Friday 25 November 2011

london calling

We've had a very busy week since sunday. Carol drove us, as I said, to Whitby where I spent too much money on a stunning victorian Whitby jet brooch. We walked up to the Abbey ruins and got in free because of our English Heritage cards. Stayed at the Ravenscar Hotel and had a lovely night.
Monday morning we had breaky then walked around the grounds. I want to live here. The moors rolling down to the cliff edge, the crazy wild and cold wind, the sound of the ocean down below crashing against the rocks. My idea of perfection in a location.
Monday we drove to Fountains Abbey and had a wander through the fog encrouching grounds. Very atmospheric indeed and such a huge complex.
We arrived in Harrogate in the early evening, checked in to our little bnb and then walked up the road to "Graveleys" the BEST fish and chips resturant I've been too in ages.

The next day we went and visited my good friend Sonia's mum and dad. They are such lovely people. We had a "light" lunch of soup, quich and potatoes then poached pears with icecream and choc sauce. I think we rolled out of their beautiful home. We then went to art gallery in town that was displaying the viking hoard found back in 2007. Believe it or not we then had tea and SHARED a toasted teacake at Betty's. It was lovely in tea and location and setting-I want to go back next time.
Stayed that night too and the next morning Carol drove us back to Nottingham Train station on her way home so we could catch the train to London for the day.

London train was a very easy and pleasant 2hr journey. Caught the bus to the royal albert hall and then walked alot further then I thought to the hotel. NOT the nicest but at least the bathroom was clean and ensuited. the sheets were clean too. Just full of young rowdy people that thought ringing the fire alarm at 2am would be funny. It wasn't!
We got ready and changed and walked back to the Albert Hall to see the Princes Trust Rock Gala. Overall quite enjoyable. I found Chris de Burg and Pete Townsend living in self absorbed bubbles (sorry fans) and Boy George's voice has not really held up through the years. Alison Moyet sounded wonderful and looked SOO hot. Nik Kershaw (yes NIK KERSHAW) performed guitar with the house band and sang "Wouldn't it be good". I being a child of the 80's was in a bit of bliss while he sang. Voice still really strong- possibly better now.
Tim Minchin (the reason we came to the concert and London) was great. Veryy happy.
Walked back to the hotel chatting with G all the way. After having had dinner before the show and the chill night air I was just really happy. Dont like London though.
The energy is anxious and frantic and unhappy all mixed together and I just felt unhappy most of the time we were there.
The next day we spent at the Natural History museum and V&A. Saw the newly opened medieval and renaissance display at V&A and was a bit disappointed. It used to be crammed full and now its streamlined and shmick and alittle lacking in personality. Why does this happen every time things are "renovated"?
Tired and full of Pret-a-Manger food and coffee we caught the 8pm train back to Nottingham.
Tram then to Moores bridge where Carol collected us(she is wonderful). We got in and went to sleep. I slept right through for almost 9hrs. Sooo tired but a very successful 5 days was had by us both.
Also know that I really dont want to visit London again except for special events. Give me Paris or Whitby or Harrogate!!

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