionally well throughout, with our guide Ali & his team being informative, helpful, master chefs and fruit providers at the most crucial times. We walked with wonderful people and so had a wonderful time.
An incredible five day trek, reaching the city on day three, then retracing our steps a day quicker on the return. The trek itself was a challenge, with some gruelling hills and ravine crossings, whilst the city exceeded all expectations in its scale, history and beauty. We were treated exceptionally well throughout, with our guide Ali & his team being informative, helpful, master chefs and fruit providers at the most crucial times. We walked with wonderful people and so had a wonderful time.
Cartagena, Colombia.
The final destination of our holiday and the most architecturally beautiful. The old city, surrounded by a thick defence wall, with cannons peeping out, used to keep pirates at bay way back when. The buildings within these walls have remained untouched, providing an almost living museum of colonial housing lining intertwined streets, each charismatic in it's colour and decay. Down the road, the oh so different new city, where high rise hotels and casinos are the backdrop to Cartagena's beach. It isn't the greatest beach, so Kelly and I visited the truly Carribbean Playa Blanca to really relax.
(Havana Cafe, Cartagena)
The final destination of our holiday and the most architecturally beautiful. The old city, surrounded by a thick defence wall, with cannons peeping out, used to keep pirates at bay way back when. The buildings within these walls have remained untouched, providing an almost living museum of colonial housing lining intertwined streets, each charismatic in it's colour and decay. Down the road, the oh so different new city, where high rise hotels and casinos are the backdrop to Cartagena's beach. It isn't the greatest beach, so Kelly and I visited the truly Carribbean Playa Blanca to really relax.
(Havana Cafe, Cartagena)
Home. London.
Now we're back, it has taken this week to fully recover. We lost a night's sleep due to travel, so have been catching up ever since. It has also taken a week to fully recognise just what an incredible month we have had. How fortunate we have been, what truly memorable sights and fantastic people that we've met. I would like to take the opportunity to once again thank AMV, for the generosity of the award, but also for the great spirit in which it is given. Also to thank Matt's parents, Rick & Sue and his sister Sarah for their endless positivity and warmth - the gift of a journal that they gave me, now fully filled, will be appearing on these pages very soon. (You can follow Rick & Sue on their antipodean adventure here.)
Now we're back, it has taken this week to fully recover. We lost a night's sleep due to travel, so have been catching up ever since. It has also taken a week to fully recognise just what an incredible month we have had. How fortunate we have been, what truly memorable sights and fantastic people that we've met. I would like to take the opportunity to once again thank AMV, for the generosity of the award, but also for the great spirit in which it is given. Also to thank Matt's parents, Rick & Sue and his sister Sarah for their endless positivity and warmth - the gift of a journal that they gave me, now fully filled, will be appearing on these pages very soon. (You can follow Rick & Sue on their antipodean adventure here.)
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