Quasar of Bromley

Not much crossed off my visiting list but ventured out to Quasar Elite in Bromley, with various kids in tow - they played lasar zap game and I presented the CREEPER CAKE.

There has been much staying in during the drizzle apart from a trip to East Putney for New Year's Eve and a trip through the storm to Aldwych for an appointment at Australia High Commission (Passport's in the post).  As I battled my way from Blackfriers my umbrella snapped and flew off to the basement level of the Crowne Plaza Hotel while onlookers laughed at me standing there with my stick.

Practicing the convict look..

Fire works view from East Putney:

Bloomsbury Theatre, Giant Lego Tree & Spitalfields for Xmas Eve

After Bloomsbury Theatre, today we visited the giant Lego Tree at St Pancras and popped over to Spitalfields before heading home so Raf could track Santa on Norad.

Friday 23rd -  my last 9 Carols show - Robin Ince's annual fundraiser for the Rationalist Association - with fewer big names than last year but great fun and very pacey.  I listen to science podcasts all year and this is my one chance to see some of the people for real.
Opening lullabies from Spacedog - featured a robotic ventriloquist dummy's head and robot raven PLUS a theremin.  Want to know more?  Podcast from Little Atoms

Matt Parker's poo jokes were derivative of course!

So that's a follow-up visit to Bloomsbury Theatre ticked off the list.

But Xmas eve was all about the Lego Xmas Tree at St Pancras - We had to go as Raf couldn't believe it was made out of Lego - it looked too real.  But it was - who'd have thought hey?  We resisted the temptation to take a souvenir and headed upstairs to examine the sculptures.

Then down to Liverpool Street and up to Spitalfields...

which also featured sculptures...

.... more pics on facebook

So where to tomorrow????

This list just in - Thanks Gill!

This list just in - Thanks Gill!

• Eltham Place or Eltham Palace & Gardens?? 
• The Red House (William Morris) Beckenham - this is good because I have National Trust Membership
• Dulwich Picture Gallery ... old masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Murillo, and Gainsborough - & I have only ever been to the Cafe !
• Whitstable in Kent - well I've see Brighton and Southampton ... so better pop down here as well...
• Chiswick Park Gardens - perhaps in Feb for the Camellia Festival 2012?
• St Brides Church Fleet Street and St Brides Foundation - ahh yes, "the spiritual home of printing & the media"
• St Pauls - well it's a bit churchy but as there has been a church there since 604, and this one re-built between 1675 and 1710, I'll give it a go for atmosphere
• Soane Museum - yes, I shall hope to  ‘consult, inspect and benefit’ from the collections therein
• Leighton House - will find out if it really is remarkable...
• Dr Johnson's House (off Fleet Street, near the Olde Cheshire Cheese pub)...
• Forgotten spaces... Exhibition on use of "odd spaces" in London - basement Somerset House, free and really interesting and part of the exhibition is housed in the old graveyard or possibly catacombs and lots of gravestones from ancient times with skills and cross bones on - amazing - a hidden treasure.  Ice rink above.

Been there... done that:
Greenwich - Queen's House and National Maritime Museum - I've been to this one
Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath - I've been here! and I've swum in the ponds... use to live in a flat on Parliament Hill
Hampton Court Palace & here

Richmond Park - done this one

Imperial War Museum - have spent a whole day a the Holocaust Exhibition - an excellent and harrowing exhibit

Borough Market
Wallace Collection - I recall going here for my birthday in 2002 and Meriel was performing with her Dance troupe
Blackfriar pub - art nouveau - have downed a few pints here... happy times!

9 Lessons & Carols

Well I have my tickets and heading over Bloomsbury Theatre Way tonight - then holidays YAY where I will be setting out my plans for the next 6 months preparations for leaving London - it is the long goodbye.  I am looking for all recommendations on what to do in the CAPTIAL to make the most of it.  Please send your suggestions my way....http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/search/label/Nine%20Lessons%20and%20Carols%20for%20Godless%20People

The count down begins

For my final six months in London I would like to make more of an effort to get out and about and enjoy the CAPITAL before I fly off to the end of the known colonial world...  What would you suggest?