Moomins!

 

Covent Garden is filled with amazing and unique shops, as well as street performers and pre-theatre restaurants. Normally I try to avoid this area of London on weekends - especially during the summer months - as it is incredibly busy. However, while showing a friend around Central London I decided to break my own rule for once. This lead me to this magical little place called The Moomin Shop.

 

The Moomins were created by Tove Jansson, an illustrator and writer from Finland. They were the main characters in his comic series and eventually the stories were turned into many TV series' as well films.

 

The shop itself has been perfectly designed to fit the

well-know characters and creates excitement as soon as you enter. Downstairs is a beautifully drawn and painted wall featuring the lovable characters. As you go up the spiral stairs, the walls are

painted accordingly with little signs pointing to the shop entrance.

 

 

 

 

 

Although it is fairly small, they have managed to create quite an open layout while displaying a wide range of products. Everything they sold was cute and although some things were pricey, there were many items that were affordable, for example print art, sweets, key-rings and small plush character toys.

 

Whether you are a Moomin fan or you just think they are cute, I would definitely give the shop a visit.

 

Located in the Covent Garden Piazza. (http://www.themoominshop.com/)

 

Kiss me, Figaro!

Kiss me, Figaro! An Opera about an Opera. Nine professional Opera Singers take to The Scoop, (so named as it seems as if they have taken an ice-cream scoop to the concrete) to entertain an audience of tourists, commuters and passers-by.

They open with an odd warm up: walking through the stage and conversing through song as if there were not a large confused crowd 2 meters away staring expectantly.

At last it seems it is about to start. Everyone shuffles on the stone steps to settle in for a spectacular show...Alas! Alack! The male lead has fallen ill! The show cannot go on! But wait, who is this proudly standing above the rest?

"I know the part! I shall be your male lead!"

 

 

And from there the show begins.

 

Heart breaking at times, completely odd at others, this show was both hilarious and beautiful. 

  

Located right beside Tower Bridge, More London is easy to get to - either take a leisurely stroll long The Thames from embankment or Blackfriars, get the bus or hop off the tube at London Bridge Station.

 

It's a really wonderful area, filled with beautiful sights - the tower of London is just across the water, along with St Pauls and obviously Tower Bridge isn't a bad sight either.



 



Brazil Day!

 Yesterday was the long-awaited first match of this years World Cup hosts: Brazil. Strong contenders for the title, they did not disappoint their fans with a 3-1 win against Croatia!

Over in London the support for the hosts was clear to see, with yellow and green clad Brazilians invading Trafalgar Square in central London for what became 'Brazil Day'.

With authentic Brazilian food, music and of course people, a mini Brazil was established under the sunshine in this historical venue.

The picture to the right shows some of the food and refreshment available: a soft drink made of the Brazilian fruit Guarana - native to the amazon basin - and Aipim or cassava fries. These are some favourites and highly recommended by my lovely Brazilian photographer!
 
Within the clear celebratory atmosphere, there were still visible signs of anger towards both Fifa and the Brazilian government. Protest banners were seen in the crowds, echoing the social troubles and upset that many in Rio have been feeling since the bids for the World Cup started. These protests were peaceful, unlike those simultaneously happening in Brazil's capital, where armed police were violently restraining those who came out in protest.
 

Protestors at Trafalgar square. Signs at the bottom read: Go Home Fifa.


However, the day ended on a high with a victory from Brazil and fans of all nationalities celebrated together; multiculturalism remains strong and wonderful in London, making it a truly great city.
 
All of my photographs were provided by Felipe França, who very kindly acted as my Brazilian Correspondent for the day. Thanks again Felipe!


Live music playing while people play on a football table.



Socialising outside The National Gallery

 
 

More London Free Festival!

Something I have always loved about London is its determination to get everyone involved in cultural events. Almost all major London museums and art galleries are free to enter and visit; there are a huge amount of free tickets to watch live radio and TV programmes as they are recorded - I'm always at the BBC Broadcasting House watching comedian's satirise the news - and events like the More London Free Festival are being held every year.
 


Photo credit: www.morelondon.com/

This year will be my first time attending a More London event and I'm very excited! For those who haven't heard of it, it's a festival encompassing theatre, comedy, music and film, that lasts from June through to the end of September. There are so many events happening and as the name suggest, they are all free. Personally, I'm excited to introduce my lovely Portuguese friend and soon-to-be flatmate to an iconic 80's film called 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' which is showing on the 26th September. (I'm sure most of you know it, but if you don't you need to watch it...immediately!)
 
So for those in London over the summer, be sure to check out all the wonderful and free events happening at http://www.morelondon.com/events/about.

Photo credit: www.morelondon.com/

 

Upcoming this summer!

With my full time employment for the summer about to start and the moving day for my new flat set, I'm very much looking forward to this summer. Away from work, London offers a huge variety of events and places to visit through the hopefully sunnier months.

Here are a few of my recommendations...

Roundhouse Summer Sessions!

Picture credit: http://www.completemusicupdate.com/

 

An amazing venue with all the new and prominent artists. The Roundhouse is a great space in Camden that hosts a range of events, a favourite of mine being the summer sessions. With media and creativity at the forefront, there are music nights, poetry slams, drop in media sessions for all levels and even a purpose made beach for all Londoners who can't escape to the sea this year. If you are aged 16 to 25 you can also sign up to get £5 tickets for all sorts.

 

I already have my tickets for Andreya Triana, set to be a good night with the whole lower floor set out into a music café setting. Discounted drinks at the bar and live music on a Friday evening in July. Perfection! Pictures and a review will be up as shortly after.

For more information on everything the Roundhouse offers, click on the link below:

http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/

 

 

Udderbelly festival!

 

Although this started mid-April, this comedy festival actually lasts until mid-July. A myriad of comedians and comic genius' are present and tickets aren't a bad price. A few of my favourites are performing this year: Andy Zaltzman - Political animal; Ed Byrne - Roaring Forties and Roisin Conaty.

 

However, there are not only comedians but theatrical acts, cabaret, dance groups and poetry readings.

Something for everyone, just head to http://www.udderbelly.co.uk/ for more information and to buy tickets.

 

 

 

Thames festival!

 

Every year, there is an amazing month long festival along the Thames: The Mayor's Thames Festival! With performing acts, crazily good food stands and rows of market stalls - so many vintage clothes! - fireworks and even a river race, the Thames Festival is perfect for all ages. Having been two years ago and planning to go again this year, I definitely recommend this for everyone and obviously it's free to check out. More information is provided in the link >> http://totallythames.org/

Enjoy your summer!
 

 

 

 

 

 

London hotspots for this summer!

London is known for its rainy days and grey skies; due to this summer is a long awaited event. We don't normally have months of sunshine so when the sun does shine down on us, we take full advantage of the hours we have! Here are my London hotspots for summer 2014...

                                                                      Green Park

 

Easy to get to, Green Park is a lovely open area filled with trees and beach chairs. Just hop on the tube and get off at Green Park station...obviously!

 Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Café and Garden

 
Located on The Thames next to The Southbank Centre, it's a great place to relax with friends and of course a passion fruit mojito pitcher!

There are plenty of tables and chairs, the view is great and it's free to enter!

Can't be missed...just walk along Southbank and look for the yellow stairs!

 

Kenwood House

 

Kenwood House is always a good option. Grounds to explore and free to the public. For more details look back on my post: Kenwood House.

 

So get on the tube/bus/bike/use your legs and go out and enjoy summer in London!
 

Sunny Sunday at the British Museum

Today was a beautiful day in London, so we decided to head to the British Museum.

Just a short walk from either Holborn or Tottenham Court Road station, the British Museum is so easy to get to and of course it's free. (I love this about London!)

The outside of the building is just stunning, with carved figures sitting atop the stone columns. Finished in 1852, the outside was designed in the Greek Revival style by architect Sir Robert Smirke.

No matter how many times I visit this museum, I always find myself stopping to admire the ceiling upon entry. There is something quite magical about the design and scale of this building that I can never quite get accustomed to, which is one of the reasons it's so wonderful. In the entrance you'll find a gift shop, maps, information desks and all the things you expect from a museum.

There are so many amazing exhibitions to see at the British Museum, but I don't want to spoil them so I'll just share with you a few of my favourite pieces I saw today...

 Totem Poles from Canada.              Ceremonial Crown from Nepal.                Shiva Nataraja
                                                                                                                          (South India)

 

 After looking around the exhibitions, we sat outside in sun and ate Fondant Fancies. Basically, it was a wonderful day at a beautiful place.

If you're planning a trip to London, make this a priority!

Bubbledogs! It's all in the name...

At the moment it seems that restaurants with only two things on the menu are all the rage. A little odd I think, but I suppose that's the point. Bubbledogs is a good example, I mean it really is all in the name (although a little more original than Burger and Lobster). You might call it pretentious or hipster, and well you might be right, but I decided to check this one out myself.

Having only the address I got from google to follow, I headed down Charlotte Street expecting to not be able to miss this champagne bar. I was still thinking this when I walked right passed it. With only a small doorway and a tiny sign, it turns out it's actually quite easy to miss; however once I was inside I found the place quite charming. On the bare brick walls are a variety of framed drawings of sausage dogs, the rest of the room has been left quite simplistic with wooden tables and stools.

On the menu you have the choice of 13 cutely named hotdogs, including 'Mac Daddy' (mac and cheese hotdog), the plain and simple 'Naked Dog' and the American inspired 'Fourth of July.' Having experienced my first Fourth of July over the summer in Williamsburg I went with the latter. I was not disappointed. Serving their creations in American style red baskets with the signature Bubbledogs paper kept up the quirky feel, and the food was pretty good too. Of course the it was served with our tables choice of Champagne, but I left that decision to a friend of mine who has a lot more knowledge of bubbly than myself.

I have to say I really quite enjoyed myself, the food was good, the place itself was charming and the experience was interesting. This is not somewhere I'd go regularly...but a new place to take friends definitely!

Eagle pond, a beautiful backdrop...

To me, Eagle pond has always seemed such an odd backdrop to a busy road like Snaresbrook rd. With people waiting at the bus stop and the cars zooming past, it almost seems like a green screen, as if no one really notices it, as if it's the most normal background for London commuters to have while they irately wait for the lights to change before rushing off in all directions. It's then that you see a little boy laughing and giggling as he runs up to feed the ducks, with his mother constantly terrified he's going to fall in. Or the man who takes a seat on the bench with his sandwiches, and enjoys the calming view.

This is what I love about Eagle pond, it shows the juxtaposition in peoples stories, the commuter racing home, the worried mother and her adventurous son, the man who just wants to eat his lunch in peace and the girl standing on the balcony with her grandmother discussing the new farm ducks who have appeared on the pond. Where did they come from? That's what she wants to know.

Growing up, I spent many of my weekends and holidays feeding the ducks and exploring the forest, and even now I like to stand on my Grandparents' balcony watching the birds and the people go by.




 Eagle pond view...

Crown Court - a beautiful building across the pond.

Just a short walk from Snaresbrook station, Eagle pond is a lovely place to read a book, feed the ducks or take a few pictures.

Kenwood house

London is known for it fast-pace and stressful lifestyle, but if you know where to look you'll find some secret pockets of natural beauty. Kenwood house is the perfect example. With Camden Town, Archway and Holloway just round the corner, this spot provides a wonderful contrast. Since it's run and looked after by English Heritage, you can discover the house and grounds absolutely free - but bring some money for the café, they make a great cappuccino!

The house itself has just reopened after being restored, so I took a trip last weekend to take a peak...

The beautiful library ceiling




The grounds

Amazing views of London

London offers a diverse skyline, with both historic and new buildings standing side by side. Due to this, the view of London both from afar and above is beautiful, I definitely recommend taking a look! Here are my top views of London...



The View From The Shard

Although pricey at (approx) £25 per person, it really is an amazing view. There isn't a time limit, so when your in take your time! I took my boyfriend, as he loves architecture and after walking around the decks, we picked a nice spot and sat for an hour watching the bustle of rush hour below and discussing the buildings.

If you can, go!




Primrose Hill 

 A favourite spot of mine for New Years Eve fireworks, Primrose Hill has a great view of the London Skyline, and it's free! I'm afraid my camera (using my phone, sorry) doesn't do it justice.

If you want a day out but are running low on funds, then Primrose Hill is the perfect place.

Nearest tube stops: Chalk farm
                              Camden Town
                              Swiss Cottage
                              St John's wood
                             




Kenwood House  (Hampstead lane)

This is one of my favourite places in London to spend a day, with beautiful nature walks and obviously the stunning house itself; the view of London's skyline is just a bonus! Kenwood House is part of English Heritage so is completely free, due to this you'll find people exploring the grounds everyday, along with dog walkers and runners.