So it has been a while since I lasted posted anything. This is largely because time has passed yes, and things have happened but at the same time not too much has changed so I guess I was waiting to feel inspired once more. I uploaded my photos from the last two weeks and found a few goodies - hope you enjoy them.
First up is the Tate Modern on the south bank of the Thames - it is indeed Modern, y'all! Overhead is a genuine Picasso. I think before my next visit I need to read up more about the exhibitions so that I can fully appreciate them. The Tate itself is, well, a unique looking building, and it used to be a power station. Compared to what's inside, it's pretty drab but before I embarrass myself more architecturally (and lose a few friends in the process), I'll move onto the next museum.
My first trip overseas was with my family to London in 1998. I have memories of Madame Tussauds and the Science Museum but I don't remember visiting the Natural History Museum. Whilst this museum (above) is beautiful and dramatic on the outside, it is not what I would call beautiful on the inside. Dramatic, yes, maudlin, yes, and made me appreciate how fortunate I am to have seen the things inside there, breathing. I found the taxidermy very disturbing.
Behold:
I haven't seen kanga and roo in the wild but I like to think one day I will - this one is for Jess, my Aussie connect - isn't it just so sad? Or perhaps I am missing the point of appreciation that the Victorians had for knowledge. In actual fact what is almost worse is that 99.999% of the people in the museums won't ever see these animals for what they really are. There should be a sign at the entrance warning you that you may be emotionally tugged by all the glass eyes and perfect stillness of the contents.
Now everything in this room, I have seen breathing. Depressing!!
And so after shedding some inside tears, I had to do something that made me feel better. Wicked was a musical that I saw advertised in New York earlier this year and I remember seeing it (on a billboard) and not really doing much after that. Little did I know that the original cast members made guest appearances in Glee - a show that stole my heart (also musical based) and that Wicked is just so good! I would love to see it again and I must try and get hold of the soundtrack.
London results thus far:
Tate - for when you are feeling funky and cultural and want to appear smart and aloof amongst London's higher circles
Natural History Museum - for when you want inspiration to join PETA and go on Safari
Wicked - for when you want to forget the Natural History Museum and everything else bad in the world and be inspired to live your dreams (even if you're born all green)
It is depressing to see a 'stuffed' real 'live' Elle but they do die of natural causes/illness sometimes so maybe thats why there are taxidermists around. Also as I said before.. not many chn see copies of these animals except in bks (your dad being one of them many millions of yrs ago)so rather look at it that way.... Glass eyes.. bit scary!!!!
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