Looking at St. Paul's
I'm sitting at the bar on the sixth floor of the Tate Modern, looking across the Thames at St Paul’s, marvelling at my good fortune. I have a plate of smoked salmon in front of me, a glass of sparkling water with ice on my right and the Millenium Bridge at one o'clock.
Downstairs, I sighed with contentment as I drank in the beauty of one of Monet’s gigantic water lilies painting, and perked up two galleries later as I could see the evolution with a Gerhard Richter canvas that was almost as large. The overall impression was there. The floral imagery less clear. (At this point I tried to inser images from my iPad. No joy.)
I almost didn't come to the Tate Modern today. I always have jet lag flying east, and it is bad still. Yesterday, my arrival day, I found my hotel, found the half price ticket centre and had a nap. It was hot -- like 30 degrees hot. Today it's in the mid 20s. Very pleasant.
Both to and from the half price ticket centre, I looked for the Muffin Man as I passed by Drury Lane. No sightings. Everything seems so close to things. Turn any corner, and there's a famous name or sight. Lift my eyes from the sidewalk, and there's an astounding juxtaposition of old and ultra modern. Very few straight lines on buildings, especially the new ones. In the mood for a snack? Pick up some blueberries from a sidewalk vendor or a Pret a Manger shop. Look for a garbage can? There are only recycling bins.
In the evening, I saw Kinkyboots. It was energetic, tuneful and uplifting -- everything I hoped for from Cindi Lauper. I was particularly taken by the diversity if the cast. Not all the women were young and thin. They were believable in their roles as workers in a fourth generation shoe factory. Lola, the drag queen who inspired young Charlie to capitalize on a niche market, was strong, consistent and endearing. And as with many blockbuster musicals, the set design was as magical and transformative as the score.
Tonight, it's Annie, with Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan. First, a nap and a chance to recharge my camera battery. The iPad doesn't take the greatest pictures.
Downstairs, I sighed with contentment as I drank in the beauty of one of Monet’s gigantic water lilies painting, and perked up two galleries later as I could see the evolution with a Gerhard Richter canvas that was almost as large. The overall impression was there. The floral imagery less clear. (At this point I tried to inser images from my iPad. No joy.)
I almost didn't come to the Tate Modern today. I always have jet lag flying east, and it is bad still. Yesterday, my arrival day, I found my hotel, found the half price ticket centre and had a nap. It was hot -- like 30 degrees hot. Today it's in the mid 20s. Very pleasant.
Both to and from the half price ticket centre, I looked for the Muffin Man as I passed by Drury Lane. No sightings. Everything seems so close to things. Turn any corner, and there's a famous name or sight. Lift my eyes from the sidewalk, and there's an astounding juxtaposition of old and ultra modern. Very few straight lines on buildings, especially the new ones. In the mood for a snack? Pick up some blueberries from a sidewalk vendor or a Pret a Manger shop. Look for a garbage can? There are only recycling bins.
In the evening, I saw Kinkyboots. It was energetic, tuneful and uplifting -- everything I hoped for from Cindi Lauper. I was particularly taken by the diversity if the cast. Not all the women were young and thin. They were believable in their roles as workers in a fourth generation shoe factory. Lola, the drag queen who inspired young Charlie to capitalize on a niche market, was strong, consistent and endearing. And as with many blockbuster musicals, the set design was as magical and transformative as the score.
Tonight, it's Annie, with Miranda Hart as Miss Hannigan. First, a nap and a chance to recharge my camera battery. The iPad doesn't take the greatest pictures.
Leichester Square, home of the half price ticket centre, and a squirting water feature
Putting modern windows into an old building
Too bad you didn't see the Muffin Man! Lucky you to see a show every night!!
ReplyDelete