Urban Mountaineering

The great white elephant also known as the O2 that was built for the millennium, goodness wasn't that a lifetime ago, is mostly used for large concerts and event.  However there is another activity which is way more fun, and that is mountaineering over the outside roof.  When you get to the top there is an amazing view.  I did it a few years back.  Such a long time ago now,  I must do it again.  Fancy joining me?

I Am The Greatest

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" the words of the worlds most well known boxer and a man who fought tirelessly for the rights of black Americans.  He began as Cassias Clay and we know him today as Muhammad Ali.

Celebrity, sportsman, politician,  philanthropist,  Muhammad Ali was all of these.  Today an exhibition of his life and career opens at the O2 in London.  I was lucky to have a preview and I can (hand on heart) tell you this exhibition is worth every penny of the entrance fee. What a man!  The exhibition is one of the best curated I've seen in a wee while.  The centre room is all about the fights.   Each room off the centre room focuses on different aspects of the life of the worlds greatest boxer, and dare I say it one of Americas greatest global citizens ever.

From his early childhood - the man we knew as Cassius Clay - the world's best heavy weight champion - to the conscientious objector - the religious man - the philanthropic man - he was so much more than that and the way he will be remembered by most of the world for his boxing feats alone.

The exhibition at O2 is a once in a lifetime opportunity to really get to see into the life of an exceptional sportsman and human being.  This should be compulsory viewing for all current sports people to understand what being a role model really means.

I am the Greatest
Muhammad Ali at O2
4 March to 31 August 2016

View from the sky

London's first cable car was built in 2012 crossing the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to  Royal Victoria Dock.  It's a bit of a white elephant as the numbers using it are very small.  Still if you are out that way it is an inexpensive way to see great views of London, including the Thames Barrier, the O2 and Canary Wharf.

British Music Past and Future

After my climb on the O2 roof last weekend, I took in the British Music Experience (BME) at O2. Everything you ever wanted to know about British Music is here. Show cases displaying clothing, memorabilia, sheet music, you name it, it is here. Then there are the giant video screens showing singers and bands from every decade.

It's not just for watching, you can get involved, like the girl above learning dance routines.


Just before you exit you get a glimpse of the future. Hologram concerts. This future is happening very soon. I read in the paper the other day that a Jimi Hendrix concert is planned very soon. He will be there as a hologram.

"UP" at O2

Yes .. "UP" at the O2 is London's latest fantastic outdoor adventure and I got to try it out on the weekend. You climb across the roof of the O2 Arena on a 350 metre long fabric "walkway". Starting out from base camp, in your climbing suit and harness, our guide, who was both an experienced mountain climber and an up and coming film director, guided us up the 180 metre ascent to the viewing platform. From here, at the centre of the arena, 52 metres above ground, you have a perfect 360 degree view of London. Absolutely stunning!! Planes flying overhead, boats on the Thames, and London's super skyline on display.


After loads of picture taking, tweeting and facebook posting time, it's the back onto the guide wires and the descent down the other side. By this time we were of course all experts with the climbing gear ... really it's so easy and safe, and an exhilarating experience not to be missed. I'm already planning my sunset climb..



It will be open all year round:
June - September weekdays 12pm- 8pm, weekends 10am - 6pm.
October - May weekdays 12pm - 6pm, weekends 10am - 4pm. Your 90 minute thrill costs a mere £22.

Cloud

Apparently "algebra is the relationship of relationships", and the inspiration for this sculpture, by Antony Gormley called "Quantum Cloud". It stands at the end of the QEII pier on the Thames by the O2 dome.
Looks more like a bad hair day to me.