Saturday, June 2, 2018

Lovely Leafy London

May Bank Holiday saw two happy travellers hand in hand through the streets of London, well Greenwich to be precise. And what a glorious weekend it was. Armed with a bottle of water, and suncream, we headed for Hampstead Heath by bus from Beckenham. Of course we sat on the front seat at the top of the double decker so as to get a real tourist eye view, tree top level. And after a quick jacket potato at a very agreeable pavement cafe we strolled over the heath towards the entrance to Greenwich Park. Our mission was to locate the memorial bench of John Fisher, who was my sister's brother in law. He was an artist/designer who worked and lived in Hampstead.

 As you see, we found the bench and stayed a while in quiet contemplation.

The commemorative bench is situated in a lovely position overlooking a small pond, and surrounded by mature trees. It was easy to locate just before the entrance to the park.






The view of the Thames and the City of London from the top of Greenwich Park was spectacular, and the park was crowded with tourists enjoying the sunshine and the historical surroundings. But we did not linger as our second mission was to visit the multiple markets of Greenwich. This we did, and we were not disappointed. There were crafts, antiques, vintage, and a wonderful variety of vegetarian food, home made cakes, and other local produce. I could have shopped till I dropped, but I didn't. Instead, like true Yorkshire people, we kept our purses firmly closed. I almost treated myself to a £3.00 ride on the Carousel, but thought better of it. We did splash out on a glass of cider and a red wine in the Gypsy Moth pub just by way of strolling down memory lane, as that is where we celebrated after Joanne (our daughter) graduated from Greenwich University. It hadn't changed; still as busy, still as expensive - but that's London.

The Cutty Sark, still as resplendent as ever, towered above us as we looked on the riverboats that were coming and going up and down the Thames.
















And the fun didn't stop there! Jo and I had a trip to the Tate Modern to see the Picasso Exhibition. It was fantastic, very inspirational, very mind blowing, and we both came away ready to create our own masterpieces.

 Hm! Make of it what you will, but I think I know what was on her mind.
 I got that loving feeling! There seemed to be a lot of armchairs and reclining nudes but every one shouted passion.
And we took in some other artists, Mark Rothsco, Marina Abromovich, among the thought provoking 'modern art.' It seems anything goes. I like her quote, I kind of know what she means.















And so to prove that anything goes, prepare to be amazed (or frightened to death). Yes it's Shed Woman.



And if you are still on your feet, thank you for scrolling down my blog to this point. I'm off now to do some more scary art. I have done my wife-y bit for the day, a scrumptious looking mushroom pie, which of course I can't eat, but I have a man who will.

It doesn't look too pretty but I bet it tastes good. Meanwhile I have roasted a load of vegetables pour moi.

June is not bursting out all over in Birdwell today, but it's very pleasant, and I've got the Bee Gees serenading me.

I hope you had an action packed Bank Holiday weekend and are able to relax, like me, this weekend. Home is a wonderful place to be.

Love and hugs till next time,
Jane x

Tears From The Sun - The Story