Hello from London (and these cheeseballs!)

Sunday, March 1st 2015

You know that scene at the beginning of Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince? The one where that bridge is attacked and collapses? Well, we were there today, and we can assure you that this time around it did not get attacked nor did it collapse. The reason we make this comparison is that we are writing this blog post while chilling in the movie room at our hostel, and guess what movie is playing? (Hint: Read the first sentence again) 

Not this. This is bad. 

This. Much better.

Also, a fun little tidbit about this bridge. It seems someone has taken it upon themselves to make those nasty bits of gum a bit more pretty. So there are adorable little illustrations all over the walkway. Like these for instance.

Anyway, let’s get down to business and tell you about our day! 

First, we overslept. As in we were going to get up, but then we didn’t. We woke up and were left with 6(ish) minutes to eat breakfast. If you know us, you know that’s a problem. Sleepy and hungry...and rushed? Not really that super. But that’s okay! We survived, and got food! At breakfast there is only toast and cereal, so most people have a balance of the two, while Matt and I (Dani) make towers of bread on our plates that could last us until lunch. Today’s score: Matt: 4 slices, Dani: 5.

When we made it out the door it was cold again. Even when you’re coming from -10 degree weather, we can assure you that 46 degrees in London is not as warm as you’d think. And that wind is something fierce. Case in point, Eden’s hair (and her face). 

We made our way onto the Circle Line, which is the yellow line on the Tube, to find the Tate Modern. Breaking news though, our train terminated one stop prior to Mansion Hill due to construction. IMPROV TIME! We walked up to the nearest green line station, while taking a pit stop to see the Tower of London and the Gherkin. If you don’t know, these are a big deal – a former place of torture and imprisonment, and a building shaped like a pickle, respectively of course. 

Some interesting things about the Underground (commonly referred to as the Tube by londoners) include the fact that unlike the boring subways in NY, the trains in the Tube are color coded to correspond to the line you are on. At least so far they have been. So the Circle line (the yellow one) had yellow handles and railings. Also, “Mind the Gap” is a thing, and you really do need to be wary of the space between the platform and the train. Keep those feet safe!

Next stop, Tate Modern! But first, a group photo-op!

The Tate is somewhat similar to MoMA in NYC, but its architecture is way cooler. We saw some work by Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois and many more. There were some really cool things to look at. Our main goal was an exhibit on Russian Constructivist Posters, most of which were propaganda posters for Lenin and Stalin. Attached to this show was a small show of Alexander Brodsky’s and Ilya Utkin’s illustrations. These were dreamscapes, worlds created to exist as if from a dream. The detail in them was amazing! 

Another somewhat scary piece was a dark room with screens on which images of people quickly flashed by. There was some nice poetry outside of the room (example below), but the room itself was rather unnerving. (Thanks for holding my (Eden) hand Josh! I know it was mostly because of the complete darkness so we wouldn’t lose each other, but yeah, it was freaky in there, so thanks)

  

There was also a sculpture in the corner of one room that Dani was very pleased to see. So pleased that she failed to yield to the cord on the floor keeping her at a respectful distance, and tripped and knocked over the priceless work…needless to say, this and the subsequent arrest were the most exciting moments of the day.

Eden’s just kidding guys, I’m not in jail and the work is fine. But I really did trip over that cord.

Finally, a very interesting piece was a video installation of a documentary by Artur Żmijewski from 2010 called Blindly. This showed a group of blind people creating works of art. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a clip to share with you. But if you ever do come across it, watch it!

Of course, our ventures in the Tate ended in the gift shop where it took an awful lot of willpower to not buy every single design book they had. However, some of us spent way too much money on books and may not eat much for the rest of the trip. Sometimes as designers, we must make sacrifices. On top of the books, they also had an excellent selection of very nicely designed magazines (again, the willpower had to be strong, and it was, but damn, it would have been nice to have weak willpower and the money to support it.) Here are just a few of the beautiful finds. 

Ugh. Just look at them. And look at all these design books. So. Hard. To. Walk. Away.

Anyway...

After the Tate we went in search of food. It was of the utmost necessity. We were all pretty hangry come 2:45 so we went off our separate ways. Eden, Whitney, JFink, Josh, Will, Gina, Matt P and I (Dani) stumbled upon fish and chips at a pub right outside St. Paul’s Cathedral for the great rate of 6.50 pounds (and it was take away - what we refer to as To Go, so we got to eat outside!) I (Dani) don’t even like fish but oh man, I can’t wait to get it again. 
(Can you believe it Mom and Dad?! I actually tried fish and LIKED it!)

St. Paul’s Cathedral was next on our agenda to see the boys choir in their Evensong Performance. The singing was beautiful, and the architecture and painted ceiling frescos were breathtaking. We were asked to not take pictures or video, but here's one we found online to give you an idea.

After this we went our separate ways. Initially the group met up at Starbucks, where Josh and DJ received new and improved names. 

We then made out way over to the Globe (of Shakespeare fame) We only peeked at it from the outside before moving on to a pub for a pint (and to escape the rain). 

So, as any good Brit would end their day, Eden, JFink, Will, Gina, Whitney and I (Dani) had a pint while watching a soccer game to finish our day of adventures.

On that note, we shall leave you. Go out and enjoy a pint and think of us.

Also, here’s some artsy humor for your enjoyment.

Cheers!

Check back tomorrow!

With love,

Eden + Dani

P.S. The true end to our day was dancing the night away with Ann and Jessica in the bar in the basement of our hostel. Right up until someone in the club farted and cleared the whole room. It was an eventful ending to an awesome day. Goodnight everyone!