Tonight, a break from film - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't supposed to be any sweat) has been running for 20 years, it seems. And the guide seemed to have a good sense of humour, which promised to be interesting as he trailed us around, looking for serial killers. I just hoped it'd have warmed up a bit by then.
Well, it hadn't, I noted as I traipsed down to Barbican Station, where we were to meet. I arrived around the time he suggested, and sure enough, there he was stood outside, as he'd said he'd be, complete with red and black backpack. Well gee, you'll never guess.. I was his only customer. (Oh, for goodness' sake..!) Now, this time, he didn't give me the option of cancelling, but he did give me the option of switching to tomorrow night, when a few people have booked. Nope, I said, I'll take tonight if you don't mind. Well, so we stood there till 7, the official start time - just in case someone else materialised. Which they didn't. And I noted that, for a fellow who was most gregarious through most of the tour, he was quite silent beforehand - ah well, perhaps he isn't used to only having one. Who then refuses to cancel.
And off we set. Now, sorry, but this is the first guided walk I've ever been on where I actually didn't take any pictures! No, none at all. Well, we spent the first part of the tour going through areas I was well familiar with - St. Bartholomew's and Smithfield, anyone? He offered me the chance to yell "photo!" (after he'd finished speaking) if I wanted to take a photo - but I didn't. And once we moved away from there, we spent most of our time down atmospheric - but non-photogenic - alleyways. So there wasn't any point really.
Overall, I'll say this - this was one of the most entertaining walks I've ever been on! Tons of detail - not gory, mind, in general, even though his topic was serial killers. Indeed, he's written a book - of which he carries signed copies in his backpack. (I passed - I didn't have any cash on me anyway, and a book about serial killers doesn't really interest me.) Anyway, as we dealt with serial killer after serial killer, the walk was enlivened with several pop quizzes! Now, I'm not the most informed about serial killers, and my record of getting questions right was fairly abysmal, but it was most entertaining.
As we trotted around, it also emerged that he's quite the film buff - and with me having gone to so many lately, that made for some great conversation. In particular about horror films. I say "trotted".. we went at a fair lick, and it still took us just under two hours! He finishes off with a very interesting story about the person he thinks was the real Jack the Ripper. I tell you what, though - I wasn't too impressed with him trying to pass off Sweeney Todd as a historical figure! Despite that, this is a walk I really recommend. Maybe go for a weekend outing - the atmosphere would have been better with a larger group.
Desperate cold seeped into my bones over the course of the walk.. so I was delighted to see my bus appear just as I needed it! And equally delighted to discover that we have hot chocolate back in the office - just what I needed. Tomorrow, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
Thursday 31 January 2019
Wednesday 30 January 2019
Film: The Favourite
Tonight, film again - determined to get all the big hitters seen! So, tonight I finally saw The Favourite - Olivia Coleman plays Queen Anne, with Emma Stone as Baroness Masham, and Rachel Weisz as her cousin, the Duchess of Marlborough, vying for her favour. All three Oscar-nominated. I was going to see this in Rich Mix, but the only showing today was quite early - and the boss moved all yesterday's meetings, including the evening one, to today, following our social. So that was out, in favour of the Vue Islington. I booked, because that's cheaper with them - and was happy, as ever, to donate to the MediCinema charity, which they support, and which brings cinema to hospitals.
..Aand then the evening meeting was moved to tomorrow. FFS.. Well, a longer walk than necessary - in the cold - but the exercise is good for me, and the slightly later start did mean I had a more relaxed dinner. Trotted up the hill as fast as possible, in viciously low temperatures - no actual snow, but I see they've gritted round about quite well. I arrived during the ads but before the trailers - perfect, I do like to see those. And my seat? Not an armchair, not as wide, no cushion or side table. But it was ergonomically curved to provide back support, plenty comfortable, and I had nothing I needed to put on a side table. Plus, I'd chosen the row back a bit, but with no-one in front - unlimited legroom and no-one's head in front of you. And gee, just over 1/3 of the price of last night..!
It was pretty full - surprising, considering how long it's been out, and that it was a Wednesday in January. But anyway. Straight away, you know you're watching something unusual - the camera angles are striking. (Oscar nods for cinematography and film editing.) They're also nominated for costume design - phew, yes! Sumptuous and unusual outfits throughout. Oh, and lovers of stately homes rejoice - it was filmed mainly at Hatfield House, which looks suitably grand. Wide-angle lenses and huge, empty rooms really do help to convey a sense of the loneliness of the main characters, which was deliberate on the part of the director. Yes, he's nominated too.
There are people say they find it odd that this is described as a comedy. Goodness, I chuckled throughout most of it! Don't get me wrong - it's a black humour, and this is patently a court at which anyone not blessed with a sharp wit would not have survived. But I do believe this wasn't the only period in history when that was true.. and it certainly goes to show that the English upper classes were no less daft 300-odd years ago than they are today! Truly surreal court shenanigans - bunny rabbits running around the palace are the least of it (and they're not historically accurate anyway). In a shift from the norm, in this film it's the gents that are painted and powdered - the ladies appear more natural.
As Abigail gradually supplants her cousin in the Queen's affection, the film gets darker - the jokes stop, events take a more serious turn. The closing scene is interesting, as we see what the nature of Abigail's new "friendship" really is. Recommended - definitely one of the quirkiest films you're likely to see, and I enjoyed it v much. For me though, the biggest contender for the prize of Best Picture - of those I've seen now, which is most of them - is still A Star Is Born..
Tomorrow, a break from film - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers. I just hope it's warmed up a bit by then.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
..Aand then the evening meeting was moved to tomorrow. FFS.. Well, a longer walk than necessary - in the cold - but the exercise is good for me, and the slightly later start did mean I had a more relaxed dinner. Trotted up the hill as fast as possible, in viciously low temperatures - no actual snow, but I see they've gritted round about quite well. I arrived during the ads but before the trailers - perfect, I do like to see those. And my seat? Not an armchair, not as wide, no cushion or side table. But it was ergonomically curved to provide back support, plenty comfortable, and I had nothing I needed to put on a side table. Plus, I'd chosen the row back a bit, but with no-one in front - unlimited legroom and no-one's head in front of you. And gee, just over 1/3 of the price of last night..!
It was pretty full - surprising, considering how long it's been out, and that it was a Wednesday in January. But anyway. Straight away, you know you're watching something unusual - the camera angles are striking. (Oscar nods for cinematography and film editing.) They're also nominated for costume design - phew, yes! Sumptuous and unusual outfits throughout. Oh, and lovers of stately homes rejoice - it was filmed mainly at Hatfield House, which looks suitably grand. Wide-angle lenses and huge, empty rooms really do help to convey a sense of the loneliness of the main characters, which was deliberate on the part of the director. Yes, he's nominated too.
There are people say they find it odd that this is described as a comedy. Goodness, I chuckled throughout most of it! Don't get me wrong - it's a black humour, and this is patently a court at which anyone not blessed with a sharp wit would not have survived. But I do believe this wasn't the only period in history when that was true.. and it certainly goes to show that the English upper classes were no less daft 300-odd years ago than they are today! Truly surreal court shenanigans - bunny rabbits running around the palace are the least of it (and they're not historically accurate anyway). In a shift from the norm, in this film it's the gents that are painted and powdered - the ladies appear more natural.
As Abigail gradually supplants her cousin in the Queen's affection, the film gets darker - the jokes stop, events take a more serious turn. The closing scene is interesting, as we see what the nature of Abigail's new "friendship" really is. Recommended - definitely one of the quirkiest films you're likely to see, and I enjoyed it v much. For me though, the biggest contender for the prize of Best Picture - of those I've seen now, which is most of them - is still A Star Is Born..
Tomorrow, a break from film - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers. I just hope it's warmed up a bit by then.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
Tuesday 29 January 2019
Film: Green Book
Tonight was film, and frankly I was glad to be on my own - I hadn't the energy to be social, after yesterday's social! Top of the list was Green Book, again Oscar-nominated and just previewing this week. Viggo Mortensen plays an Italian American bouncer, hired to chauffeur a black concert pianist on a tour of the Deep South. In the 60s. Ouch. True story. Ironically, I got an offer for free tickets for it - for the last three days only! Bah. Anyway, today the closest I could find it showing was in the Everyman Baker Street. And wouldn't you know it, premium tickets only. So, over £20 per ticket if you book in advance. Huh. Anyway, booking hadn't been heavy - but if you look at the seating plan carefully, it's mostly sofas - which can only be booked for two. So I kept a close eye on the single seats, and when I saw they were half booked this afternoon, I booked one myself. S'posed to snow tonight, so I brought my Yaktrax, just in case.
It wasn't snowing when I left - it was pouring rain, and bitterly cold. Happily, my bus didn't take long to come - and I then had a short walk to the cinema, albeit weaving my way through a maze of construction works and hoardings on Baker Street, which meant I didn't see the cinema until I was right on top of it. In the sleet. I hadn't been here before - it's quite small, and on ground level just consists of a small landing, with a table with fliers on it. Stairs lead down to the cinema level, where they only seem to have a few screens - one door was open, so I figured that was mine, since I was just a little before time. I found it nigh impossible to read the artsy screen numbers displayed just outside the doors. You could take a drink from the bar in with you - but after last night? Nah, I didn't fancy it. Nobody seemed interested in checking my ticket, so I just moseyed right in.
That's my seat. Nice and comfy, as you can probably tell - armchairs, all of them. A small ledge to perch your drink on. The sofas hardly looked much wider than the single seats - snug, I'd call them. On the back of each seat is a very narrow ledge - too narrow to be useful, really - with a sloping piece underneath on which the person in the seat behind can rest their feet. Yes, it was a very comfy seat, with plenty of space for a single sitter. I might have liked a headrest, is the only thing. Oh, and you have to order at the bar, but they will bring in your drink for you.
The "Green Book" of the title refers to a travel guide for "negro travelers", and from the cover, I think they were using the 1959 edition. Remember, at the time, segregation was rife in the American South, so it was pretty essential to know where black people were, and were not, allowed to go. From hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars that wouldn't serve or accommodate them, to "sundown" towns, where they had to leave the town limits by nightfall - and if they broke the rules, they faced jail, or a beating. Or worse. Chilling stuff.
The film garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for Viggo Mortensen, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali, who plays the pianist, Dr. Shirley. And you know something? For sure, Mahershala Ali deserves his. It's a stunning performance, portraying a highly cultured - but repressed and lonely - genius, who learns something about life from the street-smart - but uncultured - driver. I'm not as confident about Viggo Mortensen, but he does play the part well.
It's a touching story, inspired by real-life events: and in real life, they did become lifelong friends, dying within a few months of each other. Stay for the start of the credits, where their subsequent stories are summarised. The road trip scenes are engaging - but for me, the strongest element comes from the depiction of racism - both overt and casual - that they have to deal with for the whole trip. A very interesting and educational film.
Afterwards, more rain, and even more cold - I was so glad my bus came straight away! Tomorrow, film again - determined to get all the big hitters seen! So, tomorrow I'm finally seeing The Favourite - Olivia Coleman plays Queen Anne, with Emma Stone as Baroness Masham, and Rachel Weisz as her cousin, the Duchess of Marlborough, vying for her favour. All three Oscar-nominated. I was going to see this in Rich Mix, but the only showing tomorrow is quite early - and the boss moved all today's meetings, including the evening one, to tomorrow, following our social. So that was out, and I'm now seeing it in the Vue Islington. I booked, because that's cheaper with them - and was happy, as ever, to donate to the MediCinema charity, which they support, and which brings cinema to hospitals.
On Thursday - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers. I just hope it's warmed up a bit by then.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
It wasn't snowing when I left - it was pouring rain, and bitterly cold. Happily, my bus didn't take long to come - and I then had a short walk to the cinema, albeit weaving my way through a maze of construction works and hoardings on Baker Street, which meant I didn't see the cinema until I was right on top of it. In the sleet. I hadn't been here before - it's quite small, and on ground level just consists of a small landing, with a table with fliers on it. Stairs lead down to the cinema level, where they only seem to have a few screens - one door was open, so I figured that was mine, since I was just a little before time. I found it nigh impossible to read the artsy screen numbers displayed just outside the doors. You could take a drink from the bar in with you - but after last night? Nah, I didn't fancy it. Nobody seemed interested in checking my ticket, so I just moseyed right in.
That's my seat. Nice and comfy, as you can probably tell - armchairs, all of them. A small ledge to perch your drink on. The sofas hardly looked much wider than the single seats - snug, I'd call them. On the back of each seat is a very narrow ledge - too narrow to be useful, really - with a sloping piece underneath on which the person in the seat behind can rest their feet. Yes, it was a very comfy seat, with plenty of space for a single sitter. I might have liked a headrest, is the only thing. Oh, and you have to order at the bar, but they will bring in your drink for you.
The "Green Book" of the title refers to a travel guide for "negro travelers", and from the cover, I think they were using the 1959 edition. Remember, at the time, segregation was rife in the American South, so it was pretty essential to know where black people were, and were not, allowed to go. From hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars that wouldn't serve or accommodate them, to "sundown" towns, where they had to leave the town limits by nightfall - and if they broke the rules, they faced jail, or a beating. Or worse. Chilling stuff.
The film garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for Viggo Mortensen, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali, who plays the pianist, Dr. Shirley. And you know something? For sure, Mahershala Ali deserves his. It's a stunning performance, portraying a highly cultured - but repressed and lonely - genius, who learns something about life from the street-smart - but uncultured - driver. I'm not as confident about Viggo Mortensen, but he does play the part well.
It's a touching story, inspired by real-life events: and in real life, they did become lifelong friends, dying within a few months of each other. Stay for the start of the credits, where their subsequent stories are summarised. The road trip scenes are engaging - but for me, the strongest element comes from the depiction of racism - both overt and casual - that they have to deal with for the whole trip. A very interesting and educational film.
Afterwards, more rain, and even more cold - I was so glad my bus came straight away! Tomorrow, film again - determined to get all the big hitters seen! So, tomorrow I'm finally seeing The Favourite - Olivia Coleman plays Queen Anne, with Emma Stone as Baroness Masham, and Rachel Weisz as her cousin, the Duchess of Marlborough, vying for her favour. All three Oscar-nominated. I was going to see this in Rich Mix, but the only showing tomorrow is quite early - and the boss moved all today's meetings, including the evening one, to tomorrow, following our social. So that was out, and I'm now seeing it in the Vue Islington. I booked, because that's cheaper with them - and was happy, as ever, to donate to the MediCinema charity, which they support, and which brings cinema to hospitals.
On Thursday - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers. I just hope it's warmed up a bit by then.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
Restaurant: Bistro1
Yesterday evening, we had our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Invited some people outside our teeny team, too.. fortunately, although they had a late meeting, it finished early and they got out in good time. I was happy to disabuse all of my companions of the notion of taking the Tube - at that time of the evening, it would've been horrendously crowded. And, of course, the bus is cheaper and less polluted, and you see more.
They were delighted to find that the bus was almost empty! Perhaps not so delighted when it dropped us in Holborn - there must have been roadworks, because no buses were travelling past there. So, that was a longer walk than anticipated. Not too bad, though - we arrived just after the time of our reservation. This time, they showed us to a table on the ground floor:
I remembered correctly - this is a good place to come. Mellow music played in the background. Toilets are down the stairs marked "Stairway to Heaven" (whether you're supposed to read that going down or coming up, I don't know). Service, as before, was fast and friendly, a diverse menu could be guaranteed to serve something you'd like, and the food - although not gourmet - was pleasant and filling. This time, I had a rather tasty lamb steak with mash and peas, in gravy, with some deep-fried brie to start. Someone had sea bream, someone had a blue cheese burger.. I don't remember what everyone had, but by and large, plates were cleared. Although it was perhaps not a great idea to order THREE plates of meze!! ;-) Too much food.
As usual, my boss is of the nature to replenish empty wine glasses - not with full ones, but with bottles. So I was pretty sozzled by the time we staggered outside - and quite happy for him to hail us a cab. More drinking was done back at the office - yes, it was a late one, and with a morning meeting (which I was in for, thank you!), I headed straight home after - no blogging. Another great social, though - it's so good to get to know people outside of the constraints of work.
Tonight is gonna be film, and frankly I'm glad to be on my own - I haven't the energy to be social, today! Top of the list is Green Book, again Oscar-nominated and just previewing this week. Viggo Mortensen plays an Italian American bouncer, hired to chauffeur a black concert pianist on a tour of the Deep South. In the 60s. Ouch. True story. Ironically, I got an offer for free tickets for it - for the last three days only! Bah. Anyway, today the closest I could find it showing is in the Everyman Baker Street. And wouldn't you know it, premium tickets only. Huh. Anyway, booking hasn't been heavy - but if you look at the seating plan carefully, it's mostly sofas - which can only be booked for two. So I kept a close eye on the single seats, and when I saw they were half booked just now, I booked one myself. S'posed to snow tonight - hope it doesn't lodge, or it could be a fun trip home! I brought my Yaktrax, just in case.
Tomorrow, film again - determined to get all the big hitters seen! So, tomorrow I'm finally seeing The Favourite - Olivia Coleman plays Queen Anne, with Emma Stone as Baroness Masham, and Rachel Weisz as her cousin, the Duchess of Marlborough, vying for her favour. All Oscar-nominated. I was going to see this in Rich Mix, but the only showing tomorrow is quite early - and the boss moved all today's meetings, including the evening one, to tomorrow, following our social. So that was out, and I'm now seeing it in the Vue Islington. I booked, because that's cheaper with them - and was happy, as ever, to donate to the MediCinema charity, which they support, and which brings cinema to hospitals.
On Thursday - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
They were delighted to find that the bus was almost empty! Perhaps not so delighted when it dropped us in Holborn - there must have been roadworks, because no buses were travelling past there. So, that was a longer walk than anticipated. Not too bad, though - we arrived just after the time of our reservation. This time, they showed us to a table on the ground floor:
I remembered correctly - this is a good place to come. Mellow music played in the background. Toilets are down the stairs marked "Stairway to Heaven" (whether you're supposed to read that going down or coming up, I don't know). Service, as before, was fast and friendly, a diverse menu could be guaranteed to serve something you'd like, and the food - although not gourmet - was pleasant and filling. This time, I had a rather tasty lamb steak with mash and peas, in gravy, with some deep-fried brie to start. Someone had sea bream, someone had a blue cheese burger.. I don't remember what everyone had, but by and large, plates were cleared. Although it was perhaps not a great idea to order THREE plates of meze!! ;-) Too much food.
As usual, my boss is of the nature to replenish empty wine glasses - not with full ones, but with bottles. So I was pretty sozzled by the time we staggered outside - and quite happy for him to hail us a cab. More drinking was done back at the office - yes, it was a late one, and with a morning meeting (which I was in for, thank you!), I headed straight home after - no blogging. Another great social, though - it's so good to get to know people outside of the constraints of work.
Tonight is gonna be film, and frankly I'm glad to be on my own - I haven't the energy to be social, today! Top of the list is Green Book, again Oscar-nominated and just previewing this week. Viggo Mortensen plays an Italian American bouncer, hired to chauffeur a black concert pianist on a tour of the Deep South. In the 60s. Ouch. True story. Ironically, I got an offer for free tickets for it - for the last three days only! Bah. Anyway, today the closest I could find it showing is in the Everyman Baker Street. And wouldn't you know it, premium tickets only. Huh. Anyway, booking hasn't been heavy - but if you look at the seating plan carefully, it's mostly sofas - which can only be booked for two. So I kept a close eye on the single seats, and when I saw they were half booked just now, I booked one myself. S'posed to snow tonight - hope it doesn't lodge, or it could be a fun trip home! I brought my Yaktrax, just in case.
Tomorrow, film again - determined to get all the big hitters seen! So, tomorrow I'm finally seeing The Favourite - Olivia Coleman plays Queen Anne, with Emma Stone as Baroness Masham, and Rachel Weisz as her cousin, the Duchess of Marlborough, vying for her favour. All Oscar-nominated. I was going to see this in Rich Mix, but the only showing tomorrow is quite early - and the boss moved all today's meetings, including the evening one, to tomorrow, following our social. So that was out, and I'm now seeing it in the Vue Islington. I booked, because that's cheaper with them - and was happy, as ever, to donate to the MediCinema charity, which they support, and which brings cinema to hospitals.
On Thursday - I found a new walk! Courtesy of Walking in London, as usual. The Blood and Tears Walk (I guess there isn't any sweat) has been running for years, it seems. And the guide seems to have a good sense of humour, which should be interesting as he trails us around, looking for serial killers.
And on Friday, back on my first proper Meetup for two weeks, as I meet Up in the Cheap Seats again, for Cougar, at the Orange Tree. Got one of the last four seats on the lower level.
Thursday 24 January 2019
Spooky Westminster Tour - Chronicles: Bloody London
Delighted to be back with Chronicles tonight, for his Spooky Westminster Tour (Bloody London). As advertised with Walking in London - but rather than book with Funzing, I booked with Chronicles directly for a cheaper price! Well, Funzing's discounts aren't generally terrific, these days.
A busy day at work miraculously cleared in good time for me to leave. We were to meet at Westminster Station, but I would have taken the bus - except Google Maps was directing me to take a bus to Waterloo and walk across the bridge, and in this chilly weather? No thanks, Tube for me. When I saw the crowds at Old Street, I was glad I'd left early. When I saw the crowds at London Bridge - I really wished I'd taken the bus and walked across! Four trains, I had to let pass because they were too full to cram onto. I'll remember that in future.
Westminster Station - interestingly for one so close to the centre of government - has literally nailed its political colours to the mast!
More photos here. The whole range of the barriers, on both sides. Anyway, an advantage of taking the Tube was that it made it easier to find Exit 4, where we were to meet, specifically - and sure enough, there he was, brandishing his sign. (I arrived a bit early this time, even with the Tube issues, and felt better about it.) And wouldn't you know - I was the only person again! I dunno, maybe it's the weather. Anyway, he's a convivial companion, and I don't mind - but it'd be interesting to see how he works with a group.
Actually, he remarked that he'd expected to see me arrive on a bus! :-) From some odd direction or other. Well, I'm nothing if not unpredictable. Off we meandered around Westminster - well, after giving directions to a passer-by. Does he have that kind of a face, I wonder? We spent little enough time on the major monuments - good! Seen tons of 'em. Naw, we were off down dark alleys - saw what remains of the Bridewell, and heard gruesome tales of torture. I guess there are some people just suited to that kind of work.
And so on past the imposing buildings of Westminster, and we found ourselves outside the Banqueting House, scene of the execution of Charles I. Could even see a little of the famous Rubens ceiling..! beneath which he was apparently led to his execution. Adding insult to injury, I guess..
Along the way I was regaled with a variety of stories, historical and contemporary, as we meandered along to Strand. (Handy, we were headed in my direction!) As he perused his materials - why, we were hailed by yet another passer-by, this one wanting to know whether we wanted directions. And when we got through the next bit, there he was again, with a bit of banter for us! Gee, the folks you meet in back alleys..
The night ended around Covent Garden (it's been a while since I took myself over that way), with tales of death, debauchery, and the Covent Garden nuns.. and of William Terriss, possibly one of the world's busier ghosts, as he haunts both the Adelphi, where he used to perform, and Covent Garden station, built on the site of his favourite bakery. Keep a nose out for the smell of baking bread, there. Me, I took myself past "the world's most haunted theatre", where I caught a more convenient bus back. Always entertaining, as I say, I'm sure I'll be back for more of his walks - I'm just not booking far ahead at the moment.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
A busy day at work miraculously cleared in good time for me to leave. We were to meet at Westminster Station, but I would have taken the bus - except Google Maps was directing me to take a bus to Waterloo and walk across the bridge, and in this chilly weather? No thanks, Tube for me. When I saw the crowds at Old Street, I was glad I'd left early. When I saw the crowds at London Bridge - I really wished I'd taken the bus and walked across! Four trains, I had to let pass because they were too full to cram onto. I'll remember that in future.
Westminster Station - interestingly for one so close to the centre of government - has literally nailed its political colours to the mast!
More photos here. The whole range of the barriers, on both sides. Anyway, an advantage of taking the Tube was that it made it easier to find Exit 4, where we were to meet, specifically - and sure enough, there he was, brandishing his sign. (I arrived a bit early this time, even with the Tube issues, and felt better about it.) And wouldn't you know - I was the only person again! I dunno, maybe it's the weather. Anyway, he's a convivial companion, and I don't mind - but it'd be interesting to see how he works with a group.
Actually, he remarked that he'd expected to see me arrive on a bus! :-) From some odd direction or other. Well, I'm nothing if not unpredictable. Off we meandered around Westminster - well, after giving directions to a passer-by. Does he have that kind of a face, I wonder? We spent little enough time on the major monuments - good! Seen tons of 'em. Naw, we were off down dark alleys - saw what remains of the Bridewell, and heard gruesome tales of torture. I guess there are some people just suited to that kind of work.
And so on past the imposing buildings of Westminster, and we found ourselves outside the Banqueting House, scene of the execution of Charles I. Could even see a little of the famous Rubens ceiling..! beneath which he was apparently led to his execution. Adding insult to injury, I guess..
Along the way I was regaled with a variety of stories, historical and contemporary, as we meandered along to Strand. (Handy, we were headed in my direction!) As he perused his materials - why, we were hailed by yet another passer-by, this one wanting to know whether we wanted directions. And when we got through the next bit, there he was again, with a bit of banter for us! Gee, the folks you meet in back alleys..
The night ended around Covent Garden (it's been a while since I took myself over that way), with tales of death, debauchery, and the Covent Garden nuns.. and of William Terriss, possibly one of the world's busier ghosts, as he haunts both the Adelphi, where he used to perform, and Covent Garden station, built on the site of his favourite bakery. Keep a nose out for the smell of baking bread, there. Me, I took myself past "the world's most haunted theatre", where I caught a more convenient bus back. Always entertaining, as I say, I'm sure I'll be back for more of his walks - I'm just not booking far ahead at the moment.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
Wednesday 23 January 2019
Film: Shoplifters
Tonight - gee, film again looked like the best option! (I'm doing very well at working my way through my film list.) And so to the other film I wanted to see at the Curzon Bloomsbury - Shoplifters is a Japanese film about a family of shoplifters that take in a waif. And when I checked yesterday evening, there were only a few seats left for this evening - so I booked. I decided I should be finished in time to make it.
As it turned out, today that evening meeting was just cancelled for the whole week. But of course, that meant that when the time came to leave, I was in the middle of something - so I did leave slightly late. Never mind, the evening isn't half as cold as yesterday was, and I arrived during the ads, but before the trailers, which are the best thing before the feature. Despite the website's description of so many seats being booked, there were some vacancies. I was supposed to have the aisle seat, this time - but the young lady sitting in it asked whether we could swap, because she needed to leave early. So I ended up mid-row - which was ok. The seats to one side of me were free until a couple arrived, once we were a few minutes into the film.
So, this film focuses on a typical family that aren't terribly well-off, and tend to indulge in petty crime. Actually, most of it, many of us are quite familiar with - the one that works in a laundry nicks things left in the pockets, for instance. Slightly more OTT is the Fagin-like character, who has taught the boy to shoplift quite effectively. Anyway, they're on their way home one evening when they come across a wee girl, cute as a button, sitting out in the cold and looking longingly at the takeaway they're eating. So they give her some - and, it being so cold, take her home to get something proper to eat. While there, they see how scrawny she is, and upon examination of her arms, they realise she's covered in scars. So the mother takes pity on her, and decides she should stay with them, as she's obviously not being cared for at the moment.
This is a terrifically heartwarming film. Never mawkish, it shows us the differing routines of the different characters, who turn out to be a disparate, spirited and likeable bunch. It isn't until the very end that we discover what's really going on with each of them - at which point we're pointedly asked the question - what really makes a family? Thought-provoking and endearing, this is a film whose characters will stay with me for a while. Recommended.
Delighted to be back with Chronicles tomorrow, for his Spooky Westminster Tour (Bloody London). As advertised with Walking in London - but rather than book with Funzing, I booked with Chronicles directly for a cheaper price! Well, Funzing's discounts aren't generally terrific, these days.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
As it turned out, today that evening meeting was just cancelled for the whole week. But of course, that meant that when the time came to leave, I was in the middle of something - so I did leave slightly late. Never mind, the evening isn't half as cold as yesterday was, and I arrived during the ads, but before the trailers, which are the best thing before the feature. Despite the website's description of so many seats being booked, there were some vacancies. I was supposed to have the aisle seat, this time - but the young lady sitting in it asked whether we could swap, because she needed to leave early. So I ended up mid-row - which was ok. The seats to one side of me were free until a couple arrived, once we were a few minutes into the film.
So, this film focuses on a typical family that aren't terribly well-off, and tend to indulge in petty crime. Actually, most of it, many of us are quite familiar with - the one that works in a laundry nicks things left in the pockets, for instance. Slightly more OTT is the Fagin-like character, who has taught the boy to shoplift quite effectively. Anyway, they're on their way home one evening when they come across a wee girl, cute as a button, sitting out in the cold and looking longingly at the takeaway they're eating. So they give her some - and, it being so cold, take her home to get something proper to eat. While there, they see how scrawny she is, and upon examination of her arms, they realise she's covered in scars. So the mother takes pity on her, and decides she should stay with them, as she's obviously not being cared for at the moment.
This is a terrifically heartwarming film. Never mawkish, it shows us the differing routines of the different characters, who turn out to be a disparate, spirited and likeable bunch. It isn't until the very end that we discover what's really going on with each of them - at which point we're pointedly asked the question - what really makes a family? Thought-provoking and endearing, this is a film whose characters will stay with me for a while. Recommended.
Delighted to be back with Chronicles tomorrow, for his Spooky Westminster Tour (Bloody London). As advertised with Walking in London - but rather than book with Funzing, I booked with Chronicles directly for a cheaper price! Well, Funzing's discounts aren't generally terrific, these days.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
Tuesday 22 January 2019
Film: Roma
Tonight, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it was all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Now, three films were tying at the top of my list, all at an IMDB rating of 8.1. Njan Prakashan, however, is showing no closer than the Odeon Lee Valley - forget it. The other two are - much more attractively - on in Curzon Bloomsbury. And the winner was - Roma. Partly because it was on later, and I was supposed to have an evening meeting - and partly because it's directed by Alfonso Cuarón. It's a year in the life of a Mexican maid in the 70s, and is based on his childhood memories.
Well, for a start, I was so glad not to be travelling to outer London, on a day when people kept posting pictures of snow, taken from out their windows! No, we stayed nice and snow-free in Central London. Mind you, it was vexing to have my evening meeting bumped to tomorrow - never mind, I got stuff done in the office before making my way. Suspicious of the show selling out, I kept an eye on it all day - finally, over half the seats were sold, and I said I'd better go for it. Rather attractive e-tickets, in the pattern of old-fashioned paper ones.
The bus fairly flew into town - but my 10-minute walk to the cinema was viciously cold. I defrosted pretty quickly once I stepped inside the door - and made my way downstairs, where all the screens are. Mine was the "Phoenix" - I had a feeling I'd be right on the inside of the row, and so it proved: but handily, I was the first in that row to arrive (just), so I wasn't disturbing anyone. Now, the Curzons aren't cheap - but at least an expensive cinema is guaranteed to have good seats, and so it proved, as I sank into my plush pullman, which reclined automatically as I relaxed. The only thing to mar my enjoyment was the constant, high-pitched whine, which I think was the projector, and which was prominent during quiet moments.
A few trailers, and the standard advertising reel proclaiming this to be a European cinema, with EU funding: like all the Curzons. Jeez, wonder how they'll fare after Brexit, when their funding is pulled.. I can't see an economically struggling UK being much bothered with the arts. And so we were off, with an artistic opening, in black and white, showing someone sloshing soapy water over a tiled surface, so that it reflects the sky above the surrounding buildings. A plane passes.
We soon discover that we are following a young, Mexican maid on her daily chores, as she helps to care for a family of a mother, a grandmother, and four kids. There is a father, who's rarely there. There's a dog, who poos constantly all over the entrance hall, where they park their cars - cleaning it up is one of the maid's jobs. It's one of the many little touches of humour throughout.
You're in good hands with this director. He sets a lovely, languid pace, with long periods of silence - but that belies an awful lot of activity in the story. Make no mistake, this is an eventful year, with personal dramas, some personal tragedy, and some politics - they get caught up in the student protests of 1971. But where another film's characters might have turned hysterical, these by and large just get on with getting on. Despite living through some truly surreal events. And the director knows the sheer power of silence, allowing the most emotional scenes to go without dialogue. Truly, truly affecting. Highly recommended. (10 Oscar nominations!) I swear though, the story seems so familiar to me - if anyone recognises it from anywhere, please let me know, it's really bugging me!
On the way back, I was very, very glad to see my bus come straight away - although it wasn't as cold as when I set out. Tomorrow - gee, film is again looking like the best option! (I'm doing very well at working my way through this list.) And so to the other film showing at the Curzon Bloomsbury - Shoplifters is a Japanese film about a family of shoplifters that take in a waif. And when I checked this evening, there were only a few seats left for tomorrow evening - so I booked. I should be finished in time to make it.
Delighted to be back with Chronicles on Thursday, for his Spooky Westminster Tour (Bloody London). As advertised with Walking in London - but rather than book with Funzing, I booked with Chronicles directly for a cheaper price! Well, Funzing's discounts aren't generally terrific, these days.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
Well, for a start, I was so glad not to be travelling to outer London, on a day when people kept posting pictures of snow, taken from out their windows! No, we stayed nice and snow-free in Central London. Mind you, it was vexing to have my evening meeting bumped to tomorrow - never mind, I got stuff done in the office before making my way. Suspicious of the show selling out, I kept an eye on it all day - finally, over half the seats were sold, and I said I'd better go for it. Rather attractive e-tickets, in the pattern of old-fashioned paper ones.
The bus fairly flew into town - but my 10-minute walk to the cinema was viciously cold. I defrosted pretty quickly once I stepped inside the door - and made my way downstairs, where all the screens are. Mine was the "Phoenix" - I had a feeling I'd be right on the inside of the row, and so it proved: but handily, I was the first in that row to arrive (just), so I wasn't disturbing anyone. Now, the Curzons aren't cheap - but at least an expensive cinema is guaranteed to have good seats, and so it proved, as I sank into my plush pullman, which reclined automatically as I relaxed. The only thing to mar my enjoyment was the constant, high-pitched whine, which I think was the projector, and which was prominent during quiet moments.
A few trailers, and the standard advertising reel proclaiming this to be a European cinema, with EU funding: like all the Curzons. Jeez, wonder how they'll fare after Brexit, when their funding is pulled.. I can't see an economically struggling UK being much bothered with the arts. And so we were off, with an artistic opening, in black and white, showing someone sloshing soapy water over a tiled surface, so that it reflects the sky above the surrounding buildings. A plane passes.
We soon discover that we are following a young, Mexican maid on her daily chores, as she helps to care for a family of a mother, a grandmother, and four kids. There is a father, who's rarely there. There's a dog, who poos constantly all over the entrance hall, where they park their cars - cleaning it up is one of the maid's jobs. It's one of the many little touches of humour throughout.
You're in good hands with this director. He sets a lovely, languid pace, with long periods of silence - but that belies an awful lot of activity in the story. Make no mistake, this is an eventful year, with personal dramas, some personal tragedy, and some politics - they get caught up in the student protests of 1971. But where another film's characters might have turned hysterical, these by and large just get on with getting on. Despite living through some truly surreal events. And the director knows the sheer power of silence, allowing the most emotional scenes to go without dialogue. Truly, truly affecting. Highly recommended. (10 Oscar nominations!) I swear though, the story seems so familiar to me - if anyone recognises it from anywhere, please let me know, it's really bugging me!
On the way back, I was very, very glad to see my bus come straight away - although it wasn't as cold as when I set out. Tomorrow - gee, film is again looking like the best option! (I'm doing very well at working my way through this list.) And so to the other film showing at the Curzon Bloomsbury - Shoplifters is a Japanese film about a family of shoplifters that take in a waif. And when I checked this evening, there were only a few seats left for tomorrow evening - so I booked. I should be finished in time to make it.
Delighted to be back with Chronicles on Thursday, for his Spooky Westminster Tour (Bloody London). As advertised with Walking in London - but rather than book with Funzing, I booked with Chronicles directly for a cheaper price! Well, Funzing's discounts aren't generally terrific, these days.
Back to Ireland for the weekend, and on Monday we have our monthly team social. We decided to go for a meal somewhere good in Soho I'd been before - and after some detective work, I discovered it was Bistro1. Inviting some people outside our teeny team, too..
Monday 21 January 2019
Talk: True Crime - Survivor Stories and Strategies
Tonight, I was back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". Yes, that should have read "Strategies". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a couple of times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
Nice, late start and a nice, close venue - even if that was Cafe 1001. At least I could walk. I headed off in good time - and on the way, just up from the venue, passed a number of quite confused people who, it transpired, were looking for the same place! Unfortunately, they'd paid too much attention to the address - 91 Brick Lane it officially is, but as you go along Brick Lane, you pass a courtyard with a sign outside that reads "91". This is not it. What you want is the alleyway beside it, past the fast food stall (closed at this hour), and into the cafe beside. Yes, I remember having terrible trouble finding it the first time.
Anyway, didn't look like they were doing much business when I arrived this evening, so they must have been glad of the talk upstairs - indeed, there wasn't even anyone to guide us to it, although I daresay they'd have done so if asked. When I'd had my name checked off the list, I could see it was pretty full - I ended up on the sofa at the back. But I did have a straight-on view! No pillars in my way, which is an issue here.
She admitted at the start that this is a new talk for her - and that she's always nervous when that happens. You might say that she works her way up to the exciting stuff - she starts with rape, then stalking, abduction - it isn't until the second half, after a brief interval, that she gets on to cults, terrorist attacks, and serial killers.
An interesting opening, with some fake news that's apparently been doing the rounds for years - oh, and spread by someone who teaches self-defence. No, FYI, most attacks do NOT happen in car parks - they're too busy and well-lit, with good CCTV coverage. Most violent attacks - apart from sexual ones - are, of course, perpetrated on men. Quite a high percentage of attackers are armed - and no, it's not a good idea to fight back on the assumption that they'll get tired of it after a couple of minutes.
There is also a very interesting piece on cross-racial profiling, where people have to identify a perpetrator of a different race from their own. She uses an extract from The Good Wife, and also tells us how even children raised in a family of different ethnic origin to their own exhibit the same difficulties in distinguishing the faces of people whose race is different from theirs.
A lot of common sense advice about things like how to tell if someone is following you, and what to do about it. Stop frequently, would you believe - it's hard to tail someone who keeps stopping! I was particularly struck by the story of a woman who saw a man trying to get into her building, who spun her a story about needing to get in to see his grandmother. So she let him in. And then he offered to help her with her shopping - and accused her of being a militant feminist when she hesitated. Assured her that he wouldn't come in, he'd leave the bags at the door. Which is how he came to barge into her flat and assault her - indeed, she was lucky to escape with her life. Goes to show, if something feels off.. forget the social niceties.
Advice about what to do if the worst happens, and you're abducted - pay as much attention as possible, it might help. Mind you, when she got on to the advice from the ex-Navy Seal, I got a bit dubious - I mean, how many of us are really going to pick the lock on our handcuffs with a hairpin? and I don't think it's quite that easy to escape a zip tie. Still, common sense is a valuable commodity in any situation.
Afterwards, most people left - but it was worth staying for the Q+A, where she told us that a good pathway into working in psychology like she does, particularly of extremely troubled individuals, is to volunteer for a suicide hotline for 18 months or so - that'll test whether you're up to it. And yes, as someone asked her - she DOES think everyone's out to get her! So, an enjoyable evening, despite the subject matter - and despite the constant sound of trickling water from the adjacent bathroom. It was cold in there too - all in all, a terrible venue for a talk.
Froze my hands off on the walk back - when it also drizzled on me! That's supposed to warm up the weather.. Tomorrow, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Now, three films are currently tying at the top of my list, all at an IMDB rating of 8.1. Njan Prakashan, however, is showing no closer than the Odeon Lee Valley - forget it. The other two are - much more attractively - on in Curzon Bloomsbury. And the winner is - Roma. Partly because it's on later, and I have an evening meeting - and partly because it's directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Seems it's a year in the life of a Mexican maid in the 70s, and is based on his childhood memories.
Nice, late start and a nice, close venue - even if that was Cafe 1001. At least I could walk. I headed off in good time - and on the way, just up from the venue, passed a number of quite confused people who, it transpired, were looking for the same place! Unfortunately, they'd paid too much attention to the address - 91 Brick Lane it officially is, but as you go along Brick Lane, you pass a courtyard with a sign outside that reads "91". This is not it. What you want is the alleyway beside it, past the fast food stall (closed at this hour), and into the cafe beside. Yes, I remember having terrible trouble finding it the first time.
Anyway, didn't look like they were doing much business when I arrived this evening, so they must have been glad of the talk upstairs - indeed, there wasn't even anyone to guide us to it, although I daresay they'd have done so if asked. When I'd had my name checked off the list, I could see it was pretty full - I ended up on the sofa at the back. But I did have a straight-on view! No pillars in my way, which is an issue here.
She admitted at the start that this is a new talk for her - and that she's always nervous when that happens. You might say that she works her way up to the exciting stuff - she starts with rape, then stalking, abduction - it isn't until the second half, after a brief interval, that she gets on to cults, terrorist attacks, and serial killers.
An interesting opening, with some fake news that's apparently been doing the rounds for years - oh, and spread by someone who teaches self-defence. No, FYI, most attacks do NOT happen in car parks - they're too busy and well-lit, with good CCTV coverage. Most violent attacks - apart from sexual ones - are, of course, perpetrated on men. Quite a high percentage of attackers are armed - and no, it's not a good idea to fight back on the assumption that they'll get tired of it after a couple of minutes.
There is also a very interesting piece on cross-racial profiling, where people have to identify a perpetrator of a different race from their own. She uses an extract from The Good Wife, and also tells us how even children raised in a family of different ethnic origin to their own exhibit the same difficulties in distinguishing the faces of people whose race is different from theirs.
A lot of common sense advice about things like how to tell if someone is following you, and what to do about it. Stop frequently, would you believe - it's hard to tail someone who keeps stopping! I was particularly struck by the story of a woman who saw a man trying to get into her building, who spun her a story about needing to get in to see his grandmother. So she let him in. And then he offered to help her with her shopping - and accused her of being a militant feminist when she hesitated. Assured her that he wouldn't come in, he'd leave the bags at the door. Which is how he came to barge into her flat and assault her - indeed, she was lucky to escape with her life. Goes to show, if something feels off.. forget the social niceties.
Advice about what to do if the worst happens, and you're abducted - pay as much attention as possible, it might help. Mind you, when she got on to the advice from the ex-Navy Seal, I got a bit dubious - I mean, how many of us are really going to pick the lock on our handcuffs with a hairpin? and I don't think it's quite that easy to escape a zip tie. Still, common sense is a valuable commodity in any situation.
Afterwards, most people left - but it was worth staying for the Q+A, where she told us that a good pathway into working in psychology like she does, particularly of extremely troubled individuals, is to volunteer for a suicide hotline for 18 months or so - that'll test whether you're up to it. And yes, as someone asked her - she DOES think everyone's out to get her! So, an enjoyable evening, despite the subject matter - and despite the constant sound of trickling water from the adjacent bathroom. It was cold in there too - all in all, a terrible venue for a talk.
Froze my hands off on the walk back - when it also drizzled on me! That's supposed to warm up the weather.. Tomorrow, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Now, three films are currently tying at the top of my list, all at an IMDB rating of 8.1. Njan Prakashan, however, is showing no closer than the Odeon Lee Valley - forget it. The other two are - much more attractively - on in Curzon Bloomsbury. And the winner is - Roma. Partly because it's on later, and I have an evening meeting - and partly because it's directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Seems it's a year in the life of a Mexican maid in the 70s, and is based on his childhood memories.
Sunday 20 January 2019
Circus: Totem
Today, I headed on my annual trip to Cirque du Soleil at the Albert Hall - this year, it's Totem. I see I have something in common with royalty there.. Cheapest tickets from the venue, and they ain't cheap! I woke in decent time, and got myself out in time to shop, eat, and print out my ticket - the Albert Hall hasn't yet advanced to scanning, it seems. I had fun digging through my inbox for the ticket, which I booked last month but couldn't remember when - of course, I shouldn't have searched by "Cirque du Soleil", but rather by "Royal Albert Hall", as the e-ticket email didn't mention the specific show.
This far out, I was going to have to take the Tube. Crowded it was, but not too much - I got a seat the whole way. South Kensington, however, was horrendously crowded - and matters weren't helped by the subway being closed! So I had to meander my way through the crowds on the pavements, and cross several roads. Anyway, I got to the Albert Hall 10 minutes before showtime - never believe Google Maps for this venue, it always takes 10 minutes longer than they say. And although we were told we could take any entrance, I still had to climb all the way up to the fourth floor! Ah well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger..
More photos here. Interestingly, someone was in my seat. And with the whole row section full, this was a question for the usher to solve - turned out that two ladies, who came together, had booked what they thought were adjacent seats - unfortunately, one of them was on the other side of the stairwell. So naturally, rather than split up this pair - and disturb the whole row - I took the seat on the other side. Which was absolutely fine. Row 3 of the Rausing Circle is interesting, actually - a lot of it consists of "box" sections above stairs, which is nice, as there's no-one directly in front of you, and you get a rail on which you can lean. Comfy cosy. Mind you, my knees were a bit stiff after a couple of hours..
Giant turtle shell, or something, visible there - from under which acrobats pop out, of course. The show is called Totem - but as usual, they hardly bother sticking to whatever spiel they've bothered to come up with to go with the title. I mean, in this show you get South American / tribal characters, Native North American imagery- could believe either of these for the "totem" theme. But - flamenco, dropped randomly into the mix? Oh, whatever. The circus acts are suitably spectacular, but Cirque du Soleil's focus has always been on the incredible visuals. One of these days, I might do better than a side view.
Runs till the 26th of next month. Oh, and that lady with whom I swapped seats came over afterwards to thank me and check my seat had been ok! which was nice. As I made my way out, I noted that the better souvenir shop is at Door 6. I just missed the bus home - on the plus side, it took so long for the next to come that most of the crowd had gone by then. And I didn't have to wait long to change buses, which was good, in this freezing cold..
Tomorrow, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
This far out, I was going to have to take the Tube. Crowded it was, but not too much - I got a seat the whole way. South Kensington, however, was horrendously crowded - and matters weren't helped by the subway being closed! So I had to meander my way through the crowds on the pavements, and cross several roads. Anyway, I got to the Albert Hall 10 minutes before showtime - never believe Google Maps for this venue, it always takes 10 minutes longer than they say. And although we were told we could take any entrance, I still had to climb all the way up to the fourth floor! Ah well, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger..
More photos here. Interestingly, someone was in my seat. And with the whole row section full, this was a question for the usher to solve - turned out that two ladies, who came together, had booked what they thought were adjacent seats - unfortunately, one of them was on the other side of the stairwell. So naturally, rather than split up this pair - and disturb the whole row - I took the seat on the other side. Which was absolutely fine. Row 3 of the Rausing Circle is interesting, actually - a lot of it consists of "box" sections above stairs, which is nice, as there's no-one directly in front of you, and you get a rail on which you can lean. Comfy cosy. Mind you, my knees were a bit stiff after a couple of hours..
Giant turtle shell, or something, visible there - from under which acrobats pop out, of course. The show is called Totem - but as usual, they hardly bother sticking to whatever spiel they've bothered to come up with to go with the title. I mean, in this show you get South American / tribal characters, Native North American imagery- could believe either of these for the "totem" theme. But - flamenco, dropped randomly into the mix? Oh, whatever. The circus acts are suitably spectacular, but Cirque du Soleil's focus has always been on the incredible visuals. One of these days, I might do better than a side view.
Runs till the 26th of next month. Oh, and that lady with whom I swapped seats came over afterwards to thank me and check my seat had been ok! which was nice. As I made my way out, I noted that the better souvenir shop is at Door 6. I just missed the bus home - on the plus side, it took so long for the next to come that most of the crowd had gone by then. And I didn't have to wait long to change buses, which was good, in this freezing cold..
Tomorrow, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
Saturday 19 January 2019
Film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Dear God, I was up before the sun. I had to be in Sutton for midday to give the car back, and had to collect it in Wimbledon first. Fair play to me, I made it early - and popped into the Caffe Nero across from the station for some breakfast. Which consisted, natch, of a chocolate Milano with cream, and one of the little gianduja pieces they obligingly keep by the till. It's a nice little place, and I found a seat among the eclectic collection of furniture, before they were all snapped up by the never-ending parade of families with buggies. Used their WiFi to download a massive satnav app, which turned out to be absolutely useless, as it couldn't recognise the name of the garage! so I promptly uninstalled it, and used Google Maps thereafter.
As it turned out, I ended up driving the car back to Wimbledon after its trip to the garage - yes, they would potentially buy it from me, but the sales manager would have to sign off on it when he was back on Monday. But hey, I'll avoid the final balloon payment, and get a cheque, and today I finally got around to cancelling the direct debit I've had in place with the finance company for the past three years! Times are good. Dropped off the car at the house of the guy who's the registered keeper, and dropped in to him for a lovely chat - and that was that.
For the evening, I thought film - and top of the list, finally, was Bohemian Rhapsody, which is showing quite close to me, in the Vue Islington! Cheaper than the average, too. Well, I'd had that in mind for a few days, and was keeping an eye on how it was booking. Now, I do keep forgetting that it's actually cheaper to book online, so (as always) it came as a complete surprise to me to see the ad on the website. Anyway, booking's been quite slow for this - but gee, when I checked this evening there were only four tickets left! How lucky was that - I ended up with a side seat, but that was fine.
I was tired enough to crash on a sofa in the office, which revived me somewhat - got myself moving just a bit late, and headed off on a trot up the hill, which I haven't done in a while. I could get my ticket scanned from my phone, of course, and as I approached the usher to do so, someone else was asking him how long the ads would take, so he knew whether he had time to do whatever it was he needed to do. 20 minutes, he was assured. Mind you, I came in at the tail-end of them, the cinema almost completely full, and had to squeeze past a whole row to my seat at the end. Ah well.
So, the story of Queen, focusing - naturally enough - on Freddie Mercury. Opens with them preparing to go onstage for Live Aid - which is a teaser for the end, where we get a pretty full rendition of their Live Aid set! because this is, above all, a rock-lover's film. Ooh yeah - and boy did it bring back memories! Wait till you hear all those songs you'd forgotten about. Radio Gaga, anyone? Or how about the cross-dressing video for I Want to Break Free? Banned in the States, apparently - prudes. Maybe it was the orgy scene.. Jeez, I remember watching it quite blithely as a teen.
Rami Malek has the tough job of portraying the completely OTT lead singer - and he plays a blinder, completely deserving of his Golden Globe. The other band members kind of fade into the background beside him - but then, the music is the real star, the song Bohemian Rhapsody providing a major focus. Aiden Gillen plays their first manager, and an unrecognisable Mike Myers is the EMI executive who rejected them, and lived to regret it.
Man, the Live Aid sequence at the end is phenomenal. Seems they completely recreated Wembley for it - and it was all I could do not to jump up and start singing along. Now THAT is how a rock crowd should behave - lacklustre concert attendees, please take note! Check out the U2 flag in the audience. And don't miss the original video for Don't Stop Me Now, which plays over the closing credits. Awesome film - go check it out. As for comments that it skims Mercury's debauchery - well, that does get a nod, disapprovingly. To say it again, it's all about the music - as it should be.
Froze my face off walking home. Tomorrow, I'm headed on my annual trip to Cirque du Soleil at the Albert Hall - this year, it's Totem. I see I have something in common with royalty there.. Cheapest tickets from the venue, and they ain't cheap!
On Monday, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
As it turned out, I ended up driving the car back to Wimbledon after its trip to the garage - yes, they would potentially buy it from me, but the sales manager would have to sign off on it when he was back on Monday. But hey, I'll avoid the final balloon payment, and get a cheque, and today I finally got around to cancelling the direct debit I've had in place with the finance company for the past three years! Times are good. Dropped off the car at the house of the guy who's the registered keeper, and dropped in to him for a lovely chat - and that was that.
For the evening, I thought film - and top of the list, finally, was Bohemian Rhapsody, which is showing quite close to me, in the Vue Islington! Cheaper than the average, too. Well, I'd had that in mind for a few days, and was keeping an eye on how it was booking. Now, I do keep forgetting that it's actually cheaper to book online, so (as always) it came as a complete surprise to me to see the ad on the website. Anyway, booking's been quite slow for this - but gee, when I checked this evening there were only four tickets left! How lucky was that - I ended up with a side seat, but that was fine.
I was tired enough to crash on a sofa in the office, which revived me somewhat - got myself moving just a bit late, and headed off on a trot up the hill, which I haven't done in a while. I could get my ticket scanned from my phone, of course, and as I approached the usher to do so, someone else was asking him how long the ads would take, so he knew whether he had time to do whatever it was he needed to do. 20 minutes, he was assured. Mind you, I came in at the tail-end of them, the cinema almost completely full, and had to squeeze past a whole row to my seat at the end. Ah well.
So, the story of Queen, focusing - naturally enough - on Freddie Mercury. Opens with them preparing to go onstage for Live Aid - which is a teaser for the end, where we get a pretty full rendition of their Live Aid set! because this is, above all, a rock-lover's film. Ooh yeah - and boy did it bring back memories! Wait till you hear all those songs you'd forgotten about. Radio Gaga, anyone? Or how about the cross-dressing video for I Want to Break Free? Banned in the States, apparently - prudes. Maybe it was the orgy scene.. Jeez, I remember watching it quite blithely as a teen.
Rami Malek has the tough job of portraying the completely OTT lead singer - and he plays a blinder, completely deserving of his Golden Globe. The other band members kind of fade into the background beside him - but then, the music is the real star, the song Bohemian Rhapsody providing a major focus. Aiden Gillen plays their first manager, and an unrecognisable Mike Myers is the EMI executive who rejected them, and lived to regret it.
Man, the Live Aid sequence at the end is phenomenal. Seems they completely recreated Wembley for it - and it was all I could do not to jump up and start singing along. Now THAT is how a rock crowd should behave - lacklustre concert attendees, please take note! Check out the U2 flag in the audience. And don't miss the original video for Don't Stop Me Now, which plays over the closing credits. Awesome film - go check it out. As for comments that it skims Mercury's debauchery - well, that does get a nod, disapprovingly. To say it again, it's all about the music - as it should be.
Froze my face off walking home. Tomorrow, I'm headed on my annual trip to Cirque du Soleil at the Albert Hall - this year, it's Totem. I see I have something in common with royalty there.. Cheapest tickets from the venue, and they ain't cheap!
On Monday, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
Friday 18 January 2019
Plays: Party Time & Celebration
Tonight, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Pinter at the Pinter - Programme Six! (Party Time / Celebration.) As I remarked to them a couple of times tonight - whatever will I do once the Pinter at the Pinter season is over..? (We shall see.) Anyway, for now, I got the bus to Strand, where any bus would take me to Trafalgar Square: unfortunately, not necessarily to the right side of it. So I was ever so slightly late arriving at the theatre bar to meet the others - and yes, we did, again, occupy most of the space! Well, it was manic tonight, being a Friday. Great to see people, as usual.
I had an aisle seat, which was nice - but d'you know, I missed my seat behind the pillar, as per Monday! I actually had a better view then than I had tonight, having to peer over the heads of the people in front of me. Plus, the guy beside me - prone to sighing loudly - also had a habit of noisily chewing his nails. Happily - and, I guess, predictably, given the sighing - he left at the interval.
Only the two plays tonight, and we started - dramatically - with Party Time. Classical music soars as the curtain is raised on a line of eight, sat facing the audience, and dressed in black. Oh, I do like the dramatic. What follows is, I guess, a scathing attack on middle-class social chitchat, as various combinations of guests chat inanely, and reveal themselves as a collection of snobs, including a Stepford wife - and one woman at the end of the row, who keeps asking about her brother, Jimmy, only to be shushed continuously by her contemptuous husband. Cue the dramatic entrance, at the end, of an uninvited guest..
At the interval, I bought a seriously overpriced glass of wine, as my tummy is now feeling much better, thanks. And we discussed our varying levels of confusion (with some cool jazz as background music, as usual) before we took our seats for the second half. This was Celebration, which people tended to find much more accessible - similar to the first, in that a group is facing the audience, in this case they're dressed more brightly, for one thing. Very TOWIE, in fact, with spangly dresses, big hair, and showy jewellery. A family celebration, interrupted by meeting a couple they know, as well as funny interjections by staff members. Great fun!
Afterwards, we shivered in the cold for a while before heading to the very nearest pub, Tom Cribb - just across the road. It was an early finish, you see - and the venue was a spur of the moment decision. Unfortunately, it's not a great locale for that - fair enough, we were stood in the middle of the floor (there was limited space), but I was frequently jostled very roughly. Not something I've experienced elsewhere, and I honestly couldn't recommend it if you have to stand.
Still, those of us who stayed latest did get a table, and it was lovely to catch up. I'll have to be up early tomorrow, so have to get to bed now - have to be in Sutton for midday to give the car back! End of an era. In the evening, I'm thinking film - and what's coming up, finally, is Bohemian Rhapsody, which is showing quite close to me, in the Vue Islington! Cheaper than the average, too.
On Sunday, I'm headed on my annual trip to Cirque du Soleil at the Albert Hall - this year, it's Totem. I see I have something in common with royalty there..
On Monday, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
I had an aisle seat, which was nice - but d'you know, I missed my seat behind the pillar, as per Monday! I actually had a better view then than I had tonight, having to peer over the heads of the people in front of me. Plus, the guy beside me - prone to sighing loudly - also had a habit of noisily chewing his nails. Happily - and, I guess, predictably, given the sighing - he left at the interval.
Only the two plays tonight, and we started - dramatically - with Party Time. Classical music soars as the curtain is raised on a line of eight, sat facing the audience, and dressed in black. Oh, I do like the dramatic. What follows is, I guess, a scathing attack on middle-class social chitchat, as various combinations of guests chat inanely, and reveal themselves as a collection of snobs, including a Stepford wife - and one woman at the end of the row, who keeps asking about her brother, Jimmy, only to be shushed continuously by her contemptuous husband. Cue the dramatic entrance, at the end, of an uninvited guest..
At the interval, I bought a seriously overpriced glass of wine, as my tummy is now feeling much better, thanks. And we discussed our varying levels of confusion (with some cool jazz as background music, as usual) before we took our seats for the second half. This was Celebration, which people tended to find much more accessible - similar to the first, in that a group is facing the audience, in this case they're dressed more brightly, for one thing. Very TOWIE, in fact, with spangly dresses, big hair, and showy jewellery. A family celebration, interrupted by meeting a couple they know, as well as funny interjections by staff members. Great fun!
Afterwards, we shivered in the cold for a while before heading to the very nearest pub, Tom Cribb - just across the road. It was an early finish, you see - and the venue was a spur of the moment decision. Unfortunately, it's not a great locale for that - fair enough, we were stood in the middle of the floor (there was limited space), but I was frequently jostled very roughly. Not something I've experienced elsewhere, and I honestly couldn't recommend it if you have to stand.
Still, those of us who stayed latest did get a table, and it was lovely to catch up. I'll have to be up early tomorrow, so have to get to bed now - have to be in Sutton for midday to give the car back! End of an era. In the evening, I'm thinking film - and what's coming up, finally, is Bohemian Rhapsody, which is showing quite close to me, in the Vue Islington! Cheaper than the average, too.
On Sunday, I'm headed on my annual trip to Cirque du Soleil at the Albert Hall - this year, it's Totem. I see I have something in common with royalty there..
On Monday, I'm back with London Speaks Sessions for "True Crime: Survivor Stories and Straties (sic.)". This is a talk about survivors of extreme situations - and delivered by the excellent Jennifer Rees, whom I've seen a few times before. Not only that, but I got to use my loyalty Funzing discount for it, having cancelled a previous event for which I'd used that!
And on Tuesday, I had arranged to go with the London Jazz Meetup - but gee, it's all the way out in Ealing! So I said sod it, I'd go to the pictures again. Watch this space..
Thursday 17 January 2019
Restaurant: Little Georgia & Winter Lights
Yesterday, I was back with Let's Do This for the first time this year, as we headed to a Georgian restaurant for dinner. Georgia, the country. When I told my boss, he absolutely gushed about Georgian cuisine - he's not from there, but from Bulgaria, just across the Black Sea. Anyway, he seemed to know.
Well, it was a horrible day at work - most stressful - and it hadn't ended yet by the time I left. I had to take my laptop with me, so I could work from home last night - I wasn't coming back to the office, as I was headed to the other side of where I live. Close enough that I could walk - but of course, I ended up leaving late, what with all the work, and decided to maximise my time with the group by taking the Tube to Angel (only one stop), and walking from there.
Not too crowded at this hour, anyway. I looked up the route on Google Maps on my phone before I left. But wouldn't you know it, the damned app closed the journey details en route! and when I exited the station, I couldn't get an internet signal! Took me a few minutes to be able to look up my route again. Cue a trot through mainly residential streets, to The Crown, where we were to meet: one of those pubs with lots of engraved glass to tell you it's a pub - as Mary pointed out. And we had a drink, and a lovely chat there, before heading off to the restaurant.
Little Georgia is quite a little place. As we waited for them to get our table ready, we noted the curious collection of phones they have - old-fashioned, in various colours, dotted about the counter and on a shelf. An old gramophone. Also a surfeit of Georgian posters, the writing incomprehensible to me. And for the whole night, we remarked among ourselves how full it was - notable, for a Wednesday in January!
Our host ordered a bread basket for the table, which came with garlic butter - all of which proved so popular that we had another! But I have to say, the star of the night - for me, at least - was my starter. Moshushuli-Soko Katmit is shredded chicken with onion, mushroom, chilli, and "Georgian spices".. and as soon as it arrived at the table (complete with another couple of slices of bread), everybody's nose was twitching. It smelled absolutely delicious. And I have to say, the taste was just as good - I cleared my plate with gusto. Can't honestly remember a more delicious starter in my life! For main course, I had poussin in a garlic sauce - which was lovely, but the poussin, by its nature, had a lot of small bones, and was tricky to eat. We had both red and white wine among us, both Georgian, and a bottle of (Polish) beer.
Service was friendly throughout, and quick enough, although they had a full house to contend with. And they do desserts - although there didn't seem to be a general trend for that among my companions, and we didn't. Prices decent, too. A great evening was had, with excellent company. No general trend towards the pub afterwards - which was a shame, I could really have done with it after my day! Anyway, I walked home (downhill). Good to get in early, at least, since I still had work to do..
Meantime, I've been quite busy.. but tonight I decided (yes, on the coldest day we've had so far this year) to take myself to Canary Wharf (one of the coldest spots in London), for their annual Winter Lights festival. (Got the idea from the Central London Outdoor Group - but I found them a bit clingy in the past, to be honest, and didn't fancy going with them.) It runs till 10pm (and after, for the outdoor exhibits) - but I was a bit delayed in going, showing my late-working boss a video of Jan Blake. So I decided on the Tube again, to give myself as much time as possible there. And again, it wasn't too crowded. And isn't it great how they provide so much there for free? The first of the installations is right outside the Tube station, and you can get a map on the festival website.
More photos and videos here. (Apologies for the those videos that are sideways - I can't seem to remember not to shoot them landscape!) Anyway, I zipped around, and saw most things - a terrific exhibit. Runs till the 26th - highly recommended. I got the bus back, which fairly flew at this time of night!
Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Pinter at the Pinter - Programme Six! (Party Time / Celebration.) And I'll have to be up early on Saturday - have to be in Sutton for midday to give the car back! End of an era.
Well, it was a horrible day at work - most stressful - and it hadn't ended yet by the time I left. I had to take my laptop with me, so I could work from home last night - I wasn't coming back to the office, as I was headed to the other side of where I live. Close enough that I could walk - but of course, I ended up leaving late, what with all the work, and decided to maximise my time with the group by taking the Tube to Angel (only one stop), and walking from there.
Not too crowded at this hour, anyway. I looked up the route on Google Maps on my phone before I left. But wouldn't you know it, the damned app closed the journey details en route! and when I exited the station, I couldn't get an internet signal! Took me a few minutes to be able to look up my route again. Cue a trot through mainly residential streets, to The Crown, where we were to meet: one of those pubs with lots of engraved glass to tell you it's a pub - as Mary pointed out. And we had a drink, and a lovely chat there, before heading off to the restaurant.
Little Georgia is quite a little place. As we waited for them to get our table ready, we noted the curious collection of phones they have - old-fashioned, in various colours, dotted about the counter and on a shelf. An old gramophone. Also a surfeit of Georgian posters, the writing incomprehensible to me. And for the whole night, we remarked among ourselves how full it was - notable, for a Wednesday in January!
Our host ordered a bread basket for the table, which came with garlic butter - all of which proved so popular that we had another! But I have to say, the star of the night - for me, at least - was my starter. Moshushuli-Soko Katmit is shredded chicken with onion, mushroom, chilli, and "Georgian spices".. and as soon as it arrived at the table (complete with another couple of slices of bread), everybody's nose was twitching. It smelled absolutely delicious. And I have to say, the taste was just as good - I cleared my plate with gusto. Can't honestly remember a more delicious starter in my life! For main course, I had poussin in a garlic sauce - which was lovely, but the poussin, by its nature, had a lot of small bones, and was tricky to eat. We had both red and white wine among us, both Georgian, and a bottle of (Polish) beer.
Service was friendly throughout, and quick enough, although they had a full house to contend with. And they do desserts - although there didn't seem to be a general trend for that among my companions, and we didn't. Prices decent, too. A great evening was had, with excellent company. No general trend towards the pub afterwards - which was a shame, I could really have done with it after my day! Anyway, I walked home (downhill). Good to get in early, at least, since I still had work to do..
Meantime, I've been quite busy.. but tonight I decided (yes, on the coldest day we've had so far this year) to take myself to Canary Wharf (one of the coldest spots in London), for their annual Winter Lights festival. (Got the idea from the Central London Outdoor Group - but I found them a bit clingy in the past, to be honest, and didn't fancy going with them.) It runs till 10pm (and after, for the outdoor exhibits) - but I was a bit delayed in going, showing my late-working boss a video of Jan Blake. So I decided on the Tube again, to give myself as much time as possible there. And again, it wasn't too crowded. And isn't it great how they provide so much there for free? The first of the installations is right outside the Tube station, and you can get a map on the festival website.
More photos and videos here. (Apologies for the those videos that are sideways - I can't seem to remember not to shoot them landscape!) Anyway, I zipped around, and saw most things - a terrific exhibit. Runs till the 26th - highly recommended. I got the bus back, which fairly flew at this time of night!
Tomorrow, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Pinter at the Pinter - Programme Six! (Party Time / Celebration.) And I'll have to be up early on Saturday - have to be in Sutton for midday to give the car back! End of an era.
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