Rain Today

More weather, rain yesterday and today.  Fingers crossed for sunshine tomorrow.

Winter Sports

One of the prettiest ice skating rinks in London is outside the Natural History Museum.  It is always tempting but I just know I would spend more time down or clinging to the rail.  What are your skating skills like? 

Two Women, A Land-rover, and A Big Adventure

Anne-Laure (pictured) and Lucy spent six months travelling through North Africa and the Middle East in an old land rover they named Landy.  Crazy?  Maybe, but their inspirational journey was to experience everyday life in this part of the world and to show a positive side to these countries that is not expressed in the mainstream media.

The many stories they have to tell about this extraordinary adventure are published in a book titled Shifting Sands and a website of the same name.  They are also taking part in the InTransit Festival  where Anne-Laure, Lucy and Landy will be found in a tent serving tea and regaling their stories between 19-28 June.

They'll tell you how they pimped Landy everywhere they went, not just to make her look crazy but for very practical reasons such as not looking like a military vehicle, or why they lined the entire inside of the vehicle in cork.

During their time in Istanbul, Landy became a canvas for the art of Leo Lunatic, Istanbul's equivalent of Banksy, as a result this is the first time Leo's art has been able to travel outside of his home country.

By the end of the trip they have become damn good mechanics and have made some amazing and lasting friendships.

Don't miss the opportunity to meet them in person and hear about their adventures.  For my overseas readers, do visit their website.  

Motoring - the early days

The lavish art nouveau Michelin building sporting images of the glamour of motoring in the early twentieth century.  The building once the head quarters of the famous michelin company now sports a  smart restaurant.

Light & Colour

It was more than the exhibits inside the museum that caught my eye. The colour and the light reflecting on the external walls drew me outside.

Queen Alexandra's House

Queen Alexandra house was purpose built in 1884 as accommodation for female students studying at the Royal College of Music, Royal College of Art and Royal College of Science.
Located next to the Royal Albert Hall, most of the buildings around here were built in the same period. Worth a walk around here to just view the architecture.
The entrance features this beautiful open iron staircase. The walls around the foyer are equally beautiful green ceramic tiles.

Priceless

The other night I went to a fabulous evening at the Natural History Museum organised by mastercard as part of their priceless campaign: Winter Wonderland: We were treated to an exclusive journey through the depths of the museum to view its hidden treasures and rare treats. Meeting the scientists and getting up close and personal with their favourite exhibits. (more tomorrow). It really was a great event.
However nothing competes with a special moment like this. I didn't get your names but there is no doubt your Xmas will be special. xx

Reading Room

Most book shops don't encourage reading before you buy but the Victoria and Albert Museum bookshop in Thurloe Place combined with a wine bar encourages you to read the quality books with glass of wine or cup of coffee in the intimate rooms with high ceilings and floor to ceiling bookshelves.

Folklore Pop-Up Store

Want to find a Christmas present that's a bit different? I found the pop -up store for The Museum of British Folklore. Just open until Christmas in a basement on the corner of Thurloe Place and Exhibition Road. I found myself a great little book on May Day celebrations around the country. I'm busy marking all the quirky festivals I'll be going to.

Robotville

If you want to know where robot technology is at present go to the Science Museum for the Robotville Festival (on until 4 December). Geeks with their robots are there to answer all the questions you can throw at them. Some I found a little scary, one or two had "technical issues" and others just wowed. I decided to show you Kasper. Kasper is a robot who is successfully being used to assist children with autism. The official website for Kasper is down this morning but you should be able to find information from the University of Hertfordshire. Also a youtube here with Kasper at work.