London and more

 

The spammers have come out in full force this week, I had about 80 comments to look through, all more or less the same but not quite. Does anyone ever click on a link posted by a spammer? Surely not? Why do they bother?

I am back from London where I attended a Diploma award ceremony with some of my students. My favourite programme that I lead is externally examined and qualified which is great for me because I don't have to do assessments and exams myself. I cannot overemphasise just how much more fun it is to focus entirely on providing a good learning experience. Anyway, London. I travelled down a day early as it is not wise to rely on Avanti West Coast to arrive on time. I had planned to work on Wednesday morning but decided to put in for a half day to explore and enjoy myself. I stayed in a hotel in Blackfriars and meandered my way over to the Fashion and Textile Museum via Borough Market. I wanted to see the exhibition Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London (dress as though your life depends on it, or don’t bother’). It was fabulous, with a whiff of charity shop. 

The award ceremony was good, far less boring than the usual Graduation ceremonies I attend twice a year. The refreshments were first class, too. We went to the pub afterwards for a catch-up. Later, I found myself a small Vietnamese restaurant where I enjoyed a flavourful tofu vegetable dish with rice. I didn't recognise half the vegetables but they sure were tasty. 

I had planned Thursday as a day off and soaked up some more culture. I walked over to the Tate Britain, where I wandered through the main exhibit halls. Some truly breathtaking pieces of art. I think my favourite painting was an enormous painting by a young Iraqi artist, illustrating his first impression of arriving in Europe as a refugee (see above). I also splashed out on viewing the special photography exhibition, The 80s - Photographing Britain. The exhibition spanned a bit beyond the 80s in both directions of time and was totally worth the £22 entry. 

Then I walked back towards the main shopping area via Westminster for a bit of retail therapy. I stopped by Anthropologie to try on a ludicrously unpractical cardigan which I have been looking at for weeks online. I didn't buy it because it felt too frivolous. I popped into Uniqlo because they have a good range of stuff for teens, again of good quality. I came out empty-handed because the selection was overwhelming. Lastly, I went to Liberty because you know, they sell some gorgeous fabrics. I treated myself to lunch at the cafe: butternut squash soup with cress and a tiny brie donut, washed down with strawberry basil lemonade. Delicious and self-indulgent but I am worth it. I stroked a lot of fabric and was tempted to buy a length of Prospect Road Crepe de Chine fabric but at £70 per metre, it was more than I can afford. Maybe in my next life, when I am proper wealthy. I have some of the same print in cotton lawn already, which I am saving up for a dress. It is by far my favourite Liberty print. 

Friday was a normal work day, with a late night podcast recording.

In other news, Richard and I went for a ten course winter menu at 111 By Modou for which Richard had received a generous gift voucher. I opted for the vegetarian menu. The courses were teeny tiny and exceptionally tasty, with unusual but well matched flavour combinations. We chose the matched wine to go with our food… Sadly, the wheelbarrow to push me home was not included. 

Finally, Alistair wanted his nails painted purple and needed my help. A busy week and and weekend but all in all, it was all good. 

Thank you for visiting😋