Today was another cool and drizzly day, but we managed to miss most of the rain. We also managed to avoid any disruptions caused by a bus drivers’ strike in London today (which followed yesterday’s doctors’ strike and next week’s cargo workers’ strike at Heathrow… not to mention firefighters in some other city). I’m all for workers’ rights, but seriously… WTF, England?
Libby, Emerson and Mom set off ahead of me this morning for Gymboree. That’s right. Emerson attended her toddler class here in London, as it seems our membership has worldwide privileges (that I assume hardly anyone uses). While there were many similarities to Gymboree at home, there were differences too… mainly the number of nannies vs. mummies and differences in songs. But, hey, it was an experience.
I met up with the gang Whitley’s Mall (the location of Gymboree) and we headed off to the Tate Modern. Libby and I attended the Damian Hirst exhibition (his first major retrospective held in London), which I have to say was awesome. Aesthetically, Hirst’s Spot Paintings appeal to me visually, whereas Libby prefers his more conceptual works. That said, I think we both found his In and Out of Love to be the most arresting – especially the gigantic white canvases festooned with pupae from which butterflies hatch and go on to live, reproduce, and die within the exhibition space. It was sort of high art meets butterfly garden. Simply amazing.
Damien Hirst @ Tate Modern
After the museum, we headed over to the Borough Market. Emerson slept in her stroller while we walked through the food stalls. The Borough Market really is a foodie’s paradise. Words can’t do it justice – you really have to see it, smell it, and taste it. Two of the three I can’t help with, but here are a couple of photos:
Borough Market -- Foodie Paradise
Monmouth Coffee -- Best in the world!
Tonight, we prepared for our onward journey to Europe.
A quick logistical note: the pace of our trip will be picking up, and I’ll be driving each day (in some cases fairly long distances). To that end, I may not be able to post daily… though, I’ll try.
We’re enjoying every word and looking forward to your further adventures!