I'm finally getting a moment to write. It's been a very busy couple of weeks and I've been making the most of my days and evenings seeing as much as I possibly can and spending time with the people I've been visiting.
London was, in a word, amazing. My plan was to try and see and do as much as I could in the six days I had. I bought a London Pass which entitled me to free entry into most of the museums, art galleries and attractions and the hardest part was narrowing it down to six or seven things. It also included travel - bus, train and underground in all six zones, so it was good value. I think my favourite two things were the Tower of London and Westminster Abby. All the bits and pieces of English history began to come together and be repeated in the art and architecture that I immersed myself in during those days. I ended my week with a visit to the Tate Modern and, I am loathe to say, didn't really like it. I guess I just don't like a lot of modern art and get a little annoyed at the pretension that seems to go along with it. I did like some of it though...an interesting exhibit by Ai Weiwei involving a huge pile of millions of ceramic sunflower seeds, all hand painted by many artists. It was meant to define the sunflower seed as a common street snack in China and it's ties to the cultural revolution. Chairman Mao used to be depicted as the sun, and the mass of people as sunflowers always turning to the sun to show their revolutionary loyalty. The point is, I needed it to be explained to me. Anyway, it is always good to push oneself out of one's comfort zone and experience something different. You can choose to like, dislike, or dismiss it as you see fit. Nothing in art is what it seems.
British artist David Hockey's exhibit opened on Friday at the Royal Academy which I would have loved to have seen but it is unlikely I would have been able to get in.
Another neat thing that happened was meeting up with young woman named Kathleen that I met in Italy seven years ago. She is from Melbourne but now living in London. She noticed on Facebook that I was going to be in London and suggested we meet up. So we did and it was wonderful to see her again. I was encouraged knowing that I just may see some of the people I've met along this journey again. Hey, you just never know...!
I had a great time with my Cousin Will, Anne, and the two little boys Arty and Harry. They put me up - and put up with my comings and goings! Anne and I went to see the movie "The Iron Lady" which we both thought was very good. The acting was superb and we felt that it showed her vulnerabilities and weaknesses as well as her strength and determination. For a woman to rise to the top amongst all those men, was, no matter what your political opinion, impressive.
Moving on....
Bournemouth:
Went to visit my aunt again who has just undergone surgery and needed a little company. My Aunt Sue, who ive been living with in Liverpool, met me in London and we travelled to bournemouth together. I found myself once again, walking on the beach along the long line of brightly colour co-ordinated beach huts. These are an interesting phenomonem. These tiny little huts are large enough to store a couple of beach chairs, some water toys, with a little space to make tea. You can't sleep in them but you will see people bundled up in their chairs sipping a cup of tea whilst they look out to sea and chat, most likely about the weather! The cost is somewhere in the neighbourhood of a small house at home, but somehow, it is one of those quirky things that seems alright. Funny.
I also spent a couple of nights with one of my Mom's cousins Mary and her husband Paul who live in Poole. We had a good time and it was nice to get to know them a bit.
Back on the train to Liverpool and my interview at the passport office tomorrow! I got the call much sooner than I thought and, if all goes well, should have my UK passport in a week to 10 days. I can now plan the next stage of my journey!
Fingers and toes crossed....!
